Cordless Drill Reviews & Impact Drivers

When Pros want to upgrade their systems it’s often difficult to know where to go. While you may have your favorite “color” or brand, we seek to help you understand the competition through rigorous tool testing. We understand the tendency for Pros to choose favorites. To find the best cordless drill, we not only test power, we also look at run-time, vibration, ergonomics, features, and value. We do in-house testing of various torque and speed scenarios using our 2600 square foot shop full of premium testing rigs and measuring equipment. Our individual drill reviews are thorough, and break down the performance, build quality, features, feel, and value proposition of each tool. If you want a tool that’s more suited to driving fasteners, check out our best impact driver reviews where we avoid bias by using standardized testing methods across the board. Without an objective testing source, you may find yourself purchasing a tool that can’t get the job done.

Porter Cable PC18ID 18V Lithium Impact Driver Review

Porter Cable PC18ID 18V Lithium Impact Driver Review

Impact drivers are the new drill. While we don’t recommend them for actual drilling – not into hardwood, at least – the Impact Driver has become the go-to tool for most homeowners looking to reduce fatigue and stress when driving screws. The tools, like Porter Cable’s PC18ID 18V Impact Driver, are extremely compact as well – allowing for more maneuverability than many drills with standard chucks. At just under $80, it also presents itself as an incredible value – especially if you’re already in possession of the lithium-ion batteries and charger required to power this tool.

Makita LXFD01CW 18V Compact Li-Ion Driver-Drill Kit Preview

Makita LXFD01CW 18V Compact Li-Ion Driver-Drill Kit

Makita released the new 18V Compact Lithium-Ion Cordless 1/2″ Driver-Drill (model LXFD01CW). The new LXFD01CW is the latest release in Makita’s 18V Compact Lithium-Ion platform and delivers more power with less weight and improved ergonomics for a range of drilling, driving and fastening tasks. In addition to a general weight reduction, the Makita LXFD01CW has one of the fastest charge-times on the market at just 15 minutes. If this bears out to be true, that is pretty fast.

Porter-Cable PCL120DDC-2 12V Compact Lithium Drill/Driver First Look

Porter-Cable PCL120DDC-2 12V Compact Lithium Drill/Driver First Look

The 12 Volt MAX Compact Lithium 3/8″ Drill/Driver (PCL120DDC-2) features a single sleeve check with spindle lock, variable speed trigger, two-speed gearbox, and a reported 1,200 rotations per minute. Add to that an included belt clip that can be relocated on either side of the tool, a magnetic bit holder, an LED worklight, and two included batteries, a 30-minute charger, and a soft-sided case and the $90 price tag looks pretty reasonable. Pair it with the forthcoming Impact Driver (PCL120IDC-2) for a considerable savings.

Bosch PS41-2A 12V Lithium-Ion Impact Driver Review

Bosch PS41-2A 12V Impact Driver Review

The first generation of Bosch’s 12V line of tools was impressive, but the fact that just about three years later they released a third generation impact driver means that they are coming after the market with a vengeance. The case in point would be the brand new PS41-2A Impact Driver. For this review I was able to solicit the second-gen PS40-2A from a friend and therefore face off the newer model against its predecessor. The results definitely proved that the new impact driver didn’t just get smaller, it got more powerful – as the revised specs indicate.

Bosch 18V Litheon Compact Tough Drill Driver 36618-02

Bosch 18V Litheon Compact Tough Drill Driver 36618-02 Preview

Bosch 18V Litheon Compact Tough Drill Driver 36618-02 features a New Compact Tough Design for increased maneuverability in tight spaces and less user fatigue, a High torque mode produces over 500 in.-lbs. (Dynamic Torque) and High speed mode produces 1600RPM. Bosch Durashield Housing are constructed to withstand real world conditions. Also, if offers Ratcheting and single sleeve 1/2” Chuck for one-handed bit changes and bigger applications plus Bosch Litheon Batteries a state-of-art Lithium-ion battery technology coupled with Bosch’s proprietary ECP (Electronic Cell Protection) system and Bosch Litheon Batteries are designed for maximum cyclelife. In addition, this tool features LED Light great for dark or enclosed areas, 20 Position Clutch for complete control, and Variable speed wide trigger.

Bosch PS21-2A pocket driver

Bosch 12V Max 2-Speed Pocket Driver PS21-2A Preview

The Bosch PS21-2A 12 Volt Max 2-Speed Pocket Driver features a compact and lightweight design. The compact design, featuring the shortest height and shortest head length. Along with compactness, the Next Generation Driver features the lightest weight in class making it great for over the head continuous work. This Bosch Driver also packs 265 in-lbs. of torque, exactly up to 2 times more torque than the competition.

Bosch 13624-2G hammer drill

Bosch 24V Brute Tough 1/2″ Cordless Hammer Drill 13624-2G

Bosch 24V 13624-2G features a Steel-reinforced collar that enhances durability and protects tool. Bosch Unibody powertrain maintains alignment between clutch, gearbox and. Also, DuraShield housing, and this model has the Highest Torque available (Powers through the toughest applications with 600 in.-lbs. of torque). In addition, it offers Two-speed gearbox which optimized for two modes of operation( High torque mode produces 600 inch/lbs. of torque and high speed mode generates 0-1,500 RPM/18,000 BPM). Externally changeable brushes that can be replaced in as little as 2 minutes, and with Ratcheting, single-sleeve 1/2″ chuck with carbide teeth(for one handed bit changes). And lastly, it features Built-in overload protection that extend motor life under the toughest applications.

Review6.7(out of 10)
DeWalt 12V MAX Impact Driver DCF815S2 Preview

DeWalt DCF815S2 12V Impact Driver Preview

DeWalt recently announced the launch of a 12V MAX Lithium Ion 1/4″ Impact Driver Kit (DCF815S2) and 3/8” Impact Wrench Kit (DCF813S2) as part of its new 12 Volt MAX Lithium Ion cordless platform. Weighing just over two pounds, the impact driver and impact wrench are compact and lightweight for ease of use in tight areas or overhead applications. Both products incorporate a contoured grip, designed for comfort and balance, as well as three LED lights that provide visibility without shadows in dark work areas.The small, lightweight design of these tools is ideal for cabinetmakers and HVAC professionals, as well as electrical, mechanical and general contractors who perform fastening applications; often overhead or in tight spaces.

Bosch PS21-2A pocket driver

Bosch PS21-2A Pocket Driver Review

Bosch’s new PS21-2A 12V Pocket Driver improves significantly upon last year’s model (the PS20-2A). Suffice it to say, Bosch has completely re-engineered the guts of this driver, tripling its torque and shrinking its footprint by a striking amount. They also beefed up the lithium-ion battery, giving the tool a nice tweak in the power department and showing that Bosch is serious about its technology. The purpose of the tool is to fill the needs of all manner of users, from contractors who want a handy, portable driver, to homeowners looking to obtain a beefy, lightweight solution for all their small project needs.