Best Cordless Drills Any Handyman Must Have in the UK

The DeWalt 18V XR is lean and mean. To initiate the conversation, this cordless handheld machine weighs less than 1.1 kilogrammes, which is at least 500 grammes less than most combi drills. Nevertheless, this power tool is as mean as its direct competition and, at times, even meaner. For instance, its maximum drilling capacity caps at 13 millimetres into masonry, 13 millimetres into metals, and whopping 30 millimetres into wood. Adding to the modest weight, the unit measures 38.5 x 35 x 11.5 centimetres, allowing drilling in tight spaces.

But, before that, the model's ergonomically sound, something we've come to expect from DeWalt products yet also something that should not be taken for granted. The generous rubber padding on the handle will be minimising the vibrations' impact, absorbing pressure, reducing hand strain over prolonged periods so that you can keep drilling without taking frequent breaks.

Having said that, you will have to take semi-frequent breaks anyway. On the one hand, the model's battery is pretty great because it goes from 0 to 100% in one hour. On the other hand, the charge does not last, so you'll have to pause every now and then whilst working on layered projects. It's a shame since everything else here, from the reduced footprint to the minimised weight to the comfortable, anti-slip, soft-grip handle, is conducive towards prolonged use. Still, between that and the alternatives, the contest is favouring this one anyway.

The people at BLACK + DECKER produce and sell quality combination drills, with the BCD700S1K-GB example following suit. Performance-wise, this model is almost flawless, considering that you take its more than reasonable price into account first. However, we're not crazy about its weight. Even putting its specs into perspective, stretching the drill's weight almost 2.2 kilogrammes is an issue that could have been avoided since there are models with comparable specs that weigh somewhere around 1.5, 1.7 kilogrammes tops. Sure, when you switch the modes and start hammering, these models might be not as good at handling masonry and concrete as this combination drill but the weight is still excessive, sorry, fellows.

What's not excessive though are the 2 speed modes, with the first producing anywhere between 1 and 360 revolutions per minute and the second generating as high as 1400 revolutions per minute when necessary. As you can imagine, the former setting will enable controlled driving, while the latter setting will let you drill into steel and tough woods.

The Bosch PSB 1800 is another great model on the list, presenting one of the better ratios between quality and price. However, we'll get to that a little later. Now let's talk functionality first.

Right off the bat, the Bosch PSB 1800's isn't a multipurpose tool. However, it can easily solve such tasks as drilling wood and plastic and impact drilling, which will be enough for most DIYers.

High drill performance of the tool is provided by the rotation speed of 1350 RPM and the torque of 38 Nm, which is sufficient for drilling metal, bricks and even some really hard materials like concrete. What also adds scores to the Bosch PSB 1800 is that the tool offers as many as 20 torque settings, enabling you to drill holes and drive screws at the most suitable speed, depending on the materials.

Also, we'd be remiss not to mention the tool keyless chuck with Bosch Auto-Lock, a system making it easy to change bits really fast. Other conveniences worth mentioning include a powerful LED light that will be helpful in poorly illuminated and hard-to-get places, a double screwdriver bit, and a plastic carrying case for convenient storage and transportation. Basically, the Bosch PSB 1800 is stuffed with everything you'd expect from a quality cordless drill.

The Ryobi R18PD3-215GZ is both more and less capable than most percussion drills in its weight class. On the one hand, the model's maximum torque reaches 50 Newton-metres, which is nothing to sneeze at. With this output, the drill has no issues tackling the hardest materials, including steel, concrete, masonry, brick, and more.

On the other hand, because the double-ended bit that comes with the package is a little flimsy and because the chuck is not quite as sturdy as it could have been, the model's maximum drilling capacity caps at 10 millimetres with steel and masonry. Is that bad? No, it is quite adequate, but there are combination drills with less torque that reach ~13 millimetres, so there's some room for improvement here.

The good news is that the same chuck ratchets, improving the bit's grip strength and making this drill compatible with standard drilling and screwdriving bits between 1 and 13 millimetres. Talking about grip, the model also comes equipped with a padded handle that absorbs vibrations and reduces hand strain, enabling prolonged use without the usual fatigue and discomfort that comes with it. Even better news is the integrated LED torch, providing additional illumination so that you can drill in low-light environments.

The Terratek FUT18V01-3 is the most complete cordless drill in the budget price range. The model's performance doesn't necessarily compare to its corded counterparts and pricey competition but, again, as far as the overall package is concerned, the Terratek FUT18V01-3 is about as good as it gets for the money they ask.

Though this isn't the drill's biggest strength, let's start with performance. The max torque that the model is able to deliver doesn't go above ~ 15 Nm, which isn't necessarily too impressive but, more often than not, enough to get the job done. Plus, this little power tool features 16 different torque settings, so you'll be able to set the drill at either powerful or delicate drilling and/or controlled screw driving.

The maximum drilling capacity is pretty standard for cordless drills. You'll be able to tackle 20-mm wood and 8-mm steel.