Hopefully you'll still at least have the option for the lightweight drill model.Īll of the drills I tested are brushed models that use a 12- or 18-volt battery. Soon, unless you need a smaller, lighter or less powerful tool, there will likely be no reason to choose 12-volt over 18-volt. But the price gap between 12- and 18-volt, and between brushed and brushless, continues to shrink. If you're planning on getting into more substantial work, longer use times or light construction, you're better off with an 18-volt.Īs far as price is concerned, you will typically pay more for 18- over 12-volt power tools, as well for brushless versions over brushed. If you're only assembling Ikea furniture and hanging shelves, a 12-volt drill is all you need. Otherwise, assuming this is your first cordless tool, it comes down to two main factors - performance expectation and price. That's a great reason to stick with the brand and voltage you already own, unless you specifically need different features or you're looking to switch brands.
For starters, if you own other cordless tools, the best cordless drill for you is the one you could share batteries with. If you're stuck on the kind of drill to buy, the answer can be complex. With the right drill, you can assemble furniture, hang pictures and shelves, perform light maintenance, and repair or even hang your brand-new TV.
