Having one of the best drills in the market in your toolset is essential if you are the handyman in your home or if you work in construction and renovation. For the home use setting, these power tools rarely see regular use unless you have a home workshop. For the times when the use of a drill is required, you need it to be reliable, powerful, and energy efficient like the products listed below.A� Walk into Home Depot, and you will be overwhelmed by the selection of drills.A� Fortunately, Consumer Reports in January 2018 reviewed the best drills for the money.A� Let’s take a look.
The Best Drills of 2018 Recommended By Consumer Reports
General-Use Drills (Typically 12 Volts)
These general-use drills with 3/8-inch chucks are popular with DIYers who want a decent performer that can punch through wood or drive through screws easily at a low price.
1. Bosch PS32-02 (66 points)
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The Bosch PS32-02 offers the best power in this class while staying under 2 pounds. Ita��s not as powerful as an 18-volt drill, but this model and its runtime is all you will ever need at home.
2. Milwaukee 2407-22 (60)
The Milwaukee 2407-22 costs less than most of the drills in this category, but it performs similarly save for the shorter run time. However, you do get a dual charger and two batteries that can charge in just 30 minutes.
3. Ridgid R82005K (59)
For as little as a hundred bucks, the Ridgid R82005K is the most practical choice. This compact drill comes with plenty of power and a modest profile, plus a lifetime service agreement that covers part replacement.
Heavy Duty (Typically 18 to 20 Volts)
1. Dewalt DCD991P2 (85)
The Dewalt DCD991P2 is the most expensive of the bunch, but it easily is the most powerful and longer lasting heavy duty drill. For the price, you get two 5.0-Ah batteries, a detachable side grip, a hard case, and an exclusive electronic clutch that helps widen the range of the speed adjustability.
2. Kobalt KDD 1424A-03 (68)
The Lowea��s-exclusive Kobalt KDD 1424A-03 is the bang for the buck model of this lineup due to its 24-volt power that can drill most holes fast and efficiently. The downside is you only get a single battery with the purchase, although you can get an extra for around fifty bucks.
3. Makita XFD12R (63)
The Makita XFD12R is the darling of the crowd for being the middle ground in the world of compact drills. It weighs in at only 3 pounds due to a smaller, 18-volt battery, but it can recharge in as little as 30 mins.
4. Dewalt DCD791D2 (67)
The Dewalt DCD791D2 is a lightweight value alternative to the DCD991P2 in case your usages arena��t as rigorous as a construction project. This $200 model comes with two 20 volt batteries and is one of the easier to handle options in the group.
5. Milwaukee 2705-22(83)
The Milwaukee 2705-22 is another extra powerful option if money isna��t an issue. This model comes with two 18-volt power packs to help it last through your project.
How to Shop for the Best Drills
Nothing beats a trip to a local hardware store so you can check out some the best drills they have to offer while being able to ask assistance from a representative. But if you do your research ahead of time, you can conveniently order one of these models online. Read reviews and guides from reputable sources such as Consumer Reports.
Consumer Reports ranks these drills according to categories that describe their capabilities. This criterion includes but is not limited to:
- Speed
- Power
- Run Time
- Charge Time
- Handling
- Noise
- Weight
- Volts
The products presented above are the best options when these aspects are averaged into the individual scores presented. If you choose a model from those listed above, whether if it’s for home use or construction, you can never go wrong.
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