Not everyone is gifted when it comes to DIY. And hey, that's totally fine. Some people are naturally skilled odd-jobbers. Others don't know a tool box from an Xbox. It could mean hours of tutorial videos before you even consider getting your hands dirty. Even then there's no guarantee that things will work out.
DIY is one of those things that gets easier with time and experience, but everyone has got to start somewhere. The best thing a total beginner can do is invest in top quality equipment. That's always your best chance for success.
First and foremost for your toolbox is a cordless drill — the centrepiece of any tool collection. As with all tools, we recommend spending a little extra to get the best, as these tools will pass the test of time. But there are decent options at a budget level — it's a matter of checking the reviews.
If you're a DIY newbie, or just need some pointers, we've gone ahead and done the hard work of reading reviews and drilling down into available options.
What is a cordless drill?
Unlike your wired drill, which connects to the mains, a cordless drill is powered by a rechargeable battery. And be warned while shopping online — some cordless drills are "body only", which means the battery is sold separately. Cordless drills are all about convenience and portability. These devices don't have the power or torque of a wired electric drill. Most cordless drills are easily powerful enough for jobs around the house.
What is a cordless drill used for?
Cordless drills are mostly used as faster, quicker alternatives to a screwdriver, though it's also used to drill holes into a variety of materials – wood, metal, plastics, or stone. Cordless drills will be compatible with multiple drill bits (they may even come with the drill), each of which has its own purpose. Some have more power or specialist uses. A hammer drill, for instance, packs extra force behind the drill bit, allowing you to drill into harder materials such as concrete.
What is drill torque?
Torque essentially means the amount of rotating force, measured in Newton Metres (Nm). Cordless drills will tend to have a range of torque settings — from 1 to 20 — which you select before you begin drilling.
Which is best, cordless or corded drills?
When it comes to cordless drills, convenience and portability are the big selling points. They're easy to pack away in a carry case and put to work whenever and wherever you need them. They may also have various features, making them more of an all-in-one drill and screwdriver tool.
Corded drills, however, offer consistent power and higher torque. And you're not limited by a battery — which can run out, of course — though you do need to be near a mains to use a corded drill. The kind of power and handling you get with a corded drill might suit a professional workman, while cordless drills are well suited to everyday, casual DIY.
What is the best cordless drill?
We've done all the hard work for you and researched features, specifications, and customer reviews of the leading cordless drills. The result is this roundup of your best options, including drills from popular brands like DeWalt and Bosch.
These are the best cordless drills in 2023.
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