The wireless drill is an essential tool for home and vehicle maintenance, as well as tinkering with everything from bikes to skis to barbecues. Capable of drilling holes in both wood and metal, and screwing into either material, its versatility and importance cannot be downplayed. If equipped with a hammer feature, it can even make holes in concrete, brick, and mortar. This is why we put significant efforts into testing and finding the best wireless drills on the market.
Instill confidence in your DIY ventures by consulting our reviews of the top performing hammers, wireless nail guns, and power orbital sanders.
The Premier Wireless Drills
Factors to Consider
Power Capacity
The majority of wireless drills fall in the 18- to 20-volt range. These are preferable for heavy-duty tasks such as carpentry, deck construction, and remodeling projects. For minor repairs, light carpentry, and basic woodworking, a small 12-volt drill suffices. They’re also easier to handle for tasks like assembling flat-pack furniture or sports equipment, or when repairing appliances. For these jobs, the primary function is driving screws, not drilling holes.
Battery Life and Size
Choose a battery with higher amp hours (Ah) for increased operating time. Battery capacity typically ranges from 2 to 6 Ah. However, a greater run time often equates to heavier weight. For more demanding work, opt for a full-size tool over a smaller, lighter model. Full-size drills have a larger motor and a sturdier drive gear assembly. Conversely, subcompact drills have a smaller motor and drive gear assembly, making them more maneuverable and less tiring to use for smaller repetitive tasks, such as installing window hardware where overhead operation is required.
Auxiliary Handle
Some wireless drills come equipped with a detachable side handle for added convenience. This proves beneficial for larger construction projects, such as drilling large or deep holes through house or deck frames. The side handle allows for effortless stability and control while reducing fatigue, especially when the tool stops suddenly or jerks.
Accessories
If your tasks involve drilling into masonry (brick, concrete, mortar, stone, pavers), select a drill with a hammer feature. This option provides a percussion mechanism to the bit as it rotates, helping a carbide-tip masonry bit chip away material more effectively.
Additional Specifications
Review the specifications and packaging carefully. Does the drill come alone, or is a battery and charger included? Are there one or two batteries, a charger, and possibly a carrying case? Some drills come with a rapid charger, which can partially recharge a battery within minutes, for a little extra cost. This feature can help expedite project completion.
Thomas Hengge
Our Testing Process
To assess each device, we drilled 25 holes through a Douglas fir 2 x 8 (Grade: Speedbor spade bit—a timeless design devoid of a lead screw. Subsequently, we inserted 25 lag screws. The diameter of each screw was ¼ inch, and each was 2 inches in length. Following this, we reversed each screw out. We then returned to the task of drilling holes using the spade bit, until the tool’s thermal overload circuit prevented further drilling. Allowing the battery and drill to cool for quarter of an hour, we resumed drilling until the battery expired or the drill struggled to complete holes. Throughout this test, we drilled 2,070 holes and inserted 525 lag screws.
Lakota Gambill
Lakota Gambill
This is a demanding test. It requires substantial torque to drive a 1-inch-wide spade bit through Douglas fir framing lumber, especially when breaking through the wood at the base of the hole where friction is at its peak. Despite the rigorous nature of this test, we were pleasantly taken aback by a few homeowner-grade models that demonstrated commendable performances. In other words, while the allure of professional-duty tools may be strong, there’s no point in investing in more drill than necessary.
Our marathon champion by a significant margin is this DeWalt model. Pair a highly potent motor with a hefty 6-Ah battery and you’ll witness superior performance. Moreover, efficient performance; the large yellow drill managed to drill over 50 holes per Ah. The Flexvolt model boasts top-tier torque, speed, and low vibration, even under heavy load. Its excellent trigger response facilitates adjustment of the drilling speed and breakout at the base of the hole, or even reversal of the bit. The three-setting speed selector also facilitates this. If there’s wood, metal, or masonry to be drilled (or lots of it), this is an exceptional choice.
Fantastic Value
Built for professional use
A little on the heavy side
