The best cordless drills in the UK 2023

Furniture to assemble yourself? Walls and plasterboard to be drilled? Treat yourself to a cordless drill and work in record time. With this power tool, you can do small and large DIY jobs at home without any problems. And after comparison, we especially recommend the Bosch Professional GSR 12V-15, a model that is both efficient, handy and compact.

Bosch Professional GSR 12V-15 1
9/10

Best value for money

Bosch Professional GSR 12V-15

The best cordless drill in 2021

If you're looking for a well-balanced, powerful drill, the GSR 12 V-15 cordless Professional is the one for you. Lightweight and compact, you'll be amazed at the ergonomic grip for renewed productivity.

121 £ on Amazon

It features a compact and ergonomic design to ensure a perfect grip and it can reach high or hard to reach areas. With a 169 mm head, the drill has a two speed 20+1 gearing allowing a torque preselection of 15 to 30 Nm for a speed of 400 rpm to 1300 rpm.

The drill is equipped with LED lighting to facilitate DIY work in dark places. For endurance, the drill is supported by CoolPack technology and has an electronic ECP cell protection system that protects the battery from overcharging, overheating and complete discharge. The drill comes with 2 batteries, a GAL 12 V-20 charger, a 25-piece bit set, a set of 7 wood bits, a set of 7 metal bits and a storage bag.

Stanley Fatmax FMC625B-Xj 2
7/10

Best value for money

Stanley Fatmax FMC625B-Xj

The best entry-level cordless drill

Featuring an ergonomic handle, the Stanley Fatmax FMC625B-Xj is an easy-to-grip cordless drill. Offered at an affordable price, this do-it-yourself tool will effectively meet your everyday needs.

See the price

Looking for a good cordless drill for cheap? Buy the Stanley Fatmax FMC625B-Xj. It offers 2 adjustable speeds from 400 to 1600 rpm. Its 22-position adjustable torque allows you to fine-tune the screwdriving according to the material to be worked. In addition, this cordless hammer drill offers an unscrewing option like any good screwdriver.

The 18V Lithium-ion battery is easily attached to the Stanley Fatmax FMC625B-Xj cordless drill using a button on its front panel. Efficient and practical, this DIY tool is very robust thanks to its fiber and rubber shell. The little extra that can make the difference lies in the LED beam to illuminate the user.

Makita DHP453RFX2 3
9/10

Best value for money

Makita DHP453RFX2

The best high-end cordless drill

The Makita DHP453RFX2 cordless impact driver is a must-have. Besides its maneuverability, it offers power and versatility. Note that it comes with a toolbox, allowing for easier transportation.

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The Makita DHP453RFX2 will satisfy all DIY enthusiasts, amateurs or professionals, no matter how demanding they are. Thanks to its percussion system, no material can resist it. In addition, it is very versatile. Equipped with two 18V 1.5Ah Li-ion batteries, it only takes 15 minutes to charge your Makita DHP453RFX2. It should be noted that each battery provides 45 minutes of autonomy.

Furthermore, this cordless drill has a self-tightening chuck, making it easy to change the drills. Its drilling capacity is very impressive. In concrete and steel, you can make holes of 13 mm and up to 36 mm in wood. Accompanied by 96 drilling and screwing tools, this cordless drill/driver has a striking rate of 0 to 19,000 strokes/min.

Einhell TE-CD 18/2 Li 4
8/10

Middle of the range

Einhell TE-CD 18/2 Li

A great mid-range alternative

Suitable for screwing and unscrewing wood, plastic and metal, the Einhell TE-CD 18/2 Li is well worth it. Lightweight and compact, it is easy to handle, even for non-doers.

See price

The Einhell TE-CD 18/2 Li stands out from the other models in this comparison because of its performance. Measuring 33 x 10 x 33.29 cm, it guarantees easy access to the tightest corners. Its automatic spindle locking system (Quick Stop system) makes it easy to change accessories. The powerful carbon-free motor and the 10 mm self-tightening chuck also ensure excellent results.

This cordless hammer drill has a metal gear mechanism, which makes it easy to change speeds. The idle speed varies between 350 or 1,250 rpm, or 2 speeds. The Softgrip handle ensures a better grip for your work. Note that the torque of 44 Nm can be adjusted in 21 positions.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best cordless drill

Any specific needs?

The best cordless drill in 2021

The best entry-level cordless drill

The best high-end cordless drill

A great mid-range alternative

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best cordless drills

TOP OF THE LINE CHEAP TOP OF THE LINE EXCELLENT
Bosch Professional GSR 12V-15 5
9/10
Stanley Fatmax FMC625B-Xj 6
7/10
Makita DHP453RFX2 7
9/10
Einhell TE-CD 18/2 Li 8
8/10
OUR SELECTION
Bosch Professional GSR 12V-15
Stanley Fatmax FMC625B-Xj
Makita DHP453RFX2
Einhell TE-CD 18/2 Li
If you're looking for a well-balanced, powerful drill, the GSR 12 V-15 cordless Professional is the one for you. Lightweight and compact, you'll be amazed at the ergonomic grip for renewed productivity.
Featuring an ergonomic handle, the Stanley Fatmax FMC625B-Xj is an easy-to-grip cordless drill. Offered at an affordable price, this do-it-yourself tool will effectively meet your everyday needs.
The Makita DHP453RFX2 cordless impact driver is a must-have. Besides its maneuverability, it offers power and versatility. Note that it comes with a toolbox, allowing for easier transportation.
Suitable for screwing and unscrewing wood, plastic and metal, the Einhell TE-CD 18/2 Li is well worth it. Lightweight and compact, it is easy to handle, even for non-doers.
Battery
2 x Lithium-ion 12 V 2 Ah
Lithium-ion 18 V
2 x Lithium-ion 18 V 3 Ah
Lithium-ion 18 V 1.5 Ah Power X-Change
Maximum drilling torque
30 Nm
-
42 Nm
44 Nm
Accessories
39
-
96
-
Drilling diameter
Drilling: up to 19 mmScrewing: up to 7 mm
Steel (max) : 13 mmWood (max) : 38 cmConcrete (max) : 13 mm
Wood (max) : 36 mmSteel (max) : 13 mm
-
Speed
No load speed 1: 0-400 rpmNo load speed 2: 0-1300 rpm
Speed without loading (1st gear) : 400 rpmSpeed without loading (2nd gear) : 1600 rpm
Speed without loading (1st gear) : 400 rpmSpeed without loading (2nd gear) : 1300 rpm
No load speed 1: 0-350 rpmNo load speed 2: 0-1250 rpm

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Buying guide - cordless drill

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How to choose your cordless drill

A true Swiss Army knife for the DIY enthusiast, the cordless drill is essential for assembly work, drilling in different types of materials and screwing/unscrewing. If you're having trouble deciding which one to buy, here are some things to consider before you buy.

#1 - The power

Apart from its direct relationship with the motor voltage, the choice of the power of a cordless drill can also depend on another criterion, namely the intensity of its battery (determining element of the autonomy). To make the calculation easier, you will have to multiply the Ah by the V to obtain the power in W/h, i.e. Ah x V = W/h. It is therefore important, if you want a powerful cordless drill with sufficient autonomy, to have a model with a high voltage and current. It is highly recommended to choose a 12 to 14 V drilling tool if you plan to work on wood or steel. In case of heavy use or big jobs like concrete drilling, prefer an 18V drill instead.

#2 - The chuck

The chuck, usually 10mm, can make the cordless drill both handy and light. It will not, however, have the ability to accommodate larger diameter bits or drills. This size is very suitable for routine work. However, it is better to prefer models with a 13 mm chuck if you want to use a wide range of accessories.

#3 - Charging time

At the very least, a cordless drill equipped with the most efficient battery requires a 15 min charge time. On the other hand, it is very expensive. On the other hand, if your budget does not allow it, use a second battery. In short, a very fast charge is managed by a microprocessor that ensures the cooling of the battery. It lasts only 15 minutes. For a fast charge, the battery is charged in 1 hour, with an anti overcharge system. The slow charge, on the other hand, varies from 2 to 12 h, but the power cut must be done manually.

#4 - The reversible function

In

most cases, the cordless drill is equipped with the reversible function. This means that the direction of rotation of the motor can be reversed

. This way, you will be able to unlock the drill when it is not engaged properly or if it is stuck in the material.

#5 - Ergonomics

If you're looking for a cordless drill with good ergonomics, make sure the handle is well placed. Ideally, it will be in line with the center of gravity of the unit. This way, you will not feel any wrist fatigue while the grip will be better.

#6 - The battery

The battery is mainly used to power the cordless drill. With 1.5 Ah, it will be perfect in the realization of light work or occasional use. If the battery is 2 Ah, you can use it regularly. In addition, a 3 Ah battery will be more practical for professional handymen who need a versatile cordless drill with optimal autonomy. Besides the capacity, don't forget to check the number of batteries that come with your power tool. Some models come with 2 or even 3 batteries. This will guarantee uninterrupted work since you won't have to wait for a full charge to continue.

#7 - The speed of rotation

Habitually, the rotation speed of a good cordless drill oscillates between 800 and 3000 rpm. This criterion must be adapted to the type of material to be drilled. If the speed is high, you will be able to work on hard materials such as concrete or stone. In addition, a lower speed is better suited to drilling steel. For more versatility, it is imperative that you choose a model with a variable speed drive.

How to maintain your cordless drill?

It is highly recommended to maintain your cordless drill regularly to increase its life span and ensure its proper functioning. A simple task, here are our tips!

Cleaning the cordless drill

For proper maintenance, you should dust your cordless drill while clearing the air ducts to avoid the risk of overheating, especially during long use. Use a vacuum cleaner or a good blower. The mechanical parts can be cleaned with a small brush (or a brush) associated with the multifunctional product WD40. The latter acts as a cleaner, lubricant and degreaser.

Maintenance of the cordless drill

Do not hesitate to grease all the parts of your cordless drill from time to time, according to the advice found in the instruction manual. Remove the battery after each use. This will prevent it from discharging itself when not in use. When the battery is empty, recharge it to a full charge if you want to maintain its capacity. Also, to avoid dust deposits or possible humidity, place it in its storage and protection case.

The different types of cordless drills

Depending on the type of work to be done, the frequency of use of the device and your level of experience in the field of DIY, you can choose between 2 types: the simple cordless drill and the cordless percussion drill.

Simple cordless drill

This type of cordless drill is very interesting if you often work on construction sites or in places without electricity. Its biggest advantages are that it is very handy and versatile. Easy to use, the power tool is mainly used as a screwdriver

.

If you want to assemble furniture, a garden shed or drill into materials such as plasterboard, wood and brick, this is the ideal model. Its torque can be easily adjusted. In addition, it offers different drilling speeds. Its lithium-ion battery guarantees a very good autonomy. Moreover, its price is suitable for all budgets. Its only drawback? Without the percussion system, you won't be able to work on hard materials such as concrete.

Cordless percussion drill

Dipped with

the percussion function, this cordless drill offers a wider working field. Indeed, in addition to wood and metal, the device gives you the opportunity to efficiently drill concrete and stone. It is a system that allows the chuck to move forward and backward more quickly in order to perform better on these types of mineral-based materials

.

A minimum of 12V is required if you are looking for a versatile tool. Its maximum striking rate reaches 35,000 to 50,000 strokes/min. Furthermore, its drilling efficiency varies from 3 to 13 mm if you are drilling concrete and up to 16 mm in brick.

Cordless or corded drill?

Cordless drill

The cordless drill is powered by a battery, usually Li-ion, from which the motor draws the energy necessary for its efficiency. It can be a screwdriver or a screwdriver and is relatively easy to handle due to its low weight. If there is no electricity, it is the ideal DIY tool. When the battery runs out, you need to place it on its base and stop working until it has fully charged, unless you have a second battery.

Its well thought-out design ensures it is remarkably robust and resistant. Indeed, the cordless drill is made of a plastic and rubber body to better protect the motor. You can choose between 2 types of cordless drills, one of which is the percussion drill, which makes it easier to drill through hard materials. This type of tool is not very powerful and has a lower speed than the corded model.

Corded drill

More practical if you plan to use it intensively and in a variety of ways, the corded drill offers much more power than the cordless model. It is plugged into the mains, which gives it unlimited autonomy. You can use it on building sites or for indoor work. In general, this type of drill has a percussion function that allows you to drill in concrete, cinder block, brick or even stone.

In addition to the variable size chuck, there are also hole saws, variable size bits, drills and drill bits available. You will benefit from its various features such as the variable speed drive or its rotation reverser. It is, however, quite heavy and more complex to handle.

Verdict

The choice between corded and cordless drills is based on the power and speed of rotation offered. The corded drill allows you to do heavy work without having to rely on autonomy. It can be used in places where there is a power source and can work on different types of materials, even the hardest.

On the other hand, the cordless model is quite light and handy. If you are working in hard-to-reach places/an area without electricity or want to do short jobs, prefer this battery-powered drill as it will give you more freedom of movement.

Tips

Choose the right tips.

The type of bit depends on the job. Prefer bits between 2 and 12 mm for drilling wood or soft materials. Metal requires a metal bit between 2 to 10 mm while concrete and stone require a special set of bits that have been tungsten carbide treated from 5 to 12 mm.

Install the bits of your cordless drill properly.

The

bit is installed by inserting it into the chuck. If the chuck is not self-tightening, you must tighten it with a suitable tool. Once the installation is done, make the necessary adjustments. To do this, select the ideal speed, the drilling intensity with the help of the tightening torque according to the resistance of the material you are going to drill.

Make the correct settings.

A

high speed is essential if you plan to drill a hard material. On the contrary, a slower speed is suitable for steel. Be sure to check the screwing mode located on the handle according to your needs.

Use your cordless drill for screwing.

You

have Ikea furniture, a shed, a wooden deck... to assemble? A cordless drill will allow you to work efficiently. For occasional DIY, prefer a model with a 10 mm chuck as well as a 12 to 14.4 V battery. In addition, the one with a large chuck and an 18V battery offers more opportunities (regular and intensive use).

Make your life easier by opting for the latest innovations.

Many innovative technologies guarantee you a better comfort of use. For example, the brushless or synchronous motor allows for increased durability. You will also have at your disposal the integrated lighting, the auxiliary handle, the possibility to add a stop or a guide, the level... The must? The universal interchangeable battery will save you time.

FAQ

What is the best cordless drill?

The best cordless drill depends on your needs and budget. Read our buying guide for the best products available.

How does a cordless drill work?

The cordless drill is equipped with a motor that will be powered by a rechargeable battery. It allows you to rotate the bit attached to the chuck in order to perform screwing, unscrewing and drilling work. Thanks to the trigger, you can easily adjust the speed of rotation.

What types of batteries for a cordless drill are there?

Currently, there are 3 types of batteries to choose from including Ni-Cd (nickel-cadmium), Ni-Mh (nickel metal hydride) and Li-ion (lithium-ion).

What are the features of a cordless drill for professional use?

A professional model should be made of durable materials and have a 3 Ah lithium-ion battery with a voltage of at least 18 V. The cordless drill will offer a very fast charging time and has a high torque of at least 60 Nm.

What are the essential accessories?

For a complete set of equipment, invest in a screwdriver and/or drill bit set (with different sizes), a hole saw and a drill bit.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
  1. , quechoisir.org
  2. , conseil.manomano.fr
  3. , lesnumeriques.com
  4. , renovation-et-decoration.com
  5. , phhsnews.com
  6. , wikihow.com
  7. , maisonbrico.com
  8. , vis-express.fr
  9. , travauxbricolage.fr
  10. , amazon.co.uk
  11. , castorama.fr
  12. , outilsdespros.fr
  13. , manomano.fr
  14. , bricodepot.fr
  15. , leroymerlin.fr
  16. , hilti.fr
  17. , quechoisir.org
  18. , quechoisir.org
  19. , leroymerlin.fr
  20. , mr-bricolage.fr
  21. , manomano.fr
  22. , castorama.fr
  23. , amazon.co.uk
  24. , bricolage-facile.net
  25. , lesnumeriques.com
  26. , lesnumeriques.com
  27. , rueducommerce.fr
  28. , bosch-professional.com
  29. , consolab.fr
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Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

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Our selection
Bosch Professional GSR 12V-15 9
Bosch Professional GSR 12V-15
Stanley Fatmax FMC625B-Xj 10
Stanley Fatmax FMC625B-Xj
Makita DHP453RFX2 11
Makita DHP453RFX2
Einhell TE-CD 18/2 Li 12
Einhell TE-CD 18/2 Li

Lecteurs

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