The best drills in the UK 2023

Indispensable for DIY and renovation work, the drill has a multifunctional and practical aspect. Capable of screwing, they are compatible with concrete, tiles or wood. On the market, there are a multitude of brands and to better guide you in your choice of the best drills, here is a buying guide.

Bosch Professional GSR 12V-15 1
9/10

Best value for money

Bosch Professional GSR 12V-15

The best 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.

Einhell TE-CD 182 Li Cordless Drill Kit 2
7/10

Best value for money

Einhell TE-CD 182 Li Cordless Drill Kit

The best entry-level drill

Despite its price, the Einhell TE-CD 18/2 Li Kit cordless drill offers great convenience. The drill has a robust and versatile appearance that meets the highest demands for drilling and screwing work.

78,64 £ on Amazon

The Einhell Cordless Drill TE-CD 18/2 Li Kit is a robust and powerful multipurpose DIY tool designed for the most demanding drilling and screwdriving jobs. It is a piece of equipment from the Power X-Change range with the advantages of the combinable battery system. Powered by an 18V Li-Ion battery at 1500 mAh, it has a two-speed gear from 350 to 1250 rpm. The drill generates a maximum torque of 44 Nm adjustable at 21 positions.

For more ergonomics, the tool features a softgrip handle with LED lighting and a one-piece, self-tightening chuck with quick release. The drill adopts robust and high quality metal gearing to ensure efficient transmission and long service life.

Bosch Professional GSB 18V-55 3
9/10

Best value for money

Bosch Professional GSB 18V-55

The best high-end drill

The GSB 18V-55 cordless drill is an impact driver with high performance and long service life. It is equipped with a robust Roehm 13 mm metal chuck for perfect torque transfer during use.

206 £ on Amazon
Makita HP457DWE10 4
9/10

Alternative

Makita HP457DWE10

A great drill

Supplied with 71 accessories, the Makita HP 457 DWE10 is a drill/driver with a lightweight and compact design. With a power of 400 W, the device offers a power up to 3250 rpm with a motor delivering up to 205 nm.

140 £ on Amazon

The Makita HP 457 DWE10 drill is lightweight at 960 grams and comes with a set of 71 accessories to ensure versatility features and convenience. It is an impact drill/driver with metal gears with 2 speeds reaching up to 3250 rpm. It has a 13 mm single-ring self-tightening chuck with precise torque adjustment in 16 positions plus a single drilling position and another with percussion.

Powered by 18 V, 1.5 Ah, and a power consumption of 400 W, the motor delivers a torque of up to 42 Nm. The drill has an ergonomic handle with Softgrip coating for a better grip. And for better control during use, the tool includes an electric brake and a direction-reversing trigger to ensure reliability and efficiency. The tool even features a patented 3 LED ring to ensure optimal lighting in dark areas.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best drill

Any specific needs?

The best drill in 2021

The best entry-level drill

The best high-end drill

A great drill

Your guide : Samuel

Rate this buying guide :
4.8/59 votes

By rating this buying guide, you are helping us to reward our best writers. Thank you!

Comparison table of the best drills

TOP OF THE LINE CHEAP TOP OF THE LINE ALTERNATIVE
Bosch Professional GSR 12V-15 5
9/10
Einhell TE-CD 182 Li Cordless Drill Kit 6
7/10
Bosch Professional GSB 18V-55 7
9/10
Makita HP457DWE10 8
9/10
OUR SELECTION
Bosch Professional GSR 12V-15
Einhell TE-CD 182 Li Cordless Drill Kit
Bosch Professional GSB 18V-55
Makita HP457DWE10
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.
Despite its price, the Einhell TE-CD 18/2 Li Kit cordless drill offers great convenience. The drill has a robust and versatile appearance that meets the highest demands for drilling and screwing work.
The GSB 18V-55 cordless drill is an impact driver with high performance and long service life. It is equipped with a robust Roehm 13 mm metal chuck for perfect torque transfer during use.
Supplied with 71 accessories, the Makita HP 457 DWE10 is a drill/driver with a lightweight and compact design. With a power of 400 W, the device offers a power up to 3250 rpm with a motor delivering up to 205 nm.
Make
Bosch Professional
Einhell
Bosch Professional
Makita
Maximum no-load speed
1300 rpm
1250 rpm
1800 RPM
3250 rpm
Maximum drilling torque
30 Nm
44 Nm
55 Nm
42 Nm
Weight
0.95 kg
1.35 kg
1.1 kg
1.7 kg
Warranty
1 year
2 years
2 years
2 years

Help us improve this table:
Report an error, request the addition of a feature to the table, or suggest another product. Thank you for your kindness!

Why can you trust us?

Why you can trust us
Our mission
How to support us
We do NOT accept any sponsored posts or advertising.

We spend thousands of hours each year studying the major specialized websites, analyzing products of hundreds of brands and reading user feedback to advise you on the best products.

Our mission is to simplify your purchasing decisions.

We are a product review company with a single mission: to simplify your buying decisions. Our research and testing helps millions of people every year find the best products for their personal needs and budget.

We are a small team of geeks and enthusiasts.

To support us you can: use our links to make your purchases (which often earns us a small commission), share our articles on social networks, or recommend our site on your blog. Thanks in advance for your support!

How to choose your drill

Before buying a drill, consider the following criteria.

#1 - Type of drill

This criterion is of paramount importance. Indeed, the type of drill you choose will have to correspond to your needs. If you already have an idea in mind, it is better. But if this is your first purchase for domestic use on small jobs, you can opt for screwdrivers or also percussion drills.

#2 - Corded or cordless

There are corded and cordless drills on the markets. The corded models will be dependent on an extension cord, but they are better suited for heavy use. Battery operated models offer more freedom of movement. They are very practical for outdoor use, but also for use on construction sites that are not yet electrified. Generally speaking, manufacturers accompany cordless drills with 2 rechargeable batteries so that the tool will still work while waiting for the second battery to charge.

#3 - Power and torque

It is useful to check the power and voltage of the drill. The higher these values are, the better the drill will perform and be able to get through tough materials like metals or concrete. Also look at the torque of the drill. The higher it is, the better. The maximum speed will also matter.

#4 - Weight

Drills come in a variety of weights. This depends on the type, but also on whether the drill has a battery. Weight is something to consider, especially when drilling on the ceiling or in tight areas where a lightweight drill will make a difference. On the other hand, a substantial weight will be felt over a long period of use.

#5 - Accessories included

The accessories provided by the manufacturer can be very practical and play a big difference in the choice of a drill. For example, we can mention the presence of an additional battery for cordless drills, or also specific bits and special bits.

The different types of drills

There are 3 main types of drills on the market, adapted to various situations. We can find: the screwdriver drill, the percussion drill, the angle drill.

Drill and screw machine

This type of drill is capable of performing its main task, which is drilling, but it can also be used as an electric screwdriver. This makes this model very practical. This drill is suitable for basic and domestic drilling work. It has a medium torque for normal use. Screwdrivers are generally light and easy to handle.

Percussion drill

Bruising

, the impact drill uses rotary motion to drill, but also a percussion device to allow the drill bit to effectively drill through hard surfaces like concrete, hardwood or also metal. However, this drill is not a substitute for a real drill if you plan to drill deep into ultra-strong materials.

Angle drill or corner drill

A

corner drill is a drill adapted to operate in very tight areas or inaccessible by a conventional screwdriver. It has an angled head in relation to the body of the tool. On some models, the head can be bent to suit the situation. This drill is ideal for detailed drilling in complex areas.

Cordless drill or corded drill?

Cordless drill

Cordless drills are easy to handle, lightweight and allow great freedom to operate without the user being hindered by wires. But its main drawback is its low power. Even though its batteries can offer a convincing autonomy, the cordless drill cannot match the performance of a corded drill.

However, there is no suggestion that cordless drills cannot drill through tough materials. They can drill through them, but with more time than using a corded model. These drill models are more for basic tasks such as DIY or housework.

Corded drill

Corded models are permanently connected to the mains with an electric cable. This type of power supply provides more power and makes the drill easier to drill through the hardest materials. These drills are designed for heavy use and can handle tough jobs.

You get continuous high torque and power for your work. The corded drill is suitable for all types of drilling work, especially in carpentry, metal work or also landscaping.

Verdict

In each type of drill there are corded and cordless models. It can be seen that in general, the choice of a cordless drill is a practical and comfortable solution.

However, whether corded or cordless, these categories of drills each have their strong and weak points. You can now choose between these 2 types of drills depending on the power you need.

Why buy a drill?

Time saving

Electric drills provide considerable time savings compared to traditional hand drills.

Multifunction

Some drill models, besides their main function of drilling, can also be used as a screwdriver, sander or mixer, thanks to their accessories.

Portable

Depending on the type of drill, they can be cordless and therefore can be used anywhere, even in places without electricity, which is very practical.

Powerful

A good drill can handle even the hardest materials, thanks to their high performance.

Useful

The drill is an indispensable tool, even for small domestic and DIY jobs. It is not then a useless investment.

Tips

Drill a wall over a post-it note.

This is the simplest and most popular tip for drilling a wall without making dust. Simply stick a post-it note under the area to be drilled. Fold it horizontally halfway up to raise the bottom part. This way, the paper forms a little shelf right underneath and when the drill goes into action, the dust lands on the post-it instead of on the floor. If the post-it is too small for the amount of dust, switch to the top size by taping a sheet of paper, envelope or even a coffee filter instead!

Follow the safety rules.

Respect

safety precautions before and during drilling. Wear protective gear such as gloves, hearing protection, and gloves. If you have long hair, tie it back. Check in advance that the surface or wall to be drilled is safe. Adopt a safe and comfortable position.

Choose the drilling speed.

It is

essential to know that the drilling speed should be low if the material to be drilled is hard. And conversely if the material is of low strength, proceed at a high drilling speed. If the material is very strong and resists drilling, it is necessary to let the drill cool down and then start again. Repeat this action until the operation is complete.

Maintain your drill according to type.

A

drill operates through a mains plug or via a battery. In the former case, avoid pulling on the cord when unplugging. Pull only the plug. With a cordless drill/driver, always remove the battery after each use.

Maintain your drill parts as well.

To

properly maintain the parts, especially the chuck, don't hesitate to oil it thoroughly. Indeed, a good level of lubrication is necessary for more efficiency of the product. Also clean each part that has been used previously. This way, they will always be clean the next time they are used.

Observe safety precautions

Using a drill can be hazardous. So wear protective gear and be careful when using it.

FAQ

What is the best drill?

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

Are there specific drills for women?

Women's drill models don't exist. However, you can find drill models on the market that are very light and easy to handle. These models do not require a lot of energy expenditure during the operation. They are also very convenient for men because in the long run, heavy tools will be able to feel at the end of a hard day of work.

Should we take special care in choosing the battery?

It is important to pay attention to

the batteries of cordless models. They must offer good autonomy and at least two batteries are needed so that drilling work can continue even if one battery is charging.

How to unlock the chuck of a drill?

If

the chuck is stuck in the open position, check to see if the screw inside the chuck is tightened properly. Tighten it if it is not, using a dedicated screwdriver.

Drill: how to store it well?

For

best condition, the drill should be placed in a dry place, in a plastic or metal compartment. You can ask the brand's after-sales service for possible breakdowns.

How to clean the mechanical parts of a drill?

The

manufacturers have previously greased the mechanical parts of the drills to ensure that they have a longer life. For this lubrication to be optimal, it is necessary to regularly dust the drill. Also, clean all parts of the drill to remove material debris and dirt trapped between parts that can jam the system. You can use WD40 de-sealer to effectively maintain your drill.

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. DIY anywhere with your cordless drill, quechoisir.org
  2. How to choose your drill - Complete Guide, conseil.manomano.fr
  3. How to choose a drill DirectIndustry Buying Guides, guide.directindustry.com
  4. 9 tips and tricks to make your life easier with a drill, lastucerie.fr
  5. How to hijack your drill: unusual but true uses, davisandco.fr
  6. 8 things to do with a portable drill, maisonbrico.com
  7. How to choose your drill: Choice criteria and features, m-habitat.fr
  8. 7 ways to use your drill differently, systemed.fr
  9. Fixing shelves without using a drill: DIY tip, labelleadresse.com
  10. 5 magic tricks to drill a wall without making dust, deco.fr
  11. Perceuse | Leroy Merlin, leroymerlin.fr
  12. Perceuse : Amazon.co.uk, amazon.co.uk
  13. Perceuse - ManoMano, manomano.fr
  14. Corded drill | Leroy Merlin, leroymerlin.fr
  15. Cordless drill & screwdriver - Brico Dépôt, bricodepot.fr
  16. Cordless screwdriver, screwdriver, drill | Castorama, castorama.fr
  17. Perceuse - Dossier - UFC-Que Choisir, quechoisir.org
  18. Perceuses à percussion : Amazon.co.uk, amazon.co.uk
  19. Prills | Bosch Professional, bosch-professional.com
  20. Prills & Impact Drills - Bosch Professional, bosch-professional.com
  21. Makita France - Products - Categories - Drill Screw ..., makita.fr
  22. Prills, screwdrivers pro : Buy drill, screwdriver ..., maxoutil.com
  23. Drill, screwdriver, unscrewer - Darty, darty.com
  24. Cordless drills | Bricoman, bricoman.fr
  25. Drill and screwdriver - Loxam, loxam.fr
  26. Percussion drills - Buying guide - UFC-Que Choisir, quechoisir.org
  27. Drills, cordless screwdrivers | Drilling, Screwing & Mixing ...., rueducommerce.fr
  28. Drill - Wikipedia, fr.wikipedia.org
  29. Drill - Purchase DIY equipment | fnac, fnac.com
  30. Presentation of the different types of drills - The Blog ..., leblogmaison.net
  31. Best Cordless Drills & Screwdrivers 2021 - Comparative, futura-sciences.com
  32. Drill | Screwfix FR, screwfix.fr
See more

Updates

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

See more
Our selection
Bosch Professional GSR 12V-15 9
Bosch Professional GSR 12V-15
Einhell TE-CD 182 Li Cordless Drill Kit 10
Einhell TE-CD 182 Li Cordless Drill Kit
Bosch Professional GSB 18V-55 11
Bosch Professional GSB 18V-55
Makita HP457DWE10 12
Makita HP457DWE10

Lecteurs

Every month we help more than 1 000 000 people buy better and smarter.

Copyright © 2022 - Made with by buyingbetter.co.uk

Your reviews and buying guides 0% advertising, 100% independent!