Best Cordless Drill & Impact Driver Buying Guide - Consumer Reports

How CR Tests Cordless Drills

We conduct a number of our drill tests using a benchtop dynamometer, or “dyno,” a calibrated instrument featuring a free-spinning spindle and an electronic brake.

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CR’s test engineers clamp each drill onto the spindle, then run it flat out at each speed, measuring maximum revolutions per minute (RPM). These results, along with measurements taken under different loads, determine the speed score.

To calculate run time, we cycle the batteries on and off to simulate the torturous nature of stop-and-go tasks, such as building a deck. We then completely drain each battery and time how long it takes. For the charge time score, we also see how long it takes to fully recharge the battery from empty.

We use the dyno to measure torque, which we translate into our power score. This test is a reflection of how big a hole a drill can bore, or how large a fastener it can drive.

CR’s experts use each drill like you would at home, driving screws and drilling holes. We then score each drill on how easy it is to handle, incorporating its dimensions, weight, balance, feel, and how ergonomic the handle is.

To see how loud each drill is, we measure sound in decibels at the user’s ear when the drill is in operation. As it turns out, all but the smallest models require hearing protection for safe use.

How to Pick a Cordless Drill

Benefits of Purchasing a Combo Kit

Combo kits are an easy way to build a workshop that’ll let you take on a variety of home improvement projects. These kits collect two or more commonly used cordless tools in one package that includes the tools, a battery, a charger, and often a carrying case or bag. These kits also give you the convenience of tools that operate on the same battery platform, making it easy to swap batteries from tool to tool as needed. 

These cordless combo kits are a good option for homeowners who: 

• Are just starting to take on do-it-yourself (DIY) projects and need to build a tool kit 

• Have light-duty tools but want to upgrade to tools that can take on tough projects 

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• Want to expand their tool kit to tackle more types of projects 

• Have a mix of corded and cordless tools but want to switch to cordless tools that use the same battery

Many combo tool kits include batteries that work not only with a range of power tools but also with outdoor equipment such as cordless leaf blowers and cordless chainsaws.

Features to Look For in Combo Kits

When considering which setup will be the best cordless combo kit for you, think about the projects you want to take on, both now and later. The number of tools included is an obvious consideration, but it’s not the only factor to consider.

• Pay attention to how many batteries are included. Sets with two batteries give you more flexibility to easily work with multiple tools or let you keep a fresh battery ready for your next project. 
• Determine the voltage and amp-hours of the included battery or batteries. High-voltage batteries can provide more power, but tools with lower-voltage batteries will typically be lighter. Higher amp-hours mean longer runtimes. 
• Note the battery platform. You might want to look for a kit that includes a battery and charger that are compatible with tools you already have. It’s also a good idea to make sure that tools you want to purchase in the future can use the same batteries. Batteries that power a wide selection of tools will make it easy to expand your tool collection. This can be particularly helpful if you want to start with a small set and add tools as you need them or as you get more comfortable with DIY work and want to take on more projects. 
• Pay attention to the features of the tools and determine if they’re suitable for your work. For example, a drill with a 1/2-inch chuck will accept larger bits that let you do more heavy-duty drilling and driving. An impact driver or reciprocating saw with a quick-change bit or blade will help you work faster. Brushless tools will be lighter and will offer more power and better runtimes. Brushless tools also tend to last longer. 
• Note whether or not the kit includes a case or bag. Many kits come with a storage case, tool box or carry bag (or two), but some include only the tools, battery and charger.

Don’t Forget These Necessities

Drill and Driver Bits

If your kit includes a drill/driver or an impact driver, make sure you have a good selection of bits. For the drill/driver, look for bit sets that include different drill bit sizes, a variety of driver bits and a quick-change bit holder that allows you to swap bits easily while you work. Make sure you have drill bits suitable for the materials you’ll be working with — wood, concrete, masonry, metal, tile, etc. Take a look at our Drill Bits Buying Guide to see the different types of bits available. For the impact driver, get an impact driver set with a variety of bits designed for different fastener heads.

Saw Blades

Kits with saws may come with multipurpose blades, but consider getting specialized blades if you’ll be cutting materials such as concrete, masonry or metal; want to make cleaner cuts; or need to take on demolition work. Our Circular Saw Blade Buying Guide will help you find the right blades for a circular saw.

Safety Equipment

Safety gear is necessary for using any tool, and the types of safety equipment you need will vary depending on the tools and materials you’re using as well as the project site. Make sure you have a complete set of common safety equipment, including: 

• Eye protection 
• Hearing protection 
• Respirator/safety mask 
• Work gloves

For some projects you may also need to add: 

• Steel-toe boots or shoes 
• A back brace 
• Fall protection equipment 
• A hard hat 
• A dust collector or shop vacuum compatible with your tool dust ports

Storage

While many kits include a case or bag to make carrying the tools easier, consider storage options such as tool chests or tool cabinets. A storage system helps you keep everything organized, makes your tools easy to find when you need them and protects your equipment from damage.

Extra Batteries

An extra battery or two and even an extra charger can help you make sure your tools are always ready to work. And if you regularly work with several tools on projects, it’s helpful to have a battery for each.

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