A cordless drill-driver sits in almost every home, and almost every second one was chosen at random: by price, by colour, or by the biggest voltage figure on the box. Yet a couple of specs decide whether the tool can handle a kitchen unit and a concrete wall or tires out by the tenth screw. Here is what to look for, drawing on the testing methods of Consumer Reports and the Australian organisation CHOICE, along with four popular models from AliExpress.
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Start with the jobs you need it for
A drill-driver is suited to drilling and driving screws into wood, metal and plastic. It is the most popular and most versatile type. A hammer drill adds a hammer mechanism for brick and concrete, but it is heavier. An impact driver is made for long screws and undoing bolts: it has no keyed chuck, works with hex bits and, according to Consumer Reports, spins up to three times faster than a regular drill.
For furniture, shelves and small repairs, an ordinary drill-driver is enough. If you plan to hang a television on a brick wall or build a timber frame, look at hammer models. For assembling gadgets and small electronics you need a completely different tool: a compact electric screwdriver.
Volts: not the main figure
It is commonly believed that more volts means more power. Within a single brand that holds, but across different manufacturers the number says little: Consumer Reports notes that a 14.4 V model can be weaker than a 12 V one from another brand. As a rule of thumb, 12 V suits household jobs, while 18 and 20 V are for heavy work. The price of power is size and weight.
Battery and platform
Capacity is measured in amp-hours. A 4 Ah battery lasts roughly twice as long as a 2 Ah one, but also weighs roughly twice as much. CHOICE advises buying a kit with two batteries: it is cheaper than buying a second one later, and work does not stop while one charges. To prolong battery life, Consumer Reports recommends keeping the charge roughly between 20 and 80%.
Another important point is the battery platform. Many brands make batteries that fit all of their tools. If you already own a battery, for example a Makita 18 V, you can buy just the bare tool without a battery and save money. On AliExpress, bodies designed for other brands’ batteries are sold in large numbers.
Brushless motor
A brushless motor adapts to the load, uses less energy and needs no brush replacement. According to CHOICE, such tools are also quieter and deliver more torque. Consumer Reports calls brushless models the smarter buy and notes that big brands usually give them a longer warranty. Today a brushless motor turns up even in inexpensive models, so there is almost no point in paying extra for a brushed one.
Torque, clutch and speeds
Torque in Nm shows what hole diameter the drill can manage and which fasteners it can drive. Just as important is the clutch: the numbered ring near the chuck. It slips once the set torque is reached, which stops you stripping a screw head or sinking a screw through chipboard. The wider the range of settings, the better.
A two-speed gearbox lets you choose between speed and force. The rule is simple: the harder the material, the more torque you need and the fewer revolutions.
Chuck and small details
Most drills have a chuck of up to 13 mm, while compact and cheap ones more often have 10 mm. For home use, 10 mm is usually enough. A metal chuck is more durable than a plastic one. Reverse for undoing screws and a work light are essential, while a charge indicator and a case are useful. And do hold the tool in your hand with the battery fitted: Consumer Reports even suggests working with it overhead to judge its weight and balance.
Popular models from AliExpress
Prices are as of 24 October and may change. Specifications come from the sellers’ descriptions.
Brushless 10 mm drill for Makita 18 V batteries
The best seller of the roundup, with more than 3.4 thousand orders. Two-speed, with a 10 mm metal chuck. It is sold without a battery and fits Makita 18 V batteries, so it is a good option if you already have batteries. If not, factor in their cost.
Price on 24 October: £23.09
Sold: 3400+ pcs, positive reviews: 98.2%
View on AliExpress
CHIGO 16.8 V hammer drill-driver
A complete kit with a lithium-ion battery. The seller claims a brushless motor, a hammer function and 80 Nm. It suits anyone who wants one tool for both furniture and walls.
Price on 24 October: £29.43
Sold: 2500+ pcs, positive reviews: 98.0%
View on AliExpress
Brushless hammer drill with metal chuck
Another hammer option with a brushless motor and a metal ratcheting chuck. It is suitable for home repairs where you need both drilling and driving screws.
Price on 24 October: £33.00
Sold: 800+ pcs, positive reviews: 98.0%
View on AliExpress
WORX WX242 4 V electric screwdriver
Not a drill, but a compact screwdriver for light tasks: putting up a shelf, changing the battery in a toy, tightening fittings. It charges over USB and comes with a set of bits. Almost 3.5 thousand sales: for many people it is the first and most used tool in the house.
Price on 24 October: £27.45
Sold: 3400+ pcs, positive reviews: 97.6%
View on AliExpress
In short: how to choose
- Decide on the jobs: furniture and shelves, walls, or small repairs.
- Choose a brushless motor, which costs barely more.
- Compare not only volts but also torque and reviews.
- Check the battery capacity and, if possible, get two.
- If you already have batteries, buy a bare tool for your platform.
- Check the clutch, reverse, metal chuck and work light.