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Home improvement season is almost here! It's about time to shake off the winter cold and get to work on all those projects you've been putting off. Some new tools might come in handy for an occasion such as this, but that means putting in a good amount of research before you buy.
Where drills are concerned there's only three real options on the market if you want something that's portable, will last a long time and really get the job done. In this guide we'll go over the pros and cons of the Makita Brushless Cordless, Dewalt Cordless, and Bosch Cordless drills so that you'll have all the information you need to decide for yourself which is the best cordless drill for the money.
Makita Brushless Cordless Drill
This efficient and stylish model features a brushless motor that delivers 530 in.lbs of Max Torque, excellent for tough to manage jobs. It has 2 speeds and applications that allow for fastening and hammer drilling functions. The brushless motor is supposed to let the motor run cooler and in turn make it more efficient. Additionally, it has a pretty unique and compact design which at only 3.9 pounds isn't likely to leave your arm fatigued after a long stretch. (Read our Full Makita Cordless Drill Review Here)
Pros
Lightweight and stylish design -- It looks impressive and you can work with it all day.
Long Lasting -- The brushless motor seems to improve efficiency and battery life.
Versatile -- The hammer feature and variable speeds will come in handy when you're working on a few things at once.
Cons
Sticky Alignment - A few owners have complained of an issue shifting from gear 1 to 2. Basically it's a little sticky, but can usually be corrected by shifting back and forth a few times. It's not a big deal issue.
Dewalt Cordless Drill
Clocking in at 9 inches in length and weighing 5.2 points this model is not quite as ergonomic as the Makita, but makes up for it with versatility. The jobs this model can handle are endless. Because it's on the smaller side, you might expect it to be lacking in power but there's no mistaking the strength of this 18-volt powerhouse. (Read our Full Dewalt Cordless Drill Review Here)
Pros
Compact design- This model is small enough to work for jobs in tight spaces. An excellent choice for working on jobs where things can't be moved around too much.
Great power for the size -- 18 volts and 380 watts is great performance for a drill this size.
Cons
Replacement batteries for this model can be a little expensive at about $60 dollars per battery. Still, the original battery has a long life, so this fact shouldn't dissuade anyone from trying out the Dewalt.
Bosch Cordless Drill
Best for simple household jobs and those requiring versatility, the Bosch cordless drill is a small but powerful option for basic repairs and home improvements. With 12 volts this drill has a decent amount of power but may fall short during s particular tough job. Where this drill succeeds is its versatility. 21 different torque options provide precise adjustment capabilities. At 7 inches in length and weighing just over 2lbs this zippy, compact drill gets the job done in even the tightest of spaces. (Read our Full Bosch Cordless Drill Review Here)
Pros
Lightweight and compact design -- Perfect for tight spaces, and jobs that might take all day. Also a great starter drill if you've got a little guy who wants to help dad out.
Durable -- Top rated in terms of long lasting parts, batteries, and overall performance over time.
Cons
Power -- At only 12 volts this drill is best for smaller projects that don't require too much power. It is perfectly suitable for simple at home jobs but isn't a good choice for heavy duty work.
When all is said and done, the best cordless drills are the ones that meets their owners' needs. Take a look at what you have to get done and then follow our guide to make the best choice. By knowing the best and the worst of each drill you'll be able to anticipate problems before they happen and work accordingly.