Synopsis: Thanks to lithium-ion batteries and smaller bodies, this new class of compact, 18v cordless drills is easier to handle yet just as powerful as its larger relatives. Given the improvements in these drills, we’re now calling them the new “go-to” drill for woodworkers. Tom Begnal put 10 of these drills through their paces, testing them for power, battery life, and control. Models tested include the Bosch 36618-02, Craftsman 11910, DeWalt DCD760KL, Hitachi DS18DSAL, Makita BDF452HW, Milwaukee 2601-22, Porter-Cable PCL180DK-2, Ridgid R86007, Ryobi P815, and Skil 2895LI-02.

From Fine Woodworking #207

Cordless drills and salad dressing have something in common. When you go shopping for them, the choices seem endless. Indeed, you can find more than 100 cordless-drill models on the market, and while some are me-too products, many have a unique place in the food chain.

With a host of features and power levels to consider, it’s challenging to find the single category of drill best suited not only for your workshop/furniture-making needs, but also for the many other miscellaneous home-improvement projects that every woodworker does. The ideal do-it-all drill would be compact, so it’s easier to get inside small cabinets and other tight spots. It would be relatively lightweight, to be easy on the hands and arms, while allowing the control you need to drive the smallest of screws. But it would also have the power for all those odd jobs that require more muscle, such as building a shed, deck, or picket fence.

Compact 18-volt drills do it all: So I set about looking for cordless drills that were compact, light, and powerful. I hit that trifecta with a relatively new class of drills— compact 18-volt models powered by lithium-ion batteries. These are lighter and smaller than other 18-volt drills past and present, even lighter and smaller than the 14.4-volt models Fine Woodworking has favored in the past. And they have power for almost any big task.

I now consider 18-volt lithium-ion cordless drills to be the new go-to drill for woodworkers. I ended up with 10 of these new drills in the shop. The Craftsman has a 19.2-volt battery; the others are 18-volt. Except for the Skil, which had a 3⁄8-in. chuck and one battery, the drills had 1⁄2-in. chucks and came with two lithium-ion batteries. All included a battery charger. Extra batteries for all the drills are available separately.

Choosing a champ: I tested the drills for power, battery life, and control. The Makita had strong scores across the board, making it my best overall. It’s reasonably priced, so I also consider it a best value.

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