Best DeWalt Drill Reviews 2024 All Models Tested

This drill’s high-speed transmission delivers two speed settings (zero to 550 or zero to 2,000 rpm), letting users choose the level of performance needed for various applications. In addition to this useful feature for keeping tabs on tools, this hammer drill also boasts pro-level power with its ability to reach speeds of up to 2,000 rpm and a UWO of 820. It’s powered by DeWalt’s XR lithium-ion batteries, which provide 33 percent more battery life than standard batteries.

They have a chuck or collet that accepts the bits and a switch that activates the tool motor to drive the bits. These tools are mainly used for holemaking and fastening but are sometimes used with attachments for cutting, mixing, or grinding. Pistol-grip drills place the user’s hand behind the chuck to steady the tool and control pressure on the bit. Right-angle drills set the bit at 90° to the tool body to access corners and reach into tight spaces. Joist and stud right-angle drills are larger and more powerful than general purpose right-angle drills.

UWO is a value created by DeWalt, so one won’t find it being used to rate any other brand of tool. As for performance, this drill is rated to deliver 404 UWO and speeds of up to 1,650 RPM. Total control over performance is provided by a variable speed trigger, two speed settings, and 15 clutch settings. My corded DeWalt delivers speeds of up to 2,500 RPM with just a variable speed trigger to control it. XR lithium-ion batteries provide 33% more capacity over standard packs, so you shouldn’t have to worry about your tool lagging in the middle of a job. It’s been said that the torque of this model is great, but you will want to make sure you’ve tightened the drill bit plenty to avoid the drill spinning around the bit—particularly smaller ones.

Again, this drill never really struggled or stalled, but it did take a bit longer, though not much. It took 2.4 seconds to get through the 16 gauge sheet metal with the ¼” drill and 7-9 seconds to make it through with the ½” drill. However, it did bind up a bit with the ½” drill right as it punched through, requiring dewalt drill us to drop it down to the lower gear. As I move into testing, the question isn’t if the 20V Max drill is a good tool. Because I’ll tell you right now that this is great for projects around the house. I already know it’s going to see a ton of use for maintenance and honey-do projects in that territory.

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Whereas a corded drill is tethered to a 120-volt outlet, one can take a cordless drill virtually anywhere. However, the battery adds weight, so cordless models typically weigh more than corded drills. DeWalt’s line of cordless drills includes conventional 12-volt and 20-volt drills and specialty angle and hammer drills. Power through the day with dewalt drill the FLEX 24V 1/2” 2-Speed Compact Drill Driver, a lightweight and compact cordless drill built to conquer hard-to-reach spaces. This compact drill is 17 percent more compact than its larger counterpart, FX1151, and ideal for reaching up to work between studs. It’s also 22 percent lighter weight than FX1151 for less fatigue when working overhead.

Altogether, these three tests are responsible for 20% of the final score for this drill. We tested this model with a 1.3 Ah battery in the package we purchased. The two values that describe the cordless dewalt tool drill’s power are speed and torque. While a drill is going to come in handy when dealing with small bits of hardware and hose clamps, it’s going to run up against some pretty tough jobs.

However, this drill does lack a battery meter, so you don’t have a concrete way of knowing how much battery life you have remaining. The DCD771C2 is about the average weight for these products — just shy of 3.5 lbs with the battery installed. Our third metric focused on the battery life of each drill, as well as the time it takes to recharge. Unfortunately, the DCD771C2 didn’t do quite as well in this set of tests.

On this test, the numbers for the 12-volt drills are pretty low — so if you’re looking to bore a lot of holes, it’s probably best to stick with the 18-volt drills. For the most part, all of the 18-volt drills felt strong starting this test off with a new battery, and although it did score second-to-last here, the Ryobi felt the strongest out of the gate. There’s also the breakthrough feel — how well the spade bits are able to exit the opposite side of the lumber without snagging and seizing. Not only did Milwaukee absolutely trounce the competition, but the spade bit moved from one side of the lumber to the other with almost no snags.

Those looking for a more affordable DeWalt drill may want to consider the DeWalt 20V Max Cordless Drill with its 300-UWO rating and ability to reach 1,500 rpm. Every once in a while, we get a product that is not up to our usual standards. It could be a manufacturing paint flaw or damage from a return shipment.