After drilling about 600 holes and sinking at least 50 pounds of screws in drill tests dating back to 2013, we’ve found the DeWalt DCD701F2 Xtreme 12V Max Brushless 3/8 in. We recorded each drill’s performance using a rubric and awarded numbers from 0 to 4. For example, if a drill did not drill through soft pine easily, it got a 0. If it drilled through pine moderately well, we gave it a 2, and if it drilled through pine exceptionally well, it got a 4. At the end, we added up the points from the rubric to get a better overall picture of how well each drill did. Keep reading to learn how to navigate the options from the cordless drill industry and to find out why each of the following models earned a spot in this lineup.
When a drill first fires up, it briefly reaches an output of 20 volts before quickly dropping to a sustained 18 volts. Some manufacturers label their drills with 18 volts, while others use the peak burst of 20 volts. Federal law prohibits any person from selling products subject to a Commission ordered recall or a voluntary recall undertaken in consultation with the CPSC. The model number is printed on a sticker on the side of the unit. Units stamped with an “M” following the date code have been repaired and are not included in this recall.
That means you enjoy the same performance as someone who bought a drill right off the shelf, often at a considerable savings! Buyers get a 2-year warranty and free 30-day return/replacement policy that begins when you receive the product. Sellers are held to eBay’s highest standards of customer service and monitored to ensure they’re hitting our metrics. No matter the job, eBay’s Certified Refurbished program can outfit you with the right tool at an unbeatable value.
The DeWalt 12-volt drill also has this strategically placed padding, so it can be set on its side if needed. We tested the drills by, well, driving in a lot of screws and drilling a lot of holes. We used structured tests to stress the drills and run their batteries dry. I also adjusted a few doors, swapped out some license plate lights, put up some mudroom hooks, and hung a heavy mirror.
These virtually maintenance-free motors make much more efficient use of the battery. As a result, many budget cordless drills still use brushed motors. At 12V and less than 6 inches from back to tip, the DCD701F2 is a subcompact drill, but we had no problem drilling through both hardwood and softwood. It features two speed transmission settings and a bright LED guide light that stayed on for about 30 seconds after we stopped pulling the trigger.
And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. Charge all of your batteries simultaneously with this 4-port rapid charger. This device charges 12V MAX, 20V MAX, and FLEXVOLT 20V/60V MAX DeWalt batteries, powering them up in 60 mins or less. The lithium battery pack can overheat and burst while on a charger. Currently we offer FREE FedEx/UPS small package Ground shipping and FREE ABF/YRC freight ground shipping on most orders of $199 or more within the 48 contiguous states.
We tested the drill in both small and large hands, and everyone thought it was extremely comfortable to hold. Putting up baby gates or assembling knockdown furniture, for example, is just way easier with a drill. Then, once you get to full-on DIY projects like replacing a rotted deck board or fixing a sagging gutter, a drill is essential. Yet they’ve also gotten so compact and lightweight that you can probably handle one even if you’ve never picked up a drill in your life. An electric screwdriver is usually much smaller, has less power, and cannot drill holes. They are cheap and reliable, but the brushes eventually wear down and require replacement.
Commonly used in masonry on concrete or brick, the DCD996B is the only hammer drill on our list. While the hammer action can be turned off to use it as a standard driver or drill, we love this drill for heavy-duty jobs that require a little extra power. The DeWalt DCD708C2 Atomic 20V Max Li-ion Brushless Compact Drill/Driver Kit was a previous pick, fitting in the same “in-between” space as the recommended sub-compact Ridgid R87012 Drill. In our tests, the DeWalt Atomic didn’t drill as many holes, but the feel of the tools is the same.
Without it the complete bit holder assembly would completely fall apart. This spring maintains pressure on the N Sleeve, and the rest of the bit holder assembly, to keep the bit in the holder. It is commonly used in impact drivers, and is compatible with the impact drivers listed below. After new tests, we recommend the Ridgid R87012, and we’ve dewalt reciprocating saw added the Craftsman CMCD713C2 V20 Drill/Driver and DeWalt DCD708C2 Atomic to the Competition. We take extensive measures to ensure all our products are made to the very highest standards and meet all relevant industry regulations. The idea is that when a commercially viable fix is possible, it cuts down on waste—which is always a good thing.
He lives in a very demanding 250-year-old farmhouse and spent four years gutting and rebuilding his previous home. He also raises sheep and has a dairy cow that he milks every morning. The Bosch PS31-2A 12V has similar power to the DeWalt DCD701F2, but it’s clunkier to hold.