Drills have gone through major upgrades in recent years, offering longer battery life, lightweight designs, comfortable grips, plus additional features like LED lights and more powerful torque. For an electrician, finding a cordless drill that allows you to get into tight spaces, work overhead, and that won’t break the bank (or your wrist) can be a challenge.
To help you out we’ve rounded up our favourite 5 drills (plus their accessory kits) to make an electrician’s life run as smoothly as lithium-powered batteries.
Looking for the best tool to speed up paperwork & admin? Try Tradify for free!
- DeWalt Xtreme 12 Max* Cordless Drill/Driver Kit
- Bosch 12V Max 3/8 In. Drill/Driver Kit
- Dewalt 20V Max XR Brushless Drill/Driver Premium Kit
- Milwaukee M18 18V Brushless Cordless 1/2 in. Compact Drill/Driver Kit
- Ridgid 18V SubCompact Brushless Cordless 1/2 In. Drill/Driver Kit
1. DeWalt Xtreme 12V Max* Cordless Drill/Driver Kit
Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars
1,518 ratings
Power Source: Battery Powered - Lithium Ion
Maximum Rotational Speed: 1500 RPM
Voltage: 12 Volts
Review:
The DEWALT XTREME 12V MAX* Cordless Drill/Driver Kit is a powerhouse. It bored 30 1-inch holes on a single battery charge, thanks to its smart battery design. Its moulded handle ensures exceptional comfort and grip, while the well-positioned LED allows for front illumination - perfect for working in tight crawl spaces. The drill's thoughtful extras, like the convenient belt hook and battery gauge on each battery, add to its user-friendly design. Weighing 2 pounds less than most competitors, it's exceptionally balanced, minimising fatigue during extended use. Plus, its battery design allows the drill to stand upright when not in use!
2. Bosch 12V Max 3/8 In. Drill/Driver Kit
Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars
2,617 ratings
Power Source: Battery Powered - Lithium Ion
Maximum Rotational Speed: 350 RPM
Voltage: 12 Volts
Review:
The Bosch PS31-2A 12V Max Drill/Driver Kit offers comparable power to the DeWalt options, with some notable differences. While it's slightly clunkier to hold and its LED and other features are not as refined, it compensates with a premium performance-to-size ratio, weighing just 1.8 lbs. This makes it an excellent choice for electricians who often work overhead. Its versatility shines through with high torque and two-speed settings, suitable for drilling and driving in materials like drywall, wood, and metal. Despite its compact size, it doesn't compromise on power compared to its 18-20V counterparts. While it may come at a slightly higher price point than some competitors, user-friendly features make it a valuable addition to any toolkit, especially for those seeking a compact and powerful everyday tool.
3. DeWalt 20V Max XR Brushless Drill/Driver Premium Kit
Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars
3,432 ratings
Power Source: Battery Powered - Lithium Ion
Maximum Rotational Speed: 2 RPM
Voltage: 20 Volts
Review:
The DEWALT 20V MAX XR Brushless Drill / Premium Driver Kit may lean toward the pricier side, but it's an investment that pays off, especially for professional electricians.It shines in tackling tougher and more production-oriented tasks. This larger 20-volt drill packs a punch with its powerful performance. What sets it apart is the exceptional comfort it offers during use, thanks to its ergonomic design. The inclusion of convenient features like a belt hook and a well-placed LED, which can be switched on independently, adds to its user-friendly design. Users also appreciate the longer-lasting battery life and the compact size of the case. In the world of cordless drills, the DEWALT 20V XR MAX stands tall, delivering power and durability that justifies its price tag.
4. Milwaukee M18 18V Brushless Cordless 1/2 in. Compact Drill/Driver Kit
Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars
1,799 reviews
Power Source: Battery Powered - Lithium Ion
Maximum Rotational Speed: 1800 RPM
Voltage: 18V
Review:
The Milwaukee M18 18V Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver Kit offers fantastic bang for your buck. It closely resembles the 20-volt DeWalt with minor trade-offs, making it a cost-effective option, especially if you're a Milwaukee user. While it has a single-setting light and limited case space for bits, users have praised its handling, and it's a significant improvement over previous models. The brushless motor and quick-charging batteries have brought it an extended life. For the same price as some "tool only" options, you get the drill, belt clip, battery, charger, and contractor bag. Milwaukee's attention to detail, from the keyless chuck to the battery fuel gauge and LED light, makes this drill a standout choice.
5. Ridgid 18V SubCompact Brushless Cordless 1/2 in. Drill/Driver Kit
Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars
184 reviews
Power Source: Battery Powered - Lithium Ion
Maximum Rotational Speed: 1750 RPM
Voltage: 18V
Review:
The RIDGID 18V SubCompact Brushless Cordless 1/2" Drill/Driver Kit combines 18-volt power with a compact 12-volt size. It handles a range of tasks effectively, although it may encounter some difficulties with continuous drilling compared to alternative options. The kit includes two 2.0 Ah batteries, a charger, and a convenient tool bag, making it a cost-effective package.This drill boasts a comfortable grip, impressive torque, and adjustable settings that enhance precision during tasks. Its compact dimensions make it an excellent choice for tight spaces, and the built-in LED light improves visibility during work. Additionally, the reversible belt hook and screwdriver add practicality to its design. Overall, the RIDGID SubCompact Drill/Driver is a powerful and versatile tool, ideal for situations where space is limited. Remember to register the tool within 90 days to benefit from the Lifetime Warranty, which makes it a reliable long-term investment for your toolkit.
Looking for the best tools in the electrical industry?
Tradify can save you 10+ hours on business admin and paperwork every week. Sign up for a 14-day free trial.
Or, pop over to one of our live demo webinars to see Tradify in action.
