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Home » Woodworking » Power Tools » 10 Best Drills for Woodworking in 2021 [Reviews] | The Edge Cutter

Nov 09 2020

10 Best Drills for Woodworking in 2021 [Reviews] | The Edge Cutter

If you are a professional woodcrafter or DIY enthusiast, then you must be knowing that the recent editions of cordless drills are noticeably lighter, compact and more energy efficient. Also, thanks to the latest cordless technology of Li-ion/Ni-Cd battery. However, the corded ones are also exceptionally beneficial which we will check out later. Well, buying a new cordless or corded drill could be really overwhelming only if the selection is made right.

If your purpose is to buy a drill that could go beyond the rudimentary applications, like mounting wall cabinets, installing window blinds, etc. then hopefully the below list will serve you with products that ensure professional wood drilling results. 


Table of Contents
Reviews of Top 10 Drills for Woodworking 
1. Bosch 12V ⅜ inch Drill : Best Product
2. Black & Decker 12V Cordless Drill : Best Budget Option
3. Porter-Cable 20V ½ -inch Drill : Powerful Corded Drill
4. Makita XFD07 18V LXT drill : Best Premium Option
5. Makita ½ inch corded drill : Best Corded Drill
6. DeWalt DCD701F2 : Best Dual Battery Drill
7. Dewalt DCD790D2 : Best Lightweight Drill
8. Black Decker GC018-2
9. Craftsman 20V Driver Drill
10. Hitachi DB3DL2 Power Cordless
Buyer's Guide: Things to Consider While Choosing a Drill
Drill Types
Variable Clutch or Torque Control Setting

Keyless Chuck
Forward and reverse function
Ergonomic Design and Weight
Trigger-based LED
Battery
Budget
Safety
FAQs
Is it better to purchase a heavy-duty hammer drill for multi-drilling tasks?
Which one is a better deal: ‘Made In China’ or ‘Made In Germany’?
How to make sure not to overload my drill?
My drill is functioning improperly, what should I do?
Conclusion

Reviews of Top 10 Drills for Woodworking 

1. Bosch 12V ⅜ inch Drill : Best Product

Bosch 12V ⅜ inch Drill

Bosch 12V ⅜ inch Drill is one of the best products on amazon for woodworking with the highest rating. It is a brushless 8 inch tool which is light in weight and easy to use. While choosing a cordless drill, the first thing is to identify the jobs you are usually tasked with. The higher the speed the drill features, the better and faster it drills, and Bosch drill fulfils this criteria. Hence, you can consider it an overall best drill in the list for woodworking.

PROS

  • Lightweight and capable of fitting into tighter spaces
  • Has an inbuilt LED light which makes it fit for using in dark spaces
  • Long battery life
  • Handy for situations which require minor fixing tasks 

CONS

  • You cannot use it for the toughest of jobs because it only has 12 V of power. It won't work properly where a lot of power is required It is mainly for home purposes.
Check Price at Amazon

2. Black & Decker 12V Cordless Drill : Best Budget Option

Black & Decker 12V Cordless Drill

Black & Decker 12V Cordless Drill is the one if you are searching for the compact cum lightweight product within a budget. This works well for simple jobs like shelves and cabinets installation or minor furniture fixing. The package includes a high-quality battery and a charger. The drill features an anti-slip soft handle for comfortable grip during work. The hog ring is sized at ⅜ inch followed by an 11-position clutch.

PROS

  • Low price and ensures better performance
  • Comes with both a battery and a charger
  • Durable battery life makes it convenient for using longer without a pause
  • Lightweight
  • Ergonomic design and hence, comfortable for working

CONS

  • You can' carry it for heavy-duty jobs
  • Limited torque adjustability
  •  Poor durability of overall tool
Check Price at Amazon

3. Porter-Cable 20V ½ -inch Drill : Powerful Corded Drill

Porter-Cable 20V ½ -inch Drill

Porter-Cable 20V ½ -inch Drill is powerful drilling equipment and you can bank on it to do all the hard work that requires high power supply such as the construction of bulky furniture or other similar heavy tasks. This tool is compact and can fulfil your all drilling requirements. It is a 20 Volt power drill with a chuck size of about ½ inch. It also offers two speed settings of 400 RPM (low) or 1600 RPM (high) that provides the user with the required degree of control.

PROS

  • It is a corded drill with an adjustable D-handle that is comfortable to use
  • It runs quieter than a lot of other drills
  • Perfect drill for boring holes

CONS

  • Cord length limits the drill's usability
  • It has a maximum rotational speed of only 600 RPM
  • Pretty expensive
Check Price at Amazon

4. Makita XFD07 18V LXT drill : Best Premium Option

Makita XFD07 18V LXT drill

Makita XFD07 18V LXT drill is mainly for professional users who prefer a high-quality drill tool. This is the best drill for woodworking and according to the old customers, this tool provides the best results. Bosch always comes up with innovative models and XFD07 is also one of those. The drill works the best at 18 Volt potential which is neither too high nor too low to run the tool. The product ensures better drilling results and durability. This cordless drill is powered by a Li-ion battery and runs at a high speed of 2100 RPM.

PROS

  • Lightweight, portable, and perfect for woodcrafting professionals
  • Fit for both residential and industrial purposes
  • Features medium yet favorable power requirement

CONS

  • Heavier towards one end
  • Owing to it being heavy equipment, it gives fatigue feeling
  • Not fit for using for hard woodworking projects and others
Check Price at Amazon

5. Makita ½ inch corded drill : Best Corded Drill

Makita ½ inch corded drill

Currently, Makita ½ inch corded drill is popular among all the drills because many users still prefer using corded to cordless drills. So, if you are also looking for the same, go with this option. It will fit anyone’s work perfectly. The chuck size is ½ inch and is very comfortable to use owing to its D-type handle. The drill runs quite sharply and quietly delivering excellent performance.

PROS

  • It is good for mixing mud or grout
  • Perfect power drill for boring holes
  • Better chuck size

CONS

  • Has only 600 RPM rotational speed
  • Price is comparatively higher in terms of the features offered
  • It has a limited power supply which isn't enough for the user requirement
Check Price at Amazon

6. DeWalt DCD701F2 : Best Dual Battery Drill

DeWalt DCD701F2

Most of your work in woodworking would get easier with DeWalt DCD701F2 drill. It delivers flawless work output while assuring easy handling of the tool. Moreover, it requires only 12 Volt potential across it to run. It comes with a chuck size of only ⅜ inches, however, it renders 2 speed transmission. The product can last for several years with proper maintenance.

The DCD 701F2 Drill comes with two batteries of 2 mAh, where one of them supplies enough power for long-term drilling while the other battery charges. The unit is lightweight and well balanced. The chuck is a ⅜ inch (maximum) that allows only the smaller bits than the ones that are commonly used.

PROS

  • It comes with dual batteries; while one works, the other is on standby mode
  • Handy tool
  • Can be used for professional woodworking projects
  • Comes with a 3-year warranty period

CONS

  • It's suitable for light work and not for heavy commercial work
  • Comes with ⅜ inch chuck only
  • May get stuck in the middle of a task 
Check Price at Amazon

7. Dewalt DCD790D2 : Best Lightweight Drill

Dewalt DCD790D2

The Dewalt DCD790D2 standard drill is almost like other Dewalt driver counterparts. It can work in tight work spots. Owing to its lightweight less fatigue is experienced by the customers. It can work well on almost all materials easily.

The tool can also be used for both DIY and professional purposes. In this, you will get the dual speed setting. The best thing is that you will get an additional Li-ion battery of 20 Volt, which is found in almost all Dewalt driver series. 

PROS

  • Sturdy built and lightweight
  • Dual-speed variable control for transmission of high speed
  • Compact design

CONS

  • It has no LED light and so, it cannot appropriate for using in darker work spots
  • It takes a long time to charge due to the battery's poor power retention capacity 
Check Price at Amazon

8. Black Decker GC018-2

Black Decker GC018-2

The Black Decker cordless drill series is not a lot different from other cordless drills. The tool comes with 24 different position clutches. The drill handle has a soft grip which reduces fatigue, allowing you to work longer. One can use the button that helps in switching the driver to variable speeds. Plus, both reverse and forward functions are available in this product.

The drill features a keyless chuck and its 18 Volt Li-ion battery ensures good drilling performance and it comes with plastic blister packaging that makes it easy to carry anywhere. It has also a dual-speed module accompanied by one pair of batteries. 

PROS

  • Lightweight
  • Compact design
  • Soft grip
  • Accompanied by two batteries
  • Workable in tight spots

CONS

  • Poor battery backup
  • One cannot drill a wood piece of more than 3-inch width
Check Price at Amazon

9. Craftsman 20V Driver Drill

Craftsman 20V Driver Drill

The Craftsman 20V Driver Drill is another amazing and best performing cordless drilling machine of 20 Volt with precise results. Anyone would prefer possessing it because of its ergonomic design. It is lightweight compared to the above-mentioned drills.

One can easily drill through metal, plastic, and wood with ease by using this drill. The battery backup is also better than most of the other woodworking drilling machines. It provides comfortable handling and features an LED light setup with 21 torque settings and 20 V Lithium-ion batteries. 

PROS

  • Has keyless chuck
  • Dual-speed setting with variable speed control
  • It can cut through metals, plastic, and wood
  • Durable battery life
  • It includes 6 screwdrivers, 6 twist bit, and one extension rod

CONS

  • Drilling quality is not so good
  • It requires frequent charging
Check Price at Amazon

10. Hitachi DB3DL2 Power Cordless

Hitachi DB3DL2 Power Cordless

As you know that HITACHI is a Japanese company and has the best and well-structured drills, Hitachi DB3DL2 Power Cordless is a lightweight cum powerful tool. So, it would be best for those who wish to undertake lighter tasks.

It consists of a Li-ion battery which helps in fast charging and features durability. You also get LED light which is a truly great addition to any power tool. Overall, this drill can be considered as a lifelong tool for woodworking. 

PROS

  • You get a two-year warranty period
  • It can easily be adjusted in your pocket or you can say that it is a pocket-sized drill
  • A handy tool for small fixing jobs
  • A perfect DIY project tool
  • It has a forward/reverse switchable handle 

CONS

  • Fit for light tasks only
  • It is not a cordless drill 
Check Price at Amazon

Buyer's Guide: Things to Consider While Choosing a Drill

Since we have added only the high-end trending drills of 2021, it might be hard for you to decide which one to buy. So, we have compiled some basic factors that you must consider while choosing a drill out of the many: 

Drill Types

Cordless: This type of drill is handy and is basically used for domestic purposes. Cordless drills are powered by a rechargeable Lithium-ion battery (generally), which is fitted at the base of the drill handle. This keeps the drill well-balanced in your grip while in use. The best thing about the wireless drill is you can take it to any corner, anytime; free from the hassle and worry of finding a power outlet.

Corded: This type of drill was more prevalent in the past decades. However, it is still available in the market. If you have a personal workshop you can buy the corded drill. However, make sure that the power outlet to plug the drill cord is closer to your work table. Moreover, the corded drills have an unmatched power level compared to the cordless drills. Though the recent editions of the cordless tools have become successful in bridging this power gap, it is yet to match the corded ones. Again, a corded drill will eliminate your worry of running out of battery power as in case of the cordless ones. If this is what your requirement is, then go for a percussion or rotary drill as both fall into the corded drill category.
 

Variable Clutch or Torque Control Setting

See if your selected drill has a torque adjusting dial with wider scale setting. The torque is the driving force to withstand the resistance, thereby screwing the nail to an accurate depth. You simply have to set the torque limit through the dial and it will drive the screw to the desired depth. However, excess torque can lead to loss of accuracy and control, thereby damaging the work surface.

Keyless Chuck

The chuck holds the drill or screw bit at the front of the tool. Keyless chuck makes the bit fitting task easier and quicker, without requiring to fix the bit to the chuck with any added tool. 

Forward and reverse function

Most drills come with forward function only. However, some drill drivers feature both forward and reverse functions that let you drive the screw and unscrew the nail, as required, at a single swap of the switch. It is comparatively better to buy a drill with reverse mode available in it. 

Ergonomic Design and Weight

Make sure your chosen drill allows a comfortable grip during its applications. This will reduce fatigue feeling and let you hold the drill longer to conduct multiple tasks at a go. Also, check the tool weight; maximum weight from the battery fitted to the drill base (if it is a cordless one). However, this maximum range is below the level of fatigue and so it is considerable.

Trigger-based LED

Sometimes you are required to work in a dark corner or dull work spots. In such cases, a trigger-based LED plays a vital role in lighting up as the speed trigger is hauled. The LED light will turn off automatically after some seconds of releasing the speed trigger. Overall, it is a handy feature to check on. 

Battery

Chargers, batteries, and cords are the three important accessories based on the type of drill you prefer; corded or cordless. In case of the cordless drill, either a Li-ion or Ni-Cd battery is used. However, the former is much preferable for its longevity. Also, it is always better to depend on a battery and charger type, and cord (for a corded tool) that has the least chances of getting obsolete soon.

Budget

Now comes the price factor of how much you should spend on a drill. Remember, the higher you pay, the better you get. With an increasing budget, the functionalities will increase and vice versa. There is no denying that for a professional woodcrafter/DIY hobbyist, the budget range will greatly differ.

Safety

Make sure to exercise caution while using any type of drill model; be it a corded or cordless one. Check out the product manual to learn the safety application of the tool while drilling. Use the drill accessories only when it is required and using safety glass, ear-plugs, face mask and other health equipment is a must.

We thought of adding this point under the buyer's guide as it will be helpful for the beginners. However, we recommend the professionals to follow the same.

FAQs

Is it better to purchase a heavy-duty hammer drill for multi-drilling tasks?

Heavy-duty hammer is preferred at first place because of its high reliability to carry out almost every drilling requirement. However, like any other power drill, it too has its own drawback; being a heavy weight tool, it becomes a little difficult to continue using it for longer. Plus, this drill is a little clumsy when it comes to drilling small holes, and the chuck may be too wide to hold smaller bits (most can hold bits up to the size of 1.5 mm).

Which one is a better deal: ‘Made In China’ or ‘Made In Germany’?

There is a common perception among people that any electronic product from Japan or German manufacturer is the best. However, there is another group of people who expect the same quality but a lower price and so, they go for China, Malaysia, Mexico, and others-made products. In such cases, it is important to focus on the fact that whether the manufacturer owns the production house or not. If they do, then you are going to get the best quality product as they have better control over the production techniques and quality of materials used. On the contrary, the manufacturers sometimes apply the same production procedure in their factories located in different areas, but tend to produce the highest quality goods only in the most luxurious location.

How to make sure not to overload my drill?

To prevent overloading of the drill, it is a must to decrease the cutting load on the drill. This is how you can do that: 

  • Use 1 or more pilot drills followed by using lubricants for cutting and cooling
  • It is preferable to use high quality, honed accessories
  • Reduce the drilling speed or switch it to low gear
  • Then let the drill do its tasks at a natural force without applying an added external force manually
  • Finally, clean the wood swarf from drill chuck after every use 
 

My drill is functioning improperly, what should I do?

If your drill is still running within its warranty period and any issue occurs, take it straight to the dedicated retailer and get it either replaced or repaired for free. However, if your product is now running out of warranty, then repair it through local paid servicing. Considering the latter case, most users find it better to buy a newer drill instead of repairing it at a higher cost. 

Conclusion

Now that you know all about the considerable factors of a drill, we hope that you will get your coveted drilling tool from the above list itself without wandering further somewhere.

If you are still doubtful about which one to stick to, here are top 3 recommendations:

  • Bosch 12V ⅜ inch Drill

    This cordless product is comparatively best out of all in the light for its lightweight and durable battery life. Plus, it features LED light and is fit for tighter work spots as well.

  • Black & Decker 12V Cordless Drill

    If you are a DIY enthusiast, then it is better to go for an affordable product and this is it.

  • DeWalt DCD701F2

    If you want a handy cordless drill for light woodworking projects and pause-less power supply, then this is it. The dual battery feature lets you work through one battery power, while the other is on standby mode.

Written by Bill Baum · Categorized: Power Tools, Woodworking

Comments

  1. erotik says

    November 16, 2020 at 11:05 am

    Pretty! This has been a really wonderfuul post. Thank you for supplying this info. Barbra Yorgo Dalury

    Reply

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