Black Friday 2026 Cordless Drills: What to Check Before You Buy

Before buying a cordless drill, check whether the battery and charger are included, then look at voltage, chuck type and the clutch. A drill/driver that fits your usual jobs, such as furniture assembly, deck screws or small holes in wood, is a better choice than the most powerful one. More in the tools department.

Drill, driver or both

A drill/driver does two things: it drills holes and drives screws. That is the usual choice for home use. A hammer drill adds a pounding action for masonry, and an impact driver is built for driving fasteners with extra force.

Read the exact title. Some listings sell a bare tool, while others include a battery, a charger and a case.

Voltage, battery and runtime

Voltage is a rough guide to power. Compact 12 volt tools are lighter and good for light work. 18 or 20 volt models handle tougher jobs and bigger bits. Amp-hours (Ah) show battery capacity, so a higher figure usually means longer runtime between charges.

Battery systems are often shared across a maker’s lineup. If you already own batteries from a brand, matching it lets you share them with other tools.

Cordless Drills to compare

Check whether a battery and charger come in the box, since some listings are bare tools. The links below sort drills by brand.

Shop cordless Drills→

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• Drill driverBrowse →
• Hammer drillBrowse →
• 12VBrowse →
• 18VBrowse →
• 20VBrowse →
• Right angleBrowse →

Chuck, clutch and speed settings

Most modern drills have a keyless chuck, which tightens by hand. A half-inch chuck accepts larger bits than a three-eighths inch one. Look at the clutch, a ring with numbered settings that stops the motor at a chosen torque so screws do not sink too deep.

Two speed ranges are common. Low speed gives more torque for driving screws, and high speed is better for drilling.

Brushless or brushed motors

Brushless motors waste less energy, run cooler and often last longer on a charge. Brushed motors are simpler and usually found on entry-level tools. If you plan to use a drill often, a brushless model is worth considering.

Comfort and extras

Pick up the tool if you can, or read the weight and balance in the listing. A built-in LED light helps in dim corners. A belt clip, a bit holder and a magnetic tray are small touches that make daily use easier. Look at how the battery sits on the handle, since a heavy pack at the base improves balance.

What is in the box

Compare kits carefully. Some include two batteries, a fast charger, a carrying bag and a set of bits. Others include only a single battery. A second battery lets you work while one charges.

Bits and everyday jobs

A drill is only as useful as its bits. Twist bits suit wood and metal, spade and auger bits bore larger holes in wood, and masonry bits are needed for brick or concrete (with a hammer drill setting for best results). Screwdriving bits come in Phillips, square and star shapes. A small set that covers these shapes handles most household tasks, and you can add specialty bits later.

Drilling into brick and concrete

A standard drill/driver handles wood, metal and drywall. For brick, block or concrete, a hammer drill adds a rapid pounding action that helps a masonry bit cut into the surface. Many cordless kits offer a hammer drill version of the same model. Use the hammer setting only on masonry, wear eye protection, and pull the bit out now and then to clear dust from the hole.

Buying online

On marketplace listings, look for photos of the actual drill, with the battery and charger shown together. Confirm the model number, which tells you the voltage and whether the tool is a drill, hammer drill or driver. Read the listed contents to see whether the battery is included.

If sold as new, check for sealed packaging. For used tools, ask about wear on the chuck, how well the battery holds a charge and any drops. Review the seller’s feedback and return policy.