Shelves, Flat-Packs and Pilot Holes: Best Cordless Drill Kits, 12V to Brushless

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The best cordless drill for most homes isn’t the most powerful one. It’s the drill that drives a cabinet screw without stripping it, fits between joists under a sink, and still has a charged battery when you need it. For hanging shelves, building flat-pack furniture and the odd pilot hole, a compact drill driver with a clutch, two speeds and an LED covers almost everything.

We compared six drill drivers and kits from DEWALT, BLACK+DECKER, CRAFTSMAN and WORX using their Amazon listings: voltage, brushless or not, clutch settings, chuck size, what’s in the box and listed weight. Where a listing leaves out a number, such as torque, chuck size or warranty, we say so rather than guess. Every pick was sold by Amazon.com and listed in stock when we checked.

Our Top Cordless Drill Picks at a Glance

Price key: $ under $50 · $$ $50–$100 · $$$ $100–$175 · $$$$ $175+. Prices change often; check Amazon for today’s price.

1. DEWALT 20V MAX DCD771C2 Drill Driver Kit: Best Overall

DEWALT’s DCD771C2 is a 20V MAX drill driver sold as a kit with battery and charger. It is the kind of drill a lot of homeowners already recognize: yellow and black, a pistol grip, and a chuck big enough for most bits sold at the hardware store. DEWALT describes a lightweight design that fits into tight areas, such as inside cabinets or between wall studs.

Day to day, the two-speed transmission does most of the thinking. The low range, 0 to 450 rpm, is the one for driving screws, where control matters more than speed. The high range, up to 1,500 rpm, is for drilling holes in wood, drywall or thin metal. DEWALT says the motor delivers 300 unit watts out, which it uses as its measure of power.

The 1/2-inch single sleeve ratcheting chuck is listed as providing tight bit gripping strength, and it takes larger shank bits than a 3/8-inch chuck. DEWALT also points to an ergonomic handle for comfort and control. The listing does not spell out how many clutch settings the drill has, whether it has a work light, or the motor type, so check the manual if those matter to you.

It suits a first-time homeowner or renter who wants one dependable drill for hanging shelves, assembling furniture, swapping cabinet hardware and small repairs, and who may add more DEWALT 20V MAX tools later. The warranty field reads 3 Year Limited Warranty.

Why we like it

• 1/2-inch ratcheting chuck
• Two-speed gearbox
• Top seller in its category here

Watch out for

The feature bullets skip clutch settings and a work light, and the title says “Battery” without giving a count.

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2. DEWALT 20V MAX DCD777D1 Brushless Drill Driver Set: Best Brushless

DEWALT’s DCD777D1 is a 20V MAX drill driver with a brushless motor, sold as a set with a battery and charger. DEWALT says the brushless motor delivers more run time over brushed, which is the main reason to choose brushless: more holes and screws per charge from the same battery.

The listing pairs that motor with a lightweight design meant to fit into tight areas and an ergonomic comfort grip handle that DEWALT says provides ideal balance and tool control. Balance matters on a drill more than most people expect. When you are driving screws overhead into a ceiling joist, or holding the drill out at arm’s length inside a closet, a tool that sits well in the hand is less tiring.

Its LED light has a 20-second trigger release delay, so the light stays on briefly after you let go of the trigger. That helps when you are lining up the next screw in a dark cabinet or under a stair. The listing bullets are short and do not give the chuck size, speeds, clutch count or torque, so read the box or DEWALT’s product page before buying if you need a specific number.

It suits people who build a lot, from a garage full of shelving to a deck of flat-pack wardrobes, and who want the run-time benefit DEWALT attributes to brushless motors. DEWALT lists a 3 Year Limited Warranty in both the feature bullets and the warranty field.

Why we like it

• Brushless motor for run time
• Delayed-off LED
• 3-year limited warranty

Watch out for

The listing leaves out chuck size, speeds and clutch settings, and the listed weight is the highest here.

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3. BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX BCD702C1 Drill Kit: Best Budget 20V

BLACK+DECKER’s BCD702C1 is a 20V MAX cordless drill driver kit with a lithium-ion battery, a charger and a double ended bit. It is part of the brand’s 20V MAX system, and the listing explains the number honestly: 20 volts is the maximum initial battery voltage measured without workload, and nominal voltage is 18 volts.

For everyday jobs, the feature that matters most is the 11-position clutch. BLACK+DECKER says it helps prevent stripping screws, and that is exactly what a beginner needs when driving small screws into soft particleboard furniture or plastic wall anchors. Start at a low setting, and turn it up only if the screw stops short.

An integrated LED lights up the spot you are drilling, and a built-in driver bit holder keeps the double ended bit on the tool so it doesn’t vanish into a drawer. The listing names the exact parts in the box: the BCD702 drill driver, an LBXR20 battery and an LCS1620 charger. It does not state the chuck size, speeds, torque, weight or warranty term.

It suits apartment dwellers, students and first-time homeowners who want a real 20V drill for hanging pictures and curtain rods, assembling furniture and tightening hinges, and who would rather spend the difference on a good bit set.

Why we like it

• 11-position clutch
• On-tool bit storage
• Clear explanation of 20V vs 18V

Watch out for

The warranty and weight fields are empty, and the listing gives no chuck size or speed range.

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4. BLACK+DECKER 12V MAX BDCDD12C Drill/Driver: Best Compact 12V

BLACK+DECKER’s BDCDD12C is a 12V MAX cordless drill driver that comes with a battery and charger. It sits a step below the 20V tools in size and voltage, and BLACK+DECKER describes it as compact and lightweight, designed to fit into tight spaces.

In practice, a 12V drill is the one people reach for most often around the house because it is easy to grab and easy to hold. It handles picture hooks, curtain rod brackets, cabinet pulls, outlet cover plates and flat-pack furniture well. Long holes through thick lumber or big spade bits are a better job for a 20V drill.

The listing names four features: a keyless chuck for quick and easy bit changes, an 11 position clutch for precision control, the compact and lightweight build, and an LED work light that illuminates the surface when drilling in dark places. The specs list its weight at 2.8 pounds and its size at 9.38 by 2.75 by 8.13 inches. The listing does not give the chuck size, speeds or torque.

It suits smaller users, older relatives who find heavier drills tiring, renters with only light jobs, and anyone who wants a second drill to keep in a kitchen drawer for quick fixes. The warranty field reads 2 year limited warranty.

Why we like it

• Light and compact
• Keyless chuck
• Two-year limited warranty field

Watch out for

It ranks lowest here, and the listing gives no chuck size, speed or torque figures.

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5. CRAFTSMAN V20 MAX Drill and Impact Driver Kit (CMCK200C2): Best Drill + Impact Combo

CRAFTSMAN’s CMCK200C2 is a two-tool combo kit: a CMCD700 drill driver and a CMCF800 impact driver, two V20 20V MAX lithium-ion batteries, a charger and a storage bag. It is built for people who would rather not swap bits between drilling a pilot hole and driving the screw.

The drill handles holes and lighter screws. CRAFTSMAN says its motor provides 280 unit watts out of power and that the 2 speed gearbox runs from 0 to 350 RPM and 0 to 1,500 RPM. The impact driver takes over for long, stubborn fasteners like deck screws and lag bolts, with CRAFTSMAN listing 1,460 in-lbs of max torque at 2,800 RPM and 3,100 bpm. It has a drop and load one handed bit change.

Both tools have an LED light, and CRAFTSMAN describes compact, contoured over-molded handles meant to make working in tight spaces easier. The kit includes a PH #2 bit and a double sided bit. A feature bullet states the power tool set comes with a 3 Year Limited Warranty, although the separate warranty field on the listing is blank.

It suits homeowners who build shelving, fix fences or put together big outdoor projects, and couples who want two tools running at once. Two batteries in the box also mean one can charge while the other works.

Why we like it

• Drill plus impact driver
• Two batteries included
• LED on both tools

Watch out for

Weight, chuck size and clutch settings aren’t listed, and the warranty term appears only in a bullet.

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6. WORX 20V Drill Driver 84-Piece Kit (WX100L.2): Best Kit for Beginners

WORX’s WX100L.2 is a 20V cordless drill driver bundled with an 84-piece accessory kit. Besides drill and driver bits, WORX says the kit includes essential hand tools such as a hammer, tape measure, screwdriver, adjustable wrench and utility knife, so one box covers most of a starter toolbox.

WORX pitches it for furniture assembly, picture hanging, drywall drilling and driving, home repairs and DIY projects. It lists a max torque of 265 in-lbs from all-metal gearing, and two speed ranges, 0 to 400 RPM and 0 to 1,600 RPM. The 20+1 clutch settings let you dial back power to avoid overdriving or stripping screws, and there is a reverse for backing fasteners out.

WORX says the drill is only 6.8 inches long and weighs 2.54 pounds with the battery, which helps on overhead work and long assembly sessions. It has an LED light, a rubber overmold grip and a 3/8-inch keyless chuck that accepts standard bits. The battery is part of the WORX Power Share platform, which WORX says runs 140+ tools and products. The box also holds a belt clip, a carry bag, a 2.0Ah battery and a charger.

It suits first apartments, new homeowners, college students and gift buyers who want a drill and the hand tools to go with it. The listing does not state a warranty term.

Why we like it

• Drill plus 84 accessories
• Very light at 2.54 lb
• 20+1 clutch

Watch out for

The warranty field is empty, and the 3/8-inch chuck limits bit shank size.

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How We Chose the Best Cordless Drills

We compared each drill’s Amazon listing, specs file and sales rank, and quoted only what the listings say:

• Voltage and platform: 12V or 20V, and which battery system it belongs to.
• Motor: brushless only where the listing claims it.
• Control: clutch positions, speed ranges and torque, or flagged as not stated.
• Chuck: 1/2-inch, 3/8-inch or keyless, as listed.
• What’s in the box: batteries, charger, bits, bags and accessory kits.
• Weight, LED and warranty field: exactly as listed, with empty fields called out.
• Availability: every pick was sold by Amazon.com and listed in stock when we checked. We kept to two picks per brand, from different product lines.

Cordless Drill Buying Guide

Best Cordless Drill for Home Use: What Most People Need

Hanging shelves, mounting curtain rods and building furniture are light work. A drill driver with a clutch, two speeds and a work light handles them. The DEWALT DCD771C2 lists a 1/2-inch chuck and two speeds, and the BLACK+DECKER BCD702C1 lists an 11-position clutch and an LED. Find the stud before you drive a screw that has to carry weight; our stud finder guide compares electronic and magnetic types.

Best 20V Cordless Drill vs. 12V

Most of our picks run on 20V platforms: DEWALT 20V MAX, BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX, CRAFTSMAN V20 and WORX Power Share. BLACK+DECKER’s listing notes that “20V MAX” is maximum initial voltage and that nominal voltage is 18 volts. The 12V BLACK+DECKER BDCDD12C is our only 12V pick, aimed at lighter jobs and tight spaces. If you already own batteries from one brand, staying on that platform saves money on later tools.

Brushless vs. Brushed

Only the DEWALT DCD777D1 listing claims a brushless motor, and DEWALT says it “delivers more run time over brushed.” The other listings don’t name a motor type. For occasional jobs around the house, run time is rarely the limit; for long build days it can be.

Best Drill Driver Kit: Torque, Clutch and Chuck

Torque numbers are hard to compare because few listings give them. WORX lists 265 in-lbs for its drill, and CRAFTSMAN lists 1,460 in-lbs for its impact driver, a different tool. The clutch is easier: WORX lists 20+1 settings and both BLACK+DECKER drills list 11. A 1/2-inch chuck, like the DEWALT DCD771C2’s, takes larger shank bits than WORX’s 3/8-inch chuck. Keep the bits and drivers organized in a tool box, and pair the drill with a basic tool set for the jobs a drill can’t do.

Best Lightweight Cordless Drill

Weight is listed unevenly. WORX states 2.54 pounds with battery, the lightest here, and BLACK+DECKER’s 12V is listed at 2.8 pounds. DEWALT’s listed weights, 3.64 and 5.07 pounds, likely include the kit contents. The BLACK+DECKER 20V and CRAFTSMAN combo listings don’t give a weight.

Best Drill for Beginners

A beginner benefits most from a clutch and a light tool. The WORX kit adds 84 accessories, including a hammer and tape measure, and the BLACK+DECKER BCD702C1 keeps its bit on the tool. Start screws on a low clutch setting and turn it up only as needed.

Drilling Safely: Eyes, Hidden Wires and Batteries

• Protect your eyes. The American Academy of Ophthalmology warns that power tools can send wood chips and other debris flying, and says wearing protective eyewear can cut the risk of eye injury by 90 percent.
• Check for wires and pipes before you drill. A stud finder with AC detection helps, but it isn’t proof. DEWALT’s DW0100 stud sensor manual says its live wire indicator “should not be solely relied upon,” that shielded wires or wires in metal conduit may not be detected, and that the sensor is not designed to find plastic pipes. Turn off power at the breaker when working near wiring.
• Charge lithium-ion batteries with care. The U.S. Fire Administration says not to charge them below 32°F or above 105°F, which matters in an unheated Ohio garage, to store spares away from anything that can burn, and to stop using a battery that smells, swells, leaks or gets too hot.
• Ask your agent about tools and DIY damage. Whether a stolen drill kit or a nicked pipe is covered depends on your policy. Our Ohio homeowners insurance guide and renters insurance guide explain the basics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best cordless drill for most homeowners?

The DEWALT DCD771C2 is our overall pick. It has the best sales rank here (#2 in Drill Drivers), a listed 1/2-inch ratcheting chuck, two speeds (0-450 and 1,500 rpm) and a warranty field reading 3 Year Limited Warranty.

Is a 20V or 12V cordless drill better for home use?

A 20V drill handles more, from larger holes to longer screws, while a 12V drill like the BLACK+DECKER BDCDD12C is lighter and suits small jobs. Most households are well served by a compact 20V drill driver.

Do I need a brushless drill?

Not for occasional jobs. DEWALT says the brushless motor in its DCD777D1 delivers more run time over brushed, which helps on long projects. It is the only pick here whose listing claims a brushless motor.

What is the best drill for beginners?

The WORX WX100L.2 kit pairs a 2.54-pound drill with 20+1 clutch settings and an 84-piece accessory kit. The BLACK+DECKER BCD702C1 is a lower-cost alternative with an 11-position clutch.

Should I buy a drill and impact driver combo?

If you drive many long screws, for decks, fences or garage shelving, yes. The CRAFTSMAN CMCK200C2 kit includes both tools and two batteries, with the impact driver listed at 1,460 in-lbs of max torque.

The Bottom Line

The DEWALT DCD771C2 is the best cordless drill for most homes: the top seller here, with a 1/2-inch chuck, two speeds and a 3-year limited warranty field. The DEWALT DCD777D1 adds a brushless motor for longer sessions, the BLACK+DECKER BCD702C1 is the budget 20V choice, and the BLACK+DECKER 12V suits light jobs. For long screws, the CRAFTSMAN combo adds an impact driver and a second battery, and the WORX kit gives beginners a drill plus 84 accessories.

Building out a garage full of tools? Call Jeff Smith’s State Farm office at (740) 354-7747 or schedule a free coverage review and ask your agent how your policy treats tools and DIY mishaps.