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Cordless drills aren’t just for DIY and construction; they can also be indispensable for gardeners and landscapers. When doing tasks around your garden, you’ll need a high-quality grill more often than you think. Whether you’re assembling a garden trellis or constructing a raised bed, cordless tools have become essential for top-notch garden care.
Plus, they don’t have the mobility restriction of corded models. You can move around your garden and check things off your to-do list uninterrupted. If that sounds like a tool you want to add to your tool kit, you’re at the right place.
Best Buy Cordless Drills
Here are the reviews, technical specifications, pros, and cons of the best cordless drills in the UK.
Makita DHP482 excels in professional settings, providing power and precision for demanding tasks with its high-quality construction.
Bosch Universal Impact 18V is the ideal day-to-day drill, offering reliability and versatility for various household applications with ease.
DEWALT XR stands out for power, featuring brushless technology for efficient drilling in tough materials, making it the top choice for heavy-duty tasks.
Wickes 18V offers budget-friendly performance, providing a versatile cordless drill for essential tasks without compromising on quality.
GTech Combi Drill Bundle combines style and functionality, offering a sleek design alongside reliable performance for a satisfying drilling experience.
Types of Cordless Drills
Cordless drills have many specialised types catering to different vegetable garden care tasks.
- Cordless Drill/Driver: These drills come in handy when you need to drill holes for planting, assembling garden furniture, and other similar tasks. They're powerful, precise, and, most importantly, versatile.
- Cordless Impact Driver: Cordless impact drivers have a higher torque and prevent cam-out. They're the ideal pick to assemble garden structures with minimal effort.
- Cordless Hammer Drill: Those who need to dig holes in compacted soil or break through concrete can benefit from the power of cordless hammer drills. They combine rotary drilling with hammering actions for better efficiency.
- Cordless Auger Drill: These specialised drills can help with planting tasks like digging holes for bulbs and trees. They're equipped with auger bits to simplify the process.
Benefits of Cordless Drills Over Corded
There are endless reasons why you should ditch your old corded drill for a new cordless one. First, you won’t be limited to a power outlet, which is scarcely available in garden spaces. With extra mobility, you can easily tackle tasks like landscaping, planting, and fence assembly.
Plus, cordless models are lighter and easier to manoeuvre. You won’t be fatigued after a long gardening session, especially since they’re less noisy. They run on robust lithium-ion batteries, so you won’t have to compromise on power either.
Our Cordless Drill Testing Methodology
At British Green Thumb, we’ve dedicated ourselves to rigorously testing a wide array of cordless drills, ensuring that our recommendations are based on real-world performance and reliability. Our approach to evaluating these essential power tools is both comprehensive and meticulous, tailored to the needs of our audience.
Criteria for Our Cordless Drill Reviews
Our evaluation of each cordless drill is grounded in several key criteria, with each aspect weighted equally to provide a balanced and thorough assessment:
- Ease of Use: We focus on the user experience, examining the battery longevity, the intuitiveness of the controls, the ease of switching between drill modes, and the simplicity of changing drill bits. Our goal is to determine how user-friendly each model is, especially for prolonged projects.
- Comfort: The ergonomics of a cordless drill are critical for extended use. We assess the balance and handling of each drill, considering the overall weight with the battery installed and the quality of materials used in the handle. This ensures that the drills we recommend are comfortable to use, even during lengthy tasks.
- Performance: Our performance evaluation centres on the drill’s capabilities, including its speed, torque, and, where applicable, the impacts per minute in hammer mode. We also test each drill’s ability to handle a variety of materials, ensuring versatility and effectiveness.
- Value for Money: In this criterion, we look at the overall package offered. This includes whether batteries and a charger are included, the availability of a carry case or accessory kit, and if the batteries are compatible with other tools from the same brand. Our aim is to recommend drills that provide the best balance of quality, functionality, and cost.
Through this detailed testing methodology, British Green Thumb aims to guide you to the best cordless drill for your DIY and professional needs, ensuring that you get the most value and performance for your investment.
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The Best Cordless Drills in 2024
Discover the pinnacle of cordless drills in 2024, offering power and versatility for your DIY projects, making every task a breeze with the best in hand.
01
Best Professional Cordless Drill
Makita DHP482
Reasons to Buy
- Delivers exceptional power
- Two large 5.0 Ah batteries
- Battery-shaped accessory kit
- Includes stackable storage box
- Variable speed trigger
Reasons to Avoid
- Somewhat expensive
- Flimsy plastic-sleeved chuck
- A brushed motor is less efficient
If you’re a professional seeking an efficient drill to help you with landscaping and gardening tasks, look no further. The Makita DHP482 will check all your boxes. With its 18V battery and compact design, it offers exceptional power and manoeuvrability for various outdoor projects.
In the garden, you can use the DHP482 to assemble garden furniture, trellises, or wooden planters. With 62 Nm of torque and multiple speed settings, drilling holes is a breeze, no matter the material. Plus, its hammer action can even help you tackle masonry and concrete surfaces when needed.
Why Do We Recommend The Makita DHP482?
The Makita DHP482 boasts incredible specs, including an 18 V battery, two-speed settings, and 62 Nm of torque. It has enough power to deliver both personal and professional use.
Read the full review: Makita DHP482
| No Load Speed | 1900 rpm |
| Voltage | 18 V |
| Weight | 4 lbs |
| Max Impact Rate | 28,500 bpm |
| Dimensions | 198 x 79 x 249 mm |
The Makita DHP482 is suitable for professionals who need assistance with landscaping, woodworking, and maintenance tasks around the garden. It’s versatile enough for a wide range of gardening, drilling, and screw-driving tasks.
02
Best Day-to-Day Cordless Drill
Bosch Universal Impact 18V Combi Drill
Reasons to Buy
- Durable carry case
- Rugged all-metal chuck
- Efficient brushless motor
- Lightweight and compact build
- Ideal for everyday use
Reasons to Avoid
- Somewhat expensive
- Only one 2.0 Ah battery is included
- Noisy operation
For day-to-day tasks, consider a more lightweight and compact tool like the Bosch Universal Impact 18V Combi Drill. Don’t worry; it still delivers incredible power. Running on an 18 V battery, this drill is committed to getting the job done as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Whether you’re building a fence or installing a trellis, you can count on the 20 torque setting to give you complete control. That’s correct; twenty different torque settings! The two-speed gearbox offers even more precision for various materials.
You’ll also be impressed by the drill’s ergonomic build, preventing fatigue during long projects. It features a built-in LED light for better visibility in dimly lit areas. Other features include the keyless chuck and hassle-free bit changes.
Why Do We Recommend The Bosch Universal Impact 18V Combi Drill?
We recommend the Bosch Universal Impact 18V Combi Drill for its powerful 18 V battery, 20 torque settings, 2-speed gearbox, and endless other features. You read that right; this drill is the epitome of power and convenience combined.
Read the full review: Bosch Universal Impact 18V
| No Load Speed | 1,450 rpm |
| Voltage | 18 V |
| Weight | 2.9 lbs |
| Max Impact Rate | 21,750 bpm |
| Dimensions | 195 x 57 x 215 mm |
The Bosch Universal Impact 18V Combi Drill is suitable for professional or casual gardeners and their day-to-day tasks. It’s lightweight and easy to use but powerful enough to deliver when it’s time for a heavy-duty task.
03
Best Power Cordless Drill
DEWALT XR Brushless SDS-Plus Hammer Drill
Reasons to Buy
- Comes with two 2.0 Ah batteries
- Magnetic drill bit holder
- Robust brushless motor
- Includes durable hard case
- Comfortable to use
Reasons to Avoid
- Noisy operation
- Not affordable
If power is your top priority when it comes to tools, don’t overlook the DEWALT XR Brushless SDS-Plus Hammer Drill. Designed with durability and performance in mind, it can be a great addition to your kit.
It especially shines when it comes to tasks like erecting pergolas, digging holes for trees, or installing fencing. It runs on a robust brushless motor, which allows its drill bit to bore through all kinds of materials. Bit changes and retention are even easier with the drill’s SDS-Plus chuck.
You’ll also notice its two-speed setting and hammer mode. Combine that with its 1.4 J impact energy, and you can tackle even the most demanding garden care task.
Why Do We Recommend The DEWALT XR Brushless SDS-Plus Hammer Drill?
The DEWALT XR Brushless SDS-Plus Hammer Drill runs on a powerful motor, delivering 1.4 J of impact energy and versatile settings. We recommend it to anyone who prioritises power above all features in their tools.
Read the full review: DEWALT XR Brushless SDS-Plus
| No Load Speed | 1,100rpm |
| Voltage | 18 V |
| Weight | 6 lbs |
| Max Impact Rate | 4,600 bpm |
| Dimensions | 153 x 40 x 106 mm |
The DEWALT XR Brushless SDS-Plus Hammer Drill is suitable for power-intensive tasks like drilling into concrete, masonry, or brick. Any professional who needs help renovating their garden will benefit from this drill’s exceptional performance.
04
Best Budget Cordless Drill
Wickes 18V Cordless Combi Drill
Reasons to Buy
- Well-balanced and comfortable to use
- Great multipurpose drill
- Affordable price
- Compact build
- Robust construction
Reasons to Avoid
- Takes three hours to charge
- Somewhat heavy
Being on a budget doesn’t mean you have to compromise on the quality of your tools. Even with its pleasantly low price tag, the Wickes 18V Cordless Combi Drill boasts specs like an 18 V battery, 1600 rpm no-load speed, and 25.600 bpm max impact rate.
In simpler words, the Wickes is versatile, powerful, and user-friendly. It simplifies tasks like drilling holes for planting, installing fixtures, or constructing garden sheds. You’ll especially love its two-speed settings that maximise the drill’s flexibility.
Plus, it has a keyless chuck, making bit changes a breeze. You won’t have to worry about fatigue since this ergonomically built tool weighs only 7.2 lbs. Without the restriction of cords, the 15 Ah li-ion batteries give you plenty of time to finish longer garden care tasks.
Why Do We Recommend The Wickes 18V Cordless Combi Drill?
The Wickes 18 V Cordless Combi Drill offers a 21+1+1 torque setting, interchangeable batteries, and so much more for drilling and screw-driving tasks. Even with its exceptional features, you won’t have to empty your pockets for this tool.
Read the full review: Wickes 18 V Cordless Combi Drill
| No Load Speed | 1600 rpm |
| Voltage | 18 V |
| Weight | 7.3 lbs |
| Max Impact Rate | 25,600 bpm |
| Dimensions | Unspecified |
The Wickes 18 V Cordless Combi Drill is suitable for those who need a reliable and budget-friendly tool to assist with their assembling and fastening tasks around their garden. It’s affordable and offers a great balance of features and performance for daily use.
05
Best Design Cordless Drill
GTech Combi Drill Bundle
Reasons to Buy
- Exceptional screwdriver mode
- Wide range of accessories
- Great value for money
- Ergonomic design
- Delivers great power
Reasons to Avoid
- Somewhat bulky
- LED point light turns off quickly
If you’re looking for a user-friendly, ergonomic, and efficient design, the GTech Combi Drill Bundle definitely delivers. The pack includes everything you need to tackle all your drilling and hammering tasks in the garden.
With 21 different torque settings and two-speed settings, users have complete control over the functionality of this drill. It even comes with its own power tool battery and charger, so you won’t have to buy them separately. The selection of drill bits makes it more versatile than most options on the market.
Why Do We Recommend The Combi Drill Bundle?
When it comes to design, the GTech Combi Drill Bundle takes the cake. We recommend it to anyone who values versatility, power, and the convenience of accessories included in one kit.
Read the full review: GTech Combi Drill
| No Load Speed | 1,500 rpm |
| Voltage | 20 V |
| Weight | 3.5 lbs |
| Max Impact Rate | 27,200 bpm |
| Dimensions | 22.5 x 215 x 75 mm |
The GTech Combi Drill Bundle is suitable for those who need a complete cordless drilling package for their garden projects. It’s convenient and can handle a wide variety of yard care tasks.
How to Choose the Right Cordless Drills
Consider these factors when choosing a new cordless drill for your garden.
- Intended Use: If you'll only be working on light tasks, a 12-18 V drill will get the job done. Heavy-duty projects may require a voltage rating of 20 V+.
- Battery Type: Cordless drills run on batteries, so pay attention to that. Lithium-ion batteries are not just powerful but lightweight and compact, too.
- Control and Comfort: It's best if your cordless drill has adjustable speed settings, giving you better control during various garden care tasks. You should also consider the tool's ergonomics, especially if you're planning for extended use.
- Features: Other features to look for in a cordless drill include a keyless check for easy bit changes and a clutch for torque control.
FAQs
Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions about cordless drills.
Cordless drills often come in kits with other accessories like drill bits, chargers, and batteries. But you’ll also find them as standalone tools, which can be more cost-effective if you already have compatible accessories.
That depends on what you intend to do with the drill. Drill drivers are better at drilling holes and driving screws, while hammer drills help with harder surfaces like concrete.
The two gears in a cordless drill are for added versatility. Lower gears offer more torque for driving screws and other similar tasks, while higher gears offer a faster rotational speed to drill holes in softer materials.
The power of a cordless drill should align with your intended use. For general household tasks, a drill with moderate power is sufficient, while heavy-duty projects require more powerful models.
An 18V drill is considered powerful enough for most DIY tasks and some professional applications. It strikes a good balance between power and usability.
The torque of a cordless drill should ideally be around 30-50 Nm for basic tasks, but for more demanding work, look for drills offering 60 Nm or more. Higher torque means better performance in tough materials.
A cordless drill’s power is influenced by its voltage and motor type. Higher voltage and brushless motors typically result in more power and efficiency.
A drill can run continuously for about 15-30 minutes under normal usage. However, this varies greatly depending on the battery capacity and the intensity of the task.
Cordless drills are not always as powerful as corded ones, but advancements in technology have significantly narrowed this gap. For most home and garden tasks, a cordless drill is sufficiently powerful.
A cordless drill can go through brick if it has a hammer function and is equipped with the right drill bit. However, for frequent masonry work, a dedicated hammer drill is recommended.
