Key Features

Cordless drill power is measured in voltage (V) and most drills range from six to 24V. Basically, the higher the voltage, the more drilling power you will have. Lower-voltage drills tend to work well for light jobs and higher-voltage cordless drills are best suited for tougher jobs. Keep in mind, however, that higher-voltage drills often weigh more than lower-voltage models.

Drill amperage typically ranges from three to 10 amps. More amps generally mean increased power, added control and versatility.

The torque relates to the rotation or turning forces. A drill's torque is measured in inch-pounds. A drill with at least 40 inch-pounds of torque can handle most household jobs.

RPM stand for “revolutions per minute” and indicates the maximum drilling speed. Most household jobs can be accomplished at speeds up to 1,200 RPM, while ferrous metals can be drilled at speeds between 300 and 500 RPM.

Stop the chuck at the touch of the trigger for increased safety and precision.

Provides greater control of the drill's torque by letting you adjust the depth to which you drive the screw.

A handle greatly affects the drill control. A mid-handle grip typically provides balance and comfort. 360° side handles, T-handle models and two-finger triggers increase control as well. There are a number of handle styles available, so choose the one that is most comfortable to you. Whatever handle style you choose, however, it should not be an effort to hold the drill and point the drill bit in any direction.

Nearly all drills today feature reversibility, which is a counter-clockwise movement used for removing screws and nuts.

Variable speed operation is an important point to consider because different materials require different speeds for best results. Variable speeds allow you to match appropriate drilling speeds with the materials. In general, softer materials can be drilled at higher speeds (up to 1,300 RPM) for a fast, clean drilling operation. Metals and other hard materials require slower speeds. Ferrous materials should be drilled at speeds between 300 and 500 RPM. Start holes at slower speeds to prevent the walking movement of a drill bit that can often occur at higher speeds.

Drill size is determined by the largest bit shank the chuck accepts. There are three sizes: ⅜", ½" and ¼". The ⅜" size is ideal for most everyday jobs and can handle projects that call for light-to-moderate duties. The ½" accepts larger bits, has a higher torque and is designed for heavy drilling applications. The ¼" is less commonly used, although useful for boring small holes. ⅜" produces a higher RPM and lower torque for quick and powerful drilling ½" is great for extended use in wood, masonry and steel.

Indicates the largest tool that a drill can use and the maximum hole size a drill can make. Common chuck capacities include 0.25", 0.375", 0.5", 0.675". In general, 0.25" and 0.375" are commonly used for most household projects, while 0.5" and 0.675" drills are commonly used for wood, masonry and steel.

Keyed chucks are tightened and loosened with a small hand tool (a chuck key), achieving a tighter and more secure lock on the drill bit than keyless chucks. They also provide greater torque for when you need extra power and are especially advantageous when removing screws. On the other hand, a keyless chuck allows you to secure the drill bit quickly and easily with a twist of the hand. For those who may be prone to losing a key, a keyless chuck would be a sound selection.