All categories
Business & Offices
Electronics & Media
Fashion & Accessories
Groceries & Essentials
Health & Personal Care
Home & Living
Kids & Family
Sports & Outdoors
Search in ZoneOffer
Loading...
Picking the right drill is a lot like choosing the right pair of shoes — uncomfortable mistakes slow you down and the right fit makes every step easier. Whether you're hanging shelves, building a deck, or tackling a day of renovations, a powerful drill will shave hours off a job and save frustration. This guide helps you understand types of drills, what features really matter, and where in the US to buy dependable models without wasting money.
Not every drill does the same job. You can think of drills like different chefs in a kitchen — each specializes in a style of cooking. The main types you'll see in stores are cordless drill/drivers, hammer drills, impact drivers, and right-angle drills. Knowing which one fits your project is the first smart move.
Cordless drills are the go-to for most homeowners and pros. They usually have a 3/8" to 1/2" chuck, adjustable speed settings, and run on batteries from about 12V to 20V and higher. If you want portability and decent torque for drilling into wood, metal, and plastic, a cordless drill is a safe bet.
When you need to drill into brick, stone, or concrete, a hammer drill is the tool for the job. It adds a pounding action to the spinning motion. Look for models with a 1/2" or larger chuck and variable speed control so you can start small and ramp up when necessary.
Impact drivers deliver rotational force in short bursts, which makes driving long fasteners into hardwood or metal feel effortless. They typically accept 1/4" hex bits and are lighter than full-size drills for prolonged use.
Right-angle drills are compact and perfect for working in tight spaces like joists or inside cabinetry. Specialty drills — like magnetic drills for steelwork — exist for unique applications. Think about the spaces you'll be working in before you buy.
Where you buy a drill matters nearly as much as which drill you buy. Some stores excel at selection, others at price, and a few are great for hands-on testing. Below are reliable US retailers that stock powerful drills and accessories.
Home Depot is a solid starting point for both DIYers and professionals. You’ll find a wide selection of cordless and corded drills from brands like DeWalt, Milwaukee, and Makita. In-store pickup and tool demos often let you feel weight and balance before you commit, and many stores carry heavy-duty 1/2" hammer drills and combo kits.
Lowe’s offers a similar brand mix and competitive pricing. Their inventory usually includes cordless kits with spare batteries, which can be a real time-saver on big projects. Lowe’s is also convenient if you want to compare models side-by-side in person.
If your budget leans toward value, Harbor Freight stocks affordable drills and frequent discount bundles. While some hobbyists prefer premium brands, Harbor Freight can be a smart choice for a backup tool or for light-to-medium tasks where one of their tools will do the trick without breaking the bank.
Ace and independent local hardware stores shine on customer service and niche inventory. Staff often know local building habits and can recommend the right bit lengths or special accessories. You might pay a little more, but the hands-on advice is often worth it.
Online marketplaces like Amazon give you unparalleled selection, customer reviews, and price competition. You can find everything from high-end 1/2" brushless drills to budget kits. Watch shipping sizes and battery shipping restrictions, and check verified reviews carefully to avoid counterfeit tools.
Northern Tool and specialty outlets target professionals, offering heavy-duty, metalworking-optimized drills and accessories. If your work involves prolonged drilling into steel or concrete, these stores stock more powerful models and professional-grade combos.
Brands matter because engineering, battery tech, and service networks vary a lot. Think of brand reputation like a warranty on consistency — some names just get it right more often.
DeWalt is known for durability and pro-grade accessories. Their brushless motors and 20V systems are staples on many job sites. You’ll often see DeWalt 1/2" hammer drills and combo kits with spare batteries included.
Milwaukee focuses on power and innovation. Their M18 and M12 battery platforms include high-torque hammer drills and impact drivers built for continuous use. If torque and battery runtime are top priorities, Milwaukee is a go-to.
Makita and Bosch balance ergonomics and performance. Makita shines with compact 18V systems and efficient brushless motors; Bosch often impresses in precision and durability. Both brands produce great hammer and drill-driver options for serious hobbyists and tradespeople.
Ryobi aims squarely at homeowners with affordable tools that work well for most tasks. Ridgid often delivers pro-features with a strong warranty, including lifetime service plans on some models — handy if you want long-term value.
Choosing a drill should feel like matchmaking: weigh power, ergonomics, and the jobs you expect to do. Here’s how to break it down so you don’t buy the wrong tool.
Torque determines how well a drill will drive screws or bore through dense material. Cordless drills list torque often in inch-pounds (in-lbs); for example, a general-purpose drill might show 300–500 in-lbs while heavy-duty models top 1,000 in-lbs. If you're fastening long lag screws or drilling large-diameter holes, higher torque matters.
Battery voltage gives a quick snapshot of capability: popular cordless systems range from 12V to 20V and beyond. Higher voltage typically means more power but also more weight. Look for brushless motors for better efficiency and longer runtime, and pick a spare battery if you’ll work all day — swapping batteries is faster than waiting for a charge.
Most cordless drills have a 3/8" or 1/2" chuck. If you plan to use large bits for heavy drilling, choose a 1/2" chuck. For driving screws and general household tasks, a 3/8" chuck will usually do just fine. Also check if the chuck is keyless for quick bit changes.
Variable speed lets you start slowly for accuracy and ramp up when appropriate. A clutch with multiple settings prevents stripping screws and protects the motor when resistance spikes. For woodworking and fastening, a drill with a multi-position clutch is a must-have.
You'll notice the difference after a few hours of use — lighter drills cause less fatigue. Weight is typically listed in pounds; choose a model under about 6–8 pounds for general use if you plan to work overhead or for extended periods. An ergonomic grip and balanced center of gravity reduce wrist strain.
A drill is only as useful as the bits in your bag. Think beyond the drill and plan for a set of quality bits and accessories to match the jobs you'll tackle.
Twist bits handle wood and metal; spade bits and Forstner bits excel in wood for larger holes, often measured in inches like 1/2", 3/4", or 1". Masonry bits with carbide tips are necessary for concrete and brick. Keep a set of 1/16" to 1/2" twist bits for everyday work, and a few longer bits for deep holes — 6" or 8" lengths are common for plumbing or long-bore tasks.
Impact-rated driver bits are vital if you pair your driver with an impact tool — they resist cam-out and breakage. Countersink bits, hole saws, and right-angle adapters expand capability. Magnetic bit holders and a quality case keep everything organized and quick to access.
Like any machine, drills last longer with routine care. A small maintenance routine protects your investment and keeps performance steady.
Keep vents clear to prevent overheating, wipe down the tool after use to remove dust, and store batteries in a cool, dry spot. Periodically check the chuck for wear and lubricate moving parts lightly if the manual recommends it. If your drill develops a grinding sound, stop and inspect; loose bearings or worn gears need attention before further use.
Always wear eye protection, and clamp workpieces when possible to avoid slippage. Use the correct bit for the material and match the speed to the job — high speed for small twist bits, lower speed for large bits or masonry. If you're drilling overhead, secure ladders and be mindful of the drill’s weight and balance to avoid fatigue-related slips.
Finding the best price is partly about timing and partly about knowing where to look. Retailers run seasonal sales around holidays, but you can also get value through combo kits, rebates, and price matching.
Focus on motor type, battery system, torque ratings, and included accessories. A slightly pricier model with a spare battery and brushless motor can outperform a cheaper kit that leaves you buying batteries later. Use comparison sites to line up specs side-by-side and make an informed choice.
Check manufacturer warranties and in-store service options. Some brands offer multi-year warranties or free battery replacement programs. If you buy from a big-box store, ask about extended protection plans — for professionals who use tools daily, the added coverage can pay off.
Deciding whether to shop online or visit a store depends on how hands-on you want to be before purchase. Online marketplaces give selection and reviews; stores provide touch-and-feel testing and immediate pickup.
Buy online when you know the exact model you want and want to compare reviews, find bundles, or get fast delivery. Online promotions and vendor coupons can drop costs significantly. Just confirm return windows and battery shipping rules if ordering across state lines.
Go in-store when you want to test weight and grip, ask staff about bit compatibility, or need the tool the same day. Stores are also great for hands-on comparisons between models with different chuck sizes and torque ratings.
Buying a powerful drill doesn't have to be stressful. Start by matching the drill type to your projects, prioritize torque and battery life, and pick a reputable retailer that fits your shopping style. Whether you buy from a national chain like Home Depot or Lowe’s, a value-focused seller like Harbor Freight, a specialty shop such as Northern Tool, or online marketplaces, the right combination of features, accessories, and warranty will keep you drilling confidently for years. Treat your drill like a trusted partner — invest wisely, maintain it, and it will return the favor by making projects faster and more enjoyable.
| Drills - Other | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Ridgid 18-volt Drill And Impact Driver Kit | $ 227,- |
