Perhaps the best DeWalt cordless drill is the Atomic 20-Volt MAX, which represents the mid-tier of the company’s collection of power drills. Its 340-UWO rating is powerful enough to turn its ½-inch chuck up to 1,650 rpm. Those impressive numbers are in part due to a two-speed brushless motor and 20-volt MAX lithium-ion battery. The drill is noticeably longer and heavier than DeWalt’s premium cordless drills at 8.5 inches long with a total weight of 3.6 pounds. This bulkier size makes it a bit more cumbersome to use for long periods and can limit the drill’s ability to fit into tight spaces.
More specialty bits for bolts or star-shaped screws are also included. DEWALT’s bundle comes with a battery and charger for its drill, and more critically, a carrying case that can hold the power tool and all of its accessories. This is a one-click solution for anyone starting their DIY journey, or who wants to upgrade from an older drill or screwdriver. The DCD771C2 is another exceptional drill that gets the job done, even if it can’t quite match the overall performance of the top tools.
Drill/Driver Kit features a drill with a brushless motor for efficient power and outstanding runtime. This compact tool is handy for overhead applications, while delivering pro dependability on the jobsite. The brushless motor delivers longer runtime and lifetime compared to brushed dewalt circular saw models. The drill has 20 clutch settings, to match the force to the task at hand. The drill also features variable speed, which controls operating speed for precise tool performance. Also included in the kit are a 2.0 Ah battery, an 18V charger, a belt clip and a carrying bag.
I’ll specifically be looking at cordless drills with brushed motors. It features a housing that’s covered almost entirely in an ergonomic grip, and it has a long trigger that covers nearly half the tool’s front. This design makes it easier to operate in cramped quarters by allowing the user to grip the drill from various angles while still being dewalt circular saw able to engage the trigger. Despite its compact size, DeWalt’s angle drill can reach impressive speeds of up to 2,000 rpm. Other useful features include an extra bright LED work light that provides ample lighting when working in darker crevices. As with many tool manufacturers, DeWalt’s drills come in both brushed and brushless motors.
Based on the specs, this cordless drill lands somewhere in the middle. It’s aptly powered for DIY purposes but not so powerful that it’s married to a cumbersome set of internals that limit it to specialty uses. When I consider what the best drill is in any lineup, I immediately gravitate toward the highest performing. For DeWalt, the best 20V cordless drill is the DCD999 FlexVolt Advantage hammer drill.