Drills — Types, Comparisons, and Buying Guides

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Drills bore holes and drive fasteners. The category splits into cordless drill/drivers for general use, hammer drills for concrete and masonry, right-angle drills for tight spaces, and corded drills for stationary workshop tasks. Most people start with a cordless drill/driver and add specialized types as projects demand them.

Types of Drills

Hammer Drills

Combines rotation with a hammering action to drill into concrete, masonry, and brick. Heavier and louder than a standard drill, but the only cordless option that punches through hard mineral surfaces without a rotary hammer.

Compare Hammer Drills

Corded Drills

Unlimited runtime and consistent power output. No batteries to charge or replace. Best for workshop use, stationary projects, and long drilling sessions where you have access to an outlet.

Compare Corded Drills

Right-Angle Drills

Built for tight spaces between studs, joists, and in plumbing/electrical work. The angled head puts the chuck at 90 degrees to the motor, letting you drill where a straight drill physically cannot fit.

Compare Right-Angle Drills

Drill/Drivers

The standard cordless drill for everyday drilling and fastening. Adjustable clutch, two-speed transmission, and enough torque for most residential and light commercial work. This is the drill most people buy first.

Compare Drill/Drivers

Impact Drivers

Drives screws and bolts with rotational force plus concussive blows. Lighter and more compact than a drill/driver, with higher torque output. The go-to tool for deck screws, lag bolts, and any fastening job that fights back.

Compare Impact Drivers

Top Brands

DeWalt 20V MAX
Milwaukee M18 (18V)
Makita 18V LXT
Ryobi ONE+ (18V)
Bosch 18V
Craftsman V20 (20V)
Ridgid 18V Octane
Kobalt 24V MAX

Popular Comparisons

Educational Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of drills are available?

We cover Hammer Drills, Corded Drills, Right-Angle Drills, Drill/Drivers, Impact Drivers. Each type handles different work. Browse the sections below to find what fits your projects.

Which brands make the best drills?

DeWalt, Milwaukee, Makita, and Bosch rank high in aggregated user reviews for durability and output. Ryobi and Craftsman hit lower price points and work well for people who use their tools a few times a month.

Should I buy brushless or brushed?

Brushless motors run cooler, last longer, and squeeze more runtime out of the same battery. They cost more upfront but pay for themselves in reduced maintenance. If you use your tools weekly or more, go brushless. For occasional weekend use, brushed is fine.

How does FriendsWithTools review products?

We pull specs from manufacturer data sheets, cross-check pricing at Amazon, Home Depot, and Lowe's, and read through real user reviews. We do not test tools in a lab. All claims link back to their source.

How we work: specs come from manufacturer data sheets, prices from Amazon, Home Depot, and Lowe's, and feedback from real user reviews on those platforms and construction forums. We do not run a test lab. Read more about our process.