7 Best Drills For Woodworking Reviews [August 2022 Update]

I have had the opportunity to work directly with many woodworkers near my area. Due to  being involved with different types of woodworking projects, I had the chance to test 20+ drill machines till now. I also conducted an in-depth market research.

Finally after doing all these, I come up with some best drills for woodworking that can add value to your projects. I have considered their type, speed options, RPM, torque, grip style, comfort, locking features, reverse mechanism, and many other crucial factors. Let’s get into the main topic without further ado!

Best Drills For Woodworking: Top 3 Picks Recommendation

1. If you are looking for a compact drill machine that can easily fit into hard-to-reach areas, DEWALT DCF885C1 is one of the best choices. Plus, its lightweight design ensures less stress on your hands. The 1,400lbs of torque can provide ample power for a single charge.  

2. Woodworkers who handle a wide range of jobs from rough framing to fine finish work, DEWALT DCK283D2 can show reliable performance. Plus, it takes less time to charge, saving your valuable time. Also, you will appreciate 3 LED lights to prevent unwanted shadow issues.

3. DEWALT DWD210G appears a reliable option if you want additional power to handle heavy-duty jobs. Its variable speed gives you exceptional versatility in handling various tasks. You will also appreciate its 360-degree locking side handle for increased control.

Top Rated Drills For Woodworking Review

The drills I bring here all come with quality so that you won’t have any issues relying on them. All the drills have something unique to them that distinguishes between the drills. You can choose based on the features that suit your needs the best.

1. DEWALT DCF885C1 -Best Impact Driver For Woodworking

When it comes to woodwork, you can hardly get any better drill than this. It’s not just a drill; you can also use it as a driver for screwing in your woodwork projects. So, this is a multipurpose kit that helps you build your perfect woodworking projects.

Quick information about this product:

  • Power Source-Battery Powered
  • Voltage-20 Volts
  • Maximum Chuck Size-‎6.35 Millimeters
  • Weigh-‎2.8 Pounds
  • Maximum Power-300 Watts
  • Torque-‎1400 Inch Pounds
  • Weight       ‎2.8 pounds
  • Compact (5.55 in. front to back)
  • no-load speed 0-2,800
  • impacts/min 0-3,200 IPM
  • 1/4″qr Hex drive

Kit includes: 20V max battery (1.5 Ah), fast charger

Features

  • A great thing about this drill is its lightweight nature. When you are working on wood, you may have to hold the drill for long hours. Holding this one for hours won’t even cause you the slightest discomfort because of the lightweight.
  • With this drill, you will never have a hard time reaching into tight corners. It’s a pretty compact drill that can easily get into tight spaces. This also makes it easy to store and carry around.
  • This indeed meets your needs if you are looking for a power drill. It comes with a lot of torque, so you can easily drill into the wood without any concerns whatsoever. You get the same kind of power for the impact driver as well.
  • The drill and driver combo comes with a 5-Ah battery which gives you great battery backup. It’s enough to provide professional quality performance and power. You can work for long hours without worrying about power cutting off.

Merits

  • It’s very comfortable due to its lightweight
  • The durability is commendable on this
  • It has a compact size to reach tough spots
  • This is a value for money drill without any doubt
  • The battery runtime is pretty impressive

Demerits

  • The power source is US-based. So, if you are not from the US, you will need an electric adapter to use this.
  • It has a hard case rather than a soft bag. This isn’t that big of a deal as you can always get a hard case from the internet.

Why we recommend it?

This is an excellent deal for a professional woodworking drill. And the combo of drill and impact driver just works too well for any woodworker out there.

Check out the drill and driver combo to meet your woodworking needs.

2. BLACK+DECKER LD120VA -Best Cordless Drill For Woodworking

Woodworking becomes so much fun and easy when you have a cordless drill.

No need to worry about any tangling wires or cables. This is one of the best cordless drills you can find out there, especially at an affordable price.

Quick information about this product:

  • Power Source- Cordless
  • Voltage-‎20 Volts
  • Speed-750 RPM
  • Dimensions LxWxH-8.94 x 4 x 7.75 inches
  • Maximum Chuck Size-‎10 Millimeters
  • Weight-4.25 Pounds
  • Maximum Power-1800 Watts
  • Torque-300 Inch Pounds

Kit includes: (1) LB20 20V MAX lithium ion battery, (1) LCS20 charger, (6) brad point drill bits, (10) 1 in. screwdriving bits, (9) 2 in. screwdriving bits, (4) nut drivers, (1) magnetic bit tip holder

Features

  • This comes with great battery life for long hours of use. The lithium-ion batteries on this one can provide you with excellent and reliable performance. You don’t need to worry about the batteries running out anytime soon.
  • It has got 300 lbs of max torque for both drilling and driving screws. You will face no issues with drilling inside wood as the power is more than enough for woodworking project. And removing screws with that torque is also pretty quick.
  • The comfort you get on this drill is very commendable. It’s lightweight and compact, which makes it easy to maneuver. That paired up with an ergonomic handle just makes this one of the most comfortable drills to work with.
  • Along with everything else, this has a reasonable price. The price is so low that it’s a perfect option for any DIYer or hobbyist out there. You will have no complaints with this at the price you are getting the drill machine.

Merits

  • The battery life is awe-inspiring
  • It comes with pretty good max torque
  • The ergonomic design provides excellent comfort
  • It’s a pretty affordable drill to find
  • This one has adjustable clutch settings

Demerits

  • It doesn’t have the most power for heavy-duty drilling. But it still packs enough punch for woodworking projects.
  • This doesn’t come with a drill case or a bag. Well, you can always get a bag or case, so it’s not that of a big deal.

Why we recommend it?

The drill comes from Black & Decker, so reliability is something you surely get out of this drill. Other than that, it’s the perfect drill and impacts driver kit for DIYers and hobbyists, considering the power, price, and features.

Start your woodworking projects right away, with this one in your arsenal.  

3. DEWALT DCK283D2Popular Cordless Drill Combo Kit For Woodworking

While this might not be the most affordable choice out there, it’s undoubtedly a popular one. The fact that it’s a drill and driver combo kit with brushless motors makes it a great power tool for professionals. With rechargeable batteries, you can get a lot out of this tool for woodworking purposes.  

Quick information about this product:

  • Power Source-Battery Powered
  • Voltage-‎20 Volts
  • Dimensions LxWxH-15.06 x 9.25 x 5.38 inches
  • Maximum Chuck Size-6.35 Millimeters
  • Weight-‎9.2 Pounds
  • Maximum Power-300 Watts

Kit includes: (2) DCB203 20V MAX XR Lithium Ion Battery (2.0AH), Charger, (2) Belt Hooks, Contractor Bag.

Features

  • First of all, it has got brushless motors instead of brushed ones. Brushless tools give you better efficiency and runtime than the other kind. So, you can get satisfying performance coming from this powerful tool without any doubt.
  • Both the driver and drill are pretty lightweight. You won’t feel any weight or pressure in your arms while using these. They are also quite compact, which makes it easy for them to reach tough spots.
  • The convenience of this tool reaches to next level with one-handed bit loading. When your hands are full, and you have to load the drill bits with one hand, this one makes it possible. That’s why it’s one of the most convenient cordless drills you can find.
  • This one offers some great power for your drilling and driving purposes. You can rely on this one for some medium to heavy-duty work without any doubt. So, you can use this for a variety of woodworking projects.

Merits

  • This one gives you some decent power
  • The 2-Ah battery charges pretty quickly
  • With the brushless motor, you get better efficiency
  • It’s a lightweight and compact model
  • This is a combo of drill and driver, which works out pretty well

Demerits

  • The placement of the LED light is a bit confusing. But it’s not that big of a deal since you will hardly drill in the dark.
  • It may not be the most powerful drill out there. However, it packs enough power for woodworking projects.

Why we recommend it?

Altogether it’s a complete package for anyone making something out of wood. You can easily do some drilling and also screw pretty easily with this combo kit. It has enough power to drill on any wood piece.

Check this out yourself to find its true worth.

4. BOSCH CLPK22 -Best Budget Drill Combo

When you are out there looking for a drill within a budget, this is the best one you will come across. It’s a drill and driver combo kit that comes at a surprisingly low price. As for the performance, you won’t have to worry about that at all.

Quick information about this product:

  • Weight-2 pounds
  • Style-12V Kit
  • Pattern ‎W/ 24 pc. Screwdriving Set
  • Voltage-12 Volts
  • Battery Cell Type-‎Lithium Ion
  • PS31 0-350 RPM and 0-1, 300 RPM
  • PS41 0-2,600 RPM

Drill kit includes: 12V Max 3/8 inch drill driver (PS31-2A), 12V Max impact driver (PS41-2A), 2 batteries, 30 minute charger and soft carrying case

Features

  • This Bosch 12V drill and driver combo comes with great power. On the drill, you get 265 lbs of torque, and on the driver, it has got 930 lbs of max torque. So, power won’t be a concern for you if your need is woodworking.
  • It’s a perfect combo kit for beginners because it’s easy to use. You can control the drill driver very easily because of the lightweight design. Also, it’s well-balanced to make sure you have comfort while working with this.
  • This one provides you quick bit change feature. You can change your drill bits very quickly and easily on this drill. Also, it’s very much secure, so the bits don’t fall off either.
  • This is the epitome of value for money. It comes with so much value for such a reasonable price. You get power, comfort, convenience, durability, everything in one place, but you don’t have to pay a whole lot to get that. That’s pretty impressive.

Merits

  • This drill driver combo is very much durable
  • It has got excellent power for woodworking
  • The tools are pretty easy to use
  • It’s an absolute value for a money combo kit
  • They are very lightweight and compact

Demerits

  • The tools come in a cloth case. While this may be an issue for some, many people also like this over a bulk hard case.
  • This isn’t suitable for heavy-duty drilling or impact driving. You can still get this for hobby or DIY projects.

Why we recommend it?

This is, without any questions, one of the best cordless drills you can find out there in terms of value. Unless you have unrealistic expectations from power tools, this one is something that will satisfy just about anyone for sure.

Don’t miss out on this one if you are into woodworking.

5. DEWALT DCD740B -Favorite Right Angle Drill For Woodworking

If you have trouble reaching tough corners with your regular drill, you need this right-angle drill. This can help you reach the toughest of corners and drill holes there whenever you need to. It’s the favorite right-angle drill to work with for many woodworkers.

Quick information about this product:

  • Power Source-Wind Powered
  • Voltage-‎20 Volts
  • Speed-‎2000 RPM
  • Maximum Chuck Size-20 Millimeters
  • Maximum Power-‎300 Watts

Included Components: Tool Only

Features

  • You get a wide range of applications from this tool. It comes with two-speed transmission modes that go from 0-650 and 0-2,000 RPM. This variable speed mode opens up a lot of possibilities for the users.
  • This one has access to all the tight spaces you can imagine. The drill is very compact and sleek, so that it can get into places very quickly. And using the right-angle functionality, you can almost drill on any surface you want.
  • The drill chuck is quite impressive on this one over any other drills out there. The locking mechanism works much better than most other drills. You don’t need to put too much effort into locking the drill bits in this one.
  • Something great about this is that it’s very much comfortable. It’s already a lightweight and compact drill. Adding to that comes the ergonomic handle that doesn’t cause any fatigue in your hand whatsoever.

Merits

  • You get reasonable control over the speed transmission mode
  • It can easily access any tight space
  • The drill chuck functionality is pretty smooth
  • It’s super comfortable to use the drill
  • This one is a lightweight and compact drill that’s easy to store

Demerits

  • It doesn’t have the most powerful motor. But then again, you won’t be using this for heavy tasks anyways.
  • This drill serves the purpose of drilling with the right angle. It’s a specialized drill, so it’s supposed to be used for a particular purpose.

Why we recommend it?

Well, this isn’t going to be your main drill for woodworking. But for anyone who has to drill in many tough-to-reach areas, this is like a treasure. It works wonders in those cases.

Can’t reach the spots for drilling? Check this one out to drill any spot.

6. DEWALT DWE1014 -Best Budget Corded Drill For Woodworking

While corded drills aren’t the most modern things, sometimes you can’t just ignore their importance. No matter how convenient cordless drills get, a corded drill will always have more power and unlimited runtime. And this one is a fantastic example of that.

Quick information about this product:

  • Power Source-Corded
  • Voltage-‎120 Volts
  • Speed-2800 RPM
  • Dimensions LxWxH-10.08 x 9.06 x 2.84 inches
  • Maximum Chuck Size-0.38 Inches
  • Weight-3.5 Pounds
  • Maximum Power-300 Watts
  • Amperage-‎7 Amps

Included Components: Tool Only

Features

  • The first thing to look at this one is the power you get from this. It comes with a powerful 7-amp motor. This can get drilled through any piece of wood you might have to work with. In terms of power, it’s just a class above the rest.
  • This comes with keyed chucks for a more secured fit on the chucks. While keyless chucks can be pretty convenient, they will always risk the bits falling off. But with keyed chucks, you get the most secure fitting bits.
  • This one has a variable speed trigger for better speed control. You can get versatility from this drill using the different speed options. This gives you the option to choose a particular speed for a specific task of drilling.
  • The drill is lightweight and compact, which is a surprise. Usually, corded drills are larger drills, they aren’t that lightweight or compact. But this one is straightforward to hold on to without causing any fatigue to your arm. Also, the compact size can reach tough spots with ease.

Merits

  • This one has got a lot of power for heavy-duty drilling
  • It comes with a much more secured chuck fit
  • You get good control with the variable speed mode
  • It’s very lightweight and compact design
  • It has an affordable price

Demerits

  • It’s a corded drill, so you don’t get the convenience of carrying it without any hassle. So, go for this when you require power.
  • The handle isn’t ergonomically correct. It can be bothersome to a few people, but you won’t feel that too much.

Why we recommend it?

This is the drill you would go for power. Corded drills are always about power, and you can’t escape the fact that cordless drills can’t give you that much power. So, when you need a lot of power, this is the one you can turn to.

Check out the drill and see if the power meets the needs you have.

7. DEWALT DWD210G Pistol-Grip -Best Heavy Duty Corded Drill For Woodworking

Now, here’s what I call a beast of a drill. When it comes to power, you can’t get this one beat. For any professional woodworking, this can be the perfect drill to work with. You can hardly find something more powerful than this one for woodworking.

Quick information about this product:

  • Power Source-Corded
  • Speed-1200 RPM
  • Dimensions LxWxH-‎13.1 x 10.2 x 3.2 inches
  • Maximum Chuck Size-13 Millimeters
  • Maximum Power-300 Watts
  • Amperage-10 Amps
  • Weight-6.71 pounds

Included Components : 360-degree locking side handle with soft grip and chuck key with holder

Features

  • The obvious feature you get from this corded electric drill is extreme power. It has got enough power to get any kind of heavy-duty job done. You can drill just about any piece of wood when you have this drill by your side.
  • Even with all that power, this drill is quite lightweight. That’s a surprise for many users out there. Because of the lighter weight, it’s suitable for DIY and hobby projects as you can easily use this for long hours.
  • It comes with a dual handle setup. Well, it’s more of a necessity than a feature for this one. Because of those high lbs of torque, you can quickly lose control of this drill with one-handed use. With the double handle use, you can get better control over the drill.
  • This drill comes with a variable speed trigger for versatility. You can control the drilling speed accordingly to suit your needs. Pairing that up with the power, you can do almost all kinds of drilling tasks. Whether it’s light or heavy doesn’t matter.

Merits

  • This drill is mighty for heavy-duty usage
  • It’s also surprisingly lightweight to carry
  • Soft grip handle & two-finger trigger ensure comfort and control
  • The variable speed model makes it a versatile choice
  • The build quality of the drill itself is pretty sturdy
  • It’s worth your money for sure

Demerits

  • The drill isn’t compact, so you can’t reach tough areas. Well, you usually don’t need this much power to drill tough areas anyways.
  • The speed trigger may be a bit sensitive for beginners. After using it for some time, you get used to it, though.

Why we recommend it?

Anyone doing heavy-duty woodworking projects will get used out of this. in fact, you won’t have any other choice in such cases because nothing can give you power like this one. For extreme power usage, this is the drill to pick.

Don’t waste time, and check this out if you know you need a powerful drill.

What tests do I run to pick the best drill for woodworking?

Woodworking is a demanding job; you need as much power as you can get to get the job done. So, the first thing you need to find out is which type of drill will be most suitable for your upcoming woodworking projects. Though corded drills have restricted portability, the amount of power makes up for that. On top of that, corded drills never run out of power, have more speed, and last longer than cordless drills. But there are many advantages with cordless drills which I will show you later

The next thing you need to look for is the weight of the drill. If you are working for long hours, chances are that the weight of the drill will stress out your hands. So make sure the drill is lightweight and has an ergonomic design to hold it conveniently.

Check the motor and ensure it packs enough power for your particular woodworking project. For example, although corded drills are powerful, the motor has various power limits.

Lastly, I suggest you look for a two-speed switch and a variable trigger. So, how do they help? These functions allow you to control the speed of the drill extensively according to the project at hand.

Best Drills for Woodworking – Buyer’s Guide & FAQ

Whenever you are out there trying to buy the best drills for woodworking, you have to go through some factors. It’s essential to consider these because they help you decide on one option. Because as you can already tell after going through all these corded and cordless drill reviews, it can be challenging to choose one.

Let’s see what factors you should be considering before buying a drill for woodworking.

  • Type of drill

Now, there are typically two types of drills that you will come across. It’s either a corded drill or a cordless drill. While cordless drills are more convenient, corded drills can be extremely powerful. So, it comes down to your needs when you have to decide between these two choices.

For DIYers and hobbyists, a cordless drill can do most of the job. But for professionals, the choice is much harder because they have to consider whether their projects can use convenience or power.

  • Weight, Size & Ergonomic Design/Extra handle

Weight, size, ergonomic design, all of these features lead up to one thing, which is comfort. You will want a drill that can provide you with comfort; otherwise, your hands will fatigue before you even start working on your project.

  • Power And Torque

Power and torque are very crucial factors in choosing the right drill. While it may feel like going with a high number is the way to go, it’s not the case. Sometimes, you don’t even need that much power or torque to get your drilling done on wooden pieces. So, consider what kind of projects you will be doing and choose a drill machine that can provide power for those projects and has that kind of torque.

  • Variable Speed Control

Thanks to the variable speed range feature, you get more control over the speed options. This is very helpful for DIYers because they can use different speed settings to achieve different results. It’s a pretty handy setting to have versatility in your drill.

  • Hammer Setting

This function is closely related to corded drills. With this setting, you can drill through the toughest materials with ease when you have a corded drill. The measurement takes place in BPM. The higher the number, the higher the continuous torque gets.

  • Strong Chuck/RPM

If you want to drill through your workpieces quickly, you would look for a drill with high RPM. It measures the chuck rotation in a single minute. You get to know the efficiency and actual speed of your drill with this parameter.

Having this feature isn’t a necessity, but it’s quite handy to have. This way, you can easily get out of situations where your drill gets stuck. You can simply use the reverse function and bring it back.

  • Brand

Going for branded drills is the best way to go about this. You get reliable products that don’t usually let you down and deliver what you pay for. Brands like Dewalt, Black & Decker, Bosch, Makita, etc., are some brands you can always rely on.

  • Cost

This is entirely your personal preference. If you want to go for more power and features, you will have to pay a lot. Usually, for DIY or hobby purposes, it’s better to stick with a reasonably priced drill that comes with some handy features.

Which is better, Cordless or Corded Drill?

To be honest, there is no better or winner in this debate of cordless vs. corded drill. Cordless drills are better for providing convenience and freedom of working. They are lighter and compact to work with. But they lack the power, and the runtime is limited.

Cordless Drill Driver Combo Kit
Cordless Drill Driver Combo Kit

On the other hand, corded drills come with the hassle of cords and wires; they are comparatively heavy. But they also come with extreme power, and you can use them for as long as you want.

So, it comes down to your preferences and what your project requires in particular.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions people have regarding woodworking drills.

1. What drill do I need for woodworking?

-You can use a regular cordless drill or a corded drill for woodworking. Also, a drill with hammer action works great for woodworking.

2. What is the best cordless drill for woodworking?

-Well, it’s hard to choose one, but DEWALT DCF885C1 works great for drilling in wooden workpieces.

3. Can A Hammer Drill Be Used for Woodworking?

-Yes, you can use a hammer drill for woodworking. But you have to make sure that you are using it only in the drill mode, not in the hammer and drill mode.

4. Can a 12V drill go through the wood?

-Yes, a 12V drill can go through wood without any issues. However, you have to make sure the battery is fully charged, and the bits you are using aren’t old or blunt.

5. What Is A Good Size Power Drill For Woodworking?

Most professional woodworkers prefer 3/8-inch diameter drills for woodworking projects. However, you can use a 1/4-inch diameter when handling typical residential jobs. But a 1/2-inch diameter drill appears more reliable for more challenging or heavy-duty tasks.

Final verdict

All in all, going through the best drills for woodworking will never be easy for you. Because all the drills I mentioned come with excellent quality, it’s hard to choose one.

So, it comes down to choosing a drill based on what your purpose is. Whether you want to do DIY woodwork or you are looking for something to go professional. Also, you will need to consider the budget and how much you are willing to pay.

Once you go through all these, you should end up with the perfect choice from the list. No matter which one you choose, you get assurance of quality.

Well, if you wish, here you can also explore some top rated dremels for future woodworking projects.

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