Lighter Than Air Rodney Charles

The 18V cordless drill is designed primarily for severe do-it-yourselfers and professionals. It packs a large total of power and torque, sufficient to break your wrist if you’re not careful.

We evaluated over 25 cordless drills in the 18V category, and chosen the following 10 as the best models. Total scores were based on key performance features including power, speed, durability, weight, and battery life:

1. Hitachi DS18DL

2. Milwaukee 2610-24

3. Makita BDF451

4. Bosch 37618-01

5. Bosch 35618

6. DeWalt DCD940KX

7. Panasonic EY7460

8. Makita BDF452

9. DeWalt DC720KA

10. Hitachi DS18DSAL

Let’s see why the top-3 18V drills scored so well:

1. Hitachi DS18DL

- Generates 570 in-lbs of torque, one of the top-5 drills in it is class for power.

- Runs up to 1,800 RPM drill speed, again one of the top-5.

- Uses 3.0 Ah lithium-ion batteries for with regards to 50% longer run-time than it is peers.

- Durable design with all-metal chuck and external motor brush access.

- Hitachi provides an industry-leading 10-year warranty.

2. Milwaukee 2610-24

- The class leader for power. Generates a whopping 650 in-lbs of torque, when it comes to 40% more than the intermediate 18V drill.

- Fast. Delivers drill speeds up to 1,800 RPM.

- Long run-time with 2.8 Ah lithium-ion batteries.

- Features an LED work-light, side-handle, and exceedingly utile fuel gauge.

- Backed by Milwaukee’s 5-year warranty.

3. Makita BDF451

- Cranks out 560 in-lbs of torque, when it comes to 20% higher than average.

- Generates drill speeds up to 1,700 RPM.

- Light-weight for this class. Weighs in regards to 4.6 lbs, regarding 10% lighter than the intermediate 18V.

- Designed with a rugged all-metal transmission and all-metal chuck.

- Rated highly by satisfied customers.