The 10 Best Drills for Woodworking: A Comprehensive Buying Guide (2024 Edition)

Neatly arranged Milwaukee drills, featuring different types including cordless drills and hammer drills, ideal for various woodworking and construction tasks

The 10 Best Drills for Woodworking: A Comprehensive Buying Guide (2024 Edition)

Woodworking is a craft that requires precision, power, and the right tools to get the job done. Whether you're drilling holes, driving screws, or creating intricate designs, having a quality drill can make all the difference. But with so many options available, it can be challenging to choose the right one for your needs.

In this article, we’ll explore the 10 best drills for woodworking, examining their features, strengths, and how they can enhance your woodworking projects. Whether you're a seasoned woodworker or a DIY enthusiast, you’ll find the perfect drill on this list.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Drill for Woodworking
Top 10 Drills for Woodworking
Facts About Drills for Woodworking
Buying Tips: How to Choose the Best Drill for Woodworking
Final Thoughts
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Factors to Consider When Choosing a Drill for Woodworking

Before diving into the best drills for woodworking, it’s important to know what factors you should consider when choosing the right drill for your projects. Here’s a breakdown of key features to evaluate:

Power (Voltage): The power of the drill determines how efficiently it can handle various tasks, especially when dealing with hardwoods. Drills typically range from 12V to 20V. More voltage often means more power, but this can also affect the weight of the drill.
Battery Life: The battery life of a cordless drill is crucial, especially for longer projects. Look for drills with lithium-ion batteries that offer longer run times and faster charging.
Speed Settings: Multiple speed settings allow for greater control over your drilling tasks. Lower speeds are ideal for delicate work, while higher speeds help with heavy-duty tasks.
Torque: Torque is essential for driving screws and working with tougher materials. The higher the torque, the easier it is to drill through hardwood.
Ergonomics and Weight: You’ll be holding your drill for extended periods, so comfort is key. Look for drills with ergonomic designs that reduce strain on your hands and wrists.
Clutch Settings: The more clutch settings, the greater control you’ll have to avoid overdriving screws or damaging delicate workpieces.
Chuck Size: The chuck determines the size of the bits you can use. Most drills come with a ½-inch chuck, but smaller projects might benefit from a ⅜-inch chuck for greater precision.

Now, let’s take a look at the best drills that fit these criteria.

Top 10 Drills for Woodworking

1. DeWalt DCD771C2 20V MAX Cordless Drill

DeWalt DCD771C2 20V MAX Cordless Drill Kit

Description:The DeWalt DCD771C2 is a powerful, compact cordless drill designed for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts. Equipped with a 20V MAX Lithium-Ion battery, this drill offers high-performance power without compromising on weight. Its ergonomic design, paired with a two-speed transmission, provides flexibility for a variety of woodworking tasks. With a durable build and reliable brand reputation, this DeWalt model is ideal for medium-to-heavy woodworking projects, ensuring precise and efficient results.

Key Features:

20V MAX Lithium-Ion Battery: This high-capacity battery offers extended runtime, allowing you to work longer without frequent recharging. It provides consistent power to tackle even demanding woodworking projects.
Lightweight and Compact Design: Weighing just over 3 lbs, this drill is easy to maneuver, even in tight or awkward spaces. Its compact size also makes it convenient for detailed woodworking tasks.
300 Unit Watts of Power: The drill delivers ample power for a variety of woodworking tasks, including drilling through hardwoods and softer materials with ease.
Two-Speed Transmission (0-450 and 0-1,500 RPM): The variable speed settings allow you to adjust the drill’s speed based on the material and task, offering more control and precision when working with different types of wood.
Ergonomic Handle: The soft-grip handle enhances comfort during prolonged use, reducing hand fatigue and ensuring better control over the drill.

Why It’s Great for Woodworking:The 20V MAX battery ensures you have plenty of power to drill through hardwoods and dense materials, while the lightweight design allows for comfortable use during extended periods—perfect for detailed woodworking tasks. The two-speed transmission provides versatility, allowing you to adjust the speed for precision drilling in softer woods or high-speed drilling in denser materials. Additionally, its compact size helps you navigate tight spaces, a common need in woodworking when dealing with intricate designs or confined workspaces like cabinetry or shelving.

2. Bosch PS31-2A 12V Max Cordless Drill/Driver

Description:The Bosch PS31-2A is a lightweight, compact drill/driver that delivers professional-grade power in a small package. Powered by a 12V lithium-ion battery, this drill is perfect for smaller woodworking projects, offering a balance of portability and performance. Despite its small size, the PS31-2A doesn’t compromise on features, boasting 20+1 clutch settings and an integrated LED light for enhanced precision and visibility.

Key Features:

12V Lithium-Ion Battery: This compact battery delivers enough power for light to medium woodworking tasks while maintaining a lightweight feel. Ideal for smaller projects and precision work.
Weighs Only 2.14 lbs: One of the lightest drills available, this model helps minimize wrist strain, making it perfect for extended use in delicate woodworking applications like cabinetry and furniture making.
20+1 Clutch Settings: The extensive clutch settings provide precise torque control, allowing you to adjust the power based on the material you’re working with, preventing damage to your wood.
Integrated LED Light: The built-in LED light brightens dark or shadowy areas, ensuring accuracy when working in tight or poorly lit spaces like corners or inside cabinets.

Why It’s Great for Woodworking:Its ultra-lightweight design (just over 2 lbs) makes it ideal for detailed woodworking tasks such as fine drilling, doweling, or working on delicate materials. The 20+1 clutch settings offer exceptional control over torque, ensuring you don't damage softer woods or overdrive screws. This drill’s portability is a standout feature for woodworkers who need to switch between locations or work on small, intricate pieces, like furniture assembly or decorative wood art. The LED light is an added bonus when working in dimly lit areas such as workshops or under furniture.

3. Makita XFD131 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Drill

Makita XFD131 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Drill Kit

Description:The Makita XFD131 is an 18V cordless drill that’s designed to deliver maximum power and runtime in a compact form. With its brushless motor, this drill runs cooler and more efficiently, extending both its motor life and battery performance. The drill's ergonomic design and two-speed transmission make it versatile enough for a wide range of woodworking applications, from rough carpentry to fine detail work.

Key Features:

18V Lithium-Ion Battery: Known for its quick charging and long-lasting power, this battery ensures that you can keep working without lengthy interruptions. It provides the necessary juice for tougher woodworking tasks.
Two-Speed Transmission (0-500 and 0-1,900 RPM): This drill offers a high-speed setting for fast drilling and a lower speed for more controlled, precise work, giving you flexibility depending on your project needs.
Compact and Ergonomic Design: With its well-balanced body and soft grip, the drill reduces user fatigue during extended sessions, making it easier to handle large projects.
All-Metal Gear Construction: Built for durability, the drill’s all-metal gears ensure a long service life, even under heavy use in demanding woodworking projects.

Why It’s Great for Woodworking:The Makita XFD131’s brushless motor ensures longer tool life and higher efficiency, making it ideal for woodworkers tackling large projects or working with hard, dense materials. Its high torque is perfect for drilling larger holes in thick wood or handling tougher tasks like driving large screws into hardwoods. The two-speed gearbox offers flexibility, allowing you to adjust the speed based on the task at hand, which is crucial for woodworkers who need precision in one moment and power in the next. Plus, the comfortable, ergonomic grip makes it suitable for long working sessions.

4. Milwaukee 2801-20 M18 18V Cordless Drill

Description:Milwaukee’s 2801-20 M18 cordless drill features a brushless motor designed to provide more power and longer life compared to brushed motors. Compact yet powerful, this 18V drill boasts high torque and the durability needed for more challenging woodworking tasks. The inclusion of Milwaukee's RedLink Plus Intelligence protects the tool and battery from overloads, ensuring that the drill performs consistently without overheating.

Key Features:

Brushless Motor: This advanced motor technology delivers more power and efficiency, extending the tool’s lifespan and reducing wear. It’s ideal for heavy-duty woodworking where consistency and durability are key.
Lightweight and Compact: Weighing only 3.7 lbs, this drill is easy to handle for long periods, reducing fatigue during intensive projects.
500 in-lbs of Torque: The high torque output provides ample power for drilling through dense materials like hardwood or large planks, making it a versatile option for both delicate and tough tasks.
RedLink Plus Intelligence: This built-in electronic system protects the tool and battery from overloading or overheating, ensuring the drill maintains top performance without interruptions.

Why It’s Great for Woodworking:The Milwaukee 2801-20’s brushless motor and high torque output make it an excellent choice for woodworkers who often work with hard or thick wood. It provides the power needed to drill large holes or drive long screws into hardwoods, while its compact size helps when working in confined spaces like under furniture or inside cabinets. The RedLink Plus system ensures your drill won’t overheat during extended use, which is crucial for large-scale woodworking projects. Additionally, its lightweight design means you can use it comfortably for long periods, perfect for those full-day projects in the workshop.

5. Black+Decker LD120VA 20V MAX Cordless Drill

Description:The Black+Decker LD120VA is a reliable, versatile 20V cordless drill designed for both DIYers and professionals alike. With an 11-position clutch and a soft-grip handle, it offers precise control over various drilling tasks. The drill also comes with a 30-piece accessory kit, ensuring you have everything you need to get started on a wide range of projects right out of the box.

Key Features:

20V MAX Lithium-Ion Battery: Delivers long-lasting power, making it suitable for a range of woodworking projects. The battery is interchangeable with other Black+Decker 20V MAX tools, adding versatility to your tool kit.
11-Position Clutch: The adjustable clutch ensures precise control, preventing overdriving screws and reducing the risk of damaging wood, especially when working with soft or delicate materials.
Soft-Grip Handle: The ergonomic, rubberized grip adds comfort and reduces strain, especially useful during extended woodworking sessions.
30-Piece Accessory Kit: The included accessory set provides drill bits and drivers, giving you everything you need to get started on various woodworking projects without additional purchases.

Why It’s Great for Woodworking:This drill’s 11-position clutch is a standout feature for woodworkers, as it allows for precise control over torque, reducing the risk of overdriving screws or damaging softer wood materials. The 20V MAX battery ensures enough power to handle both light and medium woodworking tasks, such as drilling pilot holes or assembling furniture. Its lightweight design and included accessory kit make it ideal for a wide variety of woodworking projects, from beginner to intermediate levels.

6. Ryobi P1811 One+ 18V Lithium-Ion Cordless Drill

Ryobi P1811 One+ 18V Lithium-Ion Cordless Drill Kit

Description:The Ryobi P1811 One+ is an 18V drill that’s part of Ryobi’s highly versatile One+ system, meaning its battery is compatible with over 175 Ryobi tools. This drill comes with a 2-speed gearbox and a 24-position clutch for maximum control and flexibility in any woodworking project. It also features a dual-chemistry charger for quick recharging.

Key Features:

18V Lithium-Ion Battery: Provides long-lasting power, ensuring that even more intensive woodworking projects can be completed without frequent recharging.
2-Speed Gearbox (0-440 and 0-1,600 RPM): The dual-speed option allows you to adjust the drilling speed to match your project’s needs, whether you're working on fine detail or drilling large holes.
24-Position Clutch: Offers enhanced control over torque settings, allowing for precise adjustments that prevent wood damage while providing sufficient power for tougher tasks.
Dual-Chemistry Charger: The included charger works with all Ryobi One+ batteries, adding flexibility and convenience if you own other Ryobi cordless tools.

Why It’s Great for Woodworking:This drill’s 24-position clutch allows for fine-tuned torque control, perfect for woodworking projects where precision is key, such as assembling delicate wooden structures or working with softer materials. The two-speed gearbox ensures you can switch between low speed for precision tasks and high speed for drilling through tougher wood. With its long battery life and compatibility with the One+ system, this drill is great for woodworkers who own or plan to expand their Ryobi tool collection. Its comfortable grip and well-balanced weight make it a tool you can rely on for hours of continuous work.

7. Porter-Cable PCC601LB 20V MAX Cordless Drill

Description:The Porter-Cable PCC601LB is a lightweight, high-performance cordless drill designed for ease of use in a variety of woodworking applications. Powered by a 20V MAX lithium-ion battery, this drill delivers 283 unit watts of power and features a built-in LED work light for improved visibility in low-light conditions. It’s compact and well-suited for tight spaces, making it a great tool for detailed or precision woodworking.

Key Features:

20V MAX Lithium-Ion Battery: Delivers strong and reliable power, ensuring you can handle most woodworking tasks with ease. The long-lasting battery reduces downtime, making it ideal for continuous projects.
Compact and Lightweight Design: Weighing just 3.5 lbs, the lightweight body makes this drill perfect for intricate woodworking tasks, reducing fatigue and improving maneuverability.
High-Performance Motor (283 Unit Watts): Provides enough power for drilling and driving through a variety of wood types, from softwood to dense hardwood.
LED Work Light: The integrated light improves visibility in dimly lit areas, ensuring precise work in corners or under shelves.

Why It’s Great for Woodworking:With 283 unit watts of power, this drill can handle a wide range of woodworking tasks, from drilling into hardwoods to making pilot holes in softwoods. Its lightweight design makes it easy to maneuver, reducing fatigue when working on large projects or in confined spaces. The built-in LED light helps ensure you have maximum visibility while working in darker corners of your workshop or when drilling into detailed pieces. The compact size is especially useful for cabinetry or furniture assembly where tight angles and intricate designs are common.

8. Festool T18+3 18V Cordless Drill

Description:The Festool T18+3 is a premium cordless drill that offers exceptional performance, precision, and versatility. Its brushless motor and lithium-ion battery ensure long-lasting power and efficiency. Festool’s FastFix chuck system allows for quick bit changes, while the 16 clutch settings and two-speed gearbox make it an extremely versatile tool for professional woodworkers who require precision and control.

Key Features:

18V Lithium-Ion Battery: Delivers exceptional runtime and consistent power, making it a go-to option for professional-grade woodworking projects.
Brushless Motor Technology: Enhances the drill’s efficiency and durability, providing smooth operation for years of demanding woodworking tasks.
16 Clutch Settings and 2-Speed Gearbox: Offers precise control over speed and torque, allowing you to work with different types of wood without risking damage or inaccuracies.
FastFix Chuck System: This innovative system allows for quick bit changes, improving efficiency, especially when working on complex or multi-step woodworking projects.

Why It’s Great for Woodworking:This high-end drill is designed with the professional woodworker in mind. The FastFix chuck system makes changing bits incredibly easy and fast, which is crucial when you’re switching between tasks like drilling and screw driving. The 16 clutch settings allow for precise torque adjustments, ensuring you don’t overdrive screws or damage delicate materials. Its brushless motor provides consistent power and efficiency, making it ideal for large-scale projects or intricate carpentry where precision is paramount. The ergonomic design also ensures you can work comfortably for extended periods, a must for long woodworking sessions.

9. Hitachi DS18DGL 18V Cordless Drill

Description:The Hitachi DS18DGL is a powerful 18V cordless drill that combines strong performance with an ergonomic, lightweight design. It features 22+1 clutch settings for precise torque control and a built-in LED light for better visibility in dimly lit work areas. Powered by a long-lasting lithium-ion battery, it’s perfect for a wide range of woodworking applications, from drilling to screw driving.

Key Features:

18V Lithium-Ion Battery: Known for its longer battery life, the drill delivers consistent power, making it ideal for extended woodworking projects.
Lightweight and Ergonomically Designed: Weighing only 3.7 lbs, this drill is designed to minimize fatigue, with a comfortable grip that allows for long hours of use without strain.
22+1 Clutch Settings: The multiple clutch settings ensure precise torque control, helping prevent overdriving screws and avoiding wood damage during drilling.
LED Light: The built-in LED helps improve visibility, especially when working in dim or shadowed areas of your workshop or job site.

Why It’s Great for Woodworking:The 22+1 clutch settings on this drill offer exceptional control over torque, which is particularly beneficial when working with wood. It allows you to fine-tune the power to avoid stripping screws or damaging your workpiece. Its lightweight design and comfortable grip are great for reducing fatigue during long woodworking sessions. With a durable build and reliable battery, this drill is well-suited for both professional woodworkers and DIY enthusiasts who need a dependable tool for a wide variety of tasks, from heavy-duty drilling to delicate screw driving.

10. Craftsman CMCD700C1 20V MAX Cordless Drill

Description:The Craftsman CMCD700C1 is a 20V MAX cordless drill that combines solid power with ease of use, making it an ideal tool for both beginners and seasoned DIYers. Equipped with a high-performance motor that delivers 280 unit watts of power, this drill can handle a wide variety of drilling and driving tasks. Its lightweight design and ergonomic handle ensure comfortable use, while the included lithium-ion battery provides long-lasting power. With a 1/2-inch keyless chuck, changing bits is quick and easy, and the built-in LED light ensures better visibility in dimly lit workspaces.

Key Features:

20V MAX Lithium-Ion Battery: Offers long-lasting power and efficient performance, ideal for heavy-duty woodworking projects as well as lighter tasks.
280 Unit Watts of Power: Provides sufficient power to handle a wide range of woodworking applications, from drilling pilot holes to working with tougher materials.
1/2-Inch Chuck Size: The larger chuck allows for more versatility when selecting drill bits, making this drill suitable for a variety of woodworking projects that require larger holes or bits.
Ergonomic Handle: The comfortable grip and lightweight design make it easy to use for extended periods, ensuring accuracy and control during long woodworking sessions.

Why It’s Great for Woodworking:This Craftsman drill is a great choice for woodworking projects because of its balance between power and ease of use. The 20V MAX motor delivers enough torque to drill into hardwoods and drive screws into tough materials, while its lightweight design minimizes fatigue during extended use. The 1/2-inch keyless chuck makes it simple to switch between drill bits or drivers, which is especially useful when alternating between drilling holes and driving screws. The built-in LED light is a handy feature for working in tight or dark areas, such as inside cabinetry or under furniture. Its compact size and ergonomic handle provide comfort and control, perfect for delicate woodworking projects where precision matters. Additionally, the 280 unit watts of power ensure that this drill can handle a range of woodworking tasks, from light drilling to heavier-duty projects like building furniture or constructing wooden frames.

Facts About Drills for Woodworking

Cordless Drills:Cordless drills have become the go-to choice for woodworkers due to their unmatched portability and ease of use. They eliminate the hassle of dealing with power cords and the need to find an outlet, allowing for greater freedom of movement. This is particularly advantageous when working on larger projects or in tight spaces where a corded drill would be cumbersome. Additionally, the absence of a cord reduces the risk of tripping and tangling, making for a safer working environment.
Brushless Motors: Brushless motors represent a significant advancement in drill technology. Unlike traditional brushed motors that use carbon brushes to transfer power, brushless motors employ electronic controls, which lead to greater efficiency, longer lifespan, and reduced maintenance. This efficiency translates into more power for heavy-duty tasks, enabling the drill to perform better under load. For woodworkers who regularly work with dense hardwoods or engage in rigorous applications, drills with brushless motors can make a notable difference in performance and durability.
Lithium-Ion Batteries: Lithium-ion batteries have become the standard for cordless drills due to their superior performance characteristics. They offer longer runtimes and quicker recharge times compared to other battery types, such as nickel-cadmium (NiCad). This means less downtime for woodworkers who need their tools ready for action. Furthermore, lithium-ion batteries maintain a consistent power output throughout their charge cycle, ensuring that performance does not drop off as the battery drains. Their lightweight nature also contributes to overall tool portability, making them easier to handle during prolonged use.
Variable Speed Settings and Clutch Controls: The ability to adjust speed and torque is crucial in woodworking, where precision is paramount. Variable speed settings allow woodworkers to match the drill's speed to the specific material and task, whether it’s slow drilling for delicate tasks or high-speed drilling for quicker holes. Clutch controls prevent overdriving screws, which can strip the wood or damage the fastener. This feature is particularly useful when working with softwoods, ensuring clean, precise results without compromising the integrity of the material.
Compact vs. Full-Sized Drills: Compact drills are designed for maneuverability and precision, making them ideal for detailed woodworking tasks such as cabinetry, where access to tight spaces is often required. On the other hand, full-sized drills offer greater torque and power, making them better suited for heavy-duty jobs such as drilling large holes or driving long screws into tough materials. Understanding the differences between these two types of drills allows woodworkers to select the right tool for their specific needs, maximizing efficiency and results.
Drill Torque: Torque is a critical factor in determining a drill's ability to handle tough materials. It is measured in inch-pounds (in-lbs), and higher torque ratings (400+ in-lbs) indicate a drill's capability to handle more demanding tasks, such as drilling through hardwoods or creating large-diameter holes. Woodworkers should consider the torque needs of their projects to select a drill that provides sufficient power without stalling or overheating.
Integrated LED Lights: Many modern drills come equipped with built-in LED lights that enhance visibility in dimly lit areas. This feature is particularly useful when working on intricate projects where precision is essential. Whether you’re drilling in the shadows of a workshop or beneath a workbench, LED lights illuminate the work area, helping to prevent mistakes and improve overall accuracy.
Battery Voltage: The voltage of a drill's battery significantly impacts its performance. Models with battery voltages ranging from 18V to 20V are typically recommended for more demanding woodworking tasks. Higher voltage translates to more power, enabling the drill to handle tougher materials and larger bits effectively. For serious woodworkers, investing in a higher-voltage drill can lead to a noticeable improvement in performance, especially when working with dense woods or undertaking extensive projects.
Weight and Ergonomics: The weight and ergonomics of a drill play a crucial role in the overall comfort and usability during long woodworking sessions. A well-balanced, lightweight drill reduces user fatigue and allows for better control and precision during intricate tasks. Ergonomic handles and grips designed to fit comfortably in the hand can significantly improve handling and minimize strain, making it easier for woodworkers to maintain accuracy and focus throughout their projects.
Fast Chargers: Cordless drills that come with fast chargers can drastically reduce downtime, ensuring that tools are ready when you need them. This is particularly beneficial during lengthy projects where continuous use is required. Fast chargers typically allow the battery to reach a full charge in a matter of minutes, so you can swap batteries quickly and keep working without significant interruptions. Having a drill with this feature means you can maintain productivity, even during the most demanding woodworking tasks.

Buying Tips: How to Choose the Best Drill for Woodworking

Determine the Power You Need: When working with hardwoods, or larger pieces of wood, you’ll want a drill with high power (measured in volts for cordless drills). For lighter woodworking projects, a 12V drill may suffice, but for tougher jobs, opt for an 18V to 20V drill.
Consider Cordless vs. Corded: Cordless drills offer flexibility and portability, making them ideal for most woodworking projects. However, if you're working in a shop with consistent power access and need constant, high-level performance, a corded drill might be a better choice as it offers unlimited runtime.
Focus on Comfort and Weight: Since woodworking often requires precision and control, it’s important to choose a drill that’s comfortable to hold, especially for extended use. A lightweight, ergonomic drill will reduce hand and arm fatigue, helping you work longer without sacrificing accuracy.
Look for Speed and Torque Adjustments: Woodworking requires control. Look for drills with adjustable speed settings and multiple torque levels. These features allow you to drill accurately through different types of wood, without damaging the material.
Battery Life and Charging Time: For cordless drills, battery life is crucial. Lithium-ion batteries are ideal as they offer long runtimes and quick recharging. Some models even come with two batteries, so you can charge one while using the other, minimizing downtime.
Check for Additional Features: Features like an integrated LED light, belt clips, and magnetic bit holders can make a big difference in usability. LED lights are particularly useful when working in tight or poorly lit spaces.
Budget Considerations: The best drill for woodworking doesn’t have to be the most expensive one. There are great budget-friendly options that offer good power and durability. Decide what features are essential for your projects and choose a model that fits your budget.
Pay Attention to Chuck Size: A drill’s chuck size determines what size drill bits it can hold. For woodworking, a 1/2-inch chuck offers more versatility as it can handle larger bits, which are often necessary for bigger woodworking projects.
Read Reviews and Manufacturer's Warranty: Before making a purchase, read reviews from other woodworkers to get insights into how the drill performs in real-world conditions. Also, check for a manufacturer’s warranty to ensure you're covered in case of defects or malfunctions.
Think About Versatility: If you plan to use your drill for tasks beyond woodworking, consider a model that can accommodate different applications. Some drills are designed with interchangeable heads or include additional accessories like screwdrivers and impact drivers, increasing their versatility.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right drill for your woodworking projects can greatly improve your craftsmanship and efficiency. Whether you're a professional woodworker or a hobbyist, there’s a drill on this list that will meet your needs.

From the powerful DeWalt DCD771C2 and precise Bosch PS31-2A to budget-friendly options like the Black+Decker LD120VA, each drill offers unique features that can elevate your woodworking skills. Make sure to consider factors like power, ergonomics, and additional features to find the perfect drill for your next project!