Best Cordless Drills – Top 5 Combi Drills
A cordless combi drill can be used for so many different things – they really are an essential tool to have in every home! Whether you are wanting to drill holes into different materials such as plastic, wood or metal or complete different aspects of DIY in your home, a combi drill is going to be the best solution. They can also be used to help with flat pack furniture or even renovation jobs that you may be completing.
Personally, we would always recommend opting for a cordless combi drill, as this will allow you to work anywhere and any time, just charge your battery and off you go! We have especially focused on models that come with two batteries in this guide – as they offer so much more flexibility when you are working!
So whether you want a powerful model to tackle all the biggest jobs, or just a small cordless combi drill to use around the home, we have tested some of the best models from Bosch, Ryobi and Black & Decker to help you choose.
Quick Comparison of the Best Cordless Combi Drills
We’ve picked some key features from our reviews of the best cordless combi drills and dropped them into our comparison table below:
Last update on 2024-04-25 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Why would I need one of the best cordless combi drills?
Combi Drill, SDS Drill, Impact Driver, Hammer Drill or Drill Driver?
The first thing you need to decide is what sort of drill do you actually require. Are you doing the odd bit of DIY where you will hang a shelf and maybe mount a TV bracket on a plasterboard wall? Or will you be drilling into masonry regularly, require higher amounts of torque to drive fixings into various materials?
Starting with a drill driver, these are the entry-level basic drill, they are usually lightweight, cheap to buy and great for the simplest of tasks. Drilling wood and plasterboard is a breeze. These drills are great for the novice or someone who doesn’t have many requirements from a drill.
Secondly a hammer drill, these are great as a heavy duty drill, not as lightweight or multi-purpose as a combi drill. However, very useful if your main goal is drilling concrete or masonry.
An SDS drill adds to the power of a hammer drill and then some. This has lockable bits with no chuck key required, it holds the bit in place whilst hammering through the toughest of materials. SDS drills also offer typically a chisel action which is great for breaking down masonry or concrete. We have used the chisel action to channel sections of a wall out for burying cables, it works a treat.
Impact Drivers
Impact drivers are a personal favourite of ours and you can see our review of some of the best impact drivers for more information. These are the tool of choice should you wish to drive fixings straight in without the need to drill pilot holes first. The combination of a clutched gearbox and high torque makes them perfect for the job!
But in our opinion, one of the best drill choices you can make is the combi drill. That is why we have put together our best cordless combi drills review for you. The reason being they have a great amount of torque to drive fastenings in just like an impact driver. They have a standard drilling option like a drill driver, whilst having a built-in hammer function to take care of concrete and masonry. They don’t quite pack the punch of an SDS drill nor do they have the amount of torque available to an impact driver. However, as an all-around drill, they are fantastic! We would highly recommend one and read on to find out which we feel is the best cordless combi drill.
Best Combi Drill – Bosch Cordless Hammer Drill UniversalImpact 18
- The Universal tools from Bosch, versatile and strong with intelligent solutions for bigger projects
- Right amount of power for every task: 3-in-1 that can be used for screwing, drilling and impact drilling. It also features 20 torque settings for screwing in different materials
- Versatile Use in Different Materials: Drilling and screw driving in wood and metal or impact drilling in masonry
- Easy Screw and Drill Bit Changes: The cordless impact drill features 10 mm shank and a single-sleeve drill chuck
- Power for ALL 18 V: The included battery is compatible for all products within the green Bosch Home and Garden 18 V system and Bosch Unlimited vacuum cleaners
Last update on 2024-04-24 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
The Bosch UniversalImpact 18 is a cordless, 2-speed combi drill suitable for both standard and hammer drilling.
The kit includes a second 1.5Ah battery for extended drilling and Bosch’s standard 1-hour charger.
We feel that the UniversalImpact 18 offers great value for money and is a great addition to any tool kit. With a second battery, charger and plastic carry case, it is priced the same as some headless drills in its class.
One of Bosch’s greatest offerings and this drill has it too, is the two-year manufacturer’s warranty. That gives you the peace of mind that the drill will keep on going.
It also has the power to be used as an impact driver, saving you money on a second tool!
You can read the full review below.
- Twin Batteries
- Max Torque – 30Nm
- Two Speed gearbox
- 10mm Keyless Chuck
How To Care For Your Lithium-Ion Batteries
Keep Lithium-Ion Batteries Cool
If a lithium battery gets too hot then you risk long term damage to the battery. If you require the use of the drill for extended periods of time then swap the battery over at regular intervals. Not only does this even out the wear on the batteries it also keeps them from overheating.
Don’t Over Discharge
Always avoid running a lithium battery down to zero – the moment you notice that your power tool starts to lose power, swap the battery with a spare. If you run the battery completely flat you risk damaging the battery and reducing its lifespan.
Keep Them Charged
Not only is it handy to keep batteries charged up and ready for use, repeatedly charging them up from flat will reduce the lifespan of the device.
Makita Cordless 18V Li-Ion Combi Drill Review
- Includes 74 piece accessory set
- Variable speed control by trigger
- Forward/reverse rotation
- Two mechanical gears
- English (Publication Language)
Last update on 2024-04-25 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
The Makita Cordless 18v Combi Drill is a fully featured drill from one of the most respected manufacturers in the industry.
The 13mm Keyless Chuck and smooth battery change make this one of the nicest to use of all the devices tested.
- Twin Batteries
- 3 Drill Functions – Drill, Hammer and Driver
- Two Speed Gearbox
- 13mm Keyless Chuck
We found that the Makita is very comfortable to use for prolonged periods. Battery swap out was also very smooth with none of the sticking associated with some of the cheaper brands.
A standard 60-minute charger is included in the kit so you always know that your batteries are topped up quickly and easily.
As with the other best cordless combi drills at this price point, the Makita is plastic bodied. Despite this it feels tough in the hand and is made from high impact plastics – you know this drill is going to last.
The Makita also features a 13mm keyless chuck. This larger size makes changing bits easier and quicker than the standard 10mm versions.
We found that you do get what you pay for, and the Makita is definitely on the premium end of the pricing scale. It’s nice and easy to use and feels great in the hand and if you can afford the little extra that the brand commands then you won’t be disappointed.
Bosch UniversalImpact 18 Cordless Combi Drill Review
- The Universal tools from Bosch, versatile and strong with intelligent solutions for bigger projects
- Right amount of power for every task: 3-in-1 that can be used for screwing, drilling and impact drilling. It also features 20 torque settings for screwing in different materials
- Versatile Use in Different Materials: Drilling and screw driving in wood and metal or impact drilling in masonry
- Easy Screw and Drill Bit Changes: The cordless impact drill features 10 mm shank and a single-sleeve drill chuck
- Power for ALL 18 V: The included battery is compatible for all products within the green Bosch Home and Garden 18 V system and Bosch Unlimited vacuum cleaners
Last update on 2024-04-24 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
The Bosch UniversalImpact 18 Drill is a 2 speed combi drill suitable for both standard and hammer drilling.
The kit includes a second 1.5Ah battery for extended drilling and Bosch’s standard 1-hour charger.
We feel that the UniversalImpact 18 offers great value for money and is a great addition to any tool kit.
- Twin Batteries
- Max Torque – 30Nm
- Two Speed Gearbox
- 10mm Keyless Chuck
The Bosch UniversalImpact 18 is a cordless, 2-speed combi drill suitable for both standard and hammer drilling, along with impact driving.
The UniversalImpact 18 is designed around Bosch’s own Syneon chip to intelligently manage the application of power between the battery, motor and gearbox – in real terms, this means that you’ll always get the optimum levels of performance and endurance from the drill.
It contains a second battery effectively doubling the run time for the drill with both 18v batteries being rated at 1.5Ah. The inclusion of larger capacity batteries would be nice; however, at this price point, the 1.5Ah offers the best balance between runtime and value for money.
The kit includes Bosch’s standard 1-hour charger, which as you may have guessed charges the batteries fully in 60 minutes or less – we found that this was more or less spot on each time we charged up the unit – this gives you the confidence that you know how long charging is going to take.
Although the body of the drill is plastic, it feels sturdy in the hand and should easily be able to handle the knocks and bumps it’ll pick up through everyday use. The drill feels comfortable in the hand and weighs in at a little less than 2.9Kg. We found this an ideal weigh as it gives you the confidence that the drill is going to handle those tougher masonry drilling jobs whilst still being comfortable to hold for extended periods of time.
The drill also features other professional features such as an integrated work light which is extremely useful when drilling in low light environments.
We think that the Bosch UniversalImpact 18 Drill is a great piece of kit, offers superb value for money and would be an excellent addition to any tool kit and we are happy to award it our best cordless combi drill.
As an alternative, we have also done a full in-depth review of the Bosch PSB 1800 if you want to look at a comparison from Bosch..
Black + Decker BDCDC18KB-QW Cordless Drill Review
- Compact and lightweight: For better handling and comfort of use; Grip coating: For a more secure grip; Convenient: Built-in LED for improved visibility.
- User-friendly: LED work light, 10mm keyless chuck and variable speed
- International products have separate terms, are sold from abroad and may differ from local products, including fit, age ratings, and language of product, labeling or instructions.
- Compact and lightweight: for fatigue-free work, even during longer periods of use
- User friendly: LED work light, 10 mm keyless chuck and variable speed
Last update on 2024-04-25 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
The Black + Decker 18v Cordless Drill is a high-performance driver designed to be the cornerstone of your tool kit.
The drill features a unique spring-loaded battery clip for fast, easy battery swap outs and a more secure fit between drill and battery and a handy LED work light for low light situations.
- Larger Capacity 1.5Ah Batteries
- Fast Battery Swapouts
- Soft Grip and LED work light
One real downside of the Black + Decker is the slow 3 hour charge time of the included 400mA charger. While not much of an issue if you only have light uses planned for the drill. In a professional environment where you are looking for fast charging, this simply won’t cut it despite the inclusion of higher capacity 1.5Ah batteries.
For this reason, it’s sadly out of the running for our best cordless combi drills.
Ryobi ONE+ Cordless Combi Drill Review
- Combination tool for hammer drilling and screwdriving applications
- 13 mm keyless chuck
- Automatic spindle lock for one-handed bit change
- Two gears for many materials and applications
- Electronic variable speed, reverse and brake for total control
Last update on 2024-04-25 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
The Ryobi ONE+ Cordless Combi Drills is an exceptionally easy to use, premium drill thats full of useful features.
The LED work light, magnetic bit holder and a one-handed bit change system make this a superb piece of kit – and one that is well worth the small premium that it commands.
- Twin Batteries
- 45-minute charger
- Single-handed bit change
- Max 50Nm torque
Like other premium combi drills in this review, the Ryobi features a 13mm keyless chuck but with an automatic spindle so you can perform bit changes single handed (this is a far more useful feature than it initially sounds).
The drill features an advanced planetary gearbox, reducing the weight of the device as well as increasing reliability when under load. Other features include a magnetic drill bit holder and an LED work light.
The drill is certainly not without the power to get the job done. The drill features 24 different torque settings with a maximum torque output of 50Nm. A fast 45-minute charger is also included as part of the kit as well as a sturdy hard case.
Because the Combi Drill is part of the ONE+ range, the batteries are compatible with 35 other Ryobi devices. Larger capacity batteries are also available for extended drilling applications.
We found the Ryobi ONE+ Cordless Combi Drill to be a great work tool, like other premium branded tools you do get what you pay for and if you already have invested in some other tools in the ONE+ range, then this is a no-brainer.
Stanley Fatmax Combi Drill Driver Set Review
- It is a screwdriver
- Number of Pieces: 1
- It is a product of Stanley
Last update on 2024-04-25 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
The Stanley FATMAX 18v Combi Drill is a well rounded and solid feeling drill that feels like it will be able to withstand the knocks and bumps that it will inevitably receive during day to day use.
It has a number of useful advanced features such as an LED work light, single-handed bit change, an integrated bit holder and a lightweight design. The unit also ships with a sturdy hard case for storage.
- LED work light
- Single-handed bit change
- Twin batteries
We found that the Stanley was very easy to use in day to day situations but the slower 80-minute charger did let it down somewhat. If the unit was supplied with a faster 60-minute charger then this would have been the one to recommend as our best cordless combi drills.
Conclusion
Having reviewed what we consider to the best cordless combi drills available from big manufacturers such as Bosch, Makita, Stanley, Black + Decker and Ryobi and we think we have found the best all-around recommendation.
We believe that the Bosch PSB 1800 LI-2 Cordless Combi Drill offers the best combination of price to performance of all the devices featured. We will admit that it does omit some of the nicer features found on some of the more premium offerings, such as single-handed bit changing or the larger chuck size, but the unit is also far cheaper to purchase, potentially unto 40% less than some of the others.
If you are looking for a solid, occasional use combo drill then you can’t go far wrong with the Bosch – we consider it to be the best cordless combi drill of the moment.
Best Combi Drill is the Bosch UniversalImpact 18 Cordless Combi Drill
- The Universal tools from Bosch, versatile and strong with intelligent solutions for bigger projects
- Right amount of power for every task: 3-in-1 that can be used for screwing, drilling and impact drilling. It also features 20 torque settings for screwing in different materials
- Versatile Use in Different Materials: Drilling and screw driving in wood and metal or impact drilling in masonry
- Easy Screw and Drill Bit Changes: The cordless impact drill features 10 mm shank and a single-sleeve drill chuck
- Power for ALL 18 V: The included battery is compatible for all products within the green Bosch Home and Garden 18 V system and Bosch Unlimited vacuum cleaners
Last update on 2024-04-24 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
The Bosch UniversalImpact 18 is a cordless, 2-speed combi drill suitable for both standard and hammer drilling.
The kit includes a second 1.5Ah battery for extended drilling and Bosch’s standard 1-hour charger.
We feel that the UniversalImpact 18 offers great value for money and is a great addition to any tool kit. With a second battery, charger and plastic carry case, it is priced the same as some headless drills in its class.
One of Bosch’s greatest offerings and this drill has it too, is the two-year manufacturer’s warranty. That gives you the peace of mind that the drill will keep on going.
It also has the power to be used as an impact driver, saving you money on a second tool!
Some of the key features include…
- Twin Batteries
- Max Torque – 30Nm
- Two Speed gearbox
- 10mm Keyless Chuck
Frequently Asked Questions
What warranty do cordless combi drills come with?
You will find that warranties normally range from as little as 12 months to as much as 4 years. Personally we wouldn’t recommend opting for any model with less than a 2 year warranty as this suggests the quality of the product may not be good enough.
What’s the difference between a drill and a combi drill?
Both combi drills and standard drills can be used for the majority of the same jobs. The main difference is that a combi drill is also going to come with a hammer-action feature, allowing it to be used for a wider range of jobs than just a standard drill.
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