18 Volt Cordless Drill Shopping Blog

Skil 2887-07 18-Volt Cordless Drill/Driver with Laser Level No workshop or tool box is complete without at least one dependable and powerful cordless drill/driver. Like most of Skil’s drill/drivers, the 2887-07 3/8-inch keyless chuck drill/driver is just that. The feature that distinguishes it from the rest of the Skill drills is the built-in work light located on the battery compartment This is a useful feature for illuminating the working surface in narrow, closed-in or darkened areas. It has a two-speed gear box that allows the user to shift from high speed drilling to high torque for driving screws or bolts. The gear change lever is located on top of the tool housing above the two-finger variable speed trigger. The forward/reverse switch on this drill is located just above the trigger so that you can switch direction without changing your grip, and there is a forward/reverse indicator light on top of the housing. There is a built-in bit storage compartment on top of the housing. Especially handy is the built-in bit index No more guessing at which bit is needed for which screw. Simply place a screw in the index and you’ll find the bit size you will need. The 2887-05 also comes with a removable side handle for added two-fisted leverage when drilling or driving on high torque.

The drill/driver is powered by an 18-volt Ni-Cad battery which gives the user superior power and extended battery life. The battery slides easily onto the bottom of the tool giving the drill/driver optimum balance. Included with the 2587-05 is an extra battery, a one-hour charger and carrying case.–C. Dwight Barnett
Customer Review: great Christmas/Birthday/Father’s Day gift!
I like tools. This is a well-conceived drill package. The weight and balance of the tool is just right for me, not heavy at all. It has very good torque for it’s size and weight, but the side handle is really unecessary.

It comes with two batteries. The on-battery LED metering is great. When you remove it from the case after some weeks of disuse you can know how much battery time remains. The battery charges in about an hour, a real plus. A fully charged battery will far outlast the charging cycle, what a concept!

I suppose if you were finishing a project at the dark end of the day, then the light would come in handy, but I think it’s a pretty silly feature.

The case is well built, with dual latches that truly hinge, instead of being a bent piece of plastic that eventually breaks off. I haven’t used the laser level yet, but tested it and it works fine.
Customer Review: Skil 2887-06 18 Volt 2-Speed Cordless 2 Speed 3/8″ Drill/Driver
Skil 2887-06 18 Volt 2-Speed Cordless 2 Speed 3/8″ Drill/Driver

I played with this unit as several display units in stores. I decided to buy one for myself. After extensive use, I am not as thrilled with it as originally I was. After three full power battery discharge and recharge cycles are completed, does each battery last for a considerable period longer. The drill bit does not spin a perfect diameter leaving each drill off a bit and screws are not perfect in drive. For the price, the value is ok. Paying full retail, it is overpriced! There are better units. This has nice looks, though, if that is what you want.

Porter-Cable PC180DK-2 18-Volt Cordless NiCad Drill/Driver Kit Ideal for tough applications, the Porter-Cable PC180DK-2 18-volt Cordless NiCad Drill/Driver Kit features a high torque motor and gearbox capable of 440 inch-pounds of max torque. Other features include a 1/2-inch metal single sleeve chuck for excellent bit retention and durability and a 2-position gear box for high speed drilling and driving and low speed high-torque applications (0-to-350 RPM and 0-to-1,400 RPM). Its 32-position clutch with micro-adjust gives consistent torque control for driving various size screws and an integrated LED light illuminates hard to see work areas. This drill/driver measures nine inches long and weighs 5.1 pounds. This kit comes with two PC 18-volt NiCad batteries for extended run time for larger projects, a fast charger that charges batteries in under an hour, a double ended bit tip, and a kit box.

Metabo SBZ18 18 Volt Cordless Hammer Drill/Driver Kit

Metabo BSZ18 602155520 18 Volt Cordless Drill/Driver Equipped with 20 torque settings, the Metabo 18-Volt Cordless Drill/Screwdriver delivers up to 549 in./lbs. of torque. It can drill up to 1/2-inch holes in mild steel and up to 1-3/16-inch holes in soft wood. The drill setting offers forward and reverse modes and the two-speed gearbox provides no-load speeds of 0-450 and 0-1,450 RPM. With the Air Cooled charging system, the battery and charger are cooled during the charging process; the charger offers 30-minute charging with up to 2,000 charges per battery. This powerful tool also features a keyless 1/2-inch chuck and an ergonomic, rubber-coated T-handle. Weighing 4.8 pounds, it comes with a built-in case that holds two bits and a 3-year warranty.

Metabo bsp18plus 18 Volt Cordless Drill / Screwdriver BSP18 Plus New, powerful motor Selectable impulse mode Variospeed (V) electronics High speed for optimum hole punching 20-level adjustable torque, plus drilling level Forward and reverse running Quick stop Sturdy keyless drill chuck with metal bush Keyless drill chuck and spindle stop gear for comfortable one-hand tool change: Metabo “Quick” T-handle for optimum centre of gravity compensation Fatigue-free operation due to perfect ergonomy Rubber-coated handle Additional handle 3-level planetary gear Die cast aluminum gear housing Gentle gear change Built-in collector fan to prevent overheating Bit case for two bits Maximum system flexibility through free combination of chargers and battery packs (within a volt class) Easy and quick change of battery pack Battery pack can be charged up to 2000-times (with ICS 10: 3000-times) due to gentle charging process

Metabo BSP18 Plus 18 Volt Cordless Drill/Driver Kit Includes BSP18 Plus 18 Volt Cordless NiCD Drill/Driver - 602421520, (2) 18 Volt Cordless NiCD 2.4 Ah Batteries (BST/BSP) - 631740000, 4.8 Volt - 18 Volt Charger (C45) - 627072000, Keyless Chuck - 636517000, Side Handle - 314000540, Carrying Case - 625441000

Makita 8390DWPE 18-Volt Ni-Cad 1/2-Inch Cordless Hammer Drill/Driver Kit 18V, 1/2″, Cordless Hammer Driver Drill Kit, Includes: 18V, Cordless Hammer Driver Drill, 2 Each, 18V Ni-Cad Batteries, 18V Charger & Plastic Carrying Case.

Makita 6390DWPE 18-Volt 1/2-Inch Cordless Drill/Driver Kit Compact tool body and lightweight design provide optimum balance and comfort. True variable speed (0-350 RPM or 0-1,200 RPM) for controlled drilling. 16 torque settings plus drill mode for optimum torque control. Electric brake for fast stopping of the chuck. Conveniently located forward/reverse switch for one-handed operation. 2-speed gear selection for matching RPM to the applications. Keyless chuck for fast and easy bit changes. High power-to-weight ratio for efficient drilling. Ergonomically developed rubberized pistol grip for complete comfort and control.
INCLUDES: 2 ea. Ni-Cd Battery PA18 (194107-3), Universal Charger, Phillips/Slotted Bit (784636-0), Keyless Chuck (763178-7), 2. ea. Battery Cover (414938-7), Tool Case (824744-6).

Makita 6347DWDEX 18 Volt 1/2-Inch MFORCE Cordless Drill Kit with Free Pair of Mechanix Wear Gloves, a $40.00 Value Think of amps as the battery’s gas tank: the greater the amps, the longer the tool’s run time. With the new MForce line of cordless tools, Makita has bumped their ultracompact NiMH batteries up to 2.6 amps, delivering a markedly longer run time per charge. The tool is compact and well balanced, too, thanks in part to the newly designed two-piece motor that allows for a smaller 18-volt unit still capable of an impressive 400 inch-pounds of torque–more than enough power for any task for which we’d use a cordless. The unit’s all-metal gear transmission, featuring a planetary gear system, also takes up a minimum of space, and does a good job delivering smooth power. The MForce line also features a new Shift Lock drive system that locks out the clutch, shifting from driver to drill mode in a way that will never slip. Another plus is the addition of a ratcheting chuck that you twist to tighten, a satisfying mechanism that really locks a bit in place. The combination of 18-volts and a 1/2-inch chuck on this model makes it a smart choice for anyone frequently using larger bits. Best of all, the drill feels great in the hand: the balance is right and the handle has a rubberized grip, a new feature to Makita drills and one an all-day user will surely appreciate. This kit includes two 18-volt, 2.6 amp NiMH batteries, a handy adjustable flashlight, a multivoltage charger, and a carrying case. –Jon Groebner
Customer Review: Built like a tank
This thing is built like a tank. What can i say. Sort of big and heavy but very powerful with good battery life. No complaints.
Customer Review: Wonderful cordless drill
I use this all the time. The battery holds a charge for a long time, so it’s usually ready when I need it.
I was surprised it didn’t come with drill bits, being a ‘drill’. I have been told that’s normal. It came with a dual screwdriver insert. So save on shipping and buy your bits at the same time.
A friend has one as well, and loves it but his battery doesn’t hold a charge (test your battery before the warranty runs out)
The free gloves were nice, but sized for male buyers. No ’small size’ option.

Makita 6343DWAE 18 Volt 1/2-Inch Cordless Drill/Driver Kit Contractors find Makita’s 18-volt, 1/2-inch cordless drill/driver, which exerts up to 404 inch-pounds of torque, a big-job powerhouse. Its two speed settings, 450/1,400 rpm, and 18 clutch positions allow plenty of options for tackling just about any job site challenge. Many folks think Makita’s tip-up design is more ergonomically friendly than straight designs because it’s easier to use overhead or at shoulder height. The legendary Makita motor is geared for extended use in tough job site conditions and is designed so the brushes can be replaced easily from the outside–a handy feature you won’t find with every drill/driver on the market. As with most 18-volt tools, this 5-1/2-pound drill feels a bit weighty in the hand and we wouldn’t recommend it as the best choice for working overhead for an extended period of time. However, if you’re looking for serious power, this drill’s got your number. –Justin Paul
Customer Review: Best tool of the bunch
Dont usually write reviews but my Makita 6343D is worthy of one. I’ve owned this drill for almost six years now and must say it has never failed me, never. Gone through alot of tools since i’ve had this drill but this is the old stand by. Have even used it on the job drilling concrete when a hammer drill was not avaliable. Have completely remodled my home and this drill has done all the drilling jobs, from drywall to pressure treated decking, drilling studs for electrical and sheeting for plumbing. By the way I am STILL using the original batteries and charger. The batteries will only hold a 2 1/2 - 3 hour charge now but i aint complaining. You’ll not find a better cordless drill than Makita.
Customer Review: Definitely a contractor’s performance powerhouse!
This is the best 18-volt cordless drill, period. As the Amazon review says, this is the cordless drill that contractors consider to be a performance powerhouse. It’s built tough to last, and in my opinion, it’s also got the best overall combination of weight, power and style. There’s nothing this drill can’t do as well or better than any other 18-volt cordless.

If you’re agonizing over whether to get the 18-volt versus some smaller or lighter model, spend the extra bucks if you can and get this model. It won’t disappoint. Better to have more power than less, and same goes with 1/2″ versus 3/8″. If you’re concerned about the weight of 18-volt cordless drills, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the Makita 6343. Because it’s perfectly balanced, the drill feels very comfortable in your hand. In my experience, the 6343’s weight is simply not an issue.

The 6343 uses quick charge NiMH batteries, which is a very nice feature. NiMH batteries don’t have a memory, so you can fully charge them without completely draining them first (though I did have to condition the batteries the first couple times of use). The Makita 6343 may not come with a built-in level like many of the cheaper 18-volt drills do, but that’s just an unnecessary frill. The Makita 6343’s power and overall quality more than make up for any lack of such frills.

One tidbit of advice: if you don’t already have a Sears Craftsman Speed-Lok drill/driver bit set, get one. You can buy an 18-piece set for about $20 on sale. The Speed-Lok system is a real time-saver that works great with the Makita 6343.