SAN ANTONIO – If you have someone on your gift list who goes for the practical, a cordless drill may be just what they’re wishing for. Consumer Reports put several to the test to find the best one for your loved one.
Drills can make a great gift for the handymen in your family, crafty DIYers or new homeowners. Consumer Reports tested 26 cordless drills and says they’re more powerful than ever.
“The newest cordless drills we’ve tested are so good you’ll probably never need to use a corded one again,” said Sara Morrow, Consumer Reports’ home editor.
Testers performed some basic tasks and then checked their work with a machine that allowed them to accurately evaluate power, speed and run time of the drills.
Unsurprisingly, drills with 18-volt batteries or larger were the most powerful.
The $200 DeWalt earned a best buy rating. It has plenty of power and speed for the seriously handy person on your list.
Consumer Reports found some 12-volt models that had plenty of power for common tasks.
“A lighter use drill for hanging art or putting together ready-to-assemble furniture is a great option for a new homeowner or a young person with a new apartment,” Morrow said.
For $160, Consumer Reports said the Bosch drill offers the best of both worlds.
“It’s light and easy to hand, but it can also deliver when you need a little more power for some like hanging shelves or even installing kitchen cabinets,” Morrow said.