As any DIYer knows, the right drill is essential for any home repair. Whether it's hanging shelves or installing a new light fixture, having the right drill makes any task much easier.
In the JacksToolRack Lab, our professional testers evaluate drills and other small kitchen appliances for performance, ease of use, value and overall quality. A cordless drill is versatile and an ideal option for anyone who needs to drill through wood, plastic, metal or concrete. We test cordless drills like the DEWALT DCD996 battery drill with a 20-volt lithium-ion battery. This drill is ideal for quick jobs around the house, like hanging shelves or putting in a new light fixture. Its compact size makes it easy to store, and its battery charge lasts through most projects. Battery drills are a great, more versatile option for homeowners.
Whether it's your first drill or you're looking to add another to your garage, our experts have tested dozens of battery drills and know the features to look for. Our pros give in-depth reviews of the drills we've tested and grade them based on performance, reliability and cost, rating them on a scale from 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). The DEWALT DCD996 cordless drill received a score of 4.
Here is my full Dewalt DCD996 review on my main website.
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DEWALT-built high power, high efficiency brushless motor of DEWALT 20V hammer drill delivers up to 75% more runtime vs. 18V NiCad brushed motors XR Li-Ion batteries with fuel gauge of the cordless hammer drill provide 33% more capacity over standard packs Heavy-duty 1/2-inch ratcheting nitro-carburized metal chuck with carbide inserts for superior bit gripping strength 3-Mode LED provides lighting in dark or confined spaces up to 20X brighter than previous model LED Spotlight Mode features 20 minute shutoff function allowing for extended work time in dark or confined spaces 3-speed, all-metal high performance transmission optimizes tool-to-task for fast application speeds and improved run-time 0-450 / 0-1300 / 0-2000 RPM in drill mode 0-500 / 0-1500 / 0-2250 RPM in hammerdrill mode 0-38,250 BPM for fast drilling in masonry materials
Pros
Very powerful motor
Good battery life
Has a lot of features for under $100
Good warranty
Cons
No battery indicator
The chuck isn't quite as solid as this tool's price point would suggest
No forward / reverse
No 1/4" chuck
Our reviews can help you choose the best drill for your home. Battery drills also come in a wide range of prices, so it's important to know which features matter most. Some drills are designed for DIY homeowners, while others are designed for professional contractors. If you need an all-weather drill that can tackle any home project, a professional drill is the way to go. But if you want a drill that can do everything from putting up shelves to installing a new light fixture, a battery drill is the simpler, more versatile option.
Be sure to check out our reviews to find the best drill for your home improvement needs. Or, if you have any questions about the best drill for your next project, please let me know in the comments below. I'd love to hear from you!
Read more cordless drill reviews here!