Best Overall
Makita DHP485 18V LXT Brushless Combi Drill
Best for: Regular DIY and home renovation
9.0/10View on Amazon →
Most Powerful · Cordless Drills
DeWalt DCD796 18V XR Brushless Combi Drill
A long-time favourite with tradespeople, the DCD796 has more torque than most DIY drills and shrugs off big masonry holes and long screws, while staying compact.
- Brand
- DeWalt
- Best for
- Heavier jobs and masonry
- Price range
- Mid-range
- Our score
- 8.8/10
Our take
The DeWalt DCD796 is a trade favourite for good reason: it's powerful, compact and tough. Its 70Nm of torque is well above what most people need for flat-pack furniture, but it pays off when you're drilling into brick or driving long coach screws.
Who should buy it
If you're tackling renovation projects, fitting fence panels or doing a lot of masonry work, the extra power is worth having. For occasional shelf hanging, a lighter drill is easier to live with.
Key specifications
| Voltage | 18V (DeWalt XR) |
|---|---|
| Motor | Brushless |
| Max torque | 70Nm |
| Speeds | 2-speed gearbox |
| Chuck | 13mm keyless |
| Hammer action | Yes |
| Light | LED work light |
Strengths and weaknesses
Pros
- Plenty of torque for demanding jobs
- Compact for its power
- Tough, trade-grade build
- Large DeWalt 18V battery range
Cons
- Heavier than DIY-focused drills
- Kits with batteries are a significant step up in cost
Verdict
A long-time favourite with tradespeople, the DCD796 has more torque than most DIY drills and shrugs off big masonry holes and long screws, while staying compact. It earns our Most Powerful award in our guide to the best cordless drills.
Check price on Amazon →Alternatives to consider
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Best for Beginners
Bosch UniversalImpact 18V Cordless Combi Drill
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