The drill is generally the first power tool people buy. Previously people typically bought a corded drill but lately cordless drills have become more popular than corded models. Cordless drills have a number of advantages. First, it is generally two tools in one, a drill and a screwdriver. Since no cord is needed, a cordless drill can be used almost everywhere. Like many other tools and devices, cordless drills have become more powerful, lighter and cheaper over time. Now it is not just a tool for professionals, thanks to the low prices and its versatility a cordless drill is useful in any household.

It is no accident that cordless tools have become very popular. The main advantage is that they are not limited by the cord, they can be used almost everywhere. Letting you take the tool to the work rather than the work to the tool. Despite the extra weight of the battery, cordless drills are generally lighter than corded models.

Thanks to improved batteries, cordless drills have become both lighter and more powerful. First batteries to be used were rechargeable Nickel-Cadmium (Ni-Cad) batteries. They have a few shortcomings, mainly low capacity and significant memory effect. Ni-Cad batteries were followed by the Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) batteries. They offered higher capacity and longer life time compared with the Ni-Cd batteries. The latest type of batteries is the Lithium Ion (Li-ion) batteries. They have no memory effect and are lighter but more powerful than the older types of batteries. Unfortunately, they are also more expensive than Ni-Cad and Ni-MH batteries. Today’s Ni-Cad batteries are in most cases good enough for hobby users. On the other hand, professional usage pretty much requires a double pack of Lithium Ion batteries. The second pack is useful as a spare. You just replace the flat battery pack with the charged spare pack and continue to work, while the first battery pack is being recharged.

In order to use a drill as a screw driver, the drill needs to support variable speed, torque control and reverse drive. Low speed is necessary if you are using a drill as a screwdriver, so variable speed control is a must. Torque control shuts off the drill when a certain turning force is reached. The reverse drive is needed to be able to remove screws. If you need a really powerful driver, have a look at impact drivers. They are real powerhouses.

The cordless drills are less powerful than the good old corded drill but the difference is smaller nowadays. If you are using a drill a lot or need a very powerful drill, a corded drill is a better choice. But for most hobby users a cordless drill which, can be used both as a drill and as a screwdriver, will be a better choice. This is especially true if you can afford to buy a drill with lithium/ion batteries.