Gone are the days when a woman played the damsel, calling on a man to help with a drilling task. With the proper selection of women-friendly cordless drills, she can hang a picture, tighten screws, put up a curtain rail and complete all manner of DIY tasks. Now that’s woman empowerment!
Equality issues aside, there are some general physical differences between men and women that make the “ideal” cordless drill that’s ideal for him less ideal for her – and vice versa. As a happy side effect, the cordless drills for women market is growing and expanding – this is good news for women!
As an independent woman in your own right, you’re probably well versed in DIY task management, but that doesn’t mean that you automatically know which cordless drill is best for you. Not to worry – we’ve done the hard work for you and hand-picked the best power drills for women on the market.
TOP 6 Best Cordless Drills for Women
Below we review 6 of the best power drills for women. All of the drills included in the list are best in their respective categories. Our honest analysis of the devices will enable you to buy the best one according to your needs.
1. Skil 20V 1/2 Inch Cordless Drill Driver
The Skil Cordless Drill is the perfect machine for handling everyday tasks. It comes with a 2.0Ah lithium battery, which means it will keep going even when working on lengthy projects. The 20V charger included ensures that you get a quick charge (1 hour recharging time) which means you don’t have to wait for long periods to get back to work. In addition, the battery comes with a temperature management system that keeps the drill cool during long work sessions.
This drill comes with a ½ inch keyless chuck, which allows you to change the bit easily while working – it also increases your work speed. The unit offers high and low-speed settings to comply with your project requirements. The low-speed mode produces more torque, and the high-speed mode quickly zips through projects when you’re pressed for time.
The forward/reverse LED indicator allows you to know in which direction you are drilling. The bright LED light illuminates when you push the trigger and remains on for 10 seconds after releasing it. The machine offers 17+1 clutch settings, a maximum torque of 350IN.lbs, and a variable speed switch with 2-speed settings.
Measuring just 7.4 x 2.8 x 7.72 inches and weighing 4.19 pounds, this drill is easy to work with and hold. It is one of the most compact and lightweight cordless drill machines on the market for women. It features simple operation, a compact and lightweight design, and a comfortable carry handle.
SUMMARY
| Specifications | Value |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 7.4 x 2.8 x 7.72 inch |
| Weight | 4.19 pounds |
| Battery Type | Lithium-ion battery |
| Speed | 2-speed variable setting |
| Voltage | 20 Volts |
| Torque | 350-inch pounds |
| Warranty | 5 Years |
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2. BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Drill/Driver
If you are looking for the best drill for women on a budget, Black and Decker has the perfect option for you. This well-reputed brand produces various household and commercial tools of the best possible quality. The drill comes with a lithium battery which can hold its charge for up to 18 months. So, charge it once, and it will be ready and rearing to go when you need it!
The drill has a 24 position clutch that provides extra control while working and ensures no stripping and overdriving of the screws. In addition, the soft and ergonomic handle provides you with a comfortable grip, which is essential when working with such a powerful machine.
One of the best things about this machine is that it comes with 30 different accessories. With Black and Decker, you won’t ever need to search for additional tools. With a speed of 0-750 RPM and a torque of 300-inch pounds, it can handle most DIY tasks.
With this drill, you also get the battery, charger, 6 Brad point drill bits, ten 1-inch screw driving bits, nine 2-inch screw driving bits, four nut drivers, and one magnetic bit tip holder. The 3/8 inch single sleeve chuck makes it easier to change and retain the bits. The unit measures 8.94 x 4 x 7.75 inches and weighs 3.95 pounds – making it light and convenient to manage. In fact, it’s lighter than the drill reviewed above and is, therefore, an excellent option for ladies looking for a small and nifty tool.
SUMMARY
| Specifications | Value |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 8.94 x 4 x 7.75 inch |
| Weight | 3.95 pounds |
| Battery Type | Lithium-ion battery |
| Speed | Variable (750 RPM) |
| Voltage | 20 Volts |
| Torque | 300-inch pounds |
| Warranty | 2 Years |
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3. Bosch 18V Compact 1/2″ Drill/Driver Kit
If you are looking for a drill that packs a powerful punch without compromising on low-weight, Bosh provides the best option. Standing at only 2.75 pounds and measuring 7.8 x 2.95 x 8.8 inches, this drill machine is perfect for women, especially women who aren’t keen on bulky tools that are hard to store. If you are keen to own the best drill in the lightweight category, this is it. It is worth noting that this weight is only for the driver without the batteries.
The Bosh Compact Drill provides a torque of 480-inch pounds. That’s a lot of power packed into a lightweight machine. The result? Enhanced productivity. It has a 20+1 clutch setting which reduces possible fastener damage and gives precision and accuracy while working with the drill. The chuck size is ½ inch, and keyless ratcheting with an automatic locking system allows for a quick bit replacement. With this machine, you can effectively drill wood up to 30MM.
This drill offers a 2-speed setting with a high speed of 700 RPM and a low speed of 450 RPM with high power. With this machine, you get 2 1.5 Ah slim batteries, an 18V charger, and a carry bag along with the drill. An LED light is part of the design, along with its ergonomic carry handle. The handle provides a soft grip while working and reduces the friction on hands while running the machine at high speed.
The batteries are capable of producing 80% more power than the previous generation batteries. The cool pack technology provides a 135% longer lifetime and 20% more runtime than conventional batteries. The package includes a drill, batteries, charger, and a carry bag.
SUMMARY
| Specifications | Value |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 7.8 x 2.95 x 8.8 inch |
| Weight | 2.75 pounds |
| Battery Type | Lithium-ion battery |
| Speed | 2-speed variable |
| Wattage | 27 watts |
| Voltage | 18 Volts |
| Torque | 480-inch pounds |
| Warranty | 3 Years |
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4. DEWALT 20V Max Impact Driver Kit
The Dewalt drill is best for working in tight areas. It sports a compact design with 5.55 inches front to back, allowing it to easily fit into places where ordinary drills don’t work well. Dewalt has incorporated three LED lights with 20 seconds delay in the drill to support their claim of providing clear and ample visibility in tight spaces. The best thing about its lighting system is that it doesn’t produce any shadows.
Overall, the machine measures 5.55 x 9 x 3 inches and weighs 2.8 pounds, so it’s another lightweight one for the books!
The maximum initial battery voltage without a workload is 20 volts, and the nominal voltage is 18 volts. The machine uses a 1.5Ah lithium-ion battery and gives an impressive backup time. It comes with a ¼ inch hex chuck that facilitates one-handed loading without any hassles and accepts 1-inch bit tips. The maximum torque produced by the machine is 1400-inch pounds, and no-load speed is 0-2800 RPM.
The machine offers performance, ergonomics, and innovative features in a compact and lightweight design. These features make it the perfect option for women who want to get DIY tasks with no fuss or hassle.
SUMMARY
| Specifications | Value |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 5.55 x 9 x 3 inches |
| Weight | 2.8 pounds |
| Battery Type | Lithium-ion battery |
| Speed | 0-2800 RPM |
| Voltage | 18-20 Volts |
| Torque | 1400 inch pounds |
| Warranty | 3 Years |
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5. Milwaukee 2504-21 M12 Cordless Hammer Drill Driver Kit
Some women don’t want to mess around when it comes to power, and that’s an area the Milwaukee Cordless Hammer Drill shines. This machine can deliver 1700 RPM speed with a torque of 350 inches pounds. The best thing about this machine is that the extra power punch doesn’t come at the cost of a heavy machine or a considerable size. The dimensions (6.6 x 2.1 x 7.8 inches) and weight (5.35 pounds) are in line with other models providing the same power and efficiency.
The M12 fuel technology works to outperform other drills in the same category. It provides up to 10 times longer motor life, two times more power, and four times more runtime. The brushless motor brings in unmatched power to size ratio. The red lithium XC batteries provide more runtime and more recharges than the competitors. It comes with a battery gauge and a powerful LED light to help you work in dark places. You also get a reversible belt clip for easy hanging during working.
This particular drill comes with a special safety protocol; the Redlink Plus intelligence feature. This feature protects the tool from overloading and overheating. In fact, it increases the life of the cordless drill. It comes with a 2.0Ah lithium battery which can extend to a 4.0Ah battery to deliver more working capacity per recharge.
The metal chuck is ½ inch and gives maximum grip and bit retention. It also offers an E-clutch for consistent repeatability in driving applications. An ergonomic carry handle makes working with this machine a breeze, and your hands will never ache after a long drilling session.
SUMMARY
| Specifications | Value |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 6.6 x 2.1 x 7.8 inch |
| Weight | 5.35 pounds |
| Battery Type | Lithium-ion battery |
| Speed | 1700 RPM |
| Voltage | 12 Volts |
| Torque | 350 inch pounds |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime |
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6. Makita FD09R1 12V Driver-Drill Kit
For women looking for a small drill that’s packed with power, the Makita is the answer! With Makita, you get brushless power, speed, and accuracy in an ultra-compact drill. This particular drill offers a variable 2-speed mechanism. It has a maximum speed of 700 RPM and a low speed of 450 RPM. The speed variance can cover a wide range of drilling and driving applications.
The drill uses a Makita motor capable of delivering 250-inch pounds of torque, perfect for household use. This drill is not ideal for heavy-duty projects. One of the best things about the design is that its battery enables the machine to stand independently. As a result, you don’t have to lie the machine on its side between drilling sections. The side-style battery gives superior balance and better ergonomics than pod-style batteries.
The Makita drill measures 4.37 x 14.49 x 11.93 inches and weighs 4 pounds. It uses two lithium-ion batteries, and the voltage is 12 pounds. The rubberized soft grip handle provides a comfortable grip, which is important if you plan to hold the drill for long periods. It has a built-in LED light for better visibility and focus on dark work areas. It comes with a 3/8-inch keyless chuck for quick bit changes.
When you buy this drill, you also get a battery protection system that protects against overloading, overheating, and over-discharging. The battery life can be viewed in real-time with an LED battery charge level indicator. It comes with a 3-year limited warranty on the battery, drill, and charger.
The package includes the driver, batteries, and a charger. There is no carrying bag, which is disappointing.
SUMMARY
| Specifications | Value |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 4.37 x 14.49 x 11.93 inch |
| Weight | 4 pounds |
| Battery Type | Lithium-ion battery |
| Speed | 2-speed variable |
| Voltage | 12 Volts |
| Torque | 250 inch pounds |
| Warranty | 3 Years |
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Buyer’s Guide
If you want to get the best drill your money can buy, the buyer’s guide can help. Unfortunately, not everyone is an expert at buying stuff online, so you need to ensure that all the essential features/specs are present in your cordless drill. To make your buying decision easier, we have listed all the important features a woman should look for in a cordless drill.
Ergonomic Design
When buying a handheld tool like a drill machine, one of the most important factors to consider is the design. Most women tend to overlook this critical feature at the time of buying and then regret it afterward. The most important ergonomic design element of a drill is the grip. Make sure that the grip is perfect for smaller hands and won’t cause pain if held tightly for a long time.
Battery Type
All the drills on our list use lithium-ion batteries. These batteries are lighter and more effective than the traditional nickel-cadmium batteries. If you buy a drill from the models reviewed above, you don’t need to worry about the battery type. If you purchase from a physical store or somewhere else, make sure you buy a drill with a lithium-ion battery.
Battery Voltage
Some drills come with a higher voltage, like 18 or 20 volts. These drills provide more power to drill through the hard and stubborn surfaces. However, more voltage means more weight, which can be difficult for some women to operate. If your purpose of buying the drill is for lightweight use such as screws, hanging pictures, or holding furniture together, a 12V drill will be best for you. High voltage drills are ideal for drilling through tough surfaces like bricks, concrete, and wood. Choose according to your needs.
Chuck Size
A chuck is a 3-pronged clamp at the front side of the drill – this is where the drilling bit is attached. A powerful drill comes with a big chuck size. Heavy-duty drills mostly come with a ½ inch chuck size, and small drills have a ¼ or 3/8 chuck size. Big chuck sizes are ideal for women who want to work with big bits – this is typically for drilling metal and wood.
If you are a DIY woman, a 3/8 or ¼ inch chuck size will work nicely for you. Another important thing to consider while looking at the chuck dynamics is its bit replacement mechanism. Most cordless drills come with a keyless chuck or simple revolving chuck.
Clutch
The clutch is responsible for the amount of torque a drill can generate. Torque is the measure of the power with which the bit spins. Lightweight and low-power drills come with 1-2 clutch settings. High-end and powerful drills come with 15-20 clutch settings. As a result, they are more versatile and can handle different materials. If you frequently drill into tough materials, then go for a drill with more clutch settings.
Charger Power
The charger of your cordless drill is responsible for recharging the drill. A heavyweight charger will recharge the drill in less time. So, make sure that you look for a powerful charger.
Drill Speed
A drill with variable speed control is far better than a single-speed drill. It gives you the freedom to work on different projects.
Weight and Dimensions
A lightweight machine is best for women. It is not a matter of equality, but science says that the weight lifting capacity of women is less than men. So, we have made sure that the lightweight and compact models were given preferential treatment in our review.
Special Features
Some features like LED lights, safety glasses, carrying bags, cases, extra drilling bits, and upright standing enhance the overall value of a cordless drill.
Safety Tips and Operational Guidelines for Cordless Drills
Ensure you follow all the safety precautions and operational guidelines given below and read the user manual for more information.
- Wear safety goggles and work gloves while working with cordless drills.
- For women, make sure you tie loose clothing, tuck your long hair and remove hanging jewelry.
- Make sure that the drilling bit is seated tightly and securely in the chuck. If your drill has a key chuck, make sure the key is removed before you start drilling.
- Ensure that there are no kids around the working area and don’t work with a power drill near open flammable containers and wet areas.
- Always ensure proper grounding before working with a drill.
- Keep your fingers away from the rotating bit during working, and keep your fingers off the trigger while carrying the drill.
- Always apply proper pressure on the drill. Remember, it is the drill that must do all the work. If you push in too hard, the drill can slip, or the motor can be strained.
- Don’t clutter the machine and ensure proper storage.
- Follow all the recharging guidelines while recharging your drills.
FAQs
All the drills reviewed above are best for women. Therefore, we have selected them while keeping in mind the needs of women while working with a drill.
Electric screwdrivers and cordless drills look almost the same. However, an electric screwdriver can only tighten or loosen the bolts, whereas a cordless drill can drill holes, loosen or tighten the nuts, break grout, mix paint, grind, and sand surfaces.
The backup time depends on two things; the battery strength and the age of the battery. The backup time of the battery reduces as it ages. A cordless drill’s battery usually lasts somewhere between 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Conclusion
If you are looking for cordless drills for women, the models on this list could each qualify for the best cordless drill. Each one is lightweight, compact, sturdy enough to handle any household repair job, and offers the latest in lithium-ion technology.
