Drills are a must have for both DIY enthusiasts and expert crafters. There are several drills available on the market currently, but here we’re only going to focus on small drills, or those used for regular household tasks and small projects.
Our Recommended Choices for the Best Small Drill
If you think buying the best small drill is the next step for your small project, read on for helpful tips and reviews!
1. Bosch Power Tools Drill Kit – PS31-2A – 12V, 3/8 Inch, Two Speed Driver, Cordless Drill Set
It features a 7-inch head that can fit into tighter corners. And when you need to work in the dark, the LED lights help a lot.
Depending on what your project requires, you can adjust the speed because it features two-speed settings. Its 20+1 torque settings enable you to be precise in application. Its chuck of 3/8 inches makes it better equipped to work through common materials, be it wood, plastics, or metals.
One thing that determines how much satisfaction you get from drills is the handle. This small drill features a soft handle that makes you comfortable throughout the day.
Specifications
- Item weight: 2 pounds
- Manufacturer: Bosch
- Batteries: 2 Lithium-ion batteries. (Included)
- Style: 12V Drill
- Voltage: 12 Volts
- Special features: Variable speed
- Customer reviews: 4.7 out of 5 stars
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to use
- Soft handles make it less stressful to hold
- LED lights for increased visibility when you need it
Cons
- The battery fits well making it hard to remove in case of a replacement
2. Enertwist 4V Max Cordless Rotary Tool Kit, 3-Speed Lithium-ion Battery Powered Mini Drill with 35-Pieces Accessories
It has about 35 various rotary tools for each of these functions. It is like buying an all-in-one power tool for all your projects. For further ease of use, it has three speed settings. It is powered by a 4V built-in battery that can run for up to 100 minutes at full charge.
It is specially designed for your convenience and ease of use. With its compact nature, you can take this tool anywhere you want.
Specifications
- Package description: 7.4 x 5.4 x 1.6 inches
- Item weight: 7.2 ounces
- Manufacturer: ENERTWIST
- Style: 4V rotary tool
- Power source: Battery powered
- Customer reviews: 4.2 out of 5 stars
Pros
- It is easy to hold and use
- Offers great value for money
- Efficient battery life
- Commands 4 LED lights for added visibility
Cons
- Some customers complained of its switch button needing a replacement after purchase
3. Mlife Pin Vise Hand Drill Set with 20 pcs Mini Drills & Twist Drills Bits (0.3-3.0 mm) for Resin Craft and Casting Molds
The drill bits are well packed and separated from each other inside the box to prevent any mix-ups. The pin vise and the hand drill is made of stainless steel, making for a highly durable portable drill. The handle is soft, offering a comfortable feel while it’s in your hands.
There is no special skill required to use it. All you need to do is loosen the vise by rotating it, selecting the bit you need, tighten the bit to the drill, and focus on the target. All 20 bits are magnetic.
Specifications
- Package dimensions: 5.28 x 3.31 x 0.94 inches
- Item weight: 4.5 ounces
- Manufacturer: Mlife
- Material: Metal
- Battery required: No
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to use
- Does not require battery charging and replacements
- Durable with stainless steel precision
Cons
- Only useful for light drilling work
- Cannot drill wide holes
4. Pin Vise Hand Drill Bits (20PCS), Micro Mini Twist Drill Bits Set with Precision Hand Pin Vise Rotary Tools for Wood, Jewelry, Plastic, etc. (0.6-3.0mm)
Even though it is small, it is made of a high-quality HSS, making it one of the most durable small drills you will ever find. It has a three chuck design. It comes with 20 drill bits that can be attached for various work demands.
To ensure more precision at work, it may be necessary to mark the intended point to be drilled before using it. Please be informed that while it can work on several materials, do not attempt to use it on metals like iron, steel, or rock.
Specifications
- Package dimensions: 4.02 x 1.26 x 0.67 inches
- Item weight: 1.55 ounces
- Manufacturer: Werkzeug
- Size: 20-1
- Power source: Hand powered
- Customer reviews: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Pros
- It is lightweight and easy to handle
- Offers great value for money
- Versatile
Cons
- Cannot drill hard materials
5. BLACK+DECKER 8V MAX Cordless Drill/Driver (BDCD8C)
For example, the soft and small handle gives you absolute control of the drill. Even though it doesn’t have a variable speed setting, the 3/8” chuck can still work at an incredible 400 RPM. You can easily change a bit for various projects.
The battery life is great, allowing you to work for up to 80 minutes at a go. The battery can be charged by a normal household USB charge. Even though it comes with a jack charger, you don’t need to stress yourself if you somehow lose the charger as it uses a standard port.
Specifications
- Product dimension: 6.88 x 2.25 x 7.69 inches
- Item weight: 1.3 pounds
- Manufacturer: Black & Decker
- Style: Drill/ Driver
- Power source: Battery powered
- Number of pieces: 5
- Voltage: 8 Volts
- Battery style: Lithium-ion
- Customer reviews: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Pros
- Extremely lightweight
- Great battery life
- Offers great value for money
Cons
- It does not have variable speed
6. Pink Power PP 481 3.6 Volt Cordless Electric Screwdriver Rechargeable Screw Gun & Bit Set for Women – LED light
As portable as it looks, it can still deliver a working speed of 200 RPM with its ¼” chuck that can fit in various bits that come with the package. It boasts a 3.6 powerful motor and a forward and reverse switch.
The battery has a gauge through which you can know the units of power left for your use. This can quickly alert you to charging it. It is also a good choice for beginners.
Specifications
- Product dimensions: 6 x 6 x 4 Inches
- Item weight: 1 pound
- Manufacturer: Pink Power
- Material: Plastic
- Head style: LED
- Voltage: 3 Volts
- Customer reviews: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Pros
- The lightest drill ever know
- Battery and charger are included in the package
- It is easy to use
Cons
- Can easily be misplaced because of its small size
Types of Small Drills
Cordless: These are the most popular and the most common drill design for home use. They run on batteries that can be recharged. The batteries normally fit under the drill’s handle.
This gives you the ability to handle it well. With cordless drills, you have the liberty of working anywhere, even in places without any power supply.
The battery capacities differ, and they are measured in volts. The higher the voltage generated, the greater the drill power. The convenience affords users and the ease of use are some reasons why most people prefer cordless drills.
Corded: Even though they are not as popular as their cordless counterpart, they are known to always do the job at hand effectively.
They only run when plugged with a power outlet. They are known to execute heavy-duty tasks that cordless drills may find difficult.
Corded drills too have their advantages as you do not have to worry that the battery might run out while in use. However, you can’t work in a space without a power outlet as there will be nothing to power the drill.
What to Look for in a Small Drill
Battery capacity: Cordless drills thrive mainly on battery power. If you want to enjoy working with your cordless drill, you need good battery power. No one enjoys having to charge up every 30 minutes. It will also not be nice owning a drill that barely even lasts until the day’s job is only half-done.
If you buy one with good battery power, one with more amps, you are guaranteed a longer run time to finish any work at hand. Be aware though, that cordless drills with long-lasting batteries are more expensive than other types.
Chuck size: The most common chuck size for most cordless drills is either 10 mm or 13 mm. Most projects will be effectively handled by a 10mm chuck, though this size may not fit in wider spaces.
A 13 mm chuck size on the other hand will accommodate wide drill holes and several big projects. So you have to decide what you want before attempting to buy any drill. To get this information, be sure to read the product description.
LED lights: Working in dark tight spaces may seem difficult, that is why you should buy one that has LED lights. They illuminate your environment and ensure precision, even in the dark.
Speed: There are various speed settings in most small drills available today. This speed is measured in revolutions per minute (RPM). The general principle is to go for a faster speed drill if you aim to drill holes but to settle for a slower speed drill if you only need to drive in some screws. As an alternative, buy a drill that allows you to adjust its speed setting.
Volts: The way to gauge the drilling power of a small drill is the volts. Buying a drill with a high voltage motor will guarantee you greater penetrating power, even with hard materials. With them, you can drive screws faster too. If you feel your project needs a great drilling power, you need a drill that has a high voltage.
Final Verdict
If you are a DIY enthusiast, or you are a professional in your trade, you can’t do without a drill. They make your job easier and give you additional expertise. As seen in this review, sometimes the smaller the better.
A small drill can prove to be the missing piece in your next project. Why not take advantage of this review and buy for yourself a trusted small drill. It will be a great addition to your workshop.