While not everyone has the budget for the best cordless drill, saving money doesn't mean you have to give up performance entirely. The Masterforce 20V Ultra-Compact Brushless Drill looks like a compelling option for under $100. Is it worth it? We went hands-on with the drill driver and hammer drill versions to find out!
In theory, Masterforce's brushless motors can deliver up to 1850 RPM and 525 in-lbs of torque. For a compact rig, that's nothing to shake up. Take Milwaukee's M18 Compact Brushless Drill (Model 2801), for example. It has a top speed of 1800 RPM and 500 in-lbs of torque. Or use Makita's Sub-Compact XFD15. With 1700 RPM and 350 in-lbs of torque, it's even further behind.
The point is that Masterforce builds one of the most powerful compact rigs on the market, even when you throw specialty brands into the mix.
Masterforce uses a typical 2 speed metal gearbox. The top speed is 1850 RPM and the bottom speed is 500 RPM. The clutch ring also includes 17 clutch settings, as well as drill patterns. If you're going for the hammer drill version, you can add 27,700 BPM to help you drill into concrete.
With its 1/2-inch collet, you can use almost any drill you like. A full line of 1/2 inch twist drill bits in wood and metal are relevant. The hammer drill can drill holes up to 3/8 inch in concrete.
Spade bits up to 1 1/4 inches are in our comfort zone with these bits. For hole saws and self-feeding drills, we set the limit at around 1 1/2 inches. The motor could actually be raised a bit, but the lack of a side handle with that much power could make for a painful teaching moment.
Masterforce 20V Subminiature Brushless Drill Design Notes
As for compactness, the Masterforce is certainly the right size. The rig's head measures 5.8 inches from tip to tail, allowing it to work in some very tight spaces.
The weight is also very reasonable. The bare metal weighs 2.2 pounds, and the 2.0Ah battery in the kit weighs 3.3 pounds. If you happen to have a Boost battery and want a little extra performance, the 2.5Ah pack still comes in at a total of 3.3 pounds.
Comparing the Ultra Compact drill to Masterforce's Boost model, we can see the difference in size and performance.
| ultra compact | Promote | |
| bare weight | 2.2 lbs | 3.5 lbs |
| length | 5.8 inches | 7.4 inches |
| no-load speed | 500/1850 rpm | 550/2000 rpm |
| Maximum torque | 525 in-lbs | 800 in-lbs |
other highlights
- variable speed trigger
- Built-in bit holder
- double sided belt clip
- Foot-operated LED lights
- Compatible with all Masterforce 20V FlexPower and Boost batteries
Masterforce 20V Ultra Compact Brushless Drill Price
There are several ways you can master these exercises. The drill (241-0381) sells for $99.00 at Menards as a kit of two 2.0Ah batteries, a charger, and a soft carrying bag. For a drill under $100.00, this is a very good choice. That's a sale price, though, and it'll bump back up to $110.99 through March 31, 2023.
If you want the rotary hammer (241-0383), the kit includes a 4.0Ah battery and charger for $149.99.
You can also buy it as part of a combo kit with an ultra-compact impact driver with the same battery for $178.98.
These prices are not static, but we are not talking about inflation. Menards often has mail-in discount deals that cut prices by 10% or more.
the bottom line
Looking around at what you can get for a similar price, it's hard to say no to the Masterforce 20V Brushless Subcompact Cord Drill. Thanks to an updated version of the hammer drill, those with concrete drilling needs can also jump on board. With performance that surpasses compacts from some of the top professional brands and an approachable price tag, it's one of the best values available.
Specification
- Models: Masterforce 241-0381 (Power Drill Kit), 241-0383 (Impact Drill Kit)
- Power: Masterforce FlexPower 20V battery
- No-load speed: 0 – 500/1850 RPM
- Hammer Speed: 27,700 BPM (hammer drill only)
- Maximum Torque: 525 in-lbs
- Clutch settings: 17+1
- Bit Length: 5.8 inches
- Rig Weight: 2.2 lbs bare, 3.3 lbs with 2.0Ah battery