Maybe you’re an expert, perhaps you’re a DIY enthusiast, or maybe you’re just curious. Whatever the reason, you’re here because you’re interested in the best light-duty drills or just lightweight options in general. After all, who doesn’t appreciate a lighter tool that gets the job done effectively?
As always, we won’t give you a short answer, but we do have some recommendations that cater to both professional and basic homeowner use. One drill we highly recommend is the hammer drill, which offers additional concrete drilling capabilities in addition to standard drilling functions. However, if you don’t require or desire the hammering feature, we also have a great alternative option for you. If you want to learn more about electric vs. impact drills, check out our comprehensive guide here.
Best Lightweight Drill for Heavy-Duty Professional Use
Milwaukee Gen 4 M18 Fuel Impact Drill 2904
If you’re a professional and in need of the best lightweight drill for heavy-duty use, look no further than the 4th generation Milwaukee M18 Fuel Hammer Drill. This top-of-the-line drill packs a punch in a compact size and weight that no other brand can match.
With an impressive 1400 inch-pounds of torque at 2100 RPM, this Milwaukee drill is specifically designed for drilling holes in 2x framing lumber with a self-feeding drill up to 2-9/16 inches without sacrificing speed.
In terms of weight and size, it measures only 3.3 lbs bare and 5.0 lbs with the 5.0Ah battery. With a length of just 6.9 inches, it’s the most compact high-performance drill available.
In the latest update, Milwaukee also added kickback controls for the first time. This ensures that if the drill gets stuck and the bit begins to twist, the motor automatically shuts off to prevent wrist and arm injuries.
If you prefer a drill without the hammer function, look for the Milwaukee 2903 model.
Price: $199.00 bare, $299.00 with two 5.0Ah batteries and charger
Best Lightweight Drill for Light to Medium Professional Use
Metabo HPT 18V Brushless Compact Hammer Drill DV18DEX
If you’re aiming to shed even more weight, the Metabo HPT is an excellent choice for solid mid-weight performance. The DV18DEX offers an impressive top speed of 2000 RPM and delivers a strong 620 inch-pounds of torque. All of this is packed into a compact package measuring only 6.1 inches long and weighing 3.5 pounds with a 2.0Ah battery.
These numbers alone make it highly recommended, but the Metabo HPT goes the extra mile by incorporating kickback control. This feature is often hard to find in compact drills, making it a standout choice.
Price: $179.00 with two 2.0Ah batteries and a charger
The Best Lightweight Drills for Small Hands
Hey, not all of us have hands like gorillas, so having a drill with a smaller grip is essential. Two brands truly excel in this aspect—Makita and Metabo HPT. While DeWalt is also a viable option, it has slightly larger handle compared to the other two. So which one tops our list?
Makita 18V LXT Brushless Small Electric Hammer XPH15
Our top recommendation for those with smaller hands is the Makita XPH15. Weighing only 3.1 lbs with a 2.0Ah battery, and measuring 6 1/2 inches in length, this drill offers excellent control and maneuverability. With 350 inch-pounds of torque and 1700 RPM, it provides ample power while remaining easy to handle.
What’s more, this drill maintains the weight and size of a 12V drill while utilizing Makita’s popular 18V LXT batteries.
Price: $129.00 bare, $229.00 with two 2.0Ah batteries and a charger
Best Lightweight Drills for Prosumers and Serious DIYers
Skil PWRCore 20 Brushless Compact Hammer Drill
Skil has upgraded their 20V compact rotary hammer drill, offering reduced size and increased performance. With a head length of 6.1 inches and weighing in at 3.1 pounds, this model features a practical 2.0Ah battery. Additionally, the battery can double as a USB power source to charge your devices.
The high gear of this drill operates at 1800 RPM, while the low range handles light to medium duties with 450 inch-pounds of torque. These are performance numbers we typically expect from professional brands, but Skil delivers at a much lower price point.
Price: $129.00 with 2.0Ah battery and PWRJump charger
The Best Lightweight Drills for Homeowners and DIY Projects
HART 20V Cordless Drill Driver HPDD02B2
For all your household tasks, the HART HPDD02B2 is the ultimate lightweight drill option that won’t break the bank. Available at Walmart as part of a 20V system, this drill boasts an RPM of 1750 and 450 inch-pounds of torque. It’s perfect for tackling any DIY repairs or weekend projects you may have.
While this model may not be as compact as some of our other recommendations, it remains manageable in terms of weight. Weighing 3.4 lbs with a 1.5Ah battery, it’s still easy to handle. The icing on the cake is the affordable price tag of $79.00, which includes two batteries.
Price: $79.00 with two 1.5Ah batteries and a charger
So, which of our best light-duty drill recommendations suits your needs? Let us know in the comments below!
Looking for a Specific Brand? Check Out These Best Lightweight Drill Recommendations!
While not every brand has earned our coveted recommendations, there are still plenty of excellent options available. If you already use or are interested in a quality cordless platform, here are our top picks for the best lightweight drills from other trusted brands:
- Bosch 18V Brushless Compact Hammer Drill GSB18V-535C – Buy at Acme Tools
- Craftsman V20 Brushless Inverting Hammer Drill CMCD732 – Buy at Lowe’s
- DeWalt Atomic 20V Max Compact Hammer Drill DCD799 – Buy at Acme Tools
- Greenworks 24V Brushless Drill Driver DDG401 – Buy at Amazon
- Masterforce 20V Brushless Ultra Compact Drill – Buy at Menards
- Ridgid 18V Subminiature Hammer Drill R87112 – Buy at The Home Depot
- Ryobi HP Brushless Compact Rotary Hammer PSBHM01 – Buy at The Home Depot
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