The 13 best hand drill brands in 2026
Stanley, Craftsman and Dunlap lead our ranking of 13 hand drill brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Hand Drill brands, ranked
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1
Stanley
Stanley sells hand drills and push drills under its own name, alongside a wide range of hand tools.
Website: stanleytools.com |Brands like Stanley
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
Craftsman
Power tools are one of the most perfect inventions of humankind. The amount of places these tools are used is unimaginable and beyond count. That is why Craftsman brings you to a line of products that are used by professionals and thus are of high quality and performance. Their products range from air compressors and air tools to drills and wrenches that ease the workload of their users. Craftsman is a dedicated brand for tools.
Website: craftsman.com |Brands like Craftsman
Popularity 4.3/10
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3
Dunlap
Dunlap Industrial Hardware is a renowned and reliable supplier of high-quality products that serve several industries. Their products include electrical products, power equipment, ladders, rigging, etc. that are used in marine shipping, commercial fishing, and marine construction. With a wide range of products and continuously developing technology, Dunlap's tools are the best in the market.
Website: dunlapindustrial.com |Brands like Dunlap
Popularity 3.1/10
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4
Goodell-Pratt
Goodell-Pratt was a historical American maker of hand drills and bit braces for woodworking and metalworking.
Website: oldtoolheaven.com |Brands like Goodell-Pratt
Popularity 2.8/10
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5
Cleveland
Cleveland is a digital content firm and Ohio's most popular news and opinion portal, with an average of 9.9 million unique visitors each month. On cleveland.com and their mobile app, they bring breaking news, weather forecasts, sports, and entertainment articles from around the country to more than 8.8 million monthly readers. They're your go-to source for local news, sports scores, traffic updates, articles about the Lake Erie Monsters, Cavs, Browns, Indians, and substantial national headlines with relevant information.
Website: cleveland.com |Brands like Cleveland
Popularity 1.3/10
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6
Power Kraft
Better performance means more power, which is what Power Kraft offers you with their powerful and extensive range of products. Their inventory includes items like generators, energy systems, engines, transmission fluids, and more. The company also offers various service facilities to ensure the longevity of your products. These products are of high quality and are made to provide you with the best experience. The company's top-notch customer service makes it reliable and utterly accessible to many.
Website: kraftpower.com |Brands like Power Kraft
Popularity 1.0/10
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7
Greenlee
Greenlee has long made hand-operated bit braces and drills alongside its electrical and metalworking tools.
Website: greenlee.com |Brands like Greenlee
Popularity 0.9/10
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8
Keen Kutter
Keen Kutter sold hand drills and bit braces as part of its historical line of hardware and hand tools.
Website: keenkutter.com |Brands like Keen Kutter
Popularity 0.9/10
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9
Russell Jennings
Russell Jennings historically made bit braces and hand drills for woodworking and general hand use.
Website: russelljennings.co.uk |Brands like Russell Jennings
Popularity 0.7/10
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10
BLACK+DECKER
BLACK+DECKER made a name for itself as one of the powerhouses in the tools and cleaning equipment industry. The company designs products for every part of your home to ensure that you have a smooth, functioning, and efficient household. With...
Website: blackanddecker.com |Brands like BLACK+DECKER
Popularity 0.6/10
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11
Red Diamond
Red Diamond is a committed tea and coffee provider, focusing on honest quality, authentic materials, and products that result in mugs of delicious beverages. Handpicked with care and concentration, the brand curates tea, iced tea, and coffee bags that are...
Website: reddiamond.com |Brands like Red Diamond
Popularity 0.6/10
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12
Great Neck
Great Neck offers a wide range of hacksaw blades and hardware equipment. As a result, every house will be modular. Due to strict quality control, all air tools, cutting tools, lighting, hardware, and other supplies are distributed internationally. It also...
Website: greatnecksaw.com |Brands like Great Neck
Popularity 0.5/10
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13
James Swan
James Swan is well-known in conservation, public safety, and education. His instructive movies on YouTube have earned him a reputation for producing incredibly informative recordings that law enforcement organizations frequently use. He has attempted to utilize the media to promote...
Website: jamesswan.com |Brands like James Swan
Popularity 0.5/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stanley | stanleytools.com | /STANLEYTools | stanleytools | @stanleytools | stanleytools |
| Craftsman | craftsman.com | /craftsman | craftsman | – | craftsman |
| Dunlap | dunlapindustrial.com | /dunlapindustrial | – | – | – |
| Goodell-Pratt | oldtoolheaven.com | – | – | – | – |
| Cleveland | cleveland.com | /48573742500 | clevelanddotcom | @clevelanddotcom | cleveland.com |
| Power Kraft | kraftpower.com | – | – | – | – |
| Greenlee | greenlee.com | /GreenleeTools | greenleetools | @Greenleetools | GreenleeDEMO |
| Keen Kutter | keenkutter.com | – | keenkutter | – | – |
| Russell Jennings | russelljennings.co.uk | – | – | – | – |
| BLACK+DECKER | blackanddecker.com | – | – | – | – |
Hand Drill Buying Guide
A hand drill is a basic yet essential tool for any DIYer or woodworker. From drilling holes in wood or metal to driving screws, a hand drill can come in handy for a variety of tasks. However, with so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. Here's a hand drill buying guide to help you make an informed decision:
Type of Hand Drill
There are two commonly used types of hand drills: the manual hand drill and the electric hand drill.
The manual hand drill is the traditional type of hand drill where you have to turn the drill bit with your hand. This type of hand drill is ideal for small tasks such as drilling small holes or driving small screws.
The electric hand drill, on the other hand, is powered by a motor and is capable of drilling larger holes and driving larger screws. There are two types of electric hand drills: corded and cordless.
Corded or Cordless
Corded drills are connected to a power outlet through a cable, whereas cordless drills are powered by rechargeable batteries. Corded drills are typically more powerful and can handle heavy-duty tasks, while cordless drills are more versatile and can be used for both indoor and outdoor tasks.
If you're looking for a drill to use mainly for heavy-duty tasks such as drilling through concrete, a corded drill is the best option. However, if you need a drill for general DIY tasks around the house, a cordless drill is a great option.
Chuck Size
The chuck is the part of the drill that holds the drill bit. The size of the chuck determines the size of the drill bit that can be used with the drill. Standard chuck sizes are 3/8 inch and 1/2 inch.
If you plan on using the drill for heavy-duty tasks such as drilling through metal or concrete, a 1/2 inch chuck is the best option. However, for general DIY tasks such as drilling through wood or driving screws, a 3/8 inch chuck is sufficient.
Power and Speed
The power of the drill is determined by the voltage of the motor. Generally, the higher the voltage, the more powerful the motor.
The speed of the drill is measured in RPM (revolutions per minute). High RPMs are ideal for drilling through softer materials such as wood, while low RPMs are best for drilling through harder materials such as metal or concrete.
If you plan on using the drill for a variety of tasks, look for a drill with adjustable speed settings that allow you to select the appropriate speed for different materials.
Comfort and Ergonomics
Most hand drills are designed to be held for extended periods, so it's important to choose a drill that is comfortable to hold and use. Look for a drill with a rubberized grip that provides a comfortable and secure hold.
Ergonomics is also an important consideration. Look for a drill with a balanced weight that doesn't strain your wrist or hand. A well-balanced drill will also reduce fatigue and allow you to work for longer periods without experiencing discomfort.
Additional Features
Some hand drills come with additional features that make them more versatile and easier to use. Here are some additional features to consider:
- Hammer function: Some electric drills come with a hammer function that allows you to drill through masonry materials such as concrete or brick.
- LED light: An LED light on the drill can come in handy when working in dimly lit areas.
- Magnetic bit holder: A magnetic bit holder on the drill can securely hold the screw or drill bit in place, saving you time and frustration.
- Built-in level: A built-in level on the drill can help ensure that you're drilling straight holes or driving screws in straight lines.
Conclusion
Choosing the right hand drill can make a big difference in the outcome of your DIY projects. Consider the type of hand drill, corded or cordless, chuck size, power and speed, comfort and ergonomics, and additional features to find the best hand drill for your needs. With the right hand drill, you'll be able to tackle any DIY task with confidence.
