The 18 best mini drill brands
Milwaukee, DEWALT and Makita lead our ranking of 18 mini drill brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Mini Drill brands, ranked
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1
Milwaukee
Milwaukee's M12 and M18 cordless platforms cover compact drills built for trade users who need job-site durability.
Website: milwaukeetool.com |Brands like Milwaukee
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
DEWALT
DEWALT's 12V and 20V MAX compact drills share batteries across a large cordless range for daily job-site use.
Website: dewalt.com |Brands like DEWALT
Popularity 8.7/10
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3
Makita
Makita's compact 12V CXT and 18V LXT drill-drivers are popular with electricians for light, all-day use.
Website: makitatools.com |Brands like Makita
Popularity 7.9/10
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4
RIDGID
RIDGID's cordless drills lean toward rugged jobsite builds, often sold in kits alongside its plumbing and trade tools.
Website: ridgid.com |Brands like RIDGID
Popularity 7.4/10
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5
Ryobi
Ryobi's ONE+ 18V and 12V mini drills are budget-friendly cordless options that share batteries with its wider range.
Top products: PCL201Bยท HJP003
Website: ryobitools.com |Brands like Ryobi
Popularity 6.3/10
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6
BLACK+DECKER
Black+Decker's compact cordless drivers and home-focused kits suit occasional DIY use at a lower price.
Website: blackanddecker.com |Brands like BLACK+DECKER
Popularity 4.6/10
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7
Craftsman
Craftsman's compact cordless drills are sold mainly through retail and aimed at home workshop users.
Website: craftsman.com |Brands like Craftsman
Popularity 3.9/10
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8
Bosch
Bosch's compact 12V drivers and rotary tools are precision-focused, with a strong reputation for European build quality.
Website: bosch.us |Brands like Bosch
Popularity 3.6/10
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9
PORTER-CABLE
Porter-Cable's cordless drill kits are aimed at woodworkers and trade users who want value in a compact tool.
Website: portercable.com |Brands like PORTER-CABLE
Popularity 2.9/10
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10
Panasonic
Matsushita Konosuke founded the Matsushita Electric Industrial Company to produce electric plugs and lamp sockets that he had designed. The 30s incorporated these products and experienced a rapid expansion of business. Over the years, various products such as irons, radios,...
Website: panasonic.com |Brands like Panasonic
Popularity 2.7/10
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11
Dremel
Dremel's rotary tools are the standard for engraving, sanding and detailing, with a very large accessory range.
Top products: MultiPro
Website: dremel.com |Brands like Dremel
Popularity 2.7/10
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12
HART
Sold at Home Depot, HART's cordless mini drill kits ship with a 20V battery and a bit set for light assembly and household fixing jobs.
Website: harttools.com |Brands like HART
Popularity 2.7/10
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13
Hitachi
Hitachi's compact drivers now sell under the Metabo HPT name in many markets.
Website: hitachi.com |Brands like Hitachi
Popularity 2.4/10
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14
Snap-on
Snapon makes some of the most durable and professional quality tools for use in the transportation industry. The brand has been in the industry for decades and is the number one company for quality hand tools. They have a range...
Website: shop.snapon.com |Brands like Snap-on
Popularity 1.9/10
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15
WORX
WORX's Worxdriver line is a compact screwdriver-drill aimed at homeowners and garden jobs.
Website: worx.com |Brands like WORX
Popularity 1.8/10
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16
SKIL
SKIL's compact drills are budget-minded and often bundled with its circular saws and batteries.
Website: skil.com |Brands like SKIL
Popularity 1.8/10
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17
Proxxon
Proxxon's Micromot rotary tools and mini drill presses target model makers and jewellers needing fine control.
Website: proxxon.com |Brands like Proxxon
Popularity 1.7/10
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18
Hilti
Compact 22V Nuron drills sold mostly through direct contractor sales, built for steady daily use on commercial sites.
Website: hilti.com |Brands like Hilti
Popularity 1.6/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee | milwaukeetool.com | /MilwaukeeTool | MilwaukeeTool | @MilwaukeeTool | – |
| DEWALT | dewalt.com | /dewalt | dewalttough | – | dewalttv |
| Makita | makitatools.com | /makitatoolspage | makitatools | @MakitaTools | MakitaPowerTools |
| RIDGID | ridgid.com | /RIDGIDTools | ridgidtools | @ridgidtoday | RIDGIDtoday |
| Ryobi | ryobitools.com | /ryobitoolsusa | ryobitoolsusa | @RYOBItoolsusa | – |
| BLACK+DECKER | blackanddecker.com | – | – | – | – |
| Craftsman | craftsman.com | /craftsman | craftsman | – | craftsman |
| Bosch | bosch.us | – | – | – | – |
| PORTER-CABLE | portercable.com | /PorterCable | portercable | @portercable | PORTERCABLETV |
| Panasonic | panasonic.com | – | – | – | – |
Mini Drill Buying Guide
A mini drill is a versatile tool that every DIY enthusiast or professional must have in their toolkit. It can make drilling holes, sanding, engraving, and polishing an effortless task. However, with so many brands and models available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right mini drill that suits your needs. In this buying guide, we will explore the factors that you should consider before purchasing a mini drill.
1. Power and Speed
The power and speed of the mini drill determine the type of materials that it can handle. If you intend to drill through tough materials such as metal, you will need a more powerful mini drill. Most mini drills come with a motor ranging between 100W to 300W. The higher the wattage, the more powerful the mini drill will be. However, it's important to note that higher wattage means more weight and cost.
Mini drills also come in different speed ranges, measured in RPM (rotations per minute). The speed range varies depending on the model and brand, but most mini drills have a speed range between 5,000 RPM to 35,000 RPM. If you plan to work with different materials, choose a mini drill with a variable speed control. This feature allows you to adjust the speed according to the material and task at hand. In summary, choose a mini drill that has enough power and speed to handle your intended tasks.
2. Chuck Size
The chuck size is the diameter of the hole in which the drill bit is placed. Most mini drills come with either a 1.5mm, 2.0mm, or 3.2mm chuck size. The size of the chuck determines the size of the drill bit that you can use. If you plan to work with small drill bits or tight spaces, choose a mini drill with a smaller chuck size. However, if you are working with bigger drill bits, go for a mini drill with a larger chuck size. Some mini drills come with interchangeable chucks, which allow you to switch between different chuck sizes quickly.
3. Weight and Size
The weight and size of the mini drill are crucial factors to consider, especially if you plan to work on long projects. Mini drills come in different sizes and weights, from as light as 0.3 pounds to 3 pounds. If you intend to operate the mini drill for extended periods, go for a lightweight drill that won't strain your hands and wrist. Also, consider the size of the mini drill, especially if you have limited space in your workshop. A compact mini drill will be easier to store, and you can carry it around easily.
4. Corded or Cordless
Mini drills come in two main types: corded and cordless. Corded mini drills require an electrical outlet to operate, while cordless mini drills run on rechargeable batteries. Corded mini drills are more powerful than cordless mini drills and are suitable for heavy-duty tasks. However, cordless mini drills offer more convenience and portability. You can use them anywhere without worrying about power outlets. Also, cordless mini drills can be used in tight spaces, where corded drills might not reach. Choose a mini drill that suits your needs and preferences. If you need a powerful mini drill for heavy-duty tasks, choose a corded one. If you value convenience and portability, go for a cordless mini drill.
5. Accessories Included
Most mini drills come with accessories such as drill bits, sanding discs, and polishing pads. The number and quality of accessories vary depending on the brand and model. While accessories might seem like a minor factor, they can save you time and money. If you intend to use the mini drill for a variety of tasks, choose a model that comes with a wide range of accessories. Also, consider the quality of the accessories. High-quality accessories are more durable and provide better results.
6. Price
The price of a mini drill can range from $20 to over $200, depending on the brand, features, and accessories included. While a higher price does not always guarantee better quality or performance, it's important to invest in a quality mini drill that meets your needs. Consider your budget and the features that you need before making a decision. A high-quality mini drill might cost more, but it will last longer and provide better results.
7. Brand and Warranty
When shopping for a mini drill, choose a reputable brand that is known for producing quality tools. Popular brands such as Dremel, Black + Decker, and Bosch have a wide range of mini drills with different features and specifications. Reputable brands also provide warranties and customer support, which is essential in case you encounter any issues with your mini drill.
Conclusion
A mini drill is a versatile and essential tool that every DIY enthusiast and professional must have. When purchasing a mini drill, consider the power and speed, chuck size, weight and size, corded or cordless, accessories included, price, brand, and warranty. Choosing the right mini drill will save you time, money, and effort, and provide better results in your projects.
