12-Volt Cordless Drills: We Test 13 of the Best

Lightweight but powerful, the 12-volt drill can often stand in for one twice its size. We tested 13 brands to see which brought the best mix of speed, power, and versatility. Find out who came out on top. By Roy Berendsohn

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Compact and spunky, the 12-volt drill can often stand in for one twice its size. Consumers love the tool's light weight and versatility, and manufacturers have piled into the category. We recently tested 13 brands, driving 2134 2?-inch screws into pressure-treated lumber and boring 2193 ?-inch holes into 1 x 8 boards. Whether driving or drilling, we ran the battery from full to dead. In general, we found that 12-volts offer great performance and value, mainly because of improved lithium-ion-battery technology, and regardless of price. In fact, any one of these tools would make a great gift. Here's a baker's dozen to choose from. 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