Some people believe that you need to pay an arm and a leg to get a powerful and good quality cordless drill. However, this is not the case. In spite of the recent advancements in the cordless drill field, such as lithium-ion batteries and brushless motors, you can get a great cordless drill for under $50.
Whether you want to build a desk, remodel your kitchen, install fixtures, or assemble some furniture, these cordless drills are suitable for both big and small projects. Choosing the right cordless drill according to your needs, help to save money, and boost productivity.
But before choosing a product that is best for your DIY projects, it is vital that you read the following article. Our reviews of the best cordless drill under $50 will guide you about their various features and help you find a model that provides great value for money.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Cordless Drills Under $50
- OUR TOP PICK: BLACK+DECKER LDX120C 20V Cordless Drill
- RUNNER-UP: Tacklife PCD01B Drill
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Ryobi P208
Comparison of the Best Cordless Drills Under $50
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Can You Find a Quality Cordless Drill That’s Under $50?
A cordless drill is an essential tool that is used in installations, renovations, constructions, and for improvement chores in offices and homes. It is a power tool that simplifies the most difficult tasks and helps to make holes in no time.
There are a plethora of cordless drills available in the market, and most of them are lightweight, which makes them suitable for use in workshops. Although the overall quality of a cordless drill is determined by battery life, features, performance, power, and design, it all comes down to your budget.
We usually think highly of the most expensive drills when the best product is one that can handle your DIY projects easily without breaking the bank. Therefore, even with a budget of $50, you can find a cordless drill that boasts excellent performance.
How Do I Choose a Cordless Drill?
There are hundreds of cordless drill models available, which can make choosing the right one for you an overwhelming task. The important thing is to find a drill that best fits your needs:
Speed
The least expensive drills are designed with a single-speed; however, most drills come with two fixed speeds – 300 rpm and 800rpm. You can choose the high or low speed with a slide trigger or switch. Such drills are suitable for most light-duty operations. You can use the high speed for drilling holes and the low speed for driving screws.
If you want to tackle refined carpentry and repair tasks, it is best to choose a drill with a two-speed switch and a trigger with variable speed control so that you can choose the speed as required by the task. However, if you will be doing more hole-drilling, then look for a drill with a speed of 1,000 rpm or more.
Chuck Size
It is vital to choose a cordless drill according to the tasks you have planned. One way to do that is by its chuck size. Common chuck sizes are ¼, 3/8, and ½ inches; the higher the diameter of the chuck, the higher the torque. If you want a cordless drill for household chores, the 3/8-inch chuck diameter provides ample torque; however, if you need a drill for holes in a more dense material such as concrete or metal, it is best to consider a drill with a larger chuck size.
Comfort
A good cordless drill should be lightweight and compact. It should be easily maneuverable into tight spots with a comfortable grip to avoid blisters in your hands. Before buying a cordless drill, clip in a battery and make a note of how it balances.
Check out its weight to determine if you can tolerate it for longer jobs. Wield it above your head like you are installing a smoke detector, and you will immediately notice if it is too heavy.
Some cordless drills are designed with rubber cushioning and contoured grips, which make it comfortable to hold them for longer periods.
Review of the Best Cordless Drills Under $50
Some of the best cordless drills belong to the under $50 category. They are powerful, effective, and can get the job done. So if you do not want to spend too much money on a cordless drill and want a cost-effective but quality product, then you should look out for the following outstanding products that we have reviewed:
Best Overall:
BLACK+DECKER LDX120C 20V Cordless Drill
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Majority of buyers loved the BLACK+DECKER, and recommended the drill to other potential buyers as well. Users loved its lightweight design and found the bit install to be quick and easy. They were particularly impressed with its power, with one user stating that they used the unit to build a large deck. However, some customers reported receiving defected models, while some found that it got too hot when used for extended periods of time.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The incredible power and performance delivered by the BLACK+DECKER is what truly sets it apart from its competitors. The unit is powerful enough to drill through most plastic, metal, and wood. Its lightweight design also allows extended periods of use with reduced fatigue. The grip further increases comfort and ease of use, making the model extremely versatile.
Who Will Use This Most
The BLACK+DECKER LDX120C is perfect for all screwdriving tasks and for drilling into metal, wood, and plastic. This model is ideal for anyone who needs a mid-sized drill for home uses and DIY projects. Whether you work out in the open or in a tightly confined space, the LDX120C can be used in almost every environment.
Bottom Line
The BLACK+DECKER LDX120C is undoubtedly one of the best cordless drills and is certainly worth the investment. Delivering an incredible performance, the durable and sturdy model is designed with an 11-position clutch and an LED work light, which further makes it versatile. However, the unit charges slowly.
Runner-up:
Tacklife PCD01B Drill
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Almost all buyers agree that the PCD01B is the perfect tool for around-the-house jobs. Users loved the light, sturdy design, and the comfortable handle. They also liked the LED guide light and the battery charge indicator. People were particularly impressed with the included plastic case, and stated that it held the basic drivers and bits nicely. However, customers were disappointed with the quality of the bits and found that they started to loosen during heavier drilling.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Featuring two speeds, the Tacklife PCD01B allows users to choose between emphasizing speed and emphasizing torque. This increased flexibility gives users better control and is what makes this model stand out from the crowd. The 19+1 position clutch further enhances refinement, while the included fast charger enables users to get back to work within an hour if the battery runs out.
Who Will Use This Most
The Tacklife PCD01B is the perfect option for both experienced craftsmen and DIY novices. The unit is ideal for tasks around the house, garden, workshop, and garage. Furthermore, it can be used for drilling into wood, drywall, and plastic, replacing or adjusting a light fitting, opening a household electric device for repairs, and putting furniture together.
Bottom Line
Designed with variable speeds, the Tacklife PCD01B certainly deserves a place on our list of top picks. Perfect for different drilling applications and fast screwing, the unit gives better control and is able to perform various tasks. However, the included bits are of poor quality and might break.
Best for the Money:
Ryobi P208
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Most people who invested in the Ryobi were extremely satisfied with their purchase and were surprised by how powerful it was. They loved the drill light, found the bit change to be extremely easy, and stated that the unit fit well in the hand. Users particularly liked the variable torque feature, and stated that it allowed them to get the desired speed. However, users found the magnet to be a bit weak and were disappointed with the lack of a light delay.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Ryobi primarily stands out to us because of its lightweight and compact design. The smaller size allows users to easily maneuver around and reduces fatigue during deep driving or drilling jobs. The unit is also incredibly comfortable to use, and enables users to reach inaccessible and confined areas quickly.
Who Will Use This Most
The quick and efficient Ryobi is perfect for simple DIY projects. The power can be reduced to drill screws into wood, or can be increased to remove nut heads, making the unit extremely versatile. Its size and weight further makes it ideal for hard-to-see or hard-to-reach places.
Bottom Line
The Ryobi P208 is the perfect way to upgrade your toolbox without spending too much money. Powered by a lithium-ion battery, the unit lasts for a long time. It further delivers a maximum operating speed of 1600RPM and 350’ per pound of torque, making it perfect for several different driving and drilling applications.
4. Avid Power 20V Cordless Drill
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Most users found the Avid Power to be powerful and comfortable to use once it was fully charged. They stated that the unit had a long battery life and found the size to be extremely convenient. Buyers also liked the fact that the unit could be used to charge phones. However, customers were disappointed with the lack of replacement batteries, while some felt the need for a carry case.
Why it Stands Out to Us
While there are several different reasons why we love the Avid Power, its ergonomic design is what truly makes it stand out. The compact and lightweight unit significantly reduces hand fatigue during screwing and drilling tasks. The handle further features a rubber material, ensuring a comfortable grip and enabling users to operate the unit with only hand.
Who Will Use This Most
The Avid Power is ideal for jobs around the house, garden, workshop, and garage. With a 15+1 torque setting, the unit can be used for drilling holes in plastic, drywall, ceramics, wood, and even metal.
Bottom Line
All in all, the Avid Power is certainly one of the best cordless drills under $50. Featuring an electric brake function, a magnetic flexible shaft, and 15+1 torque settings, the unit is extremely comfortable and easy to use. However, the lack of a carrying case might be troubling for some.
5. BLACK+DECKER 8V MAX Cordless Drill
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Majority of the buyers found the BLACK+DECKER to be the perfect tool for little projects that come up in the house. Users stated that it was extremely easy to use and were able to get different bits in and out quickly. They particularly loved the fact that the drill could be charged with a cellphone charger. However, customers were disappointed with the lack of variable speed, while some reported receiving models that did not have USB charging.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The BLACK+DECKER 8V MAX stands out to us for several different reasons. Firstly, the mid-handle design ensures balanced weight, soft grip, and better control. Secondly, the battery charges incredibly quickly and lasts for a long time. Lastly, the included micro USB charger not only charges the drill, but can be used to charge other household items as well.
Who Will Use This Most
This BLACK+DECKER model is perfect for simple DIY projects. Since it has a low power of 400 RPM, it’s only ideal for light projects. While you won’t be able to put up drywall with this unit, it can certainly be used to hang a picture or photo frame.
Bottom Line
Particularly designed for small projects around the office or home, the BLACK+DECKER BDCD8C is a reliable, sturdy, and durable cordless drill. While the unit is designed with a 3/8” keyless chuck, an innovative mid-handle design, and a micro USB charger, it does lack a variable speed option.
Pros and Cons of Cordless Drills
Pros
Cordless drills are very popular with professional contractors and DIYers because of their many advantages:
Convenience
Cordless drills are one of the most popular power tools nowadays. A cordless drill offers high mobility allowing users to go anywhere without worrying about a power source. These batteries are highly convenient as you do not have to worry about annoying and tripping extension wires or the nearest power plug.
They are battery-powered, which has made them a must-have tool for professional contractors and homeowners. You will need to recharge the batteries periodically; therefore, it is better to have a spare charged battery with you so that you can keep working if one battery runs out of power.
Easy Storage
Cordless drills are compact and lightweight. They are ergonomically designed to reduce hand stress. They are also very easy to store as they require very small space as compared to corded power drills.
More Productive
A cordless drill can help you complete the task at hand much faster as compared to doing the work by hand. For instance, using a screwdriver can considerably increase the time needed to complete your next project.
Cons
Although cordless drills are very handy, they have the following disadvantages:
Less Powerful, More Expensive
Cordless drills are comparatively less powerful than corded ones. The performance of cordless drills is often limited when it comes to driving screws and drilling holes. They are also more expensive as compared to corded drills.
Conclusion
Cordless drills are an essential tool for people who enjoy doing projects in their workshops or around the house. Here, we have tried to provide complete information about cordless drills so that people can easily find the tool that they need. We are sure that after reading the above article, you will be able to make an informed decision.