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A good cordless drill handles everything from flat-pack furniture to hanging shelves on brick walls.
We compared cordless combi drills sold in the UK on power, battery platforms, weight and value.
Quick comparison
| Product | Best for | Typical UK price |
|---|---|---|
| DeWalt DCD796 18V Combi Drill | Best overall | £150–£250 |
| Makita DHP482 18V Combi Drill | Best value pro | £100–£180 |
| Ryobi R18PD3 18V ONE+ Combi Drill | Best for beginners | £60–£110 |
| Bosch UniversalImpact 18V | Best for Bosch users | £90–£150 |
The 4 best picks
1. DeWalt DCD796 18V Combi Drill – Best overall
Brushless power with hammer mode for brick. Brushless combi drill with hammer.
Why we like it:
- Powerful
- Brushless
- Reliable
Watch out for:
- Batteries extra in body-only
Key specs: Torque: 70 Nm; Voltage: 18 V.
Buy it if you drill into brick. Skip it if you only do light jobs. Typical UK price: £150–£250.
👉 Check the price of the DeWalt DCD796 18V Combi Drill on Amazon.co.uk
2. Makita DHP482 18V Combi Drill – Best value pro
Reliable, light pro-grade drill. Affordable pro combi.
Why we like it:
- Reliable
- Light
- Good value
Watch out for:
- Brushed motor
Key specs: Torque: 62 Nm; Voltage: 18 V.
Buy it if you want pro quality cheaply. Skip it if you need brushless. Typical UK price: £100–£180.
👉 Check the price of the Makita DHP482 18V Combi Drill on Amazon.co.uk
3. Ryobi R18PD3 18V ONE+ Combi Drill – Best for beginners
Huge ONE+ battery platform. Huge ONE+ platform.
Why we like it:
- Affordable
- Huge tool range
- Light
Watch out for:
- Less power
Key specs: Torque: 50 Nm; Voltage: 18 V.
Buy it if you want an affordable platform. Skip it if you need pro durability. Typical UK price: £60–£110.
👉 Check the price of the Ryobi R18PD3 18V ONE+ Combi Drill on Amazon.co.uk
4. Bosch UniversalImpact 18V – Best for Bosch users
Shares batteries with Bosch garden tools. Light combi drill on Bosch Power for All.
Why we like it:
- Light
- Shared batteries
- Good value
Watch out for:
- Less torque than pro drills
Key specs: Voltage: 18 V.
Buy it if you use Bosch garden tools. Skip it if you need pro power. Typical UK price: £90–£150.
👉 Check the price of the Bosch UniversalImpact 18V on Amazon.co.uk
How to choose the right one
Combi drill or drill driver?
Combi drills include a hammer mode for masonry, which UK brick walls usually need.
Battery platforms
Batteries are expensive – stick with one brand to share them across tools.
Drilling into UK walls
Use masonry bits with hammer mode for brick and block, and a standard wood bit for timber. For plasterboard, use the right fixings rather than relying on plastic plugs. Always check for hidden pipes and cables with a detector before drilling.
Batteries and chargers
A 2 Ah battery keeps the drill light; 4–5 Ah batteries last longer for big jobs. Buying a kit with two batteries means one can charge while you work.
Accessories worth having
A good set of bits, a magnetic bit holder and a spirit level or laser level make everyday DIY much easier.
Safety
Wear eye protection, keep a firm grip and use the side handle on high-torque drills.
Drill or impact driver?
A drill handles drilling and light screwdriving. An impact driver drives long screws effortlessly and is ideal for decking and building projects. Many kits include both at a good price.
Common DIY jobs and the right setting
For flat-pack furniture, use the drill’s screwdriving mode with a low clutch setting to avoid stripping screws. For hanging shelves on brick, switch to hammer mode with a masonry bit. For pilot holes in timber, use the drill mode with a wood bit at a moderate speed. Practise on scrap material first if you are new to DIY.
Buying tips for UK shoppers
For shelves on UK walls, use the right wall plugs and check for pipes and cables with a detector. A laser level helps you line things up.
How we chose these products
We compared manufacturer specifications, UK warranty terms, running costs and typical UK prices, and only included products that are widely available from UK retailers. Our picks are based on this research, not on lab tests we have not carried out. Read our editorial guidelines to see how we work.
Frequently asked questions
What voltage drill do I need?
18 V suits most DIY.
Brushless or brushed?
Brushless runs longer and lasts longer.
Do I need hammer mode?
For brick and block, yes.
Our verdict
The DeWalt DCD796 is the best overall; Ryobi suits beginners and Bosch suits gardeners.