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Quick picks
- Best all-roundDeWalt DCD796
- LightestMakita DHP485
- Most powerMilwaukee M18 FPD3
- Solid alternativeBosch GSB 18V-55
- Tightest budgetRyobi R18PD7
For a new starter, the combi drill is the first big buy, and it locks you into a battery brand for years. For a pro, it's usually an upgrade within a platform you already own. Either way, read this before the picks.
Before you buy
- Stick to one platform. New? Match your firm's brand to share batteries. Already invested? Upgrade within it.
- Get brushless. It costs more, but runs more efficiently and lasts longer. Worth it for daily use.
- Check the Ah. Battery capacity is in amp hours. 2.0Ah is lighter, 4.0–5.0Ah lasts longer. One of each is a good mix.
- Kit or body only? Plenty of drills are sold without a battery. For your first, buy a kit with batteries and a charger.
- Combi, not drill driver. A combi adds a hammer mode for brick and block. A drill driver doesn't.
Side by side
| Drill | Platform | Motor | Best for | Price band |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DeWalt DCD796 | DeWalt 18V XR | Brushless | All-round site use | ££ |
| Makita DHP485 | Makita 18V LXT | Brushless | Light, compact work | ££ |
| Milwaukee M18 FPD3 | Milwaukee M18 | Brushless | Heavy drilling | £££ |
| Bosch GSB 18V-55 | Bosch Professional 18V | Brushless | Bosch firms | ££ |
| Ryobi R18PD7 | Ryobi ONE+ | Brushless | Tight budget | £ |
DeWalt DCD796
18V XR · brushless · compact
One of the most common drills on UK sites. Compact, tough, and DeWalt's 18V range is huge, so there's a body-only tool for whatever comes next.
Good
- Huge range of tools on the same battery
- Compact for its power
- Easy to find on deal
Not so good
- Not the most powerful here
- Kits vary a lot in price, so compare
Makita DHP485
18V LXT · brushless · compact
Light and well balanced. Good for overhead work and long days of screwing. Makita's LXT range is one of the biggest going.
Good
- Light in the hand
- Massive 18V range
- Very reliable
Not so good
- Less punch for big holes in masonry
Milwaukee M18 FPD3
M18 FUEL · brushless · full size
A beast. Overkill for most first-years, but the pick for experienced pros on Milwaukee doing heavy drilling day in, day out.
Good
- Loads of power
- Built for hard use
Not so good
- Heavier and bigger
- Costs the most
Bosch Professional GSB 18V-55
Bosch Professional 18V · brushless
Make sure it's the blue Professional range, not green, which is Bosch's DIY line. A good drill if your firm runs Bosch.
Good
- Well built
- Strong range of measuring tools on the same battery
Not so good
- Fewer tools in the range than DeWalt or Makita
- Blue vs green confuses people
Ryobi ONE+ R18PD7
18V ONE+ · brushless
Cheapest way into a brushless combi. Fine for college and lighter work. On site, you'll get comments, and it won't share batteries with anyone.
Good
- Low price
- Big, cheap ONE+ range
Not so good
- Aimed at DIY more than trade
- Rarely used on site, so no borrowing batteries
Quick answers
Combi drill or impact driver first?
Combi drill. It does both jobs, just not as fast at driving screws. Add the impact driver after.
Do I need brushless?
For daily use, yes. It's more efficient and lasts longer, so it pays for itself.
12V or 18V?
18V for site work. 12V tools are handy for small jobs, but they won't keep up on site.
What size battery?
One around 2.0Ah to keep it light, one 4.0–5.0Ah for long days.
Verdict
Stay on your platform if you have one. Starting fresh? the DeWalt DCD796 is the safe pick: compact, tough, and on a battery platform that'll cover anything you buy next.