Choose a cordless drill around your actual jobs

What does a cordless drill do?

A cordless drill turns a bit to make holes or drive screws. For everyday jobs such as assembling furniture, fitting handles and drilling pilot holes in timber, a drill driver is a useful first power tool.

The chuck is the set of jaws at the front that holds the bit. Change the bit to suit the job rather than expecting one to handle every material.

Which type suits your job?

For household repairs and furniture projects, start with a comfortable drill driver with adjustable speed and a clutch. The clutch is the numbered ring that helps limit screw-tightening force.

Drilling brickwork is a different task: you need a suitable masonry bit and a tool rated for that material. A hammer drill or rotary hammer may be needed; an impact driver is not a replacement.

What is worth paying for?

Try the grip with the battery fitted and think about where you will use it. A bulky battery can be awkward inside a kitchen cabinet.

Look for controls you can reach comfortably and a chuck that accepts the bits you need. If you mostly assemble small furniture, do not buy a heavy kit just because its power figures look impressive.

What else will you need?

Allow for the correct drill bits, screwdriving bits, clamps and eye protection. Cordless tools also need a compatible battery and charger.

A bare tool is useful when you already own those parts, but it can be an expensive surprise when you do not. Put everything on the same shopping list before comparing the delivered price.

A simple buying decision

Write down the next three jobs, then check whether each kit includes what those jobs need. For a kitchen cupboard repair, useful bits and a manageable grip may matter more than a second tool.

Keep optional extras separate from essentials. Compare the complete cost using our calculator, and ask the retailer about any unclear model or battery details before paying.

Sources and scope

Want to check a detail? These are the references used for this guide.

• Bosch: cordless drills and combi drills — Tool-category distinctions only; UK models/prices are not Australian offers. Checked 2026-10-26.
• Bunnings Australia: drill driver and impact driver differences — Basic tool functions. Retailer source; no affiliation or product endorsement implied. Checked 2026-10-26.
• SafeWork SA: hand and power tools — General safe tool selection, handling and precautions; check the exact tool manual. Checked 2026-10-26.
• WorkSafe Victoria: controlling wood dust — Dust control hierarchy and task-appropriate respiratory protection; workplace guidance, not a universal mask prescription. Checked 2026-10-26.
• Healthy WA: dust from DIY renovations — Hazards from disturbing asbestos, silica-containing materials and lead paint during renovation. Checked 2026-10-26.