18V Cordless Drill: The Best 18V Cordless Drill

The 18V cordless drill is designed primarily for serious do-it-yourselfers and professionals. It packs lots of power and torque, enough to break your wrist if you're not careful.

18V Cordless Drill

We evaluated over 25 cordless drills in the 18V category, and selected the following 10 as the best models. Total scores were based on key performance features including power, speed, durability, weight, and battery life:

18V Cordless Drill

1. Hitachi DS18DL
2. Milwaukee 2610-24
3. Makita BDF451
4. Bosch 37618-01
5. Bosch 35618
6. DeWalt DCD940KX
7. Panasonic EY7460
8. Makita BDF452
9. DeWalt DC720KA
10. Hitachi DS18DSAL

Let's see why the top-3 18V drills scored so well:

1. Hitachi DS18DL

- Generates 570 in-lbs of torque, one of the top-5 drills in its class for power.
- Runs up to 1,800 RPM drill speed, again one of the top-5.
- Uses 3.0 Ah lithium-ion batteries for about 50% longer run-time than its peers.
- Durable design with all-metal chuck and external motor brush access.
- Hitachi provides an industry-leading 10-year warranty.

2. Milwaukee 2610-24

- The class leader for power. Generates a whopping 650 in-lbs of torque, about 40% more than the average 18V drill.
- Fast. Delivers drill speeds up to 1,800 RPM.
- Long run-time with 2.8 Ah lithium-ion batteries.
- Features an LED work-light, side-handle, and extremely useful fuel gauge.
- Backed by Milwaukee's 5-year warranty.

3. Makita BDF451

- Cranks out 560 in-lbs of torque, about 20% higher than average.
- Generates drill speeds up to 1,700 RPM.
- Light-weight for this class. Weighs about 4.6 lbs, about 10% lighter than the average 18V.
- Designed with a rugged all-metal transmission and all-metal chuck.
- Rated highly by satisfied customers.

The Best 18V Cordless Drill

18V Cordless Drill

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>> Click here to update Cheapest prices for Bosch 36618-02 18-Volt 1/2-Inch Compact-Tough Litheon Drill/Driver with 2 Slim Batteries <<

Bosch 36618-02 18-Volt 1/2-Inch Compact-Tough Litheon Drill/Driver with 2 Slim Batteries Feature

New compact, tough design for increased maneuverability and less user fatigue
Features 0-500/0-1,600 RPM and 500 inch-pounds of torque
20-position clutch settings for precise driving applications
State-of-the-art lithium-ion battery technology coupled with ECP system guarantees the optimal performance of tool and batteries
LED light is great for dark or enclosed areas

Bosch 36618-02 18-Volt 1/2-Inch Compact-Tough Litheon Drill/Driver with 2 Slim Batteries Overview

New Bosch compact tough drills are built to be faster, run longer and be more durable than the competition. 1/2-inch chuck capacity with 20 clutch Settings.

Bosch 36618-02 18-Volt 1/2-Inch Compact-Tough Litheon Drill/Driver with 2 Slim Batteries Specifications

Built tough, the Bosch 36618-02 18-Volt 1/2-Inch Compact-Tough Litheon Drill/Driver with Two Slim Pack Batteries is a durable, powerful, and compact tool for high-quality results. Featuring Durashield housing to guard against wear and tear, the 36618-02 utilizes an 18-volt Litheon battery, which provides 35% more runtime and two times the recharge cycles of its competitors.

The 36618-02 Litheon Drill/Driver offers:

18-volt Litheon batteries for long-lasting performance.
Up to 1,600 RPM and 500 in./lbs. of torque.
20 clutch settings and a variable-speed trigger for versatility.
One-handed bit changes.

Pictured with a Fat Pack battery.
Even though this tool comes with 2 Slim Packs, you can purchase a Fat Pack separately and get more run time--2.6 Ah vs. 1.3 Ah with the Slim Pack. No other company provides this option.
View larger.

18-Volt Litheon Batteries for Maximum Runtime and Manageability
The 36618-02 utilizes state-of-art lithium-ion battery technology and Bosch's proprietary ECP (Electronic Cell Protection) system to provide maximum cycle life, minimum self-discharge, and no memory-effect. Best of all, Litheon batteries will fully charge in 30 minutes and will be at 85% capacity in just 15 minutes.

Handle grip with finger support provides maximum control. View larger.

Up to one pound lighter than comparable 18-volt NiCad drills/drivers, the 36618-02 won't weigh you down. It's ideal for a wide range of drilling and fastening jobs, from hanging curtains to building a deck; from making automotive repairs to installing cabinetry.

Unique, Flexible Power System
Like all tools in Bosch's 18-Volt line, this drill/driver can be used with either a 1.3-Ah BAT609 Slim Pack battery (two included) or a 2.6-Ah BAT318 Fat Pack. If you're looking for a lighter-weight option, the Slim Pack is the perfect choice. If longer runtime is what you need, the Fat Pack will do the job. Bosch is the only power tool manufacturer that provides this option.

Fast Speeds, High Torque, and Durable Construction for Reliable Results
The 36618-02 works at speeds up to 1,600 RPM and provides 500 in./lbs. of torque. Durashield housing, unibody construction, and a steel-reinforced collar help you withstand real-world conditions, like temperature extremes, rain, dirt, debris, and drops.

The 36618-02's Durashield Housing is constructed with ABS/Nylon composite, which makes the housing flexible and impenetrable. Unlike competitive tools, which use a conventional plastic housing, Durashield will not crack and can easily withstand 10-foot drops.

This tool also features unique unibody construction with three steel straps that keep the motor, gears, and clutch together. This ensures that the gears never separate from the motor, and it keeps the drill functioning even after drops.

Additionally, the 36618-02 boasts an exclusive steel-reinforced collar that protects the nose of the drill. It provides extra reinforcement in the event of drops on the chuck and prevents the chuck from bending or breaking off.

Easy Bit Changes and Balanced Design for Utmost Control
The 36618-02 comes complete with a single-sleeve 1/2-inch chuck for one-handed bit changes, as well as increased drill-bit capacity for versatility. And for maximum control, comfort, and balance, the tool boasts a newly designed handle-grip with finger support.

Smart Features for Easy Use
20 clutch settings and a variable-speed trigger help you match the best speed to the job, so you can achieve precise results. At the same time, the 36618-02's ergonomic design provides optimum comfort and control. And for even greater convenience, LEDs provide illumination when you are working in dark or enclosed areas.

ProVantage Guarantee
The 36618-02 comes with the ProVantage three-year protection plan, which guarantees two years of battery protection and one year of tool protection. Under this plan, you can receive two years of free battery replacements, tool replacement for one year, and a free tool repair package for the second and third years.

What's in the Box
Drill/driver; two Litheon Slim Packs; 30-minute charger; double-ended bit; and carrying case.


18V Lithium Ion Family of Tools
For more information, click on the images below

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