If you're hunting for the best cordless drill at Menards, you're in the right place. Choosing the right tool can feel overwhelming—so many options, so many specs. But here's the deal: this guide is designed to help you zero in on what really matters — power, battery life, and value. We'll compare models side by side, and point you to the best cordless drill, as well as highlight how Menards' selection stacks up against the best cordless drill at Walmart. Plus, we'll even explore the best cheapest cordless drill options that don't compromise on quality. Let’s jump in and make your next drill purchase a confident one.
Our Top Picks:
Best Compact Power: DEWALT 20V Max Cordless Drill/Driver Kit
The DEWALT 20V Max Cordless Drill/Driver Kit stands out for its balance of power and portability. With a compact frame and a lightweight feel, it’s built to slide easily into tight spots where bulkier drills struggle. Its 300 UWO motor delivers enough strength for everyday drilling and fastening tasks, while the two-speed gearbox (0–450 and 1,500 RPM) provides flexibility for precision work or faster drilling. The included 20V batteries keep it genuinely cordless and convenient, though the 1.3Ah capacity means shorter run times if you’re handling big jobs. A 1/2-inch chuck, metal and wood drilling capacity, and steady torque output make it a dependable all-purpose choice for home projects or light professional use.
From a customer’s perspective, the drill’s comfort and maneuverability are often what make it a favorite—easy to hold, easy to control, and strong enough for most home repairs. Buyers typically appreciate that it comes with two batteries, minimizing downtime, and the overall build quality feels durable. The main complaint tends to center around the modest battery capacity, which requires more frequent charging during extended use. Overall, users looking for a reliable, compact, and straightforward drill/driver find it to be a solid value.
Best Budget Value: CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Drill/Driver Kit
The CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Drill/Driver Kit is built for homeowners who want a straightforward, dependable tool without overspending. Its 280 UWO motor provides enough strength for common drilling and fastening tasks, and the two-speed gearbox (0–350 / 0–1,500 RPM) lets users switch between controlled torque and faster drilling. The 1/2-inch keyless chuck makes bit changes quick, while the integrated LED light is especially useful in dim corners, closets, or garage projects. The included 20V battery offers adequate runtime for typical household use, and the charger brings it back to full in an hour or less. Added compatibility with the Versatrack hang hook is a nice touch for organized storage.
From a customer’s point of view, the drill feels comfortable, simple to use, and reliable for everyday tasks like assembling furniture, drilling into studs, or light woodworking. Many buyers appreciate the fast charging time and LED light, features that noticeably improve convenience. Users also like its value for the price, especially with the long 3-year warranty backing it. The most common critique revolves around its slightly lower power compared to some competitors, making it better suited for light to moderate work rather than demanding projects. Overall, it’s a practical, wallet-friendly pick for routine home DIY.
Best Brushless Value: 20V Cordless Brushless Power Drill Set
The INSPIRITECH 20V Brushless Power Drill Set focuses heavily on efficiency and ease of use. Its brushless motor is the standout feature, offering longer life, smoother operation, and better energy efficiency compared to brushed drills in the same price bracket. The 3/8-inch single-sleeve keyless chuck keeps bit changes straightforward and stable, while the dual-speed range (0–450 / 0–1,500 RPM) and 21+1 torque levels provide enough adjustability for light DIY work and controlled fastening. The kit includes two 1.5Ah batteries and a one-hour fast charger, reducing downtime and making it convenient for longer sessions. At just 2.49 lbs, the drill is comfortable to hold, well-balanced, and supported by an LED work light for dim spaces. With the added drill bits, driver bits, flexible extension, and a tool bag, the set arrives ready for immediate use.
From a user’s standpoint, this drill feels approachable, especially for beginners or casual DIYers who want an all-in-one package without needing to buy extra accessories. Buyers often highlight the light weight, the smoothness of the brushless motor, and the convenience of having two batteries. The accessory kit also tends to be a major selling point, offering strong value. The most common tradeoff mentioned is the moderate torque output, which can feel limited for heavy-duty tasks or drilling into tougher materials. Overall, customers see it as an excellent budget-friendly brushless drill for home projects, small repairs, and hobby work.
FAQs
What Is the Number One Rated Cordless Drill?
When determining the top-rated cordless drill overall, one name frequently rises to the top: the DeWalt DCD791 (or its updated line). This 20V MAX XR model combines high power, excellent battery life, and ergonomic design. It’s praised for its brushless motor, which provides longer run time and durability. In.customer review aggregators and industry tests, it consistently scores very high in torque, speed, and overall satisfaction.
At Menards in particular, you may also find other highly rated drills from brands like Makita, Ryobi, or Milwaukee that compete closely. Still, when most experts talk about “number one,” this DeWalt brushless model is a heavy-hitter.
What Is Better, an 18V or 20V Drill?
Great question — it's all about semantics and practical use. Here’s how to break it down:
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Voltage Difference: An 18V battery typically refers to devices using Lithium-ion chemistry rated at 18 volts nominal, but in many cases, 20V MAX batteries (like DeWalt) are actually very similar in performance. The 20V MAX branding often simply means a fully charged battery hits 20 volts at peak, but they still operate in the same category as 18V tools.
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Performance: In real-world projects, both 18V and 20V drills deliver similar torque, run-time, and power. The small voltage bump rarely translates into dramatically better performance.
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Compatibility: If you're already invested in an 18V system (batteries and chargers), it's often more cost-effective to stick with it rather than switching to a 20V platform. Many brands keep backward compatibility between their 18V and 20V lines.
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Use Case: For most DIYers and professionals, either voltage will do. If you need maximum power for heavy-duty drilling or job-site work, a nominal “20V MAX” drill might be marginally better, but for everyday tasks like driving screws or drilling wood, an 18V model is often more than enough.
Bottom line: the 18V vs. 20V debate is largely marketing — performance differences are minimal when you compare quality, brand, and battery capacity (Ah).
Is a 12V or 18V Drill Better?
Choosing between a 12V and 18V drill really comes down to what you plan to do with it:
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Portability vs. Power: A 12V drill is lighter, more compact, and easier to carry around. It’s ideal for light-duty jobs, such as drilling into drywall, screwing in cabinet fixtures, or general household maintenance.
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Battery Life: While 12V batteries are smaller, they often provide enough juice for quick tasks. But if you’re heading into longer or more demanding jobs, an 18V drill generally delivers better run-time and higher torque.
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Torque & Speed: 18V drills tend to offer more torque and higher top-end speed than 12V models, making them more versatile for larger screws, denser materials, or serious DIY and construction work.
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Cost Efficiency: 12V setups may save you money upfront, but if you later find yourself upgrading to more powerful tools, you might benefit from jumping straight into an 18V ecosystem.
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Use Case Recommendation:
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Go for 12V if portability and lightweight handling are your top priorities and your tasks are mostly light.
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Choose 18V if you need a reliable, powerful drill for a variety of tasks — especially more demanding ones.
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What Brand Power Tools Does Menards Carry?
Menards offers a broad selection of power-tool brands, giving customers a variety of cordless drill choices. Some of the key brands you can expect to find at Menards include:
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DeWalt: A popular, professional-grade brand known for durable, high-torque tools and long-lasting batteries.
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Makita: Renowned for precision, high-quality build, and reliable brushless motors.
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Ryobi: A favorite among DIYers, offering great value and a large ecosystem of 18V tools.
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Milwaukee: Known for rugged, high-performance tools, often with high output and advanced features.
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Bosch: Offers compact, well-built drills with a strong reputation for engineering.
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Hart: Menards’ in-house brand, often more affordable and still reasonably powerful for general home use.
These brands give a good cross-section of budget, performance, and ecosystem compatibility — whether you're a casual DIYer or a pro.
Conclusion
In short, finding the best cordless drill at Menards means balancing your needs for power, portability, and budget. While 20V MAX and 18V drills deliver nearly identical performance for most users, choosing between 12V and 18V depends on how heavy-duty your projects are. Menards carries top-tier brands like DeWalt, Makita, Ryobi, Milwaukee, Bosch, and even their own Hart line — giving you a solid mix of value and quality. By understanding your usage profile and battery ecosystem, you’ll be well-equipped to pick a cordless drill that feels powerful, reliable, and perfectly suited for your next project.
