When it comes to home improvement, size and weight matter — especially if you work in tight spaces or overhead areas. That’s where the best small lightweight cordless drill comes in handy. These tools combine power, balance, and control without causing arm fatigue.
But wait — choosing the right one isn’t as simple as picking a compact model. You’ll want to understand how it compares with the best cordless drill options overall, what the best voltage for cordless drill is, and even whether a brand like the best Ryobi cordless drill stands out in performance and design.
Ready to find out which lightweight drill delivers the best results? Let’s dive in!
Our Top Picks
Best Lightweight Design: WORKPRO Cordless Drill Driver Kit
The WORKPRO 12V Cordless Drill Driver Kit stands out as a lightweight, easy-to-use tool built for home projects and light-duty repairs. Weighing only 1.8 lbs, it’s designed for comfort and maneuverability, making it ideal for women or users who prefer a smaller grip. The ergonomic handle ensures steady control, while the LED light enhances visibility in darker areas. Its 18+1 clutch with two variable speeds—ranging from 0–400 to 0–1500 RPM—offers flexibility for drilling and screw-driving tasks. The 3/8" keyless chuck allows for quick bit changes, and the forward/reverse control adds convenience for everyday use. The included kit—with CR-V bits, twist drills, charger, and storage bag—adds solid value for casual DIY enthusiasts.
From a customer’s perspective, this drill is appreciated for its portability, smooth handling, and sufficient power for small home projects like assembling furniture or hanging decor. However, users who need a more robust drill for dense materials may find it underpowered.
Overall, the WORKPRO 12V cordless drill delivers reliable performance and excellent usability at an affordable price, making it a smart choice for light DIY work and general household use.
Best Pink Design: WORKPRO Pink Cordless Drill Driver Set
The WORKPRO Pink 12V Cordless Drill Driver Set combines functionality with a meaningful cause, supporting the “Helping Women Now” foundation through every purchase. Built for convenience and comfort, this 1.8-pound drill is easy to maneuver, especially for users who prefer a lighter, smaller tool. The ergonomic handle ensures a secure grip, and the LED light improves visibility when working in dim areas. Featuring an 18+1 clutch with two variable speeds—ranging from 0–400 to 0–1500 RPM—it provides the precision and control needed for a variety of household and craft projects. The 3/8" keyless chuck allows quick, one-handed bit changes, and the forward/reverse control makes driving and removing screws effortless.
From a customer’s viewpoint, this drill earns praise for its compact build, intuitive controls, and appealing pink design. It’s particularly favored by users looking for a lightweight tool for furniture assembly, décor installation, or small repairs. However, those tackling dense materials or larger construction tasks might find its torque output limited.
Overall, the WORKPRO Pink Cordless Drill Driver Set delivers dependable power and user-friendly operation in a stylish package. It’s an excellent value for casual DIY users—offering solid performance while supporting a meaningful charitable initiative.
Best Budget Pick: FADAKWALT Cordless Drill Set
The FADAKWALT 12V Cordless Drill Set is a practical and affordable choice for light home projects and everyday maintenance. Equipped with a 180 in-lbs motor and a 21+1 position clutch, it offers decent power and control for drilling into wood, metal, or plastic while preventing screw stripping or overdriving. Its 0–650 RPM variable speed range makes it suitable for basic DIY work, though not ideal for heavy-duty applications. The 3/8" keyless chuck enables quick bit changes, while the LED light and electric brake enhance precision and safety during use.
Weighing lightly and featuring a rubberized grip, the drill feels comfortable during extended use, even for one-handed operation. The included accessory set—comprising drill bits, screwdriver bits, a flexible shaft, and an extension bar—adds practical value, making it ready for various small jobs right out of the box.
From a customer’s perspective, users appreciate its ease of handling, thoughtful accessories, and reliable performance for household needs. However, professionals or users needing higher torque may find it underpowered for dense materials or demanding tasks.
Overall, the FADAKWALT 12V Cordless Drill Set delivers dependable performance and solid versatility for beginners and casual DIYers, offering great value at a budget-friendly price.
FAQs
What is the best lightweight drill?
The best lightweight drill combines compact design, strong torque, and long battery life without compromising performance. Currently, models like the DEWALT 20V MAX Atomic, Bosch PS31-2A 12V, and Makita FD07R1 12V CXT top the list.
These drills weigh under 3 pounds, making them ideal for extended use and overhead drilling. They also feature ergonomic grips, LED lights, and variable speed triggers for better control. If portability and comfort are your priorities, a 12V or 20V compact model is your best bet.
What is better, an 18V or 20V drill?
This is a common question, and the truth is — they’re nearly identical in power. Both 18V and 20V drills use similar lithium-ion cells. The 20V rating is typically the maximum initial voltage, while 18V represents the nominal voltage.
However, 20V models often feature newer designs with improved electronics and brushless motors, offering slightly better efficiency. If you’re working on heavier tasks like deck building or driving long screws, a 20V drill might perform better. For light to medium work, 18V remains perfectly capable and cost-effective.
Which is better, a 12V or 18V cordless drill?
It depends on your needs. A 12V drill is lighter, smaller, and perfect for tasks like assembling furniture, hanging shelves, or light DIY repairs. Meanwhile, an 18V drill delivers more torque for demanding applications such as drilling through dense wood or metal.
If you prioritize portability, go with a 12V drill. But if you need extra muscle for bigger projects, the 18V option provides more consistent power. Many professionals keep both — one for convenience, one for strength.
What is the number one rated cordless drill?
As of recent industry reviews, the DEWALT 20V MAX XR Brushless Drill/Driver (DCD791D2) often ranks as the top-rated cordless drill overall. It offers a perfect mix of power, runtime, and comfort, with a lightweight design suitable for all-day use.
Other contenders include the Makita XFD131 18V LXT and Milwaukee M18 Fuel 2803-20, both known for their durability and superior battery performance. These models are popular among professionals and serious DIYers alike.
Conclusion
Choosing the best small lightweight cordless drill is about finding the right balance between comfort, power, and portability. A 12V or 20V model from trusted brands like DEWALT, Makita, or Bosch offers the versatility most users need for home and professional projects. Whether you’re assembling furniture or drilling through wood, investing in a compact, efficient drill ensures every task feels lighter — and every result looks professional.
