Cordless hand drill

A cordless drill^[1] or battery drill is a portable power tool that operates on rechargeable batteries, usually lithium-ion technology. Its cordless design allows great freedom of movement, making it ideal for DIY, carpentry, assembly and professional use on construction sites.^[2]

From a technical point of view, this type of tool is powered exclusively by energy from the integrated battery, which determines both its power and its working autonomy. It is designed to perform basic functions such as drilling materials and screwdriving, and in some cases, it can also incorporate a hammering action, useful for working on masonry surfaces. The drill bit clamping system is usually made up of automatic drill chucks, although there are variants with a traditional key. One of the aspects most valued by users is the possibility of regulating the torque by means of different pre-set levels, which allows the force of the motor to be adapted to the demands of the material or the task. They usually incorporate an LED light, charge indicator and carrying case.

Cordless drills are usually categorized by the voltage of the pack that powers their motor, as this determines its power, autonomy and practical application. The 10 to 12 volt models are mainly aimed at household chores, light assemblies or precision work. Relevant examples in this category include the Bosch PS31, the Bosch GSR 12V-15, the Makita DF331DSAE, and the Black+Decker BDCHD12S1. They are compact, ergonomic drills with sufficient performance for occasional uses.

In the intermediate segment, 14.4V drills offer a good balance between size and strength. Although this voltage has been displaced by the 18 V standard in many current ranges, there are still current models such as the Bosch GSR 1440-LI, the Makita HP347D and the DF347DWE, which also work with compatible batteries such as the Makita BL1430B.

The 18 to 21 volt drills make up the most widespread professional range. Designed for demanding tasks, drilling in hard materials and intensive use, models such as the Bosch GSR 1800-LI, the GSB 18V-21, the Makita DHP453RFE, the DeWalt DCD776C3-QW, the Einhell TE-CD 18 Li-i and the Worx WX375 are widely used both on construction and in renovations and carpentry.

Finally, there are less common 28 V drills that are usually oriented to industrial environments where higher sustained performance is required. Milwaukee and DeWalt offer variants within this category, usually with high-amperage packs.

They started out as low-power electric screwdrivers, but today they fill a very wide range in the market.^[3][4]

Battery packs require battery balancing, which is a technique that maximizes a battery's ability to have all of its energy available for use and increases battery longevity.^[5] The battery regulator is typically a device built into the battery pack that performs battery balancing.^[6] Most modern cordless drills use lithium-ion batteries that offer:^[7]

• Greater energy density.
• Less weight.
• Absence of memory defect.
• Fast charging and extended battery life.

The nominal voltage of a battery pack is determined by the number of 3.7V cell subgroups connected in series. Each subgroup can consist of one or more cells in parallel, which increases the capacity (Ah) of the pack.^[8]

The presence of intermediate taps in the pack connector allows the BMS (internal or located in the charger) to monitor and balance the state of charge of each group of cells. This balance is essential in series configurations, since the cells do not automatically balance as they do in parallel. Some low-cost designs use diodes to limit the imbalance between cells, although this technique offers limited protection and can reduce the useful life of the set.^[9]

In terms of practical applications, cordless drilling machines are widely used for the assembly of furniture, the installation of shelves, curtains or various supports, as well as the drilling of surfaces such as wood, metal and plastic. When it comes to models equipped with a percussion function, the working capacity is extended to harder materials such as brick and lightweight concrete. They are also used for repetitive series screwdriving tasks, especially in industrial processes or chain assembly.

Safety and ergonomics are priority elements in the modern design of these tools. Many models feature grips coated with non-slip material that offer a better grip and reduce fatigue during prolonged use. In addition, electronic protection systems are integrated to prevent overloading and overheating of the motor. Some more advanced versions incorporate electronic brakes, which instantly stop rotation when the trigger is released, increasing safety and control over the tool. The presence of built-in LED lighting is also common, designed to facilitate work in dark areas or with reduced visibility.

• Cordless angle grinder

• Bell, Brian. Farm Machinery. Old Pond Books, 2010-02-12. ISBN 978-1-910456-23-1
• Peterson, Chris. Black & Decker Readymade Home Furniture: Easy Building Projects Made from Off-the-Shelf Items. Cool Springs Press, 2018-12-25. ISBN 978-0-7603-6162-7

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Cordless drills.

• Salazar, Maria Angeles (2022-06-27). "Nickel, Tesla et deux décennies d'activisme environnemental : Q&R avec le dirigeant Raphaël Mapou". Nouvelles de l'environnement. Retrieved 2025-07-30.