Best 12V Cordless Drills: Top 8 Picks (October 2026)

The best best 12V cordless drills include the Bosch GSR12V-140FCB22 12V Max Drill/Driver Kit with Flexiclick for tight spaces, the Makita FD09R1 12V CXT 3/8 in. Driver-Drill Kit for a compact standard drill, and the Bosch PS31-2A 12V Max 3/8 in. Drill/Driver Kit for controlled screwdriving.

On this page (3 sections)

1. Which 12V cordless drills stand out for different jobs?
2. What should you check before buying a 12V drill?
3. Which 12V cordless drill should you choose?

The Bosch GSR12V-140FCB22 is the best 12V drill for tight spaces, thanks to its four attachments for angled access and work near edges. For a standard compact drill, choose the Makita FD09R1 or Bosch PS31-2A; for masonry, look at Milwaukee's M12 FUEL hammer drill.

A 12V drill can be a practical fit for home repairs, furniture assembly and smaller drilling jobs. The best choice depends on whether you value a basic chuck, more clutch control, multiple attachments or a second tool for driving.

Our picks at a glance

1. 1
   Best for tight spaces

   Bosch GSR12V-140FCB22 12V Max Drill/Driver Kit with Flexiclick

   8.4/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
2. 2
   Best for a compact standard drill

   Makita FD09R1 12V CXT 3/8 in. Driver-Drill Kit

   8.3/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
3. 3
   Best for controlled screwdriving

   Bosch PS31-2A 12V Max 3/8 in. Drill/Driver Kit

   8.2/10 our score

   See it on Amazon

4. 4

   Milwaukee 3404-20 M12 FUEL 1/2 in. Hammer Drill/Driver (Bare Tool)

   Best for masonry drilling
   Check it
5. 5

   Makita CT232 12V CXT Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit

   Best for drill and driver versatility
   Check it
6. 6

   DeWalt DCD703F1 12V MAX XTREME Brushless 5-in-1 Drill/Driver Kit

   Best for multi-head access
   Check it
7. 7

   Milwaukee M12 Drill Driver and Impact Driver Combo Kit

   Best for an M12 two-tool starter kit
   Check it
8. 8

   Milwaukee M12 Subcompact Brushless 3/8 in. Drill/Driver

   Best for a lightweight bare drill
   Check it

Which 12V cordless drills stand out for different jobs?

The Bosch FlexiClick is the most adaptable pick here, while the Makita FD09R1 and Bosch PS31-2A are straightforward drill/driver kits. The Milwaukee 3404-20 is the only hammer drill in this group.

We compared the stated features and kit contents against common needs for a compact drill. Our score weighs specs and features against what you're shopping for.

Best 12V drill for tight spaces: Bosch FlexiClick

1

Bosch GSR12V-140FCB22 12V Max Drill/Driver Kit with Flexiclick: Best for tight spaces

8.4/10Our score

• 5-in-1 FlexiClick system
• Right-angle and offset-angle attachments
• 265 in-lb maximum torque
• Two 2.0 Ah batteries

Four attachments cover standard drilling, bit driving, right-angle access and work close to an edge. Its compact body and multiple head options suit jobs where a straight drill will not fit.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Four included attachments
• Right-angle and offset heads rotate to 16 positions
• Two batteries included

Cons

• Attachments add setup choices
• Bare-tool weight is 1.4 lb; weight with battery is not specified

The Bosch GSR12V-140FCB22 stands out for the range of work its head attachments cover. The magnetic bit holder handles basic driving, while the keyless chuck provides standard drilling.

Its right-angle attachment helps in tight spaces, and the offset-angle attachment is designed for screwdriving close to edges. Both heads rotate to 16 positions without removing them from the tool, which gives you more options when the work angle is awkward.

Bosch's specs give the tool weight as 1.4 lb and maximum torque as 265 in-lb. The kit includes two 2.0 Ah batteries, and Bosch covers its 12V Max tools, chargers and batteries with a three-year limited warranty.

Pick it when access and head options matter more than keeping the setup simple. If you mostly drill straight holes, a conventional drill/driver may be easier to choose and use.

Best 12V drill for a standard compact kit: Makita FD09R1

2

Makita FD09R1 12V CXT 3/8 in. Driver-Drill Kit: Best for a compact standard drill

8.3/10Our score

• Two speeds: 0–450 and 0–1,700 RPM
• 250 in-lb maximum torque
• 7 in long
• Two 2.0 Ah batteries and charger

This straightforward drill kit pairs a two-speed driver-drill with two batteries, a charger and a case. The slide-style battery lets the tool stand on its own.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Two batteries and charger included
• Two-speed range for drilling and driving
• Rubberized soft-grip handle

Cons

• No hammer mode
• 3/8 in. chuck limits bit size compared with a 1/2 in. chuck

The Makita FD09R1 is a conventional 3/8 in. driver-drill with two speed ranges, from 0–450 and 0–1,700 RPM. That gives you a lower speed for controlled driving and a higher range for drilling.

It delivers up to 250 in-lb of torque and is 7 in. long. The kit includes two 2.0 Ah slide-style batteries, a charger and a case, so you can start with a complete set of the main parts.

The rubberized soft-grip handle is designed for comfort, and the battery lets the drill stand on its own. Choose the FD09R1 for a standard compact drill kit with two batteries.

Best 12V drill for clutch control: Bosch PS31-2A

3

Bosch PS31-2A 12V Max 3/8 in. Drill/Driver Kit: Best for controlled screwdriving

8.2/10Our score

• 20+1 clutch settings
• Two speeds: 0–350 and 0–1,300 RPM
• 265 in-lb maximum torque
• Two batteries and charger

The PS31-2A provides a conventional 3/8 in. chuck and many clutch settings for dialing in screwdriving control. Two batteries help keep the kit ready for longer stretches of work.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• 20+1 clutch settings
• Two speed ranges
• Integrated LED and fuel gauge

Cons

• No right-angle attachment
• No hammer mode

The Bosch PS31-2A gives you 20+1 clutch settings for adjusting screwdriving force. Its two speeds run from 0–350 and 0–1,300 RPM, and its 3/8 in. chuck holds common drill and driver bits.

The kit includes two 12V batteries and a charger. An integrated LED helps light the work area, and the fuel gauge shows remaining battery charge.

It delivers up to 265 in-lb of torque and has a 7 in. head length. Choose it for a familiar drill/driver setup when you want more clutch steps for repeat screwdriving.

Best 12V hammer drill for masonry: Milwaukee M12 FUEL 3404-20

4

Milwaukee 3404-20 M12 FUEL 1/2 in. Hammer Drill/Driver (Bare Tool): Best for masonry drilling

8.2/10Our score

• Hammer drill/driver
• 1/2 in. all-metal chuck
• 400 in-lb maximum torque
• Brushless motor

This M12 FUEL model adds hammer action and a 1/2 in. all-metal chuck for buyers who need a compact tool for drilling into masonry. It is sold as a bare tool, so check your battery and charger needs.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Hammer mode for masonry work
• 1/2 in. all-metal chuck
• Brushless motor

Cons

• Bare tool
• Tool weight is not specified

The Milwaukee 3404-20 adds hammer action, making it the masonry-focused pick in this roundup. Its 1/2 in. all-metal chuck and 400 in-lb maximum torque set it apart from the smaller 3/8 in. drill/driver options.

This is a bare tool, so you need a compatible M12 battery and charger. Milwaukee identifies it as a hammer drill/driver with a brushless motor and a mechanical clutch for driving fasteners.

A 12V hammer drill adds a pulsing action for masonry drilling. Match the tool to the hole size, material and amount of drilling you expect, and follow the bit and tool instructions.

Read our guide to using a hammer drill at home before starting masonry work.

Best 12V drill and impact driver kit: Makita CT232

5

Makita CT232 12V CXT Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit: Best for drill and driver versatility

8.0/10Our score

• 3/8 in. driver-drill and 1/4 in. impact driver
• Two 1.5 Ah batteries
• Tool bag and charger included
• Drill delivers 250 in-lb maximum torque

The CT232 gives you a drill for holes and a separate impact driver for driving and fastening. Its two 1.5 Ah batteries, charger and contractor bag make it a ready-to-carry pair.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Two different tools in one kit
• Drill and impact driver each have compact designs
• Batteries and charger included

Cons

• More kit than you need if you only want a drill
• Batteries are 1.5 Ah

The Makita CT232 includes two tools: a 3/8 in. driver-drill and a 1/4 in. impact driver. That split is useful if you want to leave a drill bit in one tool and a driver bit in the other.

The drill has two speeds, 0–450 and 0–1,700 RPM, and delivers up to 250 in-lb of torque. The impact driver is made for driving and fastening, with up to 970 in-lb of torque.

The kit includes two 1.5 Ah batteries, a charger and a contractor bag. Pick it if you want both tools in one compact system, and see our cordless drill combo kit guide for more two-tool options.

Best 12V multi-head drill kit: DeWalt DCD703F1

6

DeWalt DCD703F1 12V MAX XTREME Brushless 5-in-1 Drill/Driver Kit: Best for multi-head access

7.8/10Our score

• Brushless motor
• Four dedicated attachments
• Two speeds and 15 clutch settings
• 2.0 Ah battery and charger

Four attachments give the DCD703F1 options for tight corners, offset access and standard drilling. The brushless motor, 15 clutch settings, battery and charger are part of the kit.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Four dedicated attachment solutions
• Brushless motor
• LED foot light

Cons

• Only one 2.0 Ah battery included
• More attachments to manage than a basic drill

The DeWalt DCD703F1 pairs a brushless motor with four dedicated attachments for tight or awkward work. Its kit includes a 3/8 in. chuck attachment, a right-angle attachment, a quick-release hex attachment and an offset attachment.

Two speeds and 15 clutch settings give you control for drilling and driving. The kit also includes a 2.0 Ah battery, charger, belt hook and bag.

The tool weighs 1.6 lb without the battery or attachments. Choose this model if you want multiple head options in a DeWalt 12V kit and don't mind keeping track of the attachments.

Best 12V two-tool M12 kit: Milwaukee drill and impact driver

7

Milwaukee M12 Drill Driver and Impact Driver Combo Kit: Best for an M12 two-tool starter kit

7.7/10Our score

• 3/8 in. drill/driver and 1/4 in. impact driver
• Two tools
• M12 battery fuel gauge
• Drill delivers up to 275 in-lb torque

This M12 kit pairs a drill/driver with an impact driver for separate drilling and fastening tasks. The drill includes a metal ratcheting chuck and an onboard battery fuel gauge.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Two tools for different tasks
• Metal ratcheting chuck
• Two batteries included

Cons

• No hammer mode
• A combo kit takes more storage than a single drill

This Milwaukee kit combines an M12 3/8 in. drill/driver and a 1/4 in. impact driver. Its drill delivers up to 275 in-lb of torque and has a metal ratcheting chuck.

An onboard fuel gauge displays remaining run time, and the kit includes two batteries. It suits a buyer who wants a drill and a separate tool for fastener driving in the M12 system.

The kit includes two tools for drilling and driving tasks. Choose it if that two-tool setup matches the jobs you do.

Best lightweight M12 drill: Milwaukee Subcompact Brushless

8

Milwaukee M12 Subcompact Brushless 3/8 in. Drill/Driver: Best for a lightweight bare drill

7.4/10Our score

• Brushless motor
• 1.6 lb weight
• Metal 3/8 in. keyless chuck
• 12 clutch settings

This compact M12 drill/driver combines a brushless motor, metal chuck and 12 clutch settings in a 1.6 lb weight. It is a bare tool, so plan for a compatible M12 battery and charger.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Brushless motor
• Metal keyless chuck
• 12 clutch settings

Cons

• Bare tool
• No hammer mode

Milwaukee's M12 Subcompact Brushless drill/driver has a 3/8 in. metal keyless chuck and 12 clutch settings. It weighs 1.6 lb, and its brushless motor suits buyers who want a compact bare tool.

It delivers up to 350 in-lb of torque. The tool is sold without a battery kit, so check that you have a compatible M12 battery and charger.

Choose it for a light, compact drill body with clutch control. If you're starting without M12 batteries, compare the total kit contents before deciding.

What should you check before buying a 12V drill?

Choose a 12V drill by the holes and fasteners you handle most, then compare its chuck, clutch, battery kit and access features. A higher torque figure alone doesn't tell you whether the tool suits your work.

Is a 3/8 in. or 1/2 in. chuck better?

A 3/8 in. chuck suits many small drilling and screwdriving jobs, while a 1/2 in. chuck accepts larger-shank bits. The Milwaukee 3404-20 is the only 1/2 in. chuck drill here, while several standard picks use 3/8 in. chucks.

Check the bit shank size you use most often. If your work calls for larger bits or repeated demanding holes, compare the tool's limits with the bit maker's guidance.

Do you need a hammer drill?

A hammer drill is useful when you need to drill into masonry such as brick or concrete. The Milwaukee 3404-20 is the hammer drill in this list; the other standard drill/drivers don't add hammer action.

For brick, see our guide to drilling into brick with a cordless drill. For concrete, use the concrete drilling guide to review bit choice and setup.

Is a 12V drill enough for everyday jobs?

A 12V drill can suit everyday assembly, repairs and light drilling, especially when compact size matters. For bigger holes, prolonged work or tougher materials, compare the job with a higher-voltage drill and its battery system.

Our plain cordless drill buying guide walks through the main choices, while the best cordless power drills roundup covers broader options.

Which 12V cordless drill should you choose?

Choose the Bosch FlexiClick when angled access and edge work are common, the Makita FD09R1 for a compact standard kit, and the Milwaukee 3404-20 when you need hammer action for masonry. If you want two tools, compare the Makita CT232 and Milwaukee M12 combo by included batteries and the jobs each tool handles.

For a closer look at the Milwaukee hammer drill, read our Milwaukee 3404-20 review. If you're deciding between M12 and M18, see our Milwaukee M12 vs M18 drill guide.

Our top 3 picks at a glance

1. 1
   Best for tight spaces

   Bosch GSR12V-140FCB22 12V Max Drill/Driver Kit with Flexiclick

   8.4/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
2. 2
   Best for a compact standard drill

   Makita FD09R1 12V CXT 3/8 in. Driver-Drill Kit

   8.3/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
3. 3
   Best for controlled screwdriving

   Bosch PS31-2A 12V Max 3/8 in. Drill/Driver Kit

   8.2/10 our score

   See it on Amazon

Frequently asked questions

Is a 12V cordless drill powerful enough for home use?

Yes, a 12V drill can handle many routine home jobs, such as assembling furniture, driving screws and drilling smaller holes in wood or metal. Choose by the work you do most, then check the chuck size, clutch settings and battery kit.

For repeated large holes or masonry, a more capable drill may suit the job better.

Can a 12V drill go through concrete or brick?

A standard 12V drill/driver is not the right first choice for concrete or brick. A hammer drill adds a pulsing action for masonry, and the Milwaukee 3404-20 in this guide is a 12V hammer drill/driver.

For more guidance, see our guide to drilling into concrete.

What is the difference between a 12V drill and a 12V impact driver?

A drill/driver uses a chuck and clutch, so it handles both drilling and controlled screwdriving. An impact driver uses a hex collet and repeated impacts to drive fasteners, which can make it a useful partner for a drill.

Our impact driver vs drill comparison explains when each tool fits.

Should you buy a 12V drill kit or a bare tool?

A kit is easier if you don't already own compatible batteries and a charger. Bare tools can make sense when you're already invested in the same battery system, but include the cost and availability of those parts in your decision.

Check what comes with the model before choosing.