Comparing The Top 3 Cordless Drill Drivers For 2012
One of the most basic tools that anyone should have and probably the first power tool that anyone ever buys is a drill. Nowadays it's usually a cordless drill or cordless screwdriver combo. That's understandable seeing how useful these tools can be. They're not just relegated to drilling holes any longer. Now cordless drill drivers can do everything from drive screws to being used as a sander and electric wrench with the right accessories. But with so many cordless drill/driver combinations on the market today, how is a person suppose to choose just one?
Hopefully we can she some light on this matter. We searched retailers and online DIY forums for the 3 most popular cordless drill/drivers based on actual owners and reviews left by owners and we're comparing here for you to decide which one is right for you. So without further ado, here is your cordless drill-driver comparison of the top 3 models.
Bosch 36618-20 vs DeWalt DC720KA vs Milwaukee 2601-02 Comparison Review
| Make & Model |
 Bosch 36618 |
 DeWalt DC720KA |
 Milwaukee 2601-22 |
| Volts | 18 | 18 | 18 |
| Battery Type | Lithium Ion | NiCad | Lithium Ion |
| Batteries Included? | YES | YES | YES |
| Maximum Torgue | 500 inch pounds | 410 Unit Watts Out* | 400 inch pounds |
| Speeds | 0-500 & 0-1600rpm | 0-500 & 0-1700 | 0-350 & 0-1400rpm |
| Chuck Size | 1/2 inch | 1/2 inch | 1/2 inch |
| Chuck Type | Keyless-Single Sleeve One Handed Bit Changes | Keyless-Single Sleeve Ratcheting Chuck | Keyless-Yukiwa Ratcheting Chuck |
| Built In LED Worklight? | YES | YES | YES |
| Weight | 3.7 lbs | 4.8 lbs | 4 pounds |
| Warranty | PrVantage 3 Year Protection Plan | 3 Year Limited Warranty | 5 Years |
| What It Comes With |
|
|
|
| Click on the buttons to the right for more reviews and prices |  |
 |
 |
And The Winner Is...
I think it's clear by looking at the table above that the Bosch 36618-02 Drill Driver outperforms the other two. I'll be straight up honest and tell you I have tool from all 3 manufacturers and like them a lot. So do a lot of other people, that's why there's so many reviews online of them. The Bosch has the power advantage over the DeWalt and Milwaukee models plus with its Slim Pack battery design and lightweight, it clearly outshines the other two.
What I Would Like To See Improved with These Drill Drivers
Here's a few things that disappoint me. First, the DeWalt DC720KA comes with NiCad Batteries and a 1 hour charger. Really DeWalt? How about stepping out of the past and get a hi-tech and hi capacity battery and quick charger like the rest of the field. It just seems the DeWalt drill drivers are suffering from not having the latest technological advances in battery design. Lithium Ion's not only last a longer time in the life of the battery itself, but charge times are also longer than NiCad. Plus, who wants to wait an hour for a battery to recharge when you have a job to do? It's one frustrating feeling to be sitting around waiting for a battery to be charged while there's work to be done!
*Also, DeWalt measured their power output in "unit watts out". Nearly all other manufacturers measure their torque output in "inch pounds". Not sure why DeWalt would do this and not sure how to calculate "unit watts out" into "inch pounds", but I wouldn't be surprised to see if it came out less than the other two when converted. Why deviate from industry standards? In other descriptions for their tools, like this review of the DCK265L, they used inch-pounds. Confusing to say the least!
On some points, I was glad to see the Milwaukee 2601-22 Drill Driver do well. But I would have like to seen a higher RPM output. It came in last of the other 3 in this area. I would have also like to have seen it in the 500 inch pound torque rating.
Where to Find The Best Prices on these Drill-Driver Combos
I looked at a lot of websites trying to find the best price on the Bosch, DeWalt and Milwaukee drill drivers and it came as no surprise that Amazon.com was $40 to $70 cheaper than other retailers. Just another reason I keep ordering my power tools from Amazon.com (of course, their outstanding customer service is another huge reason).
