If the correct high-performance tool is selected, then the geometry of the flutes can be relied upon to control the heat, form the chips correctly and evacuate the swarf. This negates the requirement for coolant.

It can stand up, making it easier to grab mid-project and less likely to mar a delicate surface. DeWalt employs a “foot”-style battery, which slides into the base of the handle from the front of the tool, giving it a small platform to stand on. By contrast, many competitors’ 12-volt drills, like those from Milwaukee and Bosch, use a battery that slides up into the handle. So not only are these handles bulky, but without a foot, the drills can also rest only on their sides, so they’re not as easy to set down and grab in the middle of a project.

We tested battery life and power with structured tests. For our structured tests, we sunk 3-inch screws into doubled-up 2-by-10 lumber (a total of 3 inches thick). We did this on a fully charged battery until the battery was empty. This test simulated the process of framing, as if someone were building a tree house or a partition wall. To prevent the drills from overheating, we rested them after every 14 screws.

If you’re looking for a very strong 12-volt tool and you don’t mind paying extra, we like the Milwaukee 3403-22 M12 Fuel 1/2 in. Drill/Driver. This drill is unique in that it comes with both a 2.0 Ah battery (standard for a 12-volt drill) and a high-capacity 4.0 Ah one. With the bigger battery installed, we were getting run-time numbers that rivaled those of most of the 18-volt drills we looked at. It’s also a very strong drill, and its 0.5-inch chuck can accept larger drill bits than the other 12-volt drills. Unfortunately, the Milwaukee’s battery causes the handle to bulge at the bottom, and with the 2.0 Ah battery, the tool can’t stand up on its own (the 4.0 Ah battery has a “foot”).

The budget-friendly Ridgid R87012 performed great in our tests, but it had a harder time with relentless drilling than our other 18- and 20-volt recommendations.

Despite Hardened Steel potentially being brittle or prone to cracking, Cast Iron is particularly more so (except for malleable cast iron).

The Milwaukee 2503-22 M12 Fuel 1/2 in. Drill Driver Kit is an older version of the Milwaukee 12-volt we recommend. It’s not as powerful and will likely be phased out soon.

It’s an extremely short drill with great ergonomics. From front to back, the Milwaukee measures 5.625 inches, making it the shortest drill we’ve ever tested (that includes even the 12-volt drills, which are typically the smaller class). This compact size places the drill at a real advantage between stud bays, in cabinets, and in other tight spots, like when we needed to put in a few screws in a wall next to a bed and didn’t want to have to move the bed first. The drill’s short length is reflected in the tool’s weight, with the Milwaukee (with a battery installed) weighing only 3 pounds 3 ounces, lighter than all but one other 18-volt drill. The Milwaukee’s great usability is only increased by the excellent handle, foot-style battery, and solid belt hook.

The DeWalt DCD701F2 Xtreme 12V Max Brushless 3/8 in. Drill/Driver Kit combines power, comfort, and convenience in a way that none of the other tested drills do. In our tests, it bored 30 1-inch holes through a 2-by-10 on a single battery charge, showing it can handle just about anything within the four walls of a home (and even the occasional foray into more aggressive work, like a small decking repair). Other drills we tested had similar power, but the DeWalt DCD701F2 really excels in ergonomics and convenience features. The molded handle seems to account for every curve and bulge of the hand, the battery is designed so that the drill can stand upright when not in use (other drills, like the runner-up Bosch PS31-2A 12V, need to be placed on their side), and the LED is positioned so that it illuminates the drill front better than most. In all our years of testing, we haven’t found a drill that’s as much a pleasure to use as this one.

The DeWalt DCD791D2 20V Max XR Li-Ion Brushless Compact Drill/Driver Kit was a previous pick, but it has now been discontinued. Similarly, the Milwaukee 2801-22CT M18 Compact Brushless 1/2 in. Drill Driver Kit was also a pick, but it has been replaced with the Milwaukee 3601-22CT we now recommend.

This Milwaukee isn’t as comfortable to hold as our top pick, but it has all-day power, especially when used with the high-capacity battery.

The DeWalt DCD701F2 Xtreme is the most comfortable drill we’ve ever held. It’s loaded with convenience features and packs enough strength and stamina to easily handle common jobs around the home.

If the DeWalt DCD701F2 is overpriced or unavailable, we also like the Bosch PS31-2A 12V Max 3/8 in. Drill/Driver Kit. In our tests, this 12-volt Bosch couldn’t drill as many 1-inch holes on a single charge as our top pick, but it still has more than enough power for general home tasks. In our own measurements, we found it to be about 5 ounces lighter than the DeWalt DCD701F2, but it feels heavier because the balance isn’t as nice. The Bosch battery slides up into the handle, making the grip fatter and not as contoured as the DeWalt’s. Also, the LED doesn’t illuminate as well. Even with these drawbacks, we’ve been using (and recommending) this drill for years, and we’ve seen firsthand a long track record of reliability.

If our Milwaukee 3601-22CT upgrade pick is not available, we also recommend the DeWalt DCD800E2 20V Max XR Brushless Cordless 1/2 in. Drill/Driver Kit. The overall design is the same as the Milwaukee’s and, in battery performance, it lasts just a whisker longer. The downsides are that it’s not as compact and it’s a little heavier. The LED is unique in that you can use it independently from the drill and pivot it slightly around, so it can function as a rudimentary flashlight, something appreciated in any crawl space.

If the Milwaukee 18-volt drill is not available, or if you have other 20-volt DeWalt tools and batteries, we also like the 20-volt DeWalt DCD800E2 20V Max XR Brushless Cordless 1/2 in. Drill/Driver Kit. It’s very similar to the 18-volt Milwaukee in power, ergonomics, and overall design. The DeWalt lasted a little longer in our battery test, and it has an LED that can also be switched on independently of the drill and slightly rotated, a unique feature that turns it into a rudimentary flashlight (which could come in handy in nearly any crawl space). The light is neat but not necessary, so we prefer the typically less expensive 18-volt Milwaukee, which is a little shorter and delivers roughly the same power and battery life.

Similar to Stainless Steel, Exotics (or Heat Resistant Super Alloys) are preferred where corrosion resistance is required. Not only that but Exotics also have a higher temperature resistance than Hardened Steel.

Should you need to ream a Hardened Steel drilled hole, we also have a range of Carbide reamers for Hardened Steel up to 67HRC from Karnasch.

Ergonomics are what differentiate the good from the great. You could have the most powerful drill in the world, but if it’s not comfortable to hold, you probably won’t want to use it. We sought out a drill that was small, comfortable to hold (for both large and small hands), relatively light, and nicely balanced. These details make a huge difference, especially when you’re reaching overhead with the tool for extended periods or doing a repetitive task like replacing deck boards or putting together a piece of knockdown furniture.

Also on harder materials, thermal shock can occur, therefore air jet cooling, oil mist or air mist can be used. Jet cooling is the best option however as it eliminates any requirements for the tool to withstand rapid and severe temperature changes.

At Cutwel, we speak to many people about the difficulties of machining Hardened Steel and how we would advise best to machine this particular material. In this article I have summarised all the common questions I get asked and also provided a bit of background information to help you on your way.

Once you have selected the right type of tool you then need to consider what cutting data (speeds and/or feeds) you should use. Where possible, always follow the supplier or manufacturer’s recommended cutting data. If you are unsure of what speeds or feeds to use when machining Hardened Steel please do not hesitate to contact me or any member of the Cutwel technical team for more advice.

Flex is a new brand of cordless power tools. Its 24-Volt Brushless Cordless Drill has a lot of positive feedback at Lowe’s (where it is exclusively sold), but we don’t think the added voltage is necessary for around-the-house work. Plus, the larger battery adds weight.

Typically Hardened Steels rank on the Rockwell scale between 40HRC and 70HRC. Materials between 55-70HRC would generally be classed as high Hardened Steels. To compare all the different types of Steel and where Hardened Steels rank on the Rockwell scale, please see a summary below:

It has a decent amount of power and battery life, but it falls short when compared to the Milwaukee 18-volt and DeWalt 20-volt. It also heated up faster than those other two during more strenuous testing. Still, it’s a nice combination of size and power—one we believe is well suited to the entry-level DIYer. This model is also a fairly inexpensive way to get started with Ridgid’s large, 18-volt platform.

A more cost effective option, but at the sacrifice of tool life, would be to go down the route of ceramic turning inserts. As a last resort, PCD Turning Inserts can also be used because the base of the material is made from Diamond which is the hardest in the world.

Also, this drill lacks the small convenience features we like so much on the DeWalt DCD701F2 drill, such as the useful light placement and the foot-style battery. Still, we’ve been using this tool for years and have witnessed a long track record of reliability.

For tapping Hardened Steel we would always recommend our high-resistance range of machine taps. These Italian made ultra-high quality powder metal machine taps from UFS also contain high cobalt and vanadium content for the ultimate wear resistance. The short flute design and 15° helix angle provide exceptional strength when tapping hard steels.

If the DeWalt DCD701F2 12-volt drill is not available, and you’re willing to make a few compromises, we also like the Bosch PS31-2A 12V Max 3/8 in. Drill/Driver Kit. This model was once our top pick, and it has a lot of power—similar to what the DeWalt 12-volt drill offers. But the Bosch drill has a longer body, and the ergonomics aren’t anywhere near as good.

If you need a drill that can consistently and quickly perform more aggressive work, such as driving long screws and drilling large holes, we recommend the Milwaukee 3601-22CT M18 Compact Brushless 1/2 in. Drill/Driver Kit.

Tool run-out is quite important when machining Hardened Steel because if the runout is greater than 0.01mm, the tool life can be greatly reduced. This is particularly relevant on some small-diameter tools where the chip load can also be doubled if the runout is too big. This makes choosing the right toolholder for your application an absolute priority. High-precision chucks negate the impact of tool runout. Please contact me or the Cutwel Technical Team for advice on choosing the right toolholder for machining Hardened Steel.

When using coolant on Hardened Steel applications thermal shocking can occur due to the major temperature differences involved, which can cause breakages. If you need an alternative method for swarf evacuation, we would advise air or mist coolant instead.

First off, it is not possible to use HSS or standard Carbide tooling when milling Hardened Steel, especially above 50HRC. We would always recommend a superior grade of carbide such as Ultrafine or Nanograin. These substrates are much denser which results in a harder-wearing tool with extremely high heat resistance.

To gain even more insight on drills, I spoke with Timothy Dahl, former editor at Popular Mechanics and founder and editor of the home-improvement site Charles + Hudson and the family DIY site Built by Kids. Dahl has written about tools since 2002 and has run Charles + Hudson since 2005. I also spoke with Wirecutter senior editor Harry Sawyers, who previously worked at This Old House magazine and Popular Mechanics. Harry has written about tools since 2005, including putting together a 12-volt drill test for Gizmodo.

Since 2001, I’ve used and evaluated tools on a daily basis. I spent 10 years in construction as a carpenter, foreman, and site supervisor, working on multimillion-dollar residential renovations in the Boston area. In that time, I’ve probably used at least 50 different drills, and I’ve been testing them for Wirecutter since 2015. I’m also a serial renovator who lives in a 1773 saltbox house that, just by its nature, requires a very hands-on, tool-heavy approach. In addition, I raise sheep, cows, pigs, bees, and chickens. So between all of the framing repairs, loose floorboards, shed adjustments, beehive building, chicken-coop fixes, stall creation, and fence alterations, I have a drill in my hand nearly every single day. Prior to owning the saltbox, I gutted and rebuilt an early 1900s farmhouse.

If you’re looking for more power and battery life than what the 12-volt models provide, but you’re hesitant about the cost of the 18-volt Milwaukee and 20-volt DeWalt drills, we recommend the Ridgid R87012 18V Brushless SubCompact Cordless Drill/Driver Kit. It doesn’t have the same strength as the other two, but it has enough power for most midsize DIY projects, such as light framing. We see it as a good drill for someone starting out on the DIY road who might want a decent drill at a lower cost.

It is made by heating carbon steel to a higher temperature and then rapidly cooled. This process is called quenching. Because of quenching, the steel becomes extremely hard but also brittle. A solution to reducing brittleness without affecting the hardness, the material is reheated again and then left to naturally cool. This is called tempering. A combination of quenching and tempering results in Hardened Steel that can still be machined but without the risk of cracking.

The Bosch PS31-2A 12V has power similar to that of the DeWalt DCD701F2, but it’s clunkier to hold. And the little touches, such as the LED, aren’t as nice.

The Black+Decker BDCDD12C 12V Max Cordless Lithium Drill/Driver comes with only a single battery. It doesn’t have a belt hook, onboard bit storage, or a battery gauge. This model also offers just one speed, and it’s merely a little faster than the low speeds of the other drills we tried. In practical terms, this means jobs don’t go as quickly with this drill, especially with smaller screws, which you normally need to drive at high speed. The power is not that great, either.

It has plenty of power for around-the-house tasks. In our power tests, the DeWalt 12-volt was able to drill 30 1-inch holes into a 2-by-10 on a single battery charge, and it could sink over 100 3-inch drywall screws into a doubled-up 2-by-10 (3 inches of wood). Obviously, that’s more than enough to tighten up some cabinet hinges and hang a mirror. Yet it’s also plenty for those times you might need to deal with a larger project, such as building garage shelving or replacing a short flight of deck stairs. If you need a drill for constant, all-day aggressive use, we recommend our upgrade pick, but if you’ll be dipping a toe into larger DIY projects only occasionally, the DeWalt 12-volt will have no problems.

X- Power Pro milling cutters from YG-1 are exceptional for dry high-speed cutting of Hardened Steel. Made from an ultrafine micrograin carbide, X-Power Pro is ideal for many Hardened Steel applications such as mold & die, tool making or high-precision machining. The range includes micro diameters from just 0.4mm and has a range of geometries including standard, corner radius, long neck, ball nose and 6-8 flute finishing tools.

Hardened Steel is extremely resistant to wear and abrasion. This is one of the main benefits when producing components that need to withstand regular abuse or heavy loads without failure or damage. It is also able to combat rust and corrosion better than standard steel.

After drilling over 1,000 holes and sinking at least 60 pounds of screws in drill tests dating back to 2013, we’ve found the DeWalt DCD701F2 Xtreme 12V Max Brushless 3/8 in. Drill/Driver Kit to be the best one yet.

Due to the heat produced when machining Hardened Steel, you will require tools with a thermal barrier coating. In addition to this, cobalt content can also improve heat resistance and strength. Negative rake angle tools should also be adopted to protect the cutting edge against the hardness of the material.

The 18-volt Milwaukee 3601-22CT handles demanding work faster and easier than the smaller, 12-volt drills, yet it manages to retain the great ergonomics and other features of our top-pick DeWalt drill.

We tried to keep the cost reasonable. Solid 12-volt drills (with a charger and two batteries) from reputable manufacturers typically cost between about $100 and $150 (but are occasionally available for less). Compact 18- and 20-volt drills are in the next price bracket, usually costing between $150 and $200. There are certainly cheaper drills available, but in our experience, if you get too much below these cost brackets, the drills are low quality or otherwise flawed. The tools we’re recommending should last years, if not decades.

The DeWalt DCD701F2 Xtreme 12V Max Brushless 3/8 in. Drill/Driver Kit offers the best combination of power, size, ergonomics, and convenience. Like the majority of the drills we looked at, it has more than enough strength for household tasks. But it really shines ergonomically: It is, by far, the most comfortable drill we’ve held. In addition, it offers great minor touches, including a wide belt clip and a bright LED that’s positioned to cast maximum light at the front of the drill. The body of the drill is balanced, and because of the way the battery is positioned, the tool can stand up, making it easier to set down and pick up in the middle of a project (unlike many of the other drills, which can be placed only on their sides).

We did not test the Makita FD07R1 12V max CXT Lithium‑Ion Brushless Cordless 3/8 in. Driver Drill Kit. It shares many characteristics with our main pick, the DeWalt 12-volt, but the light is positioned above the handle, so it doesn’t illuminate a work surface as well. It’s also typically a lot more expensive.

If you’re looking for a real workhorse of a drill, or if you have other tools in the Milwaukee 12-volt ecosystem, we like the Milwaukee 3403-22 M12 Fuel 1/2 in. Drill/Driver. It’s pricey for a 12-volt tool, but when we tested it with the included 4.0 Ah high-capacity battery, it put up numbers that rivaled or exceeded many of those of the 18-volt drills we looked at. Its considerable power is emphasized by the fact that it comes with a 0.5-inch chuck (the nose of the drill, where the bits fit in), which is larger than what is found on a standard 12-volt drill. This allows the Milwaukee to accept larger drill bits. The downsides are that, like the Bosch PS31-2A 12V, the handle isn’t as comfortable as the DeWalt DCD701F2’s, and when using the lower-capacity battery, the tool can be placed only on its side when set down. We think most will be just fine with the capabilities and comfort of our top-pick DeWalt, but this Milwaukee can definitely get a lot of work done.

Should you need advice on machining Hardened Steel then please look no further than our expert technical team who boast a wealth of experience across a range of industries. We will be able to advise on tool selection, set up and machining methods to help you get the best from your Hardened Steel applications.

The DeWalt DCD701F2 Xtreme is the most comfortable drill we’ve ever held. It’s loaded with convenience features and packs enough strength and stamina to easily handle common jobs around the home.

This Milwaukee isn’t as comfortable to hold as our top pick, but it has all-day power, especially when used with the high-capacity battery.

DeWalt has two versions of their Atomic drill (the DCD708C2 and the DCD794D1). These are meant to be a bridge between the two classes of drills, combining the size of the 12-volt drills with power closer to the larger, 18- and 20-volt tools. The problem is that, over time, the 12-volt drills have become more powerful and the 18- and 20-volt drills have become smaller, effectively squeezing the Atomic drills out of the picture. The Milwaukee 18-volt drill we recommend is shorter than both of the Atomics and considerably more powerful.

The Craftsman CMCD713C2 V20 Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver Kit is nice, but it’s not as powerful as our picks, and it felt chunkier in the hands.

The Black+Decker BDCDE120C 20V Max Lithium Drill/Driver with AutoSense Technology was a champ at driving screws, but it didn’t do well in our drilling test, managing only 25 holes (which put it in the middle of the pack). It also has only a 0.375-inch chuck (the rest of the 18-volt models have 0.5-inch chucks), which limits it with larger bits. In addition, it’s a single-speed tool, whereas all of the others we tried have two speeds.

We also used the drills in less structured settings. Using the drills, we worked on various projects—we built a wall, put in a few windows, fixed a hay feeder, repaired a chicken coop, built two bookshelves, put down a floor, installed a pocket door, and outfitted a garage with shelving. We also adjusted a few doors, swapped out some license-plate lights, put up some mudroom hooks, installed cabinetry, and hung a heavy mirror.

The Bosch GSR12V-300B22 12V Max EC Brushless 3/8 in. Drill/Driver Kit is the lightest drill we tested, coming in at an even 2 pounds in our measurements (although the overall design makes it feel about the same weight as the DeWalt 12-volt, which is 7 ounces heavier). The Bosch performed well, but it typically costs more than the DeWalt.

Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing so you can make quick and confident buying decisions. Whether it’s finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we’ll help you get it right (the first time).

The Skil DL529002 PWRCore 12 Brushless 12V 1/2 in. Cordless Drill Driver Kit comes with only one battery, and at 7 inches, it’s longer than most of the 12-volt drills we tested. The charger can give it a 25% charge in five minutes, which almost offsets the lack of a second battery—almost. The Skil also lacks power and has an overload-protection feature that constantly kicked on while we were using the tool, which was annoying.

After new tests, we recommend a few new drills, including the Milwaukee 3403-22 M12 Fuel 1/2 in. Drill/Driver, the Milwaukee 3601-22CT M18 Compact Brushless 1/2 in. Drill/Driver Kit, and the DeWalt DCD800E2 20V Max XR Brushless Cordless 1/2 in. Drill/Driver Kit.

Despite some of the pros of using Hardened Steel, it should be taken into consideration that despite its hardness it is unable to cope with sharp impacts. Also, you should be careful when subjecting the material to high temperatures due to the quenching and tempering processes which can lead to a reduced melting point.

Compared to the rest of the 12-volt models, this is also an expensive drill, consistently sitting around the $170 mark. But it’s a worthy investment if you’re looking to get into Milwaukee’s expansive 12-volt lineup, or if you already have some 12-volt Milwaukee tools on hand.

The 18-volt Milwaukee 3601-22CT handles demanding work faster and easier than the smaller, 12-volt drills, yet it manages to retain the great ergonomics and other features of our top-pick DeWalt drill.

Managing tool life is always important and when machining Hardened Steel you may experience high cutting temperatures which can reduce how long a tool will optimally perform. We recommend using small cut depths when machining Hardened Steel because of the increased time the tool is exited from the cutting process. It results in the cutting edge being cooled, thus increasing its tool life.

CBN (Cubic Boron Nitride) is the 2nd hardest material, only surpassed by diamond, therefore CBN tooling is also commonly used in Hardened Steel applications due to its superior wear resistance and toughness.

Deciding between the 20-volt DeWalt and the 18-volt Milwaukee 3601-22CT is really a matter of preference. We favored the Milwaukee due to its more compact nature, plus the fact that it’s typically less expensive. But if you see the DeWalt DCD800E2 on sale, or if you already have some DeWalt batteries, this is an excellent choice, as well.

The LED is well placed and evenly lights up the front of the drill. Since the battery was designed to slide into the base of the handle, DeWalt also had room to place the LED down below the grip, whereas many other 12-volt drills place their lights just above the trigger. The 12-volt DeWalt LED’s lower position means it casts much better light at the nose of the tool and reduces the drill’s shadow considerably. In our tests, the light from the Bosch and Milwaukee models’ LEDs barely illuminated above the drills at all.

The Bosch PS31-2A 12V has power similar to that of the DeWalt DCD701F2, but it’s clunkier to hold. And the little touches, such as the LED, aren’t as nice.

A previous runner-up, the Milwaukee 2407-22 M12 3/8 in. Drill/Driver is not as powerful as the 12-volt DeWalt or Bosch models, and it weighs more.

It’s really easy to check the remaining charge in the battery. Unlike many drills, the DeWalt’s battery gauge is on the battery rather than on the tool. This means you can quickly check both batteries before you start your project. Other drills have the battery gauge on the actual tool, so to check each battery, it needs to first be installed in the drill. It’s a minor point, but it emphasizes the overall convenience of the DeWalt DCD701F2’s design.

The main advantage of Stainless Steel over Hardened Steel is its corrosion resistance. Particularly because Hardened Steel is prone to cracking.

We really tried to find something wrong with this drill but repeatedly came up with nothing. It’s compact, powerful, and very comfortable to hold. Those are the most important elements of a drill, and the DeWalt DCD701F2 achieves high marks in all three categories. Any negatives are those shared by other 12-volt drills: It’s not powerful enough for all-day aggressive DIY work, and it can’t drill into masonry.

Cordless drills are more powerful than they’ve ever been. Yet they’ve also gotten so compact and lightweight that you can probably handle one even if you’ve never picked up a drill in your life.

On the lower end of the budget, general-purpose coated carbide cutters such as K2 Carbide, NC Mills or Mammut Carbide can machine Hardened Steel up to 45HRC, but depending on your setup and machining capabilities, we would advise you to progress to a higher performing range such as 4G Mills or X-Power Pro to get the best results.

When turning Hardened Steel, one option to opt for are CBN turning inserts. These ground inserts offer vastly improved cutting speeds, tool life and surface finish compared to standard carbide inserts. They are specifically designed for turning Hardened Steel between 50-70HRC. We offer a range of grades for various applications including continuous or intermittent Hardened Steel turning.

Doug Mahoney is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter covering home improvement. He spent 10 years in high-end construction as a carpenter, foreman, and supervisor. He lives in a very demanding 250-year-old farmhouse and spent four years gutting and rebuilding his previous home. He also raises sheep and has a dairy cow that he milks every morning.

Before we begin the 12-volt and 18-volt competition sections, a caveat: If you’re already invested in one of the following battery platforms, these tools are likely to be a great value for you, especially if you can find one sold as a “bare tool” (without the battery and charger), which drastically reduces the price. Although these models have faults in comparison with our picks, they are solid performers. And you’re likely to forgive their flaws due to the convenience of expanding your collection within a single, consistent brand.

Hardened Steel is a more wear-resistant and durable carbon steel that has been specially treated to offer improved hardness and strength over softer steels.

In this section, I will advise in general what to consider when choosing the correct tools for Hardened Steel machining. However, if you require specific tooling recommendations for dedicated Hardened Steel machining then please see here.

For instance, in the automotive industry (as well as mechanical and plant engineering), Hardened Steel is often used to create parts such as gears, bolts, cardan shafts and coupling parts. The hardness and strength make the material have a high strength-to-weight ratio, which supports any applications that are subjected to shock loads or wear and tear.

The budget-friendly Ridgid R87012 performed great in our tests, but it had a harder time with relentless drilling than our other 18- and 20-volt recommendations.

It has a long battery life. On a single battery charge, the Milwaukee 18-volt drilled 83 1-inch holes through the 2-by-10. This is nearly three times that of the DeWalt 12-volt, and among the best showings of the 18- and 20-volt drills we tested. In our unstructured testing, we framed a partition wall, installed a pocket door, and hung five sheets of sheetrock, all on a single battery charge. It lasted the entire day.

The Bosch PS31-2A 12V has power similar to that of the DeWalt DCD701F2, but it’s clunkier to hold. And the little touches, such as the LED, aren’t as nice.

We tested for much more than power and run time. While evaluating the drills, we asked questions like: How does it feel in the hand? Does the belt hook feel comfortable? How well does the LED work? Is it likely to mar a delicate surface when put down? We also looked at the drills’ overall designs, seeing how the toggle switches worked and how easy it was to take a battery off and put it back on again.

We then outfitted each drill with a new Irwin 88816 1-inch Speedbor Spade Bit and drilled holes through 1.5-inch-thick 2-by-10s until the batteries wore out. Again, we rested the drills after every five holes. This was no doubt an aggressive task for the 12-volt drills, but we wanted a direct comparison against the 18-volt models to truly see how the drills’ capabilities matched against one another. Also, we wanted to test the upper end of the 12-volt drills to see which models could handle the occasional foray into more ambitious work.

The budget-friendly Ridgid R87012 performed great in our tests, but it had a harder time with relentless drilling than our other 18- and 20-volt recommendations.

The DeWalt 12-volt drill stands out for its ergonomic design. The handle appears to be designed with every contour of a hand in mind. Even the slightest details are accounted for, such as the little depression where the forefinger knuckle rubs against the drill body. The handle tapers nicely, allowing the pinky finger to find purchase, and the trigger and forward/reverse control are well positioned for quick use. We tested the drill in both small and large hands, and everyone thought it was extremely comfortable to hold.

This DeWalt is similar to the 18-volt Milwaukee, but it offers a little more battery life and an LED that can be used independent of the drill. It also has a higher price tag.

The DeWalt DCD701F2 is really small and light. From tip to tail, the DeWalt 12-volt is less than 6 inches long; it was one of the shortest drills we looked at. On our scale it weighed just under 2.5 pounds, landing in the midrange of 12-volt drill weights. But the DeWalt’s balance was so nice that, before we weighed the drills, we were convinced it was the lightest one we were testing. The truth is that the Bosch GSR12V-300B22 is almost half a pound lighter, but its design and weight distribution made it feel heavier in our hands.

One major thing to look out for, which is key to maintaining tool life and machining quality, is maintaining a constant chip load on the tool’s cutting edge. In milling, for instance, the chip load equals feed rate divided by spindle speed, multiplied by the number of cutting flutes.

The DeWalt DCD701F2 Xtreme is the most comfortable drill we’ve ever held. It’s loaded with convenience features and packs enough strength and stamina to easily handle common jobs around the home.

The 18-volt Milwaukee 3601-22CT handles demanding work faster and easier than the smaller, 12-volt drills, yet it manages to retain the great ergonomics and other features of our top-pick DeWalt drill.

In the modern day, high-speed Hardened Steel tooling technologies now allow small cutting depths with large feed rates. These are increasingly becoming more prominent and replacing the older, more time-consuming methods.

Bigger jobs go a lot faster with an 18-volt drill. By choosing the Milwaukee 3601-22CT over the DeWalt DCD701F2, you’re getting more speed, more power, and more run time. To determine this, we drilled five 1-inch holes with each drill. Both drills completed the task, but the Milwaukee did so in 20 seconds, whereas the DeWalt took a full minute. During the test, the DeWalt model often got bound up and had a much harder time, while the Milwaukee just blew right through the wood. So although the 12-volt model is capable of tackling tougher jobs on occasion, that’s really not what it’s designed for. The Milwaukee, on the other hand, is made for these tasks. If you’re DIY minded, you’ll appreciate the difference.

We also tested a number of compact 18- and 20-volt drills for the more DIY minded. If you have plans to build a deck, doghouse, or tree house, these larger drills offer longer battery life and more power. They can handle all but the most aggressive jobs (like mixing mortar with a paddle or drilling repeatedly into concrete). The compact models we looked at split a nice difference between the smaller 12-volt drills and the much larger, heavy-duty, contractor-grade 18- and 20-volt drills that can cost hundreds more.

This DeWalt is similar to the 18-volt Milwaukee, but it offers a little more battery life and an LED that can be used independent of the drill. It also has a higher price tag.

We have several Hardened Steel carbide drills from YG-1, Karnasch and Kennametal that are dedicated for high-performance drilling of 50-70HRC. They all have a lower helix angle than standard carbide drills which maximise rigidity.

For most household tasks, a 12-volt drill is more than adequate. These small drills offer the best combination of power, maneuverability, run time, and cost. They aren’t designed for all-day aggressive use, but they are more than capable for basic home maintenance and repair, and if needed they can sink a 3-inch screw on occasion. In our tests, it was common to see a 12-volt drill bore over 20 1-inch holes through a 2-by-10 on a single battery charge. This is clearly enough oomph for tasks like swapping out light fixtures, building a bookshelf, and making minor drywall repairs. It’s also enough power for an occasional foray into more aggressive work, like fixing a saggy gutter or replacing a few rotted deck boards.

In Mold and Die, Hardened Steel is commonly used to construct the molds themselves. Despite its higher cost, it is chosen over other materials (such as Aluminium) due to the longer life span which outweighs the initial investment over a larger number of parts.

If you’re on a tighter budget but still want a quality drill in the 18- or 20-volt class, we recommend the Ridgid R87012 18V Brushless SubCompact Cordless Drill/Driver Kit.

The Ryobi PSBDD01K One+ 18V Brushless Compact Drill managed to drill just 31 holes on a single charge, making it one the least powerful 18-volt drills we tested. In fact, its capabilities are in line with our top 12-volt recommendation, the DeWalt DCD701F2, but with the added weight of an 18-volt tool. Also, the handle design includes an added finger notch that we found uncomfortable.

A drill can do way more than a screwdriver. If you’re just looking for a basic tool for hinge tightening, putting up hooks, and swapping out the batteries in a toy, a good screwdriver should do the trick. But once you get a little more advanced than that, a drill makes a lot more sense. Putting up baby gates or assembling knockdown furniture, for example, is just way easier with a drill. And once you get to full-on DIY projects like replacing a rotted deck board or fixing a sagging gutter, a drill is essential.

This Milwaukee isn’t as comfortable to hold as our top pick, but it has all-day power, especially when used with the high-capacity battery.

For the ultimate performance on Hardened Steel, look no further than YG-1’s flagship X5070 Blue milling cutters. Dedicated for ultra-high performance machining of Hardened Steel up to 70HRC, these cutters can cope with extreme heat up to 1,400°C. The nanograin carbide substrate combined with YG-1’s unique silicon-based coating means nothing cuts Hardened Steel faster or for longer than X5070 Blue. The range includes a wide range of sizes from just 0.1mm diameter and a host of geometries including long neck, corner radius, ball nose and 6-8 flute finishing tools.

In our tests, the Makita XFD11RB Sub Compact Drill/Driver wasn’t as powerful as the other 18-volt drills we recommend. It also tends to be more expensive, and the LED is positioned at the top of the handle.

We like belt clips and LED lights. Most drills come with these accessories, but they’re not all the same. We looked for belt clips that were wide and easy to use, and an LED that effectively lit up the workspace. Some clips hang the tool awkwardly from the hip, and we’ve tested many LED lights that cast shadows over the tip of the drill.

4G Mills from YG-1 are ideal for Hardened Steels up 55HRC. This range boasts a huge selection of sizes including micro tools from just 0.03mm diameter and a huge range of geometries including standard, ball nose, 6 flute finishers and reduced neck options. Despite the majority of 4G mills being made from a premium micrograin carbide, the unique tool geometry and coating allow them to machine up to 1200°C with outstanding wear resistance making them suitable for Hardened Steel up to 55HRC. There are also a select few series made from a nanograin carbide substrate for higher-performance machining.

This DeWalt is similar to the 18-volt Milwaukee, but it offers a little more battery life and an LED that can be used independent of the drill. It also has a higher price tag.

Manufacturers like to market them to pros, but don’t be put off: For all of those slightly-more-involved home tasks—from hanging a baby gate to mounting shelving—a drill will make the work faster, easier, and more enjoyable. And you’ll be more likely to achieve solid, professional-looking results than if you used hand tools alone.

Traditionally, machining Hardened Steel has always been a slow and time-consuming process. This was down to low cutting speeds and feeds being used, plus there was always a risk of deep stepped tool marks being formed on the workpiece due to the large cutting depths used, particularly when roughing. EDM (Electric discharge machining) can also be used on Hardened Steel which could end up being a very time-consuming and costly process.

If you take on projects that have you drilling lots of holes and sinking long screws, we recommend stepping up to the Milwaukee 3601-22CT M18 Compact Brushless 1/2 in. Drill/Driver Kit. This 18-volt drill shares the most important characteristics of our less powerful top pick: It’s extremely comfortable to hold and use, and the little convenience features, such as the belt hook and LED, are spot-on. It’s also extremely short—shorter than even any of the 12-volt tools we tested—so it fits into tighter spots. Compared with our 12-volt Milwaukee pick, this larger drill completes tougher jobs much faster, doing the same work in less than half the time with a battery that lasts a lot longer. We tested drills during a kitchen remodel and a few smaller house renovations, and this is the drill we reached for over all the others.

This all depends on what tool you are using, but in most cases, tool life will be higher and more consistent when cutting dry. Flood coolant should certainly be avoided on Hardened Steel, it can reduce tool life considerably.

Ryobi’s 300-Piece Drill and Drive Kit and 95-Piece Drill and Impact Drive Kit are the best drill bit sets we’ve found in years of testing.

The chip load varies widely, if the load is too low or too high it will cause them to wear out too fast, chip or break. Lots of high speed and feed cuts with small depths is the best method for ensuring a quality product.