Best compact and sub-compact combi drills

In its favour

• 90 Nm from an ultra compact body, according to the listing, is the strongest figure in this guide.
• 15 torque settings, a two speed all-metal gearbox and a three mode pivoting LED are listed.
• Fits all DeWalt 18 V XR batteries and chargers, so existing owners pay only for the tool.

Good to know

• Bare unit: no battery or charger is included, so first time buyers must add both.
• The listing does not give the weight with a battery fitted.

In its favour

• Bosch states the highest impact rate in the 12 V class, up to 26,250 bpm, for holes up to 10 mm in masonry.
• The compact design is described as easy to handle in tight spaces and overhead.
• Batteries, a fast charger, a case and a 32 piece bit set are all included.

Good to know

• This listing does not give torque or weight; the plain kit listing states 35 Nm and 810 g.
• The 10 mm masonry limit rules out larger plug holes and frame fixings.

In its favour

• The listing gives a weight of 726 g, very light for an 18 V combi drill.
• 20 torque settings plus a drill setting, and the hammer action can be switched off.
• XPT dust and water protection and overload protection are listed.

Good to know

• Body only: no battery, charger or case is included.
• 40 Nm is modest for big augers or long coach screws.

In its favour

• Four interchangeable heads, including offset and right angle style attachments, reach where other drills cannot.
• Two speeds and up to 1,600 rpm are listed, with overload protection.
• Two REDLITHIUM 2 Ah batteries and a charger come in the kit.

Good to know

• There is no hammer mode, so it is not for drilling brick or block.
• 34 Nm and a 10 mm chuck limit larger bits.

In its favour

• The listing states two speeds, up to 1,600 rpm, and a 10 mm chuck.
• Weight of 1.01 kg keeps arm strain low on overhead fixings.
• Hammer function handles small plug holes in brick and block.

Good to know

• Bare tool: battery and charger are not included.
• The listing shows two torque figures, 45 and 20 Nm, so check Metabo's sheet for the real hard joint figure.

In its favour

• The listing gives 38 Nm hard joint and 20 Nm soft joint torque with two speeds.
• At 700 g it is the lightest drill in this guide.
• A battery charge indicator and a tool free belt hook for either side are listed.

Good to know

• No hammer mode, so it will not drill brick; a combi drill suits masonry better.
• The listing mentions two batteries but does not clearly list a charger; check before buying.