# Best compact and sub-compact combi drills Source: https://drillandbit.co.uk/best/best-compact-combi-drills Publisher: Drill and Bit. Picks are based on what the Amazon listings state, not on hands-on testing. Method: https://drillandbit.co.uk/how-we-pick A compact drill earns its place inside kitchen units, between joists and on a ladder, where a full size combi is awkward and tiring. There are two routes. Sub-compact 12 V drills are the lightest but have smaller chucks and less torque. Compact 18 V drills are a little bigger but share batteries with a full tool range. This guide compares both, using the weight and torque each listing states and spelling out what is in the box, because several of the best compact drills are sold as bare units with no battery or charger. If you already own batteries for that brand, a bare unit is the cheaper way in. If not, a kit saves buying packs separately. Keep fingers clear of the chuck, wear eye protection and follow the maker's manual and HSE guidance. ## Products ### 1. DEWALT 18V XR Brushless Hammer Drill Driver, Tool only in TSTAK Box, DCD805NT-XJ Type: 18 V hammer drill driver; Max torque: 90 Nm; Weight: Not stated; In the box: Tool, belt hook, bit holder, TSTAK box (no battery) A compact DeWalt 18 V XR brushless hammer drill driver supplied as a bare unit in a TSTAK box. Strong for its size and ideal if you already run XR batteries. 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. ### 2. Bosch Professional 12V System Cordless Combi GSB 12V-35 (incl.2X GBA 3.0Ah Battery, GAL 12V-40 Charger, 1x Belt Clip, 1x Bit Holder, 2X 1/2 Inlay, L-BOXX 102) + 32pc. Screwdriver Bit Set Type: 12 V combi drill; Max torque: Not stated; Weight: Not stated; In the box: 2 x 3.0 Ah, GAL 12V-40 charger, L-BOXX, 32 bits Bosch Professional's 12 V brushless combi drill with two 3 Ah batteries, charger, L-BOXX and a 32 piece screwdriver bit set. A complete compact kit for fitters. 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. ### 3. Makita DHP483Z 18V li-ion Brushless Combi Drill Driver Body Only, 18 V Type: 18 V combi drill; Max torque: 40 Nm; Weight: 726 g; In the box: Drill only A small brushless Makita LXT combi drill sold body only. Light and short, it suits existing Makita owners who want a second drill for fixing work. 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. ### 4. Milwaukee M12FDDXKIT-202X 12V 2x2.0Ah M12 Fuel 4in1 Drill Driver Kit Type: 12 V drill driver; Max torque: 34 Nm; Weight: Not stated; In the box: 2 x 2.0 Ah, charger, 4 heads A Milwaukee M12 Fuel installation drill driver with a removable chuck system and four heads, two 2 Ah batteries and a charger. Built for awkward fitting work. 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. ### 5. PowerMaxx TV00 SB 12 BL Cordless Hammer Drill Type: 12 V hammer drill; Max torque: 45 Nm (max listed); Weight: 1.01 kg; In the box: Drill only Metabo's compact brushless 12 V hammer drill sold as a bare tool. A good small masonry capable drill for anyone already using Metabo 12 V batteries. 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. ### 6. metabo PowerMaxx BS BL 601721500 Cordless Drill Driver 12 V 2 Ah Li-ion + 2 Batteries Type: 12 V drill driver; Max torque: 38 Nm; Weight: 700 g; In the box: 2 x 2.0 Ah (charger not stated) A light Metabo 12 V brushless drill driver listed with two 2 Ah batteries. At 700 g it is pleasant for cabinet fitting, flat-pack and electrical work. 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. 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