Best Cordless Drills for UK Tradespeople in 2026

The cordless drill is the single most important tool in any tradesperson's kit. Whether you're an electrician drilling through joists, a plumber fixing pipework brackets, or a builder assembling stud walls, you'll reach for your drill dozens of times every day. Choosing the right one matters — and in 2026, the options are better than ever.

What to Look for in a Trade Cordless Drill

For professional use, you need a brushless motor (longer life, more power, better efficiency), at least 60Nm of torque for general trade work, a two-speed gearbox, and a battery platform with a wide range of compatible tools. Weight matters too — a drill you'll carry all day should be under 2kg with battery.

1. DeWalt DCD796 — Best All-Rounder

The DeWalt DCD796 is the UK's best-selling trade drill for good reason. It delivers 70Nm of torque, weighs just 1.7kg with an 18V 2Ah battery, and the XR brushless motor is genuinely built to last. The 2-speed gearbox handles everything from delicate screwdriving to heavy masonry work (with an SDS adaptor). Price: around £130 body-only, or £180 with two 5Ah batteries. The 18V XR platform is the most comprehensive in the UK market, with over 200 compatible tools.

2. Milwaukee M18 BLPD2 — Best for Heavy Trades

Milwaukee's M18 Fuel range is the choice of professional builders and joiners who need maximum torque and durability. The BLPD2 delivers 130Nm — nearly double the DeWalt — and the POWERSTATE brushless motor is rated for the most demanding applications. It's heavier (2.0kg) and more expensive (around £160 body-only), but if you're regularly drilling through concrete or driving large fixings, the extra power is worth it. The M18 battery platform is the second most comprehensive in the UK.

3. Makita DHP484 — Best Compact Option

If you work in tight spaces — loft conversions, under-floor heating, kitchen fitting — the Makita DHP484 is hard to beat. At just 187mm long and 1.5kg, it's the most compact full-power drill in this comparison. It delivers 54Nm, which is sufficient for most electrical and plumbing work. The 18V LXT platform is excellent and Makita's build quality is outstanding. Price: around £110 body-only.

4. Bosch GSB 18V-55 — Best Value

The Bosch GSB 18V-55 offers excellent performance at a lower price point than the DeWalt or Milwaukee. At 55Nm and 1.9kg, it's a solid all-rounder for general trade work. The 18V Professional platform is well-supported in the UK with a good range of compatible tools. Price: around £90 body-only — making it the best value option in this comparison.

Which Should You Buy?

For most UK tradespeople, the DeWalt DCD796 is the best choice — it balances power, weight, and platform breadth better than any competitor. If you're already on the Milwaukee M18 platform, the BLPD2 is the obvious upgrade. If budget is tight, the Bosch GSB 18V-55 delivers excellent value. Whichever you choose, buy into the platform — the long-term value comes from the battery compatibility across your whole toolkit.