The best combi drill is powerful, versatile & built to last. Choose the right model and you’ll be able to handle countless tasks, quickly, easily and without fuss.
Whether you’re decking the garden, remodelling a kitchen or simply hanging a shelf or picture, the UK’s best combi drill is the essential power tool for all your 2023 projects & fixes.
Choosing the right model without the latest advice can be very time-consuming. The best combi drill will make light work of most tasks but the wrong type or model leads only to frustration.
What is a Combi Drill?
A combi-drill has 3 primary functions. It works as a drill driver – designed to drill holes in wood, metal and plastic. It turns screws quickly & easily. Plus, it has a hammer action meaning that it will drill into concrete and masonry.
The hammer action is a must for drilling into walls and alike – essential for numerous DIY jobs around the home and a no-brainer for trade.
Best Combi Drill 2023
We have scrutinised specifications, spent time testing in the workshop and listened to trade experts to help you save money & time.
84 Drills compared / Top 6 combi-drills shortlisted & detailed. Read on to see which model is right for you…
Black & Decker BCD700S1K – Best under £50
£47 – £67 | See Best Price on Amazon
This Black & Decker is the right choice for occasional DIY. It’s a well-balanced & affordable combi-drill. Perfect for all those jobs around the home & garden.
OVERALL RATING: 81%
- Affordable
- Good for Occasional DIY
- 10mm Chuck
This Black & Decker drill is a decent choice for most households. It handles most materials and works as a screwdriver.
Read our Black & Decker Drill Review for more details
With two gears, both speed and torque are easily controlled – meaning it can handle a variety of jobs. Turning a screw requires less speed and usually less torque. However, cranking up the torque for shifting those stubborn stuck screws is much easier than struggling with a conventional screwdriver.
The 1400rpm speed is good for making neat holes in wood. Plus, this model has a hammer function, essential for drilling into masonry. Drilling into brick or concrete with a standard drill is nearly impossible. However, with thousands of blows per minute (BPM) to supplement the turning action, masonry becomes doable with a combi-drill.
There are numerous budget drills on the market, but most don’t have an effective hammer function. And, most of them lack torque (turning force) – they may be cheap but definitely worth avoiding!
SPECIFICATION | WEIGHT 1.3kg + battery | MAX TORQUE 38Nm | MAX SPEED 1400rpm | BPM 21000 | CHUCK SIZE 10mm | BATTERY SIZE 18v x 1500mAh | WARRANTY 2 years
The Black&Decker BCD700S1K is affordable & a great choice for occasional DIY
PSB 1800 LI-2 18v Bosch Combi Drill
£77 – £136 | See Best Price on Amazon
This Bosch Cordless Drill is lightweight, easy to use and comes with two batteries – it’s a great DIY option.
OVERALL RATING: 81%
- Light & easy to use
- Complete with 2 batteries & charger
- Bosch battery compatibility
- 10mm Chuck
A flat battery is a concern we all share with cordless power tools. However, with a couple of batteries, you can charge one while using the other – easy!
Also, good to know is that the same batteries will fit all Bosch DIY tools ranging from drills to lawnmowers. Next time you’re buying a Bosch power tool, you can opt for the basic device (without batteries & charger) – you’ll save £££s.
With two gears, 38Nm of torque & a decent impact rate (BPM) for drilling into walls, this Bosch drill handles all those DIY jobs with ease. Plus, it’s super light & has intuitive controls making it easy to use.
SPECIFICATION | WEIGHT 1.3kg (inc. battery) | MAX TORQUE 38Nm | MAX SPEED 1350rpm | BPM 20,250 | GEARS x2 | CHUCK SIZE 10mm | BATTERY SIZE 18v x 1500mAh | WARRANTY 2 years
An excellent ‘big brand’ DIY drill – The Bosch PSB 1800 comes complete with 2 batteries & charger
Ryobi R18PD3-215GZ – Best Combi Drill under £100
£78 – £136 | See Best Price on Amazon
This Ryobi combi drill is perfect for DIY. It’s powerful, the controls are good and it has a large 13mm chuck. And right now, the bundle deal is cracking value.
OVERALL RATING: 87%
- 50Nm Max Torque
- 13mm Chuck
- Two batteries & charger
- None for DIY
Ryobi makes great cordless power tools. The brand is highly rated by UK homeowners & experts, plus has a good reputation globally. Backing up the build quality, this Ryobi cordless drill comes with a 3-year manufacturer warranty.
Power, speed & flexibility make this a versatile combi-drill capable of handling most DIY tasks. With 50Nm of torque, two gears & numerous settings it makes tough jobs easy.
For most DIY, the Ryobi is the best combi drill for masonry with a 23,400 bpm hammer setting. Drilling into brick & concrete is a doddle.
The Ryobi will do it all: masonry, metal, wood, plastic, plasterboard, tiles & ceramic. Plus, with 20 torque settings, it’s also the perfect powered screwdriver.
Read our Ryobi Drill Review for more details
Why a 13mm Chuck is Important
A 13mm chuck (in preference to 10mm) means you can use large (& small) drill bits. Power is also important, especially with larger drill bits and with 50Nm of torque, this model is more than a match for most jobs.
SPECIFICATION | WEIGHT 1.3kg (+battery) | MAX TORQUE 50Nm | MAX SPEED 1800rpm | BPM 23400 | GEARS x2 | CHUCK SIZE 13mm | BATTERY SIZE 18v x 1500mAh | WARRANTY 3 years
Decent torque & the 13mm chuck make this Ryobi drill a standout choice for UK homeowners. Plus, right now it’s available bundled with a couple of batteries & charger for only £78
Bosch Pro GSB 18V-55 – Complete Pro Kit
Price not available – £184 | See Best Price on Amazon
Designed for UK trade, the Bosch GSB-55 is a pro-level combi-drill. It’s a great choice for regular site work and an awesome power tool for serious DIY. With decent torque and a robust specification, this is a good choice for anyone who appreciates top-end kit.
OVERALL RATING: 89%
- Brushless Motor
- 13mm Chuck
- Complete Kit
- Small Batteries
The brushless motor gives longevity, good control and superior battery life. It delivers 55Nm of torque, which is a match for most jobs. Also important is the 13mm chuck. Good for large drill bits and equally suited to finer tasks, right down to 1.5mm.
This set comes with a case, drill bits, charger and two batteries – it’s a great entry point to the excellent Bosch Pro range. Alternatively, if you already own Bosch Pro power tools, buying the GSB 18V-55 is an easy choice. It’s worth noting that the Bosch consumer (green) & Pro range don’t share battery technology & fit.
The batteries are small, but this also means light. Charge one, while using the other.
SPECIFICATION | WEIGHT 1.4kg | MAX TORQUE 55Nm | MAX SPEED 1800rpm | BPM 27000 | GEARS x2 | CHUCK SIZE 13mm | BATTERY 2 x 18v x 1.5Ah | WARRANTY 1 year
Designed for trade, this Bosch Pro combi-drill kit is a match for any task
Makita DHP484 Combi Drill
£87 – £120 | See Best Price on Amazon
Makita cordless power tools are the first choice for many trades and the Makita DHP484 is right up there with the best combi drills in the UK.
OVERALL RATING: 90%
- Brushless Motor
- 13mm Chuck
- Build Quality
- None
Powerful, durable and with good controls, this model is perfect for trade all-day/everyday use.
Standard for trade, the brushless motor delivers superior control, long battery runtime, and greater durability. The Makita 3-year warranty backs this up.
All high-end boxes are ticked, including a 13mm chuck and variable speed trigger. Plus at 182mm in length coupled with bright LEDs, this model is great for tight spaces.
If you already own Makita LXT batteries, choosing this model is a no-brainer. Sharing batteries across power tools makes good sense. Backing this up, all the tradesmen we’ve talked to who use Makita tools don’t consider other brands.
SPECIFICATION | WEIGHT 1.2kg (+ battery) | MAX TORQUE 54Nm | MAX SPEED 2000rpm | BPM 30,000 | GEARS x2 | CHUCK SIZE 13mm | WARRANTY 3 year
The Makita DHP484 combi drill ticks all the boxes – Perfect for trade
Dewalt DCD796P1 – Best Combi Drill
£155 – £190 | See Best Price on Amazon
The Dewalt DCD796 is the best combi drill you can buy. Super powerful, it makes tough jobs easy & will keep going when lesser drills fail
OVERALL RATING: 95%
- Brushless Motor
- 13mm Chuck
- Maximum Torque 70Nm
- Often Sold Out
Designed for trade, but if you’re planning a big DIY project or simply want a drill that will last for years, then the Dewalt DCD796 is the top choice
Read our Dewalt Drill Review for more details
The brushless motor delivers 70Nm of torque – Double that of cheaper options. This huge turning force and a top speed of 2000rpm mean you’re never underpowered.
Also of significance is the 13mm steel chuck. This means it can handle bigger drill bits and therefore make larger holes. Even if your next project doesn’t require this, sooner or later you’ll need the extra capacity. Also, important to note is that this chuck will also hold fine bits precisely.
Another benefit is the super bright LED which is useful in normal conditions but essential when working in confined spaces with poor light.
SPECIFICATION | WEIGHT 1.2kg (+ battery) | MAX TORQUE 70Nm | MAX SPEED 2000rpm | BPM 34000 | GEARS x2 | CHUCK SIZE 13mm | WARRANTY 3 years (register purchase free with Dewalt)
The Dewalt DCD796 cordless drill makes every job look & feel easy. The brushless motor, 13mm chuck and high torque make a difference on every project.
How to Choose the Right Combi Drill
The best combi drills are versatile and easy to use. There are seven key factors, in choosing the right model for you…
- Choose a Combi Drill. Designed to drill into all materials including masonry (walls), plus it will turn screws and bolts. We recommend that you avoid drill drivers (models without a hammer action).
- The higher the maximum torque (turning force), the better. A low-torque device will struggle with tougher materials & won’t budge tight screws.
- Torque range & control are also important. For example, too much torque on the wrong screw will burr the head or shear it completely. Too little & it simply won’t turn.
- Most use a 10mm or 13mm chuck size. A 10mm chuck is good for most tasks, but should you ever need to use a larger drill bit, then a 13mm chuck is a must. (13mm chucks also work for small drill bits)
- All the Verum recommendations use an 18v Lithium battery. What’s important is that the same battery & charger are compatible with other power tools, from the same manufacturer. Great if you’re thinking of a future purchase. 18v Lithium-ion batteries are a must. Avoid lower voltages & older Ni-Cd batteries.
- A brushless motor is worth the extra few quid for trade or regular use. Brushless motors deliver superior torque & better control. Also important is that each battery charge will give you around 30% more time compared to a standard motor. Plus, your drill won’t overheat and will last years longer – saving you money over time.
- Power tool weight is largely set by the battery. Bigger batteries last longer but weigh more.
Combi Drill FAQs
What About Battery Runtime?
As you may know, Ah refers to the amp-hour rating of a battery. 1.5Ah means that a battery can deliver a steady 1 amp of current for 90 minutes. While a 5Ah battery drawing the same current will keep going for 5 hours.
For professional (all-day use), two 5Ah batteries makes good sense. But for most DIY a couple of smaller batteries or a single 5Ah will be more than enough to get the job done. Also worth knowing is that a quality Lithium battery should retain 80% of its charge if left for six months. This means your drill is ready to go, even if it hasn’t been used for a while.
What About Impact Drivers?
You may also see advertisements for impact drivers. These are high-torque devices designed specifically to turn screws & bolts. Great as a secondary device to use alongside a decent combi drill. For clarity, impact drivers don’t work well as drills.
Can I use a cordless combi drill for concrete?
Drilling into masonry can be tough. A hammer or impact function is essential. A drill’s ability to do this is measured in BPM (blows per minute). Budget models deliver around 20,000 BPM while the Dewalt recommendation delivers 34,000 BPM. This translates to easier and quicker drilling into brick, concrete and alike. If your primary need is drilling into concrete, also consider an SDS drill.
Is a Brushless Combi Drill Better?
A brushless combi drill will last longer than a standard design – much longer. Brushless technology means fewer moving parts, less heat, lower wear & superior battery life. This translates to more power, longer run time and a drill that will keep going. Also, brushless motors deliver more torque, especially at lower speeds.
What is the most powerful cordless combi drill?
The Dewalt DCD796 delivers up to 70Nm of torque making it one of the most powerful combi drills on the market. Add the pro-level specification and robust build quality – it’s our best buy for trade.
3 Reasons to Choose a Combi-Drill
Drill, screwdriver & hammer drill. Choose a combination (combi) drill over a standard drill driver, every time. With cordless convenience & three functions, it’s the right choice for most households – perfect for wood, plastic, steel & masonry. Plus, it’s a decent power screwdriver.
All the recommendations here are for cordless combi drills.
| BEST BUY | ULTIMATE | |||||
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| BLACK+DECKER | BOSCH DIY | RYOBI | BOSCH PRO | MAKITA | DEWALT | |
| Maximum Torque | 38Nm | 38Nm | 50Nm | 55Nm | 54Nm | 70Nm |
| Maximum Speed | 1400rpm | 1350rpm | 1800rpm | 1800rpm | 2000rpm | 2000rpm |
| BPM | 21,000 | 20,250 | 23,400 | 27,000 | 30,000 | 34,000 |
| Chuck Size | 10mm | 10mm | 13mm | 13mm | 13mm | 13mm |
| Power Screwdriver | ||||||
| Hammer Action | ||||||
| LED Light | ||||||
| Brushless Motor | ||||||
| Battery Range | 30+ Tools | 40+ Tools | 100+ Tools | 60+ Tools | 100+ Tools | 100+ Tools |
| Verum Rating | 81% | 81% | 87% | 89% | 90% | 95% |
| Price | £47 | £77 | £78 | Price not available | £87 | £147 |
| SEE REVIEW | SEE REVIEW | SEE REVIEW | SEE REVIEW | SEE REVIEW | SEE REVIEW | |
SOLD OUT ?
Good deals on Best Buys don’t last long
BEST DEALS
+ 13mm Chuck to handle all jobs (big & small)
+ Top DIY choice under £100
+ 70Nm torque
+ 13mm Chuck
+ Best Buy for trade & professional use
Last Update: Monday
UK VERDICT 2023
The Ryobi is the best DIY cordless drill for under £100. With a 13mm chuck and decent torque, it outperforms comparable DIY options. Plus, it’s ready to go with a charger and two batteries.
The Bosch is a decent DIY alternative, especially if you already own 18v PowerforAll batteries.
For trade or regular DIY, a brushless motor is worth the investment. The Dewalt, Bosch Pro & Makita models all deliver superior battery runtime and will last years longer than a regular drill. Plus, the additional torque makes a noticeable difference on tough jobs.
Both the Makita & Dewalt combi drills detailed above are UK trade favourites. That said, with higher maximum torque, the Dewalt DCD796 is the Verum top choice for trade (& anyone who loves using top-notch kit)
S H A R E
