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Shopping for a cordless drill at Menards means choosing from a store that carries several brands, voltages and battery platforms, so the choice can feel crowded. This guide narrows it down to seven drills that fit common home needs. The selection weighs manufacturer specifications, brand reputation for drivetrain durability and battery support, and patterns that owners frequently mention, such as chuck quality, weight in the hand, and how easily a battery fits into the rest of a tool family. We have not run any of these drills through our own testing, so treat the notes as research-based guidance. Check the current in-store stock and the specs printed on the box, because model lineups change.
Our Top Picks
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| DEWALT DCD771C2 20V MAX Drill/Driver Kit | General home DIY and frequent use | Brushed motor with a well-regarded 2-speed gearbox |
| Milwaukee M18 Fuel Drill/Driver Kit | Heavier jobs and long daily runtime | Brushless motor with electronic power management |
| RYOBI ONE+ 18V Drill/Driver Kit | Budget-minded homeowners with existing ONE+ batteries | Large battery ecosystem across many tools |
| Makita XFD131 18V LXT Drill/Driver Kit | Users who want a compact, light drill | Brushless motor in a short, balanced body |
| Bosch 18V Compact Drill/Driver Kit | Tight spaces and overhead work | Compact head with a clutch suited to fastening |
| Craftsman V20 Cordless Drill/Driver Kit | Occasional homeowner projects | Affordable V20 battery shared with other tools |
| Porter-Cable 20V MAX Drill Kit | Light assembly and furniture work | Lightweight build with a standard keyless chuck |
DEWALT DCD771C2 20V MAX Drill/Driver Kit
This is a dependable all-round choice for homeowners who want one drill for framing-scale fastening, cabinet hardware, deck screws and general drilling. Its well-known platform means batteries and chargers are easy to find in most stores that carry the brand.
Key specs
- 20V MAX lithium-ion battery platform
- Two-speed gearbox for drilling and driving
- 1/2-inch metal keyless chuck
- Integrated LED work light
Pros
- Strong brand support across batteries and accessories
- Comfortable grip for extended use
- Chuck holds bits firmly under typical household loads
Cons
- Brushed motor is heavier-duty than brushless alternatives but generates more heat under sustained load
- Not the best choice for daily professional demand
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Drill/Driver Kit
Best for homeowners who run drills hard, such as those building a workshop, framing a shed or driving long lag screws regularly. The brushless motor and electronic management are the reasons owners often choose it over brushed models.
Key specs
- 18V M18 platform
- Brushless motor
- Two-speed gearbox with high torque output
- 1/2-inch keyless chuck
Pros
- Brushless motor generally improves runtime and longevity
- Strong torque for dense lumber and large-diameter bits
- Extensive M18 tool family to grow into
Cons
- Heavier and larger than compact drills
- Higher-tier positioning means it is a premium option, not a budget pick
RYOBI ONE+ 18V Drill/Driver Kit
A good fit for homeowners who already own, or plan to buy, several ONE+ tools. The large battery ecosystem makes this a budget pick for basic household tasks like hanging shelves and assembling furniture.
Key specs
- 18V ONE+ battery platform
- Two-speed transmission
- 1/2-inch keyless chuck
- Battery compatible with a wide range of ONE+ tools
Pros
- Very broad tool family shares the same battery
- Approachable price positioning for light-duty use
- Simple controls that suit occasional users
Cons
- Brushed motor limits sustained high-torque performance
- Owners sometimes note less refinement in the grip and chuck than premium models
Makita XFD131 18V LXT Drill/Driver Kit
Suited to users who want a compact, balanced drill for cabinet installation, drilling in confined spaces or long sessions where weight matters. Makita’s LXT platform is widely respected in the trades.
Key specs
- 18V LXT battery platform
- Brushless motor
- Compact, short body for tight clearances
- 1/2-inch keyless chuck
Pros
- Light and balanced for overhead and repetitive work
- Brushless motor supports efficient battery use
- Well-regarded build quality for the class
Cons
- Less peak torque than full-size heavy-duty drills
- LXT batteries are a separate purchase if you are new to the platform
Bosch 18V Compact Drill/Driver Kit
A practical pick for homeowners working in cramped areas such as under sinks, inside cabinets and along stair stringers. The compact head and clutch settings are suited to fastening work where over-driving screws is a risk.
Key specs
- 18V lithium-ion battery platform
- Compact drill/driver head
- Adjustable clutch with multiple settings
- Keyless chuck
Pros
- Short head fits tight spaces easily
- Clutch helps prevent stripped screw heads
- Comfortable weight for one-handed use
Cons
- Lower top torque than full-size models
- Battery and charger bundles vary by kit, so check contents carefully
Craftsman V20 Cordless Drill/Driver Kit
Aimed at homeowners who do occasional projects and want a V20 battery they can share with other Craftsman tools. It covers hanging, assembly and light repair without demanding heavy-duty performance.
Key specs
- 20V V20 battery platform
- Two-speed transmission
- Keyless chuck
- Integrated work light on many kit versions
Pros
- Affordable entry into a shared battery system
- Adequate for typical household fastening
- Good choice for a second drill in a home workshop
Cons
- Brushed motor and modest torque for demanding work
- Owners sometimes report less battery capacity than premium packs
Porter-Cable 20V MAX Drill Kit
Best for light assembly, furniture building and small repairs where a lightweight drill makes the job less tiring. It is a sensible budget pick when you do not need a heavy-duty machine.
Key specs
- 20V MAX battery platform
- Lightweight body design
- Keyless chuck
- Two-speed settings on many kit versions
Pros
- Light weight reduces fatigue on overhead tasks
- Simple, straightforward operation
- Sensible for indoor, light-duty projects
Cons
- Limited torque for large bits or dense materials
- Fewer accessories and extensions than the largest brand platforms
Buying Guide
A cordless drill at Menards should be chosen by the work you plan to do, the battery system you may expand into, and how the tool feels in your hand. Start with the jobs you expect, then match voltage, motor type and chuck size to them.
Selection Criteria
Good criteria for a homeowner include battery platform depth, motor type, torque range, weight and balance, and warranty support. A drill that fits your existing batteries saves money on the long run, while a brushless motor usually means longer runtime and less maintenance wear over time.
Important Features
- Motor: Brushless motors generally deliver more efficiency and longevity than brushed motors.
- Chuck: A 1/2-inch metal keyless chuck handles most household bits. Keyless designs are faster for changing bits.
- Clutch: Adjustable clutch settings protect screw heads and help keep fastening consistent.
- Speed settings: Two-speed gearboxes let you use low speed for driving and high speed for drilling.
- Light: An integrated LED helps in dim cabinets and under-floor work.
Specs to Check
Look at voltage (12V, 18V or 20V MAX are the common residential classes), maximum torque in inch-pounds, no-load speed in RPM, chuck size, and whether batteries and charger are included. Compare the battery amp-hour rating, since a larger pack gives longer runtime but adds weight. For background on voltage classes, see 12V vs 18V/20V Max vs Higher-Voltage Cordless Tools.
Choosing by Need
- Light household tasks: A compact or lightweight 18V or 20V drill is enough.
- Heavy drilling and long screws: Choose a brushless, higher-torque drill.
- Tight spaces: Prioritize a short head and a balanced body.
- Future expansion: Pick the battery platform you want to build a tool collection around.
If you are still deciding what fits your projects, How to Choose a Cordless Drill for Home Use walks through the same decision in more detail, and How to Evaluate a Cordless Drill Before You Buy covers the checks to run in store.
Things to Watch Out For
- Kits often differ in battery count and charger type. Read the contents list.
- Battery packs from one platform usually do not fit another brand. Factor that in before you buy.
- Bit quality matters as much as drill quality. For matching bits to materials, see Drill Bit Types: Which Bit for Wood, Metal, Masonry and Tile.
- Brushless and brushed motors feel similar in light use but diverge under sustained load.
FAQ
Does Menards sell cordless drills from multiple brands?
Menards typically carries several major cordless tool brands, but exact lineups vary by location and season. Check the store’s website or call your local store to confirm current stock.
Is an 18V or 20V drill enough for home use?
For most household work, including hanging, assembly and drilling into wood, an 18V or 20V MAX drill is sufficient. Heavier jobs like large-diameter holes in dense material may call for a higher-torque model.
What is the difference between a brushed and brushless drill?
Brushless motors have no carbon brushes to wear out, so they generally run more efficiently and last longer under heavy use. Brushed drills are typically less expensive and still adequate for light household tasks.
Should I buy a kit or the bare tool?
A kit is convenient if you do not already own batteries and a charger for that platform. If you already have compatible batteries, buying the bare tool can save you from duplicating parts you do not need.
What chuck size do I need?
A 1/2-inch keyless chuck covers most household bits, from small drill bits to larger spade and hole saw bits. Smaller 3/8-inch chucks suit lighter work and are easier to manage in confined spaces.
How do I know if a battery is compatible?
Batteries only fit tools from the same brand and platform. Look at the battery label or the tool’s product description to confirm the platform before buying.
Can a drill replace an impact driver?
A drill can handle many fastening tasks, but an impact driver delivers more torque for long screws and lag bolts. For a comparison, see Drill vs Impact Driver: Which Do You Need?.
Conclusion
For general home DIY, the DEWALT DCD771C2 and Makita XFD131 are sensible all-round options, with the DEWALT offering broad platform support and the Makita offering a lighter feel. If you run a shop or drive long fasteners often, the Milwaukee M18 Fuel is the stronger match. Owners on a tighter budget who already have ONE+ or V20 batteries may prefer the RYOBI ONE+ or Craftsman V20 kits. The Bosch compact kit suits cramped work, and the Porter-Cable is a lightweight choice for furniture and light assembly. Match the platform to the tools you may add later, and check the kit contents before you pay at the register.
