In this guide
This chart puts the cordless drills Tool Mart stocks side by side: voltage platform, drill type, torque, top speed, what comes in the box and the current price. Prices load live from our online store, and every model can be picked up in Houston or San Antonio.
Key points:
- Bare tools start around $150 to $230; kits with two batteries and a charger run roughly $330 to $410.
- The price gap between a bare tool and a kit is mostly the batteries. If you already own packs on that platform, buy the bare tool.
- A hammer drill costs more than the same drill without the hammer function, but usually not by much, and it is the one to get if you ever drill into block, brick or concrete.
- 12V drills are lighter and cheaper; 18V/20V MAX drills are the daily driver for most trades.
Cordless drill price comparison chart
Specs come from each manufacturer's published data for the exact model number shown. "Bare tool" means no battery or charger in the box.
| Model | Platform | Type | Max torque | Top speed | In the box | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee M12 FUEL 1/2" Hammer Drill/Driver (3404-20) | 12V | Hammer drill | 400 in-lbs | 1,550 RPM | Bare tool | See price |
| Milwaukee M18 FUEL 1/2" Drill/Driver (2903-20) | 18V | Drill/driver | 1,400 in-lbs | 2,100 RPM | Bare tool | See price |
| Milwaukee M18 FUEL 1/2" Hammer Drill/Driver (2904-20) | 18V | Hammer drill | 1,400 in-lbs | 2,100 RPM | Bare tool | See price |
| Milwaukee M18 FUEL 1/2" Drill/Driver Kit (2903-22) | 18V | Drill/driver | 1,400 in-lbs | 2,100 RPM | Two 5.0 Ah batteries and charger | See price |
| Milwaukee M18 FUEL 1/2" Hammer Drill/Driver Kit (2904-22) | 18V | Hammer drill | 1,400 in-lbs | 2,100 RPM | Two batteries and charger | See price |
| DeWALT 20V MAX XR 3-Speed Drill/Driver Kit (DCD991P2) | 20V MAX | Drill/driver | Rated in UWO, see listing | 3-speed | 5.0 Ah batteries and charger | See price |
| DeWALT 20V MAX XR 3-Speed Hammer Drill Kit (DCD996P2) | 20V MAX | Hammer drill | Rated in UWO, see listing | 3-speed | 5.0 Ah batteries and charger | See price |
Need the drill and an impact driver together? Combo kits usually cost less than buying the two tools separately: see the Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2-Tool Combo Kit (3697-22) and the DeWALT 20V MAX XR Hammer Drill and Impact Driver Kit (DCK299P2).
How to read the chart
Torque: in-lbs and UWO are not the same unit
Milwaukee publishes peak torque in inch-pounds. DeWALT publishes Unit Watts Out (UWO), a figure that combines speed and torque. You cannot convert one to the other, so compare torque numbers only within the same brand, and use drill class (compact 12V, full-size 18V/20V MAX) to compare across brands.
Top speed
Top no-load speed matters for small bits in wood and metal. Large hole saws, augers and self-feed bits are run in low gear, where torque matters more than RPM.
18V and 20V MAX are the same class
Both platforms use five lithium-ion cells in series. "20V MAX" is the voltage of a fully charged pack with no load; "18V" is the nominal working voltage. Neither label means more power on its own.
Bare tool or kit: which is the better price?
Look at the two Milwaukee M18 FUEL drill/driver rows: same drill, one bare and one with two 5.0 Ah batteries and a charger. The difference between those two prices is what you pay for the batteries and charger.
- Buy the bare tool if you already own batteries and a charger on that platform.
- Buy the kit if this is your first tool on the platform. Batteries bought separately cost more: check current prices in batteries and chargers.
- Buy a combo kit if you also need an impact driver. You get both tools on one set of batteries.
Which drill fits your work
| Your work | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Electrical: boxes, straps, panel work, holes in studs | Full-size 18V/20V MAX drill/driver for augers and hole saws; a 12V drill for overhead and panel work |
| Plumbing and mechanical: hole saws and self-feed bits | Full-size drill with a side handle and the highest torque in its class |
| HVAC: sheet metal, hangers, anchors in block | Compact hammer drill; hammer mode handles small anchors in block and brick |
| Regular holes in poured concrete | A hammer drill is for occasional small holes. For daily concrete drilling use an SDS rotary hammer |
Where to buy cordless drills in Houston and San Antonio
Tool Mart stocks cordless drills at both Texas stores, open Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Order online for same-day pickup or call the counter to check stock before you drive over.
- Houston area: 13721 S. Gessner #200, Missouri City, TX 77489 · 713-222-8665
- San Antonio: 10568 Sentinel St, San Antonio, TX 78217 · 210-655-6116
Outside Houston and San Antonio? We ship by UPS Ground and freight: browse cordless drills.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a professional cordless drill cost?
For the pro models in the chart, a bare tool runs roughly $150 to $230 and a kit with two batteries and a charger roughly $330 to $410. The price column shows today's price for each model.
Is a hammer drill worth the extra money?
Usually yes. Compare the paired rows in the chart: the hammer version costs a little more and works as a normal drill with the hammer switched off, so you lose nothing and gain the ability to set anchors in block and brick.
Is 20V MAX more powerful than 18V?
No. They are the same battery class measured two ways: 20 volts is the maximum with no load, 18 volts is the nominal working voltage.
Can I use one brand's battery on another brand's drill?
No. Batteries are specific to each brand's platform, which is why most contractors choose one platform and stay on it.
Where can I buy these drills in Houston or San Antonio?
Tool Mart stocks them at both stores. Order online for same-day pickup or call the counter: Houston 713-222-8665, San Antonio 210-655-6116. Browse all cordless drills.
Order online for same-day pickup at either store, or call the counter and we will check stock for you.
Tool Mart has sold professional tools to Texas contractors since 1976, with stores in Houston and San Antonio.