10 Best Small Drills in 2026

With a length of only 5.7 inches, the Milwaukee M18 Compact Brushless Drill Driver fits easily into tight spaces like cabinets or between studs. Its brushless motor provides 550 inch-pounds of torque, which is sufficient for driving screws or drilling holes in wood and other common materials. Weighing 2.3 pounds, it offers good balance for overhead work without causing quick fatigue.

This drill delivers up to 1700 RPM, allowing for faster drilling in softer materials. Its 550 inch-pounds of torque is suitable for typical tasks like assembling furniture or installing deck boards, though it provides less power than hammer drill models designed for masonry. The compact design prioritizes control and access in confined areas over maximum torque output.

At just 2.4 inches in every dimension and 1.6 pounds, this drill fits where others can’t. That’s the core of its value. It’s built for electricians, HVAC techs, and maintenance pros who spend all day working in cabinets, between studs, or under sinks. The brushless motor and metal chuck promise durability in those conditions, while the 12 clutch settings give you the control needed for delicate electronics or trim work. It’s the definition of a specialized tool designed for a specific, cramped reality.

The trade-off is in its capability envelope. The 12V platform and compact size mean it’s not the drill for boring large holes in dense lumber or driving long lag bolts all day. For those bigger jobs, you’d want to step up to a more powerful model like the Milwaukee M18 Compact. But if your primary need is a reliable, durable driver for confined spaces, this M12 Subcompact delivers a professional-grade experience in an exceptionally small package.

A subcompact drill that delivers 350 in.lbs of peak torque from a brushless motor means you can tackle a wider range of materials without stepping up to a full-size tool. This combo kit is for the user who needs a genuine 18V platform’s capability but in a package designed to fit in tight spots and reduce arm strain over long sessions. The mechanical two-speed transmission provides the control for delicate work and the speed for general drilling.

The trade-off is that this tool occupies a middle ground. It’s more substantial than true 12V subcompacts like the Milwaukee M12, so it won’t disappear into a tight tool belt pouch as easily. For a user who needs maximum power in a minimal footprint but can accept a slightly larger grip, this Makita strikes a compelling balance. If your priority is absolute minimal size and weight for light duty, a dedicated 12V system might be a better fit.

The DeWalt DCD777B features a brushless motor and a compact design, delivering extended runtime and easy handling in tight spaces. Its ergonomic comfort grip provides balance and control, while the LED light with a delay offers visibility in confined areas. This tool-only drill requires a separate DeWalt 20V MAX battery and charger.

The trade-off for that power is a bit of heft. At 2.6 pounds, it’s not as featherlight as something like the Milwaukee M12 Subcompact, and you’ll need to factor in the cost of a separate battery. For the user who needs maximum capability from a compact frame and already invests in the DeWalt 20V ecosystem, this is the drill. If your projects are lighter and you prioritize absolute minimal weight, a dedicated 12-volt platform could be more appropriate.

Weighing just 55 grams, this drill disappears in your hand, which is the entire point for detailed work where fatigue ruins precision. The aerospace-grade carbon fiber body isn’t just for show; it provides a firm, non-slip grip for delicate control. That sub-0.03mm concentricity means your bit runs true without wobble, so you can drill clean holes in resin or thin aluminum without melting or burring the edges. This is built for the model builder, jeweler, or RC enthusiast who needs surgical control, not brute force.

With a speed range of 500-900 RPM and 3.5 kgf.cm of torque, this tool is built for plastics, soft metals, and wood rather than heavy construction. Its performance is tailored for clean, burr-free holes in delicate materials, not for driving large fasteners or dense lumber. That focus makes the ARROWSPACE 300975-P a premium specialist, where its smart display, automatic lighting, and featherlight carbon fiber body excel at precise, detailed work.

Its slide battery design lets this drill stand upright on a workbench, so you can grab it instantly without fumbling. That feature, combined with a compact seven-inch body and a rubberized grip, makes it a comfortable choice for DIYers who value a tidy workspace. It offers reliable performance for light to medium-duty projects with a respectable 250 inch-pounds of torque for its class.

The trade-off for that stable, self-standing base is a bit of heft, as this 12V tool weighs nearly seven pounds. While its two-speed motor is versatile, 12-volt models generally can’t match the sustained battery life of larger platforms under ideal conditions. For users who prioritize absolute light weight and maximum runtime for bigger jobs, stepping up to an 18V model like the Makita 18V LXT could be more suitable, even without the stand-up feature.

A 12-volt system and a 2.8-pound frame define this drill’s purpose. It’s built for the user who tackles light assembly, furniture building, or hanging shelves where finesse matters more than raw torque. The keyless chuck and 11-position clutch give you the control for those jobs without wrestling a heavier tool. This is the logical choice when your projects are measured in screws, not lag bolts, and you value simple operation over brute force.

You feel the trade-off when a task demands more persuasion. Driving into dense hardwoods or masonry will test its limits, a reminder that this is a tool for lighter duty. Compared to something like the DeWalt 20V MAX Compact, it sacrifices outright power for its accessible size and price point. It gets the fundamentals right for basic DIY, making it a solid first cordless drill or a reliable backup for quick fixes around the house.

Weighing just 1.6 pounds, this drill is one you can comfortably hold overhead or use one-handed for extended periods without fatigue. That makes it a standout for light-duty DIY and home maintenance, especially for tasks like assembling furniture or hanging pictures where control and comfort trump raw power. The included 42-piece accessory kit and built-in LED light mean you can start a project straight out of the box, even in a dimly lit cabinet.

Its 8-volt motor is paired with a lightweight 1.65-pound body, making it easy to operate with one hand for extended periods. This drill is suitable for drilling in wood and plastic and for tightening or loosening screws, but it is not suitable for hard objects such as masonry or concrete. The Milwaukee M12 Subcompact Brushless Drill Driver also weighs 1.6 pounds but uses a 12V system.

This drill can run on either 12V or 20V batteries, giving you the option to switch between compact convenience and higher power as your project demands. Its slim, 2-pound frame is designed for easy access to tight spaces. The kit includes a flip head for quick bit changes, magnetic storage for fast access, and a USB-C battery that can also charge personal devices.

The kit’s dimensions are 12.0 inches long, which includes the drill and its accessories in the package. For dedicated, all-day professional use, a more premium system might be the choice, but for versatile DIY power in an affordable package, the Skil’s flip-head design and dual-voltage operation are key features.

The DeWALT 20V MAX Combo Kit measures 7.6 inches front-to-back, so it fits into tight areas like cabinets and between studs. Its ergonomic comfort grip provides balance and control for the user. A bright LED light stays on for 20 seconds after releasing the trigger, which increases visibility in dark or confined spaces.

You get two tools, a drill and an impact driver, in this kit. The variable speed trigger on these tools allows for control and precision on delicate work surfaces. Bits are changed with a quick release hex chuck.