Best Compact Drill Tested

[@e24mpwr]

This is the chillest and zero-hype tool review content. Thanks for all the work - really useful!

[@Tools-Tested]

No problem! Glad you liked it!

[@scotts4125]

I'm on the Makita platform and always used the biggest and best they had. One day I realized all that heavy stuff is way overkill for 90% of what I need and I bought a lot of the sub compact line. I can only think of one instance the sub drill didn't have the beans. Other than that it's so nice to carry the lighter stuff but also have the big tools if needed. I also have the Milwaukee installation kit which is really nice too.

[@whatfreedom7]

I’d rather have a lighter battery as long is it’s not crappy battery life like my little Milwaukee battery that can with my 18v kit. I don’t even know what the size is socks they didn’t even bother to put it on the battery but I’m assuming it’s probably something stupid like a 1.5. Otherwise I’m fine with a 2-3 amp battery on my Makita stuff. Only time I go with a giant battery is on something like an impact.

[@ryanmontgomery6248]

Just picked up the Metabo- just a great all around drill, does everything well for everyday use and is very comfortable to use. Sweet-spot for overall size, performance, price, reliability, etc.

[@Tools-Tested]

Nice! Yep I was surprised by the performance for the price.

[@jlousy1901]

Picked up the Metabo on a combo kit for $77 last week. What a steal for a great drill! Thanks for the review

[@zeroelus]

Algorithm recommended your channel and I appreciate you go straight to the point without screaming, waving your hands around, nor are doing any click-baity titles, new subscriber here. Having owned the Red 2801, I looked all over the place for concrete evidence that this non-Fuel tool would benefit from the better batteries but I never found anything previously, good to know it does! (as does it's successor which you feature here!) However since this model doesn't come with the hammer function (and I do need that for my house and for some parts of my parents/in laws house) I changed it to a 2904 that was on sale near Christmas, giving the 2801 to my dad who had a very old, very gutless, cordless screwdriver, but needed a proper cordless drill, I think he's quite happy with the 2801 for what he needs to do in the shed he has lol. I'll be browsing through your videos looking for that Forge video, if it's already out or if you'll have it out later :)

[@chadhamilton88]

I gave my Milwaukee's and DeWalt up now I'm all hikoki for about 4 years now and they are just getting better and better lifetime warranty awesome service all green baby

[@Tools-Tested]

Yeah looks like a good choice, after seeing the performance of this drill.

[@travisworts6249]

I bougt the Milwaukee kit with the compact drill and impact driver for 189 at home Depot. Two batteries and two tools are fantastic for that price.

[@Tools-Tested]

Nice! yeah you really can beat it.

[@strykerentllc]

Another empirically based comprehensive comparison video that an average DIY serf can understand. Making an informed purchase on tools is taxing and you taking the time while incurring the expense has to be both noted and is appreciated. Simply the best data available on KZbin. Thank you.

[@Tools-Tested]

Thanks! Yeah hopefully it will help someone make the decision on which one they need.

[@myroccbox8877]

Thanks. Good info. I'd echo some other comments...mainly, we buy compact drills 'cause they're light and easy to use. No way in hell I'm gonna put one of those massive Ah batteries on one. Key question that I sought to answer was which one feels best in hand with great performance and is lightweight. 95% of the time I use my drill/driver the project is done with under an hour of tool use. Hope that's helpful feedback as you do future reviews.

[@timothylockhart2009]

Love that the channels picking up a little bit of steam! Here's to exponential growth!

[@Tools-Tested]

Yeah slowly but surely its growing. I hope so too!

[@mukoshh]

SO glad youre testing the Gen 2 Rigid stuff. Am shocked by the number of people testing them in in comparison videos using their older gen vs dewals and makita new stuff

[@Tools-Tested]

Yeah I try and keep up with testing the current gen, it can make a huge difference.

[@BigDGolf-23]

The channel is a gem, Way more unbiased than torque test channel. You can tell he favors milwaukee.

[@Tools-Tested]

Thanks!

[@rhalfik]

Empirical testing doesn't favour anything, but it may be possible that their testing conditions are an easier load for Milwaukee.

[@Jeff-rk8hq]

I have the gen 1 Ridgid and it’s held up but I also don’t start push mowers or any other high torque stuff with it

[@Tools-Tested]

Yeah its a powerful drill, just cant push it 110% all the time.

[@waynegalvin4639]

I have the Rigid first gen and I got it in a kit with the battery, charger and the impact driver also with the battery supplied. I used the driver extensively and it is great but I haven’t used the drill much but the attractive thing about rigid is the lifetime warranty.

[@Tools-Tested]

Im hopping to test the driver at some point. Yep I have used the warranty a few times on batteries, its interesting Flex and Metabo are currently offering lifetime. Seems like more manufactures are starting to offer lifetime.

[@waynegalvin4639]

@@Tools-Tested interesting, I bet Rigid has a big market share because of their warranty and a few companies are going to try and steal away some of Rigid’s customers.

[@Tools-Tested]

@@waynegalvin4639 yep I know that’s originally why I bought Ridgid.

[@nathanhood2415]

The Dewalt dcd800 is the exact same size as the dcd794 so definitely worth it.

[@samsite83]

I found it alot more funny than I should, seeing the tiny drills with the giant battery 😂

[@Tools-Tested]

Yeah it’s crazy to see lol

[@jeffmorefield]

Excellent and informative video!

[@Tools-Tested]

Thanks!

[@kodyrussell1623]

Ridgid gen 2 sub compact is my lightweight alternative to my Milwaukee gen 4. I love the Milwaukee but the Ridgid is nice for little stuff and still can drill some decent size holes in metal AS LONG AS YOU STEP UP YOUR BIT SIZES PROPERLY! Everyone I know tries to grab the size they need when it comes to drilling metal and it just don’t work that way. Change your bits, step up 3 or 4 times and you will DRASTICALLY INCREASE the longevity of your bits and actually make holes FASTER. The bigger your bits get the slower you need to run to actually cut better.

[@Tools-Tested]

Yep 100% drill in stages.

[@J.Wick.]

MHPT ! MHPT! MHPT! That DCD800 is very nice as well.

[@Tools-Tested]

Yep the DCD800 defiantly a good choice!

[@mrallan8063]

Any thoughts on including tool truck brands like Snap On, MAC, Matco, etc?

[@Tools-Tested]

I hope to at some point, just cant afford to add the platforms right now.

[@HnrPram]

Tnak a lot for your tests and result 🙏🏼🤓

[@Tools-Tested]

No problem!

[@bhjb6384]

Metabo HPT DEX has a lot of complains about the chuck failing and dropping bits.

[@Tools-Tested]

Interesting, thanks for the info.

[@AuroraColoradoUSA]

Is a modern cordless drill more powerful in forward than in reverse? Been looking, but haven't found the answer.

[@Tools-Tested]

I honestly only tested a handful in reverse and the power was the same.

[@aaronjames8201]

On any jobsite I'm working with metabo hpt. But I haven't tried flex tools yet. But I'm going with the mean green Yoda,hulk,green lantern tool. Hands down

[@Tools-Tested]

Yeah the Metabo is awesome drill, but I'm really surprised by the Flex.

[@three-phase562]

Another great set of tests. Interesting results, I have never used any of the Metabo range, they have sponsored a couple of the KZbin sparkies over here in the UK and they speak quite highly of them. At least you can use the Dewalt as a club hammer after the 9Ah flex volt has run out of charge!

[@Tools-Tested]

Thanks! Yeah I really haven't used Metabo HPT much, more so when it was Hitachi here. Im curious how the German Metabo would do. Yep lol one minute its a drill, next a hammer.

[@kraftzion]

Got the makita, not enough power. Got an 805 coming. My dcd995 is my main drill at least until the 805 gets here. I have used and abused it for many years, no failures. More than enough power for everything I have thrown at it.

[@Tools-Tested]

I think you will defiantly like the 805, has a lot of power for its size.

[@DiligentDave1966]

Have you tested the mid torque impact wrenches?

[@Tools-Tested]

No not yet, hopefully the first part of next year.

[@DiligentDave1966]

@@Tools-Tested Have you tested the Ridgid high torque hammer drill? I feel like it might be in between the Milwaukee and the Dewalt with heat buildup.

[@Tools-Tested]

@@DiligentDave1966 not yet hopefully before the end of this year

[@DiligentDave1966]

@@Tools-Tested I might have to run my own test because I am considering that drill. Some people have been telling me that that brand is really good, and I think it would definitely stay cooler than the Milwaukee because it has a larger body.

[@ronaldjohnson1474]

That Dewalt with the 12ah battery is like using a howitzer when a Daisy air rifle will do the job.

[@Tools-Tested]

Lol yeah, when the battery dies you can flip it around and use it as a hammer.

[@dannyo957416]

What about kobalt XTR?

[@Tools-Tested]

Soon, have to rebuild the dyno so it can handle the higher power.

[@MyKnifeJourney]

I just got the new Milwaukee in the 2 tool kit. Nice and small for my apartment needs.

[@Tools-Tested]

Yeah they definitely shrunk the size which is nice to see. It's crazy how much power these compact tools now have.

[@karakavlos69paul]

Why don't you compare the highest end of drills? Like the 1330 bosch ?

[@Tools-Tested]

I plan on testing them, just need to modify the dyno first. This setup is only good for 1100 watts, anything over that the belt will slip.

[@toyotatundra0455]

Can you test the accuracy of tire inflator? The Blue Point is over $200 and for DIY is not a viable options. Thanks.

[@NWGR]

Once again, thanks for all these tests. Also once again, it reaffirms my choice (that I made based in larg part on your videos) to go with the DCD800. With a 1.7powerstack it's decently light (3.5lbs) and I love that it spins at 2000rpm in high gear. Great for my doweling jig. Thanks again!

[@Dailydoseoftools]

Hey brotha!! Awesome job! Great vid! Could I I say that maybe having the battery used when listing the graphs at the end would be an awesome addition to the graphs!

[@yorselrus1996]

After this presentation, i had to subscribe. Fine job, sir

[@Tools-Tested]

Thanks for the Sub!

[@is5032]

Greta video. I’ve just ordered the Metabo HPT because of the RFC. With no side handles on any of these drills I think it’s important to have anti kickback protection. Even these compact drills are capable of some serious power

[@strykerentllc]

That's where the clutch feature comes in handy. Set the clutch accordingly and there's no concern but be mindful when choosing the highest value as doing so can result in a trip to the doctor for a wrist sprain.

[@is5032]

@@strykerentllc that would be roulette as you have no idea what clutch setting equates to in terms of absolute torque. Plus you may not have enough power for your drilling task. Kickback control is the new kid in town to protect the user (not guaranteed of course) but the Hikoki/Metabo HPT system demonstrated looks very impressive. In the absense of a $10 side handle I’d rather take a drill with it than without.

[@strykerentllc]

@@is5032 Approach a drill with a clutch in the same manner as the throttle in your vehicle. Just because you have the capability of mashing the pedal to the floor doesn't mean you should based on the conditions of the road and the posted speed limit. That should be self-explainatory and you're free to do as you wish...

[@gf2e]

I am embarrassed to admit that I never thought of using the clutch for that. Great idea! I am often drilling holes underneath my RV where it can be hard to get a handle into a good position. A clutch seems like a good alternative. I definitely don’t need another drill. :)

[@2down4up]

Love this channel! Love the work you do! Super surprised at some of the results you get. Like the Ryobi and Ridgid dunking on the Milwaukee at times. Also seemed like the gen 2 Ridgid gave up kinda early on the dyno, but then again so did the Flex. That Dewalt on that monster 15ah battery looks like such a toy it’s comical! Great stuff! Is there any way you’d be willing to sell your data through something like a patreon or other platform?

[@slingin_tires]

I already have the dcd800 at work so i'm getting the dcd794 tomorrow for lighter jobs. Looks impressive for its size!

[@saiiiiiii1]

I remember the 794 having a problem. Maybe it was even on this channel, look it up first.

[@slingin_tires]

Yea i'm not worried though. Nothings perfect but DeWalt has been reliable for me.

[@Tools-Tested]

Yeah I overheated the clutch with the first 794, but I will admit I was pushing it really hard on the dyno.

[@djjinerson]

I would not want to run a compact drill with anything above a 3ah as it defeats the purpose. Torque is great but rpm’s matter too when driving fasters. These numbers may translate different depending on how you use a drill

[@timodonnell2541]

I just picked the hpt drill and gotta say its loud. Quite a little screamer.

[@Tools-Tested]

Yeah it defiantly the loudest of the bunch.

[@patirckGadwah]

How would you expect rhe Dewalt dcd793 to stack up here? Is it comparable to the dcd794?

[@heissovereign]

Here is just an older lady trying to put a screw into her leaning fence. I have a Ryobi cordless 18v P209. That just spun and spun wouldn't drive the screw any deeper than 1/2 an inch and I really leaned into it. Do I need a more powerful drill would that do the trick?

[@Tools-Tested]

If the screw is just spinning a pilot hole probably needs to be drilled first. If the drill on the other hand sounds like its spinning but is not turning I would check the clutch on the front and turn it to the drill symbol.

[@josephmerz2666]

do not understand how the watts out effects or translates to useage . i run the makita for it's slim profile which i find very important .use it often for my various countersink bits .for how i use small drills power is fine .i need more speed though ,rpms are more important for small bits .

[@saiiiiiii1]

I take rpm over torque any day on a compact drill. Small drill bits want rpm

[@DiligentDave1966]

I’ve seen the Flex dominate almost every compact drill in head to head drilling comparisons.

[@Tools-Tested]

Yeah the flex is crazy for the $, best buy IMO.

[@DiligentDave1966]

@@Tools-Tested I should update you on this subject. I decided to run my own test between the DCD 999, the Milwaukee 2904 and the Flex turbo. I tested all of them as kitted, and a purposely didn’t use the turbo mode on the Flex to keep it fair Both Milwaukee and DeWalt beat the Flex in speed. I had a coworker, run the comparison with me, and we both agreed that a Flex is not comfortable to hold for very long. Despite being the second heaviest, the Dewalt is freakishly, smooth and didn’t even get warm. The Flex and the Milwaukee got a little warm, but not really that bad. I tested him fairly hard with some really long drillbits going through 8 inches of wood. Now I’m trying to decide between Milwaukee and Dewalt, but I think I’m also gonna test , the high torque Ridgid .

[@Tools-Tested]

@@DiligentDave1966 Interesting I know the larger stacked battery packs really help the flex. From my testing of the 2904 it tended to get hot quick, the 999 is probably better for continuous heavy use IMO.

[@DiligentDave1966]

@@Tools-Tested I used three different types of drill bits in each drill. The first was a 16” long by 1/2” diameter Dewalt twist bit. The second was a Diablo self feeding spade bit of the same dimensions. The third was a self feeding Diablo auger bit of the same dimensions. I sandwiched a 4x4 between two 2x4’s because I want a drill that can drive a bit through that in one shot so I can reinforce stress points with carriage bolts. My coworker and I each drilled one hole with each bit in each drill, and I was impressed by all three drills, but the Flex just isn’t that comfortable to hold for a long period of time. The Dewalt definitely stayed the coolest, and that’s why I think the larger body is better for a drill of that power level. Bigger fan and more ventilation. I really think I want to run the same test with the Ridgid because I already have a couple of Ridgid tools and a couple of Dewalt tools. I will say that the argument could be made that the Milwaukee would benefit from a CP3.0 battery or a forge battery.

[@DiligentDave1966]

@@Tools-Tested Have you tried the high torque Ridgid yet?

[@riba2233]

Makita really not bad for what is essentially a 12v class tool. Also I don't think you would want to use 12ah with that small Bosch drill :| would seriously be off balance

[@Tools-Tested]

Yeah the Makita is definitely powerful for its compact size. Bosch would definitely be off balance but it would have been interesting to see what watts we could push out of it with the 12ah lol.

[@-opus]

Those large batteries look ridiculous on compacts/sub-compacts

[@Tools-Tested]

Lol yes, yes they do.

[@Jeff-rk8hq]

The dex is superior to the flex imo Everyone is out here sleeping on metabo hpt, they have some phenomenal tools, you cannot go wrong with their cordless drills nails guns impact drivers impact wrenches, circ and miter saws, they have a new 12” cordless miter saw coming out c3612draq so definitely some good offerings but idc I’m in every platform if not just an adapter away

[@Tools-Tested]

Yeah I agree some of that new HPT is powerful, almost makes me think they are now using parts from the German metabo.

[@thegamereliterest9550]

You should do the German Metabo drill

[@Utuber-x44]

I wish Hitachi was still called Hitachi. The name change is so confusing for people

[@Tools-Tested]

Yeah 110% just call it like it was, defiantly a marketing ploy off the German Metabo name.

[@francocalcagni9323]

@@Tools-Tested Just watched one of your videos for the first time...liked it. Your results are quicker, which I like. The graphic of the tool disintegrating is cool, the 1st, 2nd, even 3rd time; after that it gets tiresome, make it just disappear, quicker and better. Overall, you are much better than most of the YT channels out there. Actual numbers, quick and to the point. **** BTW, the comment you made hear and at least 2 others I saw, I think you are letting spell check correct it for you, but correcting with the wrong word.. You have "defiantly" when I am pretty sure you wanted to say definitely.

[@Tools-Tested]

@@francocalcagni9323 Yeah definitely, was definitely spelled wrong 😂. Thanks, I’ve been trying to get straight to the point. Trying to emulate what I would like to see in a video, cutting out all the fluff.

[@vader540is]

Milwaukee M18 fuel?

[@Tools-Tested]

I plan on testing it, just need to modify the dyno first. This setup is only good for 1100 watts, anything over that the belt will slip.

[@timdaviszaper]

Had rigid Gen one kit. Drill smoked, done in month of use.

[@Tools-Tested]

Sadly I’m not surprised, gen 1 was getting real hot during my testing.

[@DiligentDave1966]

I wanted to add that I had the DCD800, and I returned it because it got hot and cut out too easily.

[@Tools-Tested]

Interesting I didn’t have that issue with the DCD805.

[@DiligentDave1966]

@@Tools-Tested If I end up keeping the 999, I might give the 800 another try eventually. Maybe I was just expecting too much from it.

[@CJ-hw4zc]

Excellent! 👍

[@Tools-Tested]

Thank you!

[@JoseGutierrez-zx3ue]

Por que no ases la prueba con los Milwaukee 4 generación? Jaja

[@Tools-Tested]

Soon, the old dyno couldn't handle the watts of the high performance drills.

[@gregoriodecker2692]

I bought a ridgid subcompact for 77$ .. buy the Christmas special.. return the free battery.. now do your cost analysis.. then add the lifetime of free service or replacement.. I'm not using it for a living.. but let's face it.. if you're using it for hvac or something like that.. it's perfect.. if you're using it for a 1 1/4" spade bit or hole saws.. you should be hot with a tack hammer and sent to bed until you come to your senses anyway.

[@4673962]

Thats funny business with the ridgids. Every other video ive seen on the gen 1 vs gen2, the gen 2 does better. As mentioned in other comments the gen 2 seemed to cut off early on the dyno testing. Yes the gen 2 has more cooling vents and is more comfortable and in my opinion it looks scads better. Overall on the price to performance with the ridgid in the top 2 or 3 for power, id say they would be my bet.

[@DiligentDave1966]

The gen 2 drill isn’t much of an improvement over the gen one, if any. The gen 2 impact driver, on the other hand, is much improved over the gen one.

[@DiligentDave1966]

Where I’ve seen the Flex just stomp most compact drills is in head to head drilling comparisons. It just doesn’t give up.

[@DiligentDave1966]

The new compact Milwaukee I saw has a plastic clutch ring, from what I could tell.

[@jimmtech]

Great testing! Have you heard any of the reports about Flex batteries leaking?

[@gk7588]

It’s been happening to a few of the older produced batteries due to heat and where the manufacturer used a different gasket. My 8AH battery was leaking and Flex sent me a brand new one in 3 days with the new gasket. So now I got 2 lol.

[@Tools-Tested]

Thanks, I had one which was the 8ah but haven't had any other issues.

[@saiiiiiii1]

I bought the supreme compact Bosch a few weeks ago. I think I've never fallen on live with a drill like this before and I do collect these things. 😅It feels like Festool made it, it's super smooth, has kickback protection on a separate button, Roehm full metal chuck. It just oozes quality everywhere

[@DiligentDave1966]

From everything I’ve seen, the gen 2 ridgid drill doesn’t have much more power than the gen 1. The gen 2 ridgid impact driver is a completely different story.

[@Tools-Tested]

Yep the 2 gen rigid compact drill is about the same, but seems to run a little cooler.

[@DiligentDave1966]

@@Tools-Tested I’ve heard the impact driver is a big improvement over the previous generation, though. I know some people really dislike the slow ramp up of the drill, too, but I heard it’s intentional to prevent cam out.

[@marcomarquina4385]

💪 Flex

[@Tools-Tested]

Yep its impressive.

[@Griffinwoodworks]

Am I the only one that thinks the 15 ah flex volt battery looks like a clown shoe on that little bitty drill? 🤣

[@Tools-Tested]

Lol yeah it does!

[@boosted2.4_sky]

Using a brand's BIGGEST battery doesn't mean it's getting its best performance. I've seen cases where their 5ah or 6ah will actually outperform a brand's 8ah,10ah, and 12ah....TTC (and you) shows it frequently People tend to overlook Metabo HPT..but they're a decent pro brand..

[@Techprep23]

Yep. Ridgid is one where the 4Amp hr either regular or max output is fine.amd you get about 95% of advertised power. Which is ample power for most jobs. I have a lot of 4 aH batteries. I just swap them. The performance boost of a 6 or 8 aH battery doesn't justify the cost. I'd rather swap them out. I only got 2 6 ah for run time gains on my grinder.

[@brianf9619]

I'll just stick with my DeWalt XR DCF800 it's just a touch bigger than that Atomic but it Kicks All those other Drills Ass's ...... 👍🖖

[@Tools-Tested]

Yeah its a hammer!

[@FusionBoost2.0]

DeWalt is nice, nobody is using a 12ah on the Milwaukee to get good performance lol

[@boosted2.4_sky]

Good performance yes...BEST performance no...if you need the best performance you grab an 18v.. but 12v is sufficient for many/most tasks

[@steffendetrick]

No but they would use a 6.0 forge. I’m glade see Milwaukee keeping the all Metal chuck and upgrading to metal around the clutch. DeWalt really needs to upgrade there build quality.

[@FusionBoost2.0]

@@steffendetrick even then kinda big for these drills

[@steffendetrick]

@@FusionBoost2.0 it all depends on what ur doing. Every day all day I swap out batteries depending on what I’m doing. If I’m drilling pilot holes or even using spade bits I’m using a 3.0 HO. If I get in to auger bits or hole saws I put on a bigger battery when I’m done switch back to the small battery.

[@gf2e]

It depends. If you’re normally doing mid level tasks but once a week need to drill a ridiculously large hole, it can be nice to know that you can perhaps hold off on buying a Hole Hawg.

[@markmccormack1796]

That Flex battery is so big, might as well hook up a car battery. Jeez. The huge batteries add a lot of weight to a compact drill, which, to me, defeats the reason for using a compact.

[@Tools-Tested]

Thanks!

[@prestigemechanical3600]

FLEX compact drill and impact is the best bang for your buck. The battery technology and charging is above and beyond anything in the market.

[@riba2233]

Not really, makita xgt also has great batteries and a powerful charger, but they have a better lineup and their battery don't self destruct like flex ones

[@benryals7475]

The batteries on these drills lately are starting to look like the men are shrinking.

[@Tools-Tested]

Yeah it’s gotten out of hand.

[@whatfreedom7]

That’s not the Makita compact that’s the sub compact. It would have had a much better ranking had it been a fair comparison.

[@JimTom.]

what do you mean? this is the most compact one they make in their current line up

[@vanman8526]

Best ones not even on the list! Wtf?! No Bauer?

[@Tools-Tested]

“Compact”

[@hanklero]

Good data and testing methods, lose the animations.,

[@Tools-Tested]

Thanks

[@jamesward5721]

Ages went into this video, it's brilliantly done - but I have zero clue what any of the graphs show & it's all just a bit beige - the channel needs to remove the boring as heck Factor from these videos. Connect the drills up to a stick of dynamite, see can they twist it & survive the blast - anything - just lose the "boring" and vague.

[@jonh4053]

shouldve used the dewalt dcd 800 or 805

[@Tools-Tested]

Yeah its a very powerful drill, I tested it kzbin.info/www/bejne/imHVoJ5-ea2Hj9U