10 Best Drills in Australia for DIY, Trade and Workshop Jobs in 2026
Choosing the right drill depends on the material, hole diameter, available working space and how often the tool will be used. Power needs can range from a compact 12 V cordless model for installations to a 1,120 W impact drill for demanding trade work.
For anyone comparing the best drills for Australian DIY, trade and workshop jobs, the options now cover everything from conventional rotary and hammer drills to right-angle, high-speed, core and dedicated mixing models.
This guide looks at 10 drills with different torque levels, chuck capacities, speed ranges and drilling capabilities. These specifications make it easier to match each model to the type of work it is designed to handle.
Key Features That Matter in a Drill
Power and Torque
Voltage and wattage indicate the drill’s power platform, while torque measures rotational force. A compact Bosch GSB 12V-15 reaches 30 Nm hard torque, while the HiKOKI DV36DC reaches 155 Nm.
Chuck Size
A 10 mm chuck handles many everyday bits, while a 13 mm chuck accepts larger accessories. Specialised tools use different systems, including the Milwaukee MX FUEL core drill’s 1-1/4″-7 spindle.
Speed Settings
High speed suits smaller bits, while low speed helps control large bits and high-load work. Models here range from 300 rpm on the Makita DUT130Z’s low setting to 4,200 rpm on the Makita DP2010.
Battery Voltage and Capacity
Cordless models use platforms from 12 V to 36 V, plus Milwaukee’s MX FUEL system. Battery Ah primarily affects runtime and operating weight.
Weight and Ergonomics
Compact drills can weigh around 1.0 kg, while specialised core drills can exceed 9 kg. Head dimensions, handles and trigger positioning also affect control in confined or repetitive work.
Best Drills at a Glance
HiKOKI 18V Angle Drill 10 mm DN18DSL(H4Z)
The HiKOKI DN18DSL(H4Z) is an 18 V cordless angle drill developed for drilling and fastening where a conventional pistol-grip drill cannot easily fit.
Its right-angle head is particularly useful around framing, cabinetry, plumbing and electrical installations, with an 88 mm head height that helps it reach between closely spaced structural members.
The 0–1,800 rpm variable-speed range gives the operator control across drilling and fastening jobs. Forward and reverse operation also supports screw installation and removal.
Its 12.5 Nm maximum tightening torque suits controlled fastening work rather than large-diameter structural drilling. The 22-stage clutch provides finer torque adjustment when driving screws into timber or sheet materials.
A 28 mm timber drilling capacity covers many service-installation holes, while the 10 mm mild-steel capacity supports lighter metal drilling.
The 88 mm head height is one of the tool’s most practical features. It allows drilling between joists, studs and other restricted spaces where a standard drill body can be difficult to position.
The 10 mm keyless chuck allows quick bit changes without a chuck key. Battery and charger are supplied separately.
Bosch 12V Combi Drill 30 Nm Skin Only GSB 12V-15
The Bosch GSB 12V-15 combines drilling, screwdriving and impact drilling in a compact 12 V platform designed for lighter installation and maintenance jobs.
Its 30 Nm hard torque and two-speed gearbox provide useful flexibility for furniture assembly, cabinetry, electrical fittings and general DIY work.
The 30 Nm hard torque provides enough rotational force for common screwdriving and small drilling jobs. Soft torque is rated at 13 Nm where more controlled fastening is required.
First gear operates from 0–380 rpm, giving greater control for driving screws and working with higher resistance. Second gear reaches 0–1,300 rpm for faster drilling with smaller bits.
The 10 mm keyless chuck supports common drill-bit sizes used for household installations and light trade work. Maximum drilling capacity is 19 mm in wood and 10 mm in steel.
Impact mode increases the tool’s flexibility for lighter masonry work when used with the correct masonry bit. The impact rate can reach approximately 19,500 bpm.
At approximately 1.0 kg with a battery, the compact design can reduce fatigue during repetitive installation work. Battery and charger are not included with the skin-only model.
Makita Drill 530 W 10 mm Keyless Chuck 0–2,500 rpm 6408
The Makita 6408 is a compact corded rotary drill built around a 530 W motor for repetitive drilling where continuous mains power is available.
Its 10 mm keyless chuck and variable-speed operation make it suitable for timber fabrication, cabinetry, maintenance and general workshop drilling.
The 530 W motor provides continuous operation without relying on battery runtime. This can suit workshop environments where the drill is used repeatedly throughout the day.
Its speed can be adjusted from 0–2,500 rpm. The higher end of the range suits smaller-diameter bits where faster rotational speed can improve drilling efficiency.
Maximum drilling capacity is 25 mm in timber and 10 mm in steel. These figures make the 6408 suitable for common workshop, fabrication and installation holes.
At 1.4 kg, the tool remains relatively manageable during repetitive work. Its approximately 261 mm overall length also keeps the body compact.
The 10 mm keyless chuck allows bit changes without a chuck key. Forward and reverse operation adds flexibility for drilling and general installation work.
Milwaukee MX FUEL Brushless Core Drill 152 mm ONE-KEY Skin MXFDCD150-0C
The Milwaukee MXFDCD150-0C is a cordless core drill designed for large-diameter penetrations through concrete.
Its maximum 152.4 mm core capacity, two-speed gearing and wet-coring capability make it suited to plumbing, electrical, mechanical and commercial construction work.
The two-speed system is configured around different core diameters. Approximately 25–76 mm cores use the higher 1,600 rpm setting, while larger 76–152 mm cores use the lower 800 rpm range.
Its maximum core capacity reaches 152.4 mm. This allows large service penetrations that cannot be handled by conventional hammer drills.
Wet drilling is supported through a quick-connect water system. Water can help cool the core bit and manage concrete dust during appropriate wet-coring applications.
An integrated pressure gauge assists the operator with drilling pressure, while the digital level helps maintain drilling alignment. ONE-KEY adds tool tracking and management functionality.
AUTOSTOP and the integrated clutch are designed to reduce uncontrolled tool rotation if the core binds. Correct PPE, operating technique and drilling setup remain essential during large-diameter concrete coring.
At 9.8 kg before a battery is fitted, the MXFDCD150-0C is a substantial specialised tool. The battery and charger are purchased separately.
HiKOKI 36V Brushless Hammer Drill Driver DV36DC(H4Z)
The HiKOKI DV36DC(H4Z) is a 36 V brushless hammer drill driver designed for demanding drilling and fastening applications.
It combines up to 155 Nm of hard torque with a two-speed gearbox, 13 mm chuck and Reactive Force Control for high-load trade work.
The brushless motor produces up to 155 Nm on hard joints and 100 Nm on soft joints. This provides substantial rotational force for larger fasteners and high-load drilling.
Low gear operates from 0–550 rpm and is suited to applications where torque and control are more important than speed. High gear reaches 0–2,200 rpm for faster drilling with smaller bits.
The metal chuck accepts accessories from 1.5–13 mm. Its larger chuck capacity supports a wider range of drill bits than compact 10 mm models.
Twenty-two clutch settings provide controlled screwdriving, with clutch torque adjustable through approximately 1.5–8.0 Nm.
Reactive Force Control can stop the motor when excessive tool rotation is detected. The side handle should still be used during demanding drilling because electronic protection does not replace correct two-handed control.
At approximately 2.1 kg, the drill is intended for heavier trade work rather than lightweight repetitive assembly.
Makita High Speed Drill 370 W 6.5 mm 4,200 rpm DP2010
The Makita DP2010 is a compact corded drill designed around high rotational speed and smaller-diameter drilling.
Its 370 W motor reaches 4,200 rpm, while the 6.5 mm keyed chuck keeps the tool focused on precision work in timber, metal and workshop applications.
The 4,200 rpm maximum speed suits smaller drill bits that benefit from higher spindle speed. Variable-speed control allows the operator to reduce rotational speed when required.
Its 6.5 mm keyed chuck is designed around smaller accessories rather than large auger bits, hole saws or heavy structural drilling.
At 1.0 kg, the DP2010 can be easier to handle during repetitive small-hole drilling. The slim body also allows the operator to maintain close control around the drilling point.
Forward and reverse operation adds flexibility for installation and maintenance work. The supplied depth rod can help maintain a consistent drilling depth across repeated holes.
The 370 W corded motor provides continuous operation where mains power is available. No battery charging or battery replacement is required.
Milwaukee 18V Brushless Right Angle Drill Skin M18FRAD2-0
The Milwaukee M18FRAD2-0 is an 18 V brushless right-angle drill designed for large-diameter holes through framing and structural timber.
Its right-angle layout combines access between joists and studs with 122 Nm of torque and a maximum accessory capacity of up to 159 mm.
The 122 Nm maximum torque provides the rotational force required for large self-feed bits and hole saws. Low gear operates from 0–500 rpm for high-load drilling.
High gear reaches 0–1,550 rpm and can be used when greater bit speed is required. The two ranges allow the operator to match speed to accessory diameter and material resistance.
Self-feed bit and hole-saw capacities reach up to 159 mm with suitable accessories. This supports large service penetrations through structural timber.
The 13 mm keyed chuck provides secure bit retention for demanding drilling. Its right-angle layout helps position the tool between framing members where conventional drill bodies may not fit.
The mechanical clutch in low gear helps control reaction force if a large bit binds. Large self-feed bits and hole saws can produce substantial kickback, so both handles should be used whenever possible.
The M18FRAD2-0 is supplied as a skin, so a compatible M18 battery and charger are required separately.
Bosch Rotary Drill 750 W 13 mm GBM 13-2 RE
The Bosch GBM 13-2 RE is a corded rotary drill using a 750 W motor and two-speed gearbox for timber, steel and general workshop drilling.
Its gearing provides up to 39.5 Nm of maximum torque in first gear while maintaining a faster second-speed range for smaller drilling jobs.
First gear reaches 0–1,000 rpm and provides up to 39.5 Nm of maximum torque. This range suits larger bits and applications where higher rotational force is required.
Second gear reaches approximately 3,000 rpm, while maximum torque is approximately 12.5 Nm. The higher rotational speed is suited to smaller drill-bit diameters.
Maximum drilling capacity reaches 32 mm in timber and 13 mm in steel. These figures support fabrication, workshop and general trade drilling.
The 13 mm keyless chuck provides larger accessory capacity without requiring a separate chuck key. It also allows faster drill-bit changes during repetitive work.
At 2.4 kg, the GBM 13-2 RE is built as a full-size corded drill. Its 750 W motor provides continuous operation without battery downtime.
HiKOKI Impact Drill 13 mm 1,120 W Variable Speed DV22V(H6Z)
The HiKOKI DV22V(H6Z) is a 1,120 W corded impact drill designed for drilling across concrete, timber and steel.
Its two-speed gearbox, maximum 39,000 bpm impact rate and drilling capacities of up to 22 mm in concrete and 40 mm in timber suit demanding trade work.
The 1,120 W motor supplies continuous mains-powered performance for demanding drilling work. Low gear operates from 0–1,100 rpm.
High gear increases speed to 0–3,000 rpm. The impact mechanism can reach approximately 39,000 impacts per minute for masonry drilling.
Maximum concrete capacity is 22 mm when used with suitable accessories. Steel capacity reaches 16 mm, while timber drilling capacity extends to 40 mm.
Variable-speed control allows the operator to adjust rotational speed for different materials and bit diameters. A side handle and depth gauge assist with positioning and drilling depth.
Safety: The slip clutch helps reduce drivetrain reaction if the bit jams under heavy load. Maintain a secure two-handed grip when drilling larger holes in masonry or timber.
At 3.0 kg, the drill is intended for heavier drilling applications where its power, impact mechanism and drilling capacity can be fully used.
Makita 18V Brushless Mixing Drill DUT130Z
The Makita DUT130Z is an 18 V brushless mixing drill designed for paint, adhesives, mortar and other construction mixtures.
Its two-speed transmission provides a low 0–300 rpm range and a high 0–1,300 rpm range, while supporting mixing paddles up to 165 mm in diameter.
The 0–300 rpm low-speed range is intended for higher-viscosity materials where controlled paddle movement is required. Lower speed can also reduce splashing when working with thicker mixtures.
The 0–1,300 rpm high-speed range provides faster rotation for lower-viscosity materials. Variable-speed control allows the operator to adjust paddle speed within the selected range.
Maximum mixing blade diameter is 165 mm. This gives the tool capacity for common buckets and construction mixing containers.
Protective covers shield the switch, battery and major tool areas from splashes generated during mixing. Makita’s XPT design also adds protection against dust and moisture.
The tool weighs approximately 2.2 kg as a skin and around 2.8 kg with a battery. A compatible 18 V LXT battery and charger are required separately.
Choosing Drill Bits for Different Materials
Timber and Wood
Brad-point bits around 3–12 mm suit accurate pilot and dowel holes. Spade and auger bits commonly cover approximately 10–40 mm, while larger self-feed bits can exceed 50 mm.
Smaller timber bits can operate above 2,000 rpm, but large auger or self-feed bits should generally be used in a drill’s lower-speed, higher-torque range. The Milwaukee M18FRAD2-0, for example, provides a 0–500 rpm low gear for large timber accessories.
Metal and Steel
HSS bits suit general steel, while cobalt bits are useful for harder alloys and stainless steel. A 10 mm drill in mild steel may require roughly 500–1,000 rpm depending on bit material, workpiece and cutting conditions.
As drill diameter increases, reduce speed and use suitable cutting lubricant to manage heat. The Bosch GBM 13-2 RE provides up to 13 mm steel capacity and a low range of 0–1,000 rpm.
Masonry and Concrete
Carbide-tipped masonry bits are used with impact or hammer action. Common anchor holes fall around 5–16 mm, while larger concrete penetrations require dedicated equipment.
The HiKOKI DV22V reaches 22 mm in concrete, while the Milwaukee MX FUEL core drill supports cores up to 152.4 mm.
Drill Care and Maintenance for Longer Tool Life
Keep the Chuck Clean
Remove dust, chips and swarf after each work session, especially after masonry or metal drilling. A 10 mm or 13 mm chuck relies on its jaws closing evenly around the bit, so accumulated debris can contribute to poor grip or bit run-out.
Check the Battery and Contacts
Inspect cordless batteries before use and keep electrical contacts clean and dry. Batteries showing cracks, swelling or physical damage should not be used.
For long-term storage, remove the battery from the drill and keep it in a dry environment away from excessive heat.
Prevent Motor Overheating
Keep ventilation openings clear during operation. High-load jobs such as 155 Nm drilling, large self-feed bits or 152 mm concrete coring can create considerably more heat than light screwdriving.
If electronic thermal protection activates, stop the tool and allow it to cool before restarting.
Store the Drill Properly
Remove drill bits before longer storage and place the tool in a dry case or cabinet. Corded drills should have their leads coiled without sharp bends.
For cordless tools, separating the battery during extended storage also prevents accidental activation and reduces unnecessary electrical contact.
Conclusion
Choosing a drill should start with the material and hole size rather than voltage alone. A 12 V Bosch GSB 12V-15 provides 30 Nm for lighter drilling and fastening, while the HiKOKI DV36DC reaches 155 Nm for substantially higher-load applications.
Corded drills remain practical where uninterrupted runtime is important. The Makita 6408 provides a 530 W motor and 2,500 rpm maximum speed, while the Bosch GBM 13-2 RE combines 750 W power with a two-speed gearbox and up to 39.5 Nm.
More specialised jobs require purpose-built designs. The Milwaukee M18FRAD2-0 provides 122 Nm and capacity for large timber accessories, while the MX FUEL core drill handles concrete cores up to 152.4 mm.
The Makita DUT130Z takes a different approach with a 165 mm mixing paddle and speeds as low as 300 rpm. Matching torque, speed, chuck or accessory capacity and drilling diameter to the job will produce a more useful tool choice for Australian DIY, trade and workshop work in 2026.
Originally Published : https://www.toolsforsale.com.au/best-drills-for-diy-trade-australia/
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