Busy auto mechanics know that every minute counts. The faster you work, the more customers you can serve. That’s why choosing the right tool for the job is so important. But even weekend hobbyists can benefit from pro-grade tools that make repairs a pleasure instead of a chore. While a lot of mechanics try to get by with a single drill, working strategically with two different tools—a powerful primary drill and a secondary impact drill/driver—can maximize efficiency and give you more flexibility.
Drills and impact drivers each have a place in a mechanic’s tool kit, but they excel at different jobs. In automotive work, drills apply rotational force to bore holes into metal and other materials quickly and efficiently. These everyday tools are ideal for tasks that require precision and power.
Impact drills/drivers, on the other hand, are higher-torque tools that apply forward knocking force as well as rotational force to quickly drive fasteners into material or to remove bolts and screws. They are lighter weight and compact, able to get into tight spaces and drive larger and longer bolts and screws with speed.
So which do you need? Depending on the work you do, the answer may be both. This roundup of the best drills and drivers for automotive work is split between the three best primary drills, followed by the four best secondary drills/drivers. Read on for our recommendations on drills and drivers you can rely on in your shop every day.
Best Primary Drills:
Every shop needs a workhorse, and a durable, reliable primary cordless drill delivers. Choose a well-designed tool from a top-quality brand for drilling metal or running step bits, or when precise, controlled fastening is required. Buying a drill on a platform you already use can save you time when batteries run out during long work sessions without having to stop and charge.
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The versatile DeWalt 20V MAX XR brushless 1/2-inch compact cordless drill/driver is a hardworking, pro-grade everyday tool and the best one-drill solution on this list. The lightweight design is engineered for optimal performance and long runtimes to maximize battery life over extended work sessions on the most demanding days. Ideal for heavy-duty drilling projects and repetitive fastening tasks.
Unlike most primary drills, at less than 6 1/2 inches, the drill/driver’s compact size enables it to access hard-to-reach places, and its well-balanced design makes it comfortable for extended use. Fully assembled (battery not included), the drill/driver weighs 6 pounds.
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The Milwaukee M18 1/2-inch compact cordless drill/driver kit offers mechanics another great option to streamline their tools. The Milwaukee M18 has the versatility of a single-solution drill with the strong torque of an impact driver and the precision of a drill in a compact build. A little larger than the DEWALT 20V MAX XR, the Milwaukee M18 is 7 3/4 inches long, giving you decent access in tight spaces and comfort for extended work sessions. The included batteries and charger mean there’s no need to stick with an existing platform.
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The super-compact, lightweight Makita 18V LXT 1/2-inch brushless cordless drill/driver kit has the most ergonomic features of the drill/drivers on our list. Weighing under 4 lbs. and at just 6-5/8" long, the LXT can reach tight spaces and is ideal for minimizing fatigue over long work sessions.
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When you need more torque or even better access to tight spaces than the primary drills on our list offer, add a secondary drill to your tool kit and it will quickly become an indispensable drill you can rely on for heavier-duty tasks like disassembly and smaller bolt removal.
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The Milwaukee M12 FUEL 1/2" subcompact cordless drill/driver, a 12V model, is one of the most compact tools on our list, at less than 6” in length and weighing only 2.5 lbs. While it likely best serves a secondary drill because of its relatively limited power, it could be used as an everyday tool for basic work, with its small size making it an ideal choice for very tight spaces like engine bays. The brushless motor and light weight mean it will run cool and be comfortable over long work sessions. The kit includes batteries and a charger, so no need to stick with an existing battery platform.
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The M12 FUEL SURGE™ 1/4-inch hex hydraulic driver is the best overall secondary drill on the list. At 5.2”, it has a compact build ideal for reaching tight spaces, though it is heavier than comparable tools on the list. On the 12V M12 battery platform, it offers power with quiet operation because of its hydraulic design, but for breaking stubborn bolts, explore more powerful options or an impact wrench.
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For tougher jobs in small spaces, you can rely on the DEWALT Atomic 20V MAX brushless 1/4-inch cordless impact driver. Super compact at less than 4 inches long, the Atomic 20V MAX is best for driving larger, wider-diameter fasteners in hard-to-reach places. The Atomic 20V MAX’s power compromises some control, and it is a bare tool only, so it’s a better choice for those who are already on the 20V MAX platform or whose budget allows for buying the batteries and charger separately.
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The Makita 18V LXT lithium-ion cordless impact driver is a great everyday driver for mechanics who need control and durability in a compact tool. At less than 5-1/2” long and a little more than 3 lbs. with the battery (not included), the 18V LXT driver offers powerful torque with a comfortable, ergonomic design that allows maneuvering in tight spaces. This is a bare tool only, so it’s best for buyers whose budget allows for purchasing the battery and charger separately or for those already on the 18V LXT platform.
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When you’re in the market for a new cordless drill for automotive work, the main factor to help guide you to the right tool is what type of work you do. If your tasks are primarily disassembly and tackling heavy-duty projects and rusted parts, look for a tool with more torque. For general repairs, choose a drill with a balance of power and control. For interior work, a compact model with good control and precision will enable you to maneuver in tight spaces.
Most mechanics will need a primary drill for general drilling tasks and a secondary tool for jobs that require speed and access to tight spaces, but it is possible to get by with a compact single drill that performs both roles reasonably well. For tough jobs that require more power than either an impact driver or a drill can accomplish, consider an impact wrench for the most demanding disassembly work.
Another factor to consider is torque versus control. More power doesn’t necessarily mean a better tool for the job. Secondary drills with more control will help avoid stripping bolts and overdriving fasteners.
Finally, mechanics whose work demands extended sessions with a drill or driver should prioritize lighter-weight and more ergonomic designs to avoid fatigue. Heavier tools may offer more power, but when used beyond short periods, their vibration and aggressive operation can lead to discomfort.
Drills and impact drivers can help auto mechanics accomplish many tasks in the shop, but no single tool does everything well, so considering a primary and secondary drill for the broadest range and most flexibility is optimal. Use the secondary drill or driver for tight spaces and when you need control, and reach for your main drill when you need power or when you can maneuver with a larger tool.
No matter what your work demands, be sure to add a durable tool from high-quality brands that deliver power and reliability day after day. Do it Best carries drills and drivers from prestige brands like Milwaukee, Dewalt, and Makita. Shop cordless drills and drivers at Do it Best, and get home delivery or same-day pickup at your local Do it Best store.
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