Open Source Cordless Drill Industry Standards

Basics

• This page aims to organize+investigate the current Industry Standards in terms of Cordless Drills
  • Impact Drivers , Hammerdrills and Rotary Hammerdrills / SDS Drills are somewhat related as well

Thoughts by User: Eric

• For the most part (at least here in the North American market) :
  • Ryobi is a good budget option, that is getting a BIT into the Pro-Sumer Market
  • Dewalt and Milwaukee Tool are the best of the best, and while one may top the other in terms lf the spec depending on the year, both are great options
    • One thing to note is that if going for that preformance though, be sure to get their “pro” models such as the “Milwaukee Fuel” linup, or the “Dewalt XR” lineup
      • When in doubt, check the model number
      • ESPECIALLY combo deals/sales at home depot and whatnot they sometimes try and get sneaky on you
  • Battery Versions/Performance is another thing
    • Some batteries have more Specific Power than others, and despite the standard “matching”, some tools need a high Amp capable battery and will lock up on smaller batteries
      • Inversely, some smaller tools cannot fit larger batteries past hand grips or dust bags etc

Internal Links

• Channels that do High Quality Tests + Reviews of Power Tools:
  • TorqueTestChannel (YouTube Channel)
    • Originally just did Impact Wrench tests (hence the name), but have recently forked out to other devices as well
  • Project Farm (YouTube Channel)
    • While sometimes not PERFECTLY scientific, they make up for it in thoroughness/lack of sponsorship bias
      • Also their latest videos have benefitted from more funds for proper sensors etc
  • VCG Construction (YouTube Channel)
    • The occasional clickbaity title, but their tests are good, and they also have some of the PROFESSIONAL “long term use” type reviews/know how, which can be of use
      • IE tool works great on a test bench, but too heavy/not ergonomic in the field, or something that SEEMS niche but actually is helpful when you need it etc

External Links

• A Video by the YouTube Channel “Diodes Gone Wild” Titled “ inside a cordless drill (with schematic & gearbox autopsy)” ( ‘’’About ~16 Minute Watch’’’ )
  • The video shows the insides of a cordless drill
• A Video by the YouTube Channel “TorqueTestChannel” Titled “Cordless Drills: Is Buying Top Models Even Worth It These Days?”
  • 2024 Video/Models
  • Compares “Best of the Best” vs Chinese White Label off Amazon etc
  • Uses an Automotive Disc Brake Derived Dynamometer for torque measurement which is novel
  • Also a DC Programmable Electric Load for Load Testing
• A Video by the YouTube Channel “TorqueTestChannel” Titled “How to: Buy Amazon Cordless Tools that Don’t Suck” ( ‘’’~18 Minute Watch’’’ )
  • Main Points:
    • 1. 1 Check Local Sales First on Name Brand
      2. 2 Use Amazon or Assume Liability that it may not be legit etc
      • Although if using a trusted vendor disregard
      • Also valid point on Enshitification of Amazon
      1. 3 Dewalt Mid-torque Size or Larger / Some Fundinental Size Constraints for a “good” tool
      2. 4 Brushless Motors not Brushed Motors (Aka BLDC )
      3. 5 Focus on other data sources than the website/algorithm/Review Literacy
      4. 6 Share a Common Battery Platform (Most use Makita LXT supposedly?)
      • Although an Open Source Cordless Power Tool Translator Adapter could fix this
        • IE not just a dumb Pin+Wire Adapter, but makes voltages compatible and shares data
      1. 7 Look out for White Label Designs and if so go with whatever is cheapest (all else being equal)
      2. 8 Advertised Torque (and many other specs) can be lies
      3. 9 Non-Your Local Market Tool Brands are a thing, and may carry a similar or better level of Quality/Trust (ESG Stuff Notwithstanding)
      4. Look for reviews / let others (professional reviewers etc) try risky options out