Best 12V Cordless Drills UK 2026: Our 6 Picks
A 12V cordless drill won't replace a chunky 18V combi for driving long screws into joists or boring through hard masonry. But for the jobs most of us actually do, putting up cupboards, assembling flat-pack, hanging curtain poles, fixing hinge screws, mounting a bike rack, it's the smarter buy. It's lighter, easier to hold one handed, and small enough to live in a kitchen drawer instead of a toolbox.
We compared six of the best 12V cordless drills you can buy in the UK in 2026, weighing manufacturer specifications, Amazon UK purchaser reviews and independent feedback rather than physical testing. If you're still deciding between voltages, our 12V vs 18V comparison and our roundup of the best cordless drills overall cover the wider picture. This piece stays focused on the 12V class.
Why pick 12V over 18V?
The headline benefit is weight. A typical 12V drill comes in well under its 18V sibling, which means less wrist fatigue on a long shelving session and far better control when you're working above your head or inside a cabinet. The smaller body also reaches into tight spots an 18V simply can't.
There's a precision angle too. With lower torque on tap, a 12V drill is less likely to cam out a screw or split a soft fixing, which is exactly what you want for delicate trim and furniture work. For many homes the 18V's extra grunt is power you pay for but rarely use.
That said, 12V has limits. If you expect to drill into brick regularly, drive coach screws, or work thick exterior timber, an 18V combi kit gives you the headroom to do it without straining the motor. Match the tool to the work and you'll be happier.
What to look for in a 12V drill
Motor type. Brushless motors run cooler, last longer and return more runtime per charge, which is why the DeWalt and Milwaukee picks below use them. Brushed drills cost less and are perfectly adequate for light, occasional use.
Chuck. Most 12V models use a 10mm (3/8 inch) keyless chuck, enough for the bits you'll actually use. A few step down to a hex collet for faster bit swaps.
Clutch settings. More torque settings mean finer control on soft materials, so you don't drive a screw straight through a veneer. Anything from 15 upwards is plenty here.
Battery platform. This is the big one. If you already own a brand's 12V batteries, stay on that platform so your kit stays compatible. The main UK systems are Makita CXT, Bosch 12V, DeWalt XTREME and Milwaukee M12. Committing early saves money as you add tools later.
Hammer function. Only one drill in our list adds a hammer mode. If you'll ever need to put a wall plug in soft brick, it's worth having (and you can read our guide to drilling into brick for the technique).
Our six picks
If you already run Makita 12V kit, don't pay for batteries twice. The Makita DF333DZ bare tool is the same drill driver without the cells, so it slots straight onto the batteries you own. For existing Makita users it's the better value of the two.
For sheer versatility, the Bosch GSR 12V-15 FC FlexiClick is hard to beat. Its head detaches and flips into offset and right-angle positions, so you can drive screws where a normal drill can't reach, behind cabinets or into corner joints. It's brushed, but the flexibility earns its place.
If you want the most muscle in the class, the Milwaukee M12 Subcompact Brushless delivers noticeably more torque than the lightweights while staying compact. Pair it with the deep M12 range and you've got a proper system, not just a drill.
Quick comparison
| Drill | Motor | Hammer | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Makita DF333DZ kit | Brushed | No | Starting a Makita 12V kit |
| Makita DF333DZ bare | Brushed | No | Existing Makita owners |
| DeWalt DCD703F1 | Brushless | No | Best all-rounder |
| Bosch GSR 12V-15 FC | Brushed | No | Tight, awkward spaces |
| Milwaukee M12 Subcompact | Brushless | No | Most power in class |
| Makita HP333DZ | Brushed | Yes | Light masonry plugs |
Which one should you buy?
Already on Makita 12V? Grab the bare DF333DZ and put the saving into spare batteries. Starting fresh? The kit gets you running today.
Want one do-it-all brushless drill? The DeWalt XTREME is the safe pick for most homes, light enough for cabinets and capable enough for the tougher screws.
Working in awkward corners? The Bosch FlexiClick earns its keep the moment a normal chuck won't fit. For heavier cutting jobs nearby, our best angle grinders guide covers the next tool up.
Need real grunt or a system to grow into? The Milwaukee M12 leads on torque. And if you'll be drilling the odd wall plug, the Makita hammer version keeps things simple.
Bits and batteries
A drill is only as good as the bit in it. Pair any of these with a proper set from our best drill bit sets roundup, keep a spare 12V battery charged, and you'll rarely hit a job you can't finish. If you're unsure whether you need a drill or an impact driver for a task, our impact driver vs drill explainer clears it up.
Frequently asked questions
Final verdict
For most UK homes the 12V drill is the one you'll reach for week after week. Our standout is the DeWalt DCD703F1 for its brushless motor and tiny, balanced body, with the Bosch FlexiClick the pick for anyone fighting awkward angles. Makita owners should simply match their platform with the bare DF333DZ, and the Milwaukee M12 takes the crown when you want maximum punch from a compact tool.
Products mentioned in this guide
James writes about power tools, hand tools and workshop setup for MakerUK, helping makers buy the right thing the first time.
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Last reviewed: 20 August 2026 ยท Evidence-based content ยท Contains affiliate links