Cordless Drill Torque Chart With [High Torque Drills 2024]

As a DIYer myself I have experienced that “torque plays an immense role in a cordless drill. It is one of the most powerful characteristics of the drill along with speed. And regarding this drill torque, there are many things I am gonna discuss with you.

Like why torque is important in a cordless drill as I have said above. And how does it impact your drill?

Do torque and speed have any relation? Why do experts, and DIYers always prefer cordless drills with higher torque? Which drill setting can help you achieve the maximum torque?

And finally, there is something that I have prepared for you in the form of an epic cordless drill torque chart. Of course, that was a real challenge to face. But, it finally paid off…

So, let’s begin with Torque:

What is Torque in a Drill

The torque is the measurable amount of twisting force that the drill applies in an inch per pound. Which is represented as In-lbs and it is used for almost every drill. For a cordless drill, the torque is the best factor for measuring a drill’s power.

When it comes to torque and speed, the corded drills are more powerful than the cordless ones. But, that doesn’t mean the cordless drills get the short end of the stick in this cordless vs corded conundrum. They are pretty famous for their ease of use and extreme portability.

On the other hand, the cordless drills torque adjustment system with variable speeds, clutch numbering, and 3-mode drilling gives you an edge in doing different tasks with a single tool.

Why is Torque Important

Every DIYer, homeowner, and industry expert recommends a cordless or cordless hammer drill with high torque. Because, it makes your work precision accurate, swift, and efficient. Which means professional work.

Plus, higher penetrating power helps you drill through tougher materials just like slicing butter with a knife. Whether it’s:

The In-lbs, Nm And UWO Power

Now, torque apart from In-lbs is also measured in “Nm” as well as UWO. It depends on the manufacturer/brand and which system they’re gonna use for their drills.

what does nm mean in torque?

The “Nm” is known as the “Newton Meter” which is the force behind the rotation of an object. This same unit is also used to measure the torque of a drill. In fact, after “In-lbs” the “Nm” is the most used term for torque in cordless drills.

Unit Watts Out (UWO Power)

While UWO is known as “Unit Watts Out”. This extension is mostly used by Black & Decker as well as by DeWalt drills as you’ll see in the cordless drill torque chart.

In-lbs, Nm, & UWO Problem

Thus, due to all these system usages by different brands I had to go through a teeth-grinding issue during my search on high torque drills.

As it becomes problematic when you’re looking at 2 or 3 drills for comparison one has a torque label with In-lbs, one is with UWO and the other is in Nm.

In this way, you cannot determine the power of these different drills which have different measuring systems just for torque.

The Tool Miner Converters

So, here I want to make it crystal clear for you. That cordless drill with a higher number always means high torque. So, no matter which system brands or manufacturers use for the evaluation of their drills. Whether it’s In-lbs, UWO, or Nm.

Nm To In-lbs Converter

In fact, “Nm” can be converted into “In-lbs”. You can do that by using our nm to the in-lbs converter. Our tool automatically converts the drills given Newton meter value into inch-pounds.

The opposite is also possible. For those people who check their drill’s torque in Nm. We also have the in-lbs to nm converter. The tool will automatically convert your drill’s torque from inch pounds to Newton meter.

UWO To In-lbs Conversion

But, sadly there is no system for converting UWO into Torque. According to ToolGuyd, the UWO cannot be converted into torque. Because the UWO collectively gives a full picture of the power and performance of the drill than the torque alone.

Torque Vs RPM – The Relation

Another aspect factor that goes side by side with torque is speed and this speed is denoted by RPM. The RPM is defined as “Revolutions Per Minute”. Thus, the total number of turns completed by a drill within one minute is called RPM. 

Both torque and speed (RPM) are inversely related to each other. If one increases the other has to be decreased.

RPM & Torque Setting

The cordless drills have a separate setting for adjusting torque and RPM. This setting is known as the speed setting.

Most drills have 2-speed settings but there are other cordless drills with 3-speed settings. Such as in the case of DeWalt DCD996P2 and DCD991P2 hammer drill.

The 2-speed setting trigger gives high torque at setting no 1. Setting no 2 is used for high speed. For example, in the Makita XT269M 18V LXT combo kit. The hammer drill gives 0 to 500 RPM at setting 1 while on setting no 2 it gives 0 to 2,000 RPM.

Cordless Drill Torque Settings

Now, to attain maximum torque you have to understand the numbers and symbols on the drill and what they mean.

The numbers are designed with a rotational clutch. This clutch rotates and helps you adjust the drill torque on your cordless drill.

There is also the adjustable mode system that comes with 3 gears. These gears are represented by 3 symbols which are:

Thus, this whole intelligent system of numbers and symbols is known as the drill torque setting. By adjusting these settings you can adjust the torque according to your work or the material. Whether you’re drilling, fastening up screws, or doing some hammer action.

Along with torque and other aspects, these high torque drills are also versatile when it comes to accessories. Such as the charging, battery Voltage system, and types of drill bits the same drill can use.

A single battery of the same brand works for every tool of that brand given that the voltage is the same i.e., 12, 18, 20 Volts, etc.

As for the drills, a 3/8 inch drill works with both 3/8-inch and 1/2-inch drill bit sizes. But, before using these drill bits do know the difference between 3/8-inch and 1/2-inch drills.

That’s the role of the torque in a cordless drill which I told you at the beginning of our discussion. The best cordless drill with high torque stays with you as a trusty right-hand man to help you overcome different ordeals.

And believe me, through all my years with these tools I have understood that you won’t find the MR. Perfect in the market. Every manufacturer has to select and choose certain aspects that precede others while they lack in some in which other brands exceed.

I Researched 180+ Cordless Drills

But, it finally paid off.

But, remember it’s not the perfect list. They are machines and they have their set of problems and limitations as well. But, these are pretty powerful for doing heavy-duty jobs such as concrete drilling, metal work, ice auger drilling, hardwood, etc.

The Epic Cordless Drill Torque Chart

The cordless drill torque chart briefly explains each aspect of the drill about its power, performance, style, physical attributes, important features, and company support.

Cordless Drill Torque Comparison

Next, I arranged all the specs and drills in a comparison table. With comparison, it becomes easy for you to decide which drill suits your personality and the projects you do.

Best High Torque Drills 2024

Here I have arranged the drills based on their torque rating to help you get a better look at them. Plus, I have included the single tool variations that I could find for each cordless drill/driver kit as well.

Here is a quick list of the best high torque drills in 2024.

1. Milwaukee 2803-22 – 1,200 in-lbs
2. Makita XPH07Z – 1,090 in-lbs
3. SKIL HD529502 – 850 in-lbs
4. DEWALT DCD996P2 – 820 UWO
5. DEWALT DCD991P2 – 820 UWO
6. Ridgid GEN5X R9652 – 780 in-lbs
7. Bosch GXL18V-224B25 – 755 in-lbs
8. Ryobi ONE+ P1813 – 750 in-lbs
9. Metabo HPT DV18DBFL2T – 620 in-lbs
10. Makita XT269M – 530 in-lbs

MILWAUKEE 2803-22 Electric Tools Drill Driver Kit

Milwaukee 2803-22 Specifications

Makita XPH07Z 18V LXT BL Hammer Drill [Tool Only]

Makita XPH07Z Specifications

SKIL HD529502 PWRCore 20V Brushless Heavy Duty Hammer Drill With 5.0Ah Lithium Battery & PWRJump Charger

SKIL HD529502 Specifications

DEWALT DCD996P2 20V MAX XR Hammer Drill Kit With 3-Speed Brushless Motor

DeWalt DCD996P2 Specifications

DEWALT DCD991P2 cordless drill With 20V MAX XR Lithium-Ion 3-Speed Brushless Kit

DeWalt DCD991P2 Specifications

Ridgid GEN5X R9652 18V Tool Combo Kit (5 Piece)

Ridgid GEN5X R9652 Specifications

Bosch brushless combo kit With 18V Cordless Hammer Drill & Impact Driver | GXL18V-224B25

Bosch GXL18V-224B25 Specifications

Ryobi ONE+ P1813 18V Lithium-Ion Cordless Hammer Drill Tool Kit With Battery Charger & Bag

Ryobi ONE+ P1813 Specifications

Metabo HPT 18V Cordless Hammer Drill DV18DBFL2T

Metabo HPT DV18DBFL2T Specifications

Makita XT269M 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 2-Pc. Combo Kit (4.0Ah)

Makita XT269M Specifications

What To Do Next?

I say that you should also share this epic cordless drill torque chart with your DIYer mates and woodworking friends. So, they can avoid the above problems. Plus, hassle like going through huge archives.

It’s a bit difficult task to look for cordless drills with high torque in the crowded market. Especially for DIYers, woodworking folks, home, and garage owners like you, and us who have hands filled with projects.

Cordless Drill Torque FAQs