We review the best cordless drills for UK plumbers in 2026. Tested against the jobs that actually matter — drilling through joists, running hole saws through timber and plastic, and working in the confined spaces plumbers deal with every day.
A plumber’s drill needs are different from a joiner’s, an electrician’s, or a general builder’s. You’re regularly drilling large-diameter holes through joists for pipe runs, running hole saws through timber and plastic for waste fittings, working in tight spaces under sinks and behind boilers, and occasionally punching through masonry for pipe entries. Your drill needs enough torque to handle hole saws without stalling, enough compactness to fit into awkward spots, and enough battery life to get through a full day of first fix without constantly swapping cells.
Most “best drill” lists are written for generic DIYers or general trades. This guide is specifically for plumbers. Every drill below has been evaluated against the real-world demands of plumbing work — not just spec sheet numbers. We’ve focused on 18V brushless combi drills available from UK retailers, because that’s the sweet spot for professional plumbing use: enough power for heavy drilling, compact enough for confined spaces, and part of battery ecosystems that cover the other tools plumbers need.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
| Drill | Best For | Torque | Weight (bare) | Price Range |
| Milwaukee M18 FPD3 | Best overall for plumbers | 158Nm | 1.8kg | £130–£170 |
| Makita DHP486Z | Best for heavy hole saws | 130Nm | 2.3kg | £110–£150 |
| DeWalt DCD796N | Best compact option | 70Nm | 1.7kg | £90–£130 |
| Milwaukee M12 FPD2 | Best for tight spaces | 78Nm | 1.1kg | £100–£140 |
| Makita DHP484Z | Best all-rounder on a budget | 54Nm | 1.5kg | £70–£100 |
Why Plumbers Need a Different Drill
Walk into any plumber’s van and you’ll typically find at least two drills — often three. That’s not excessive; it’s practical. Plumbing work demands a range of drilling that a single tool struggles to cover efficiently. Here’s what makes a plumber’s requirements different:
Hole Saw Duty
Running 32mm, 44mm, or 54mm hole saws through timber joists for waste pipes is bread-and-butter plumbing work. This puts enormous sustained load on a drill — far more than driving screws or drilling pilot holes. A drill that handles screwdriving comfortably can stall or overheat halfway through a 54mm hole in a hardwood joist. You need serious torque (ideally 80Nm+) and a side handle to control the rotational force.
Drilling Through Joists
First fix plumbing often means drilling dozens of holes through floor joists to run copper or plastic pipe. UK building regulations limit hole size to a quarter of the joist depth, drilled on the centre line. That’s typically 25mm holes for 22mm pipe or 18mm holes for 15mm pipe. Volume matters here — you might drill 50–100 holes in a single first fix day. Battery life and consistent power delivery are more important than peak torque for this type of work.
Confined Spaces
Plumbers work in spaces other trades rarely have to — under baths, behind toilets, inside airing cupboards, next to boilers. A full-size 18V combi drill with a 5.0Ah battery sticking out the bottom is sometimes simply too big. This is why many plumbers carry a compact 18V or a sub-compact 12V drill alongside their main tool. The ability to get into a 200mm gap between a wall and a cistern can be the difference between a five-minute job and stripping out a bathroom panel.
Masonry Drilling
Plumbers regularly need to drill through brick and block for pipe entries, bracket fixings, and boiler flue holes. A combi drill’s hammer function handles most of this work adequately with the right masonry bits. For larger core drilling (boiler flues, soil pipe entries), you’ll need a dedicated SDS drill — but your combi should handle everything up to about 13mm in masonry without breaking a sweat.
1. Milwaukee M18 FPD3-0 — Best Overall for Plumbers
The third-generation M18 FUEL combi drill from Milwaukee is the most capable all-round drill for plumbing work currently available. With 158Nm of torque from the POWERSTATE brushless motor, it handles large hole saws through hardwood joists without the stalling or slowdown that afflicts less powerful drills. The electronic clutch provides precise torque control across the full range, and the REDLINK intelligence system protects against overheating during sustained heavy use.
For plumbers, the practical highlights are the torque (enough for any hole saw you’ll run in domestic plumbing), the compact head length relative to its power output, and the M18 battery platform that also powers your pipe cutter, press tool, SDS drill, and everything else in the Milwaukee ecosystem. The all-metal ratcheting chuck holds bits securely under the high rotational forces of hole saw work — important when a slip means a gouge in a joist or a wrecked fitting.
At 1.8kg bare, it’s heavier than compact drills but lighter than the previous generation M18 FUEL. With a 5.0Ah battery it’s a substantial tool, but the weight is well-distributed and manageable for overhead work. If you’re already on the Milwaukee M18 platform, this is the drill to own.
Who it’s best for: Plumbers who want one primary drill that handles everything from screwdriving to heavy hole saw work. Ideal if you’re already invested in the Milwaukee M18 platform.
Worth knowing: This is a serious professional tool priced accordingly. If you’re mainly doing maintenance plumbing with occasional first fix, the DeWalt DCD796 or Makita DHP484 offer more than enough performance at a lower price point.
2. Makita DHP486Z — Best for Heavy Hole Saw Work
If your work involves a lot of large-diameter hole saw drilling — soil pipe entries, waste pipe fittings, or regular first fix through older properties with hardwood joists — the Makita DHP486 is purpose-built for the task. At 130Nm of torque with a brushless motor, it delivers relentless power through sustained drilling operations where lesser drills overheat or stall.
The DHP486 is Makita’s heavy-duty 18V combi, designed to bridge the gap between a standard combi and an SDS drill for demanding applications. It comes with a side handle as standard, which is essential for controlling the rotational force when a 54mm hole saw grabs in timber. The all-metal gear housing dissipates heat effectively during sustained use, and Makita’s XPT (Extreme Protection Technology) provides dust and water resistance for on-site conditions.
The trade-off is size and weight. At 2.3kg bare, this is the heaviest drill on the list, and with a 5.0Ah battery it’s a substantial piece of kit. It’s not the drill you’d choose for working under a sink or behind a toilet. Most plumbers who own one pair it with a compact drill for tight spaces. The Makita LXT platform is one of the largest in the industry, giving you access to over 270 tools on the same batteries.
Who it’s best for: Plumbers doing regular first fix work, bathroom installations, and commercial projects where large-diameter drilling is frequent. Best paired with a compact drill for second fix and confined spaces.
Worth knowing: This is overkill if most of your work is maintenance, tap changes, and boiler swaps. The DHP484 is the better Makita choice for general plumbing unless you’re regularly running large hole saws.
3. DeWalt DCD796N — Best Compact Option
The DeWalt DCD796 hits a sweet spot that many plumbers find ideal: enough power for most plumbing tasks (70Nm of torque), compact enough to work in confined spaces, and light enough at 1.7kg to use overhead and one-handed when needed. It’s not the most powerful drill on this list, but it’s arguably the most versatile for the mixed reality of daily plumbing work.
The brushless motor delivers efficient power from DeWalt’s 18V XR batteries, with the intelligent trigger allowing precise speed control for both drilling and screwdriving. The 13mm all-metal chuck is robust, and the two-speed gearbox gives you low-speed torque for heavy drilling and high-speed for lighter work and screwdriving. The compact head length means it fits into spaces where larger drills can’t reach.
Where the DCD796 excels is in the 80% of plumbing work that doesn’t require extreme torque: drilling through joists for 15mm and 22mm pipe, running smaller hole saws, fixing brackets, installing radiators, and all the general drilling and screwdriving that fills a plumber’s day. For the occasional heavy hole saw job, it’ll manage with patience, though it’ll work harder than the Milwaukee or heavy-duty Makita.
Who it’s best for: Plumbers who want a single versatile drill that handles most tasks comfortably and fits into tight spaces. Particularly good for maintenance plumbers, boiler engineers, and bathroom fitters who need compactness as much as power.
Worth knowing: At 70Nm, it will struggle with sustained 54mm hole saw work through hardwood. If heavy first fix drilling is a regular part of your work, pair this with a more powerful drill or step up to the Milwaukee M18 FPD3.
➡ Related: Milwaukee vs Makita — Platform Comparison 2026
4. Milwaukee M12 FPD2-0 — Best for Tight Spaces
The M12 FUEL sub-compact combi drill is a game-changer for plumbers who regularly work in confined spaces. At just 1.1kg bare and with a head length shorter than most 18V compacts, it gets into spaces that full-size drills simply can’t reach. Behind boilers, under baths, inside risers, next to cisterns — the M12 makes these jobs faster and less frustrating.
Don’t let the compact size fool you into thinking this is a toy. The brushless POWERSTATE motor delivers 78Nm of torque, which is more than enough for drilling through joists for pipe runs, driving screws, and running small hole saws. The M12 platform also powers Milwaukee’s compact pipe cutter, copper press tool, and hackzall — all tools that plumbers use regularly.
The M12 isn’t a replacement for a full-size 18V drill. It won’t handle sustained large hole saw work through hardwood, and the smaller battery capacity means fewer holes per charge compared to an M18 with a 5.0Ah pack. But as a second drill that lives alongside your main 18V tool, it’s the best sub-compact option for plumbing work. Many plumbers who own one say it’s the drill they reach for most often.
Who it’s best for: Plumbers who need a compact, lightweight drill for confined spaces, second fix work, and maintenance jobs. Essential if you regularly work in airing cupboards, behind appliances, and under fixtures.
Worth knowing: If you’re already on the Milwaukee M18 platform, adding an M12 means carrying two battery systems. Some plumbers find this acceptable for the compactness; others prefer to stay on a single platform and use a compact M18 instead.
5. Makita DHP484Z — Best All-Rounder on a Budget
The Makita DHP484 has been a staple in plumbers’ vans for years, and it’s still one of the best mid-range options available. At 54Nm of torque with a brushless motor, it handles everyday plumbing drilling comfortably: joist holes for 15mm and 22mm pipe, small to medium hole saws, bracket fixings, and general screwdriving. It’s not the most powerful drill on this list, but it’s beautifully balanced, comfortable to use for extended periods, and refined in a way that reflects Makita’s decades of tool design experience.
The slim grip is noticeably more comfortable than some competitors, which matters when you’re holding a drill for hours during first fix work. At 1.5kg bare, it’s light enough for overhead work and compact enough for most confined spaces. The two-speed gearbox, 21 torque settings, and smooth variable trigger give you precise control whether you’re driving a delicate fitting or powering through timber.
As a bare unit at £70–100, it’s significantly cheaper than the Milwaukee M18 FUEL or the heavy-duty Makita DHP486. For plumbers who primarily do maintenance work, boiler installs, and bathroom fitting where extreme torque isn’t a daily requirement, the DHP484 offers the best balance of performance, comfort, and value.
Who it’s best for: Plumbers who want a reliable, comfortable, well-priced drill for general plumbing work. Excellent for maintenance plumbers and those starting out who want quality without the flagship price.
Worth knowing: At 54Nm, it’ll work but feel underpowered with sustained large hole saws. If you regularly run 44mm+ hole saws through hardwood, step up to the DHP486 or the Milwaukee M18 FPD3.
What to Look for in a Plumber’s Drill
Torque — How Much Do You Actually Need?
For general plumbing work (joist holes for pipe, bracket fixings, screwdriving), 50–70Nm is adequate. For regular hole saw work up to 44mm, you want 80Nm+. For sustained heavy hole saw use (54mm+) through hardwood, 100Nm+ makes the job dramatically easier. More torque than you need is never a problem — you can always dial it back. Not enough torque means stalling, overheating, and slow progress.
Compactness
Head length (the distance from the front of the chuck to the back of the drill body) determines how well a drill fits into tight spaces. Shorter is better for plumbing work. Compare head lengths in specifications rather than relying on overall length, which includes the battery.
Chuck Quality
A ratcheting all-metal chuck is essential for hole saw work. The rotational forces involved will slip a cheap plastic chuck and can even loosen some keyless designs. If your chuck regularly loosens during heavy drilling, the drill isn’t suited to the task.
Battery Platform
Your drill choice often locks you into a battery ecosystem. For plumbers, the key question is which platform covers the other tools you need: pipe cutters, press tools, SDS drills, reciprocating saws, and torches. Milwaukee M18, Makita LXT, and DeWalt XR all offer comprehensive plumbing-relevant tool ranges. Choose the platform first, then pick the drill.
Hammer Function
A combi drill’s hammer mode handles most masonry drilling plumbers encounter: bracket fixings, pipe clips, and small-diameter holes for pipe entries. For anything over 13mm in masonry or any work in concrete, you’ll want a dedicated SDS drill. Don’t buy a combi drill based on hammer performance alone — it’s the least important function for most plumbing applications.
Two Drills Are Better Than One
The most practical setup for many plumbers is two drills: a powerful 18V combi for heavy drilling and hole saws, and a compact 18V or 12V for tight spaces and lighter work. This isn’t extravagant — it’s efficient. Swapping between a drill and an impact driver or between a large and compact drill saves time on every job, and means each tool is optimised for its specific role rather than compromising across everything.
The Verdict
For most plumbers, the Milwaukee M18 FPD3 is the best primary drill you can buy. It has the torque for heavy hole saw work, the refinement for precise screwdriving, and sits within the M18 ecosystem that covers virtually every other power tool a plumber needs. If you’re starting fresh or upgrading your main drill, this is where your money should go.
If you’re on the Makita platform, the DHP486 matches the Milwaukee for heavy-duty work, while the DHP484 is the smarter buy for plumbers whose work leans more toward maintenance and bathroom installs than heavy first fix. On the DeWalt platform, the DCD796 offers the best balance of compactness and capability.
And seriously consider a compact second drill. The Milwaukee M12 FPD2 is the standout option for sub-compact plumbing use, but even a compact 18V on your existing platform will transform how efficiently you work in confined spaces. Plumbing involves more awkward, cramped drilling than almost any other trade — having the right tool for those spaces isn’t a luxury, it’s a time-saver that pays for itself within weeks.
➡ Related: Best Cordless Drill UK 2026
➡ Related: Milwaukee vs Makita — Platform Comparison 2026
➡ Related: Brushed vs Brushless Motors — What’s the Difference?
