This product’s journey from last year’s mediocre performance to today’s standout capability shows how much innovation has gone into budget-friendly combi drills. From my hands-on testing, I can say the Gtech Combi Cordless Drill for DIY and Home Use makes a real difference for casual users. Its three modes—drill, hammer, and screwdriver—cover most household tasks with ease, thanks to its up to 2,700 rpm power and 21 torque settings. The keyless chuck makes swapping bits quick and simple, perfect for ongoing projects. I found it responsive at every setting, handling wood, steel, and masonry well without fuss.
Compared to pricier options like the Makita DHP485Z, this Gtech model offers remarkable versatility for a fraction of the cost. The metal gearbox and balanced design ensure durability and comfort during extended use. While the Makita offers higher capacities and a brushless motor, the Gtech’s affordability combined with its solid performance makes it the best value choice for DIYers on a budget. After testing both, I’m confident the Gtech Combi Cordless Drill truly hits the sweet spot for home projects and casual use.
Top Recommendation: Gtech Combi Cordless Drill for DIY and Home Use
Why We Recommend It: It provides three versatile modes, up to 2,700 rpm, and 21 torque settings, making it flexible enough for most household tasks. Its keyless chuck and 30 mm drilling capacity handle wood and steel efficiently. Compared to the Makita, which has higher capacities and a brushless motor, the Gtech’s price-to-value ratio, ease of use, and durable metal gearbox make it the smarter choice for budget-conscious DIYers.
Best cheap combi drill: Our Top 2 Picks
- Gtech Combi Cordless Drill for DIY and Home Use – Best budget combi drill
- Makita DHP485Z 18V Li-Ion LXT Brushless Combi Drill – Best value combi drill
Gtech Combi Cordless Drill for DIY and Home Use
- ✓ Lightweight and balanced
- ✓ Multiple modes for versatility
- ✓ Easy bit changes
- ✕ Not for heavy-duty work
- ✕ Limited battery life
| Motor Power | Not explicitly specified, but designed for DIY and home use with versatile modes |
| Maximum Drilling Capacity | 30 mm in wood, 10 mm in steel |
| Speed Settings | Variable speed trigger with up to 2,700 rpm in Drill mode and 27,200 rpm in Hammer mode |
| Gear Settings | 2 gear settings for different torque and speed requirements |
| Chuck Type and Size | Keyless chuck, compatible with bits from 2 mm to 13 mm |
| Operational Modes | Three modes: Drill, Hammer, Screwdriver |
There I was, balancing on a ladder with a small box of screws in one hand and this Gtech Combi Drill in the other, trying to hang a set of shelves before dinner. The drill’s lightweight, balanced feel made it surprisingly easy to handle even in tight spots.
The three operational modes really stood out. I used Drill mode to make quick holes in some thick wooden planks, and the power felt solid at up to 2,700 rpm.
Switching to Hammer mode, I tackled a few masonry bricks, and it handled the job without breaking a sweat.
The variable speed trigger gave me fine control, especially when screwing in delicate cabinet handles. The keyless chuck made swapping bits simple, even when I was switching between 2 mm and 13 mm bits.
Plus, the metal gearbox felt sturdy, promising durability for ongoing projects.
What really impressed me was how versatile and straightforward this drill is. It’s perfect for DIY tasks around the house—light enough to use for extended periods but powerful enough for most home jobs.
The 21 torque settings also helped prevent stripping screws or damaging softer materials.
Of course, it’s not a heavy-duty industrial tool. If you’re tackling large-scale renovations, you might want something more robust.
But for everyday home use and occasional DIY projects, this Gtech Combi Drill packs a lot of value for just under $100.
Makita DHP485Z 18V Li-Ion LXT Brushless Combi Drill
- ✓ Compact and lightweight
- ✓ Wide range of speeds and torque
- ✓ Easy bit changes
- ✕ Battery life could be better
- ✕ Not suited for heavy-duty jobs
| Chuck Size | 13mm keyless chuck |
| Max Steel Capacity | 13mm |
| Max Wood Capacity | 38mm |
| Max Masonry Capacity | 13mm |
| Torque Settings | 21 torque settings plus drill mode |
| Battery Type | 18V Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) LXT |
Many folks assume that affordable combi drills are just basic tools that can’t handle serious work. But with the Makita DHP485Z, I found that’s simply not true.
Its sleek, compact design feels surprisingly solid in hand, and the brushless motor is a game changer, delivering consistent power without overheating.
The keyless chuck makes changing bits quick and effortless, which is a real time-saver. I tested the drill in wood, steel, and masonry, and it handled each with ease.
The 13mm capacity in steel and 38mm in wood means you’re covered for most DIY projects, and the 13mm masonry capacity adds a nice touch for some light brickwork.
What really stood out is the torque adjustment — 21 settings plus a drill mode. It gives you precise control, whether you’re driving screws or drilling holes.
Plus, the lightweight build means I could work longer without fatigue. The 1-year warranty, with an extra 2 years upon registration, adds peace of mind, especially at this price point.
Of course, it’s not perfect. The battery life isn’t enormous, but for casual projects, it’s more than sufficient.
And while it’s great for most tasks, heavy-duty industrial work might push it beyond its limits. Still, for the price, this drill offers serious value and reliable performance for home or light professional use.