Side-by-side comparison based on expert reviews and community consensus.
Black & Decker BDCDD12C 12V Max Compact Drill/Driver
Most Compact 12VMilwaukee M12 FUEL 3403-22 12V 1/2-Inch Drill/Driver Kit
Best Overall 12VPrice
$45-$60
$170-$200
Summary
The tightest side clearance of any drill CNET has tested at 1-18/64 inches — ideal for cramped cabinets and awkward angles. Lowest price on the list at $50.
Pro-grade power in a shockingly compact 12V body. At 400 inch-pounds of torque, it matches many 18V drills while staying under 6 inches long — a beast in disguise.
Pros
- Tightest side clearance (1-18/64 inches) of any drill CNET tested
- Lowest price in the 12V category at ~$50
- Keyless chuck for fast, easy bit changes
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver in confined spaces
- 550 RPM max speed adequate for light-duty tasks
- 400 inch-pound torque rivals many 18V drills
- Only 5.95 inches long — fits in tight spaces other drills can't reach
- Kit includes both 2.0 Ah and 4.0 Ah batteries for double run time
- LED worklight, metal belt clip, and fuel gauge included
- 12 clutch settings and 1,550 RPM max speed
Cons
- Only includes one 1.5 Ah battery — no spare
- No carrying case included
- Midlevel overall performance — not for heavy tasks
- Less torque and power than Bosch or Milwaukee 12V options
- Slightly heavy at 2.5 lbs for a 12V drill
- Handle may be too large for smaller hands
- Speed selector is stiff
- Pricier than most 12V options at ~$180
Our take
If you're drilling in tight spaces and don't need heavy-duty power, this is the one. It's not the most powerful 12V drill, but nothing else gets into corners like it does, and the price is hard to argue with.
This is the 12V drill to buy if you want one tool that handles everything. The Spruce used it for two years of real home projects without a single issue — that's the kind of track record that earns a top spot.
Buy
