How we chose
We compared exact Australian models using current skin or kit pricing, motor type, gearing, torque, chuck, hammer function, weight, battery platform, warranty terms and source-specific customer evidence. A high torque number alone does not decide the winner: control, ergonomics, speed, clutch design and the right bit all affect the job.
All three are conventional hammer drill/drivers for timber, metal, screwdriving and occasional masonry with suitable bits. They are not substitutes for an SDS rotary hammer when drilling concrete frequently or making large anchor holes.
Ryobi RPD18X1 — tool-only
Illustrative editorial image, not an exact product photograph. Battery and charger shown are not included with the tool-only price.
At $179 for the skin, the RPD18X1 combines a brushless motor, 110Nm claimed maximum torque, a two-speed gearbox, 24 clutch settings, hammer mode and a robust 13mm ratcheting chuck. The supplied auxiliary handle matters when using larger bits or long fasteners.
It is strong value for existing ONE+ owners but first-time buyers need to add a battery and charger. Its power and 1.42kg bare weight are also unnecessary for flat-pack assembly, and repeated heavy concrete drilling remains SDS territory.
| Exact model | RPD18X1 |
|---|---|
| Package | Tool-only; battery and charger not included |
| Motor / torque | Brushless / 110Nm maximum claimed |
| Gearbox / clutch | 2 speeds / 24 settings |
| Hammer rate | 0–11,200 / 0–34,440 impacts per minute |
| Chuck / bare weight | 13mm ratcheting / about 1.42kg |
| Warranty | 4-year replacement warranty; extendable to 6 years with online registration within 30 days; batteries separately 3 years |
| Price | $179 tool-only at Bunnings · checked 17 Sep 2026 |
What owners say
Bunnings displayed about 4.9/5 from roughly 43–45 exact-product reviews. Common positives include torque for the price, effective brick drilling, a solid chuck, good ergonomics and compatibility with existing ONE+ batteries.
Pros
- Excellent power for the price
- Brushless and hammer capable
- Auxiliary handle included
- Strong exact-model feedback
- Huge ONE+ ecosystem
Cons
- Battery and charger cost extra
- Heavy for light assembly
- Can twist hard if a bit binds
- Not an SDS replacement
- Replacement-style warranty
DeWalt DCD805N-XJ — tool-only
Illustrative editorial image, not an exact product photograph. Battery and charger shown are not included with DCD805N-XJ tool-only pricing.
The DCD805 delivers 90Nm claimed torque and up to 2,000rpm from a 177mm brushless body weighing about 1.2kg bare. Its 13mm metal chuck, hammer mode, 15 torque settings and pivoting foot-mounted LED suit tight framing, cabinetry and renovation spaces.
The compactness is the point, not winning a torque-number contest. At roughly $253 for the bare tool it costs much more than Ryobi, while the DCD805P2T-XE complete kit was about $499–$530 with batteries and charger.
| Exact model | DCD805N-XJ |
|---|---|
| Package | Tool-only; complete DCD805P2T-XE kit sold separately |
| Motor / torque | Brushless / 90Nm claimed; up to 850 UWO manufacturer output |
| Gearbox / clutch | 0–650 / 0–2,000rpm; 2 speeds; 15 torque settings |
| Chuck / size | 13mm metal / about 177mm long / about 1.2kg bare |
| Features | Hammer mode and pivoting foot-mounted LED |
| Warranty | 1-year standard limited warranty; 3-year limited warranty when registered under current Australian retailer terms |
| Price | About $253 tool-only; complete kit about $499–$530 · checked 17 Sep 2026 |
Customer evidence
Bunnings displayed 5.0/5 from seven exact-model tool-only reviews, while Total Tools had a very small pool. The feedback is positive, but the sample remains too small to describe as mature ownership evidence.
Pros
- Excellent power-to-size balance
- Compact 177mm body
- Brushless motor
- Pivoting LED
- Mature pro XR platform
Cons
- Expensive bare tool
- Complete kit costs $500+
- Small exact-model review pool
- Pro batteries are costly from zero
- Lower headline torque than high-torque rivals
Ryobi R18PD24 All Rounder 4Ah Kit
Illustrative editorial image, not an exact product photograph.
For $149, R18PD24 includes the RPD18 hammer drill, 4Ah ONE+ battery, 1.5A charger, screwdriver bit and belt hook. The brushed motor supplies 52Nm forward torque, with two speeds, 24 clutch settings and a 13mm metal ratcheting chuck.
It handles routine timber, metal, screwdriving and occasional brick jobs, but repeated large holes or heavy masonry expose the gap to brushless high-torque tools and SDS machines. The 1.5A charger is also relatively slow.
| Exact kit | R18PD24 |
|---|---|
| Included | RPD18 drill, 4Ah battery, 1.5A charger, screwdriver bit and belt hook |
| Motor / torque | Brushed / 52Nm forward torque |
| Speeds / hammer | 0–450 / 0–1,750rpm; up to 28,000bpm |
| Chuck / bare weight | 13mm metal ratcheting / about 1.2kg |
| Capacity | Timber 38mm / metal 13mm / masonry 13mm |
| Warranty | 4-year replacement warranty; up to 6 years with registration within 30 days; battery separately 3 years |
| Price | $149 complete kit · checked 17 Sep 2026 |
What owners say
Bunnings displayed about 4.8/5 from roughly 237 exact-product reviews. Ryobi's regional platform separately showed about 4.8/5 from roughly 330; the counts are not merged. Common positives include value, the useful 4Ah battery, straightforward first-tool setup and capable everyday timber, metal and brick work.
Pros
- Complete usable kit under $150
- 4Ah battery included
- Huge ONE+ ecosystem
- Extensive exact-product evidence
- Hammer mode and metal chuck
Cons
- Brushed motor
- Far less torque than RPD18X1
- Slow included charger
- Not heavy trade duty
- Large masonry work needs SDS
Drill driver vs hammer drill vs SDS
A drill driver covers timber, metal and screwdriving. A hammer drill/driver adds percussion for occasional small holes in brick or masonry. An SDS rotary hammer uses a different mechanism and chuck system and is substantially better for frequent concrete drilling, large anchors and repeated masonry work. A standard hammer drill does not replace an SDS machine for serious concrete jobs.
Battery ecosystems, skins and kits
A skin or bare tool includes no battery or charger; a kit does. That makes the $179 Ryobi RPD18X1 and $253 DeWalt DCD805N-XJ far more expensive for a first-time buyer than their shelf prices suggest, while the $149 R18PD24 is ready to use.
Once batteries and chargers are owned, future skins become much cheaper. Ryobi ONE+, DeWalt XR, Makita LXT, Bosch Professional 18V and Milwaukee M18 each have different strengths; the sensible choice depends on the future tools you expect to buy, not one drill benchmark.
Torque, motors and realistic performance
Torque is only part of the story
High torque helps with large bits, hole saws and structural screws. Gearing, clutch control, speed, ergonomics and bit quality also affect real work, so do not rank drills solely by Nm.
Brushless vs brushed
Brushless motors are generally more efficient, compact and resistant to motor wear. Brushed tools are cheaper and remain perfectly adequate for occasional household use.
Brick, masonry and bind-up safety
Hammer mode is useful for occasional small holes in Australian brickwork. For frequent masonry, large anchors or concrete slabs, use an SDS rotary hammer. With high-torque drills, brace properly, use the auxiliary handle where supplied, select an appropriate speed and do not force large bits—a bound bit can twist the drill suddenly.
Also considered
Makita DHP489Z is a strong 110Nm brushless option for existing LXT owners, but costs much more with a thin exact-model review pool. Bosch GSB 18V-90 C adds excellent KickBack Control and Precision Clutch features. Milwaukee M18 FUEL M18FPD3 is powerful but expensive. For basic non-masonry household work, the Ozito PXDDK-250C is a credible $89.98 complete kit, but it has no hammer mode.
Which one should you buy?
Choose Ryobi RPD18X1 for serious home renovation power and strong value, especially if you already own ONE+ batteries. Choose DeWalt DCD805N-XJ for compact pro-grade performance and the XR platform. Choose Ryobi R18PD24 when starting from scratch and needing the drill, battery and charger in one affordable box.
Useful FAQs
What is the best cordless drill in Australia?
Ryobi RPD18X1 is our best overall pick for its brushless 110Nm platform, hammer mode, value and strong exact-model Australian retailer feedback.
Do I need a hammer drill for brick?
Hammer mode makes occasional small brick holes easier. Use the right masonry bit; frequent concrete or large-anchor work is better handled by an SDS rotary hammer.
Is brushless worth paying extra for?
Usually for frequent use, where efficiency, compactness and lower motor wear matter. A brushed drill remains adequate for occasional household jobs.
Should I buy a drill skin or a kit?
Buy a skin when you already own compatible batteries and a charger. New buyers should compare the complete cost, not the bare-tool shelf price.
Which cordless tool battery system should I choose?
Choose the platform that covers the future tools you realistically plan to buy, has convenient local support and fits your budget. No ecosystem is best for everyone.