Which cordless drill wins at real-world DIY? I set up the Drillympics to find out

The power tools that took gold. Plus, sustainable subscriptions that make life easier and the best steam irons, tested

Speed, power, endurance, precision … the best cordless drills share many traits with Olympic athletes. Subconsciously, this might have informed my method for testing these power tools: a gauntlet of DIY challenges, against the clock. We called this endeavour the “Drillympics”, made up of a series of workstations devised to thoroughly test each product’s key functions.

It’s been claimed that sport reveals character, and the testing certainly taught me a lot about the drills. I found out which ones worked the quickest (congrats to our Drillympic champion, the Makita DHP490Z), as well as which provided the easiest drill bit changeover (handy for working on multifaceted projects) and whether the drills were capable of doing all the jobs they claimed to. I also learned, much to my alarm, that drilling into wood with the drill bit turning in the wrong direction is an efficient way to start a fire.

To be honest, I could have done with one. As you’ll see in Christian Hopewell’s excellent photography, I dressed in sportswear to mark the occasion. I ended up slightly regretting my commitment to the bit, as the weather turned out to be bracing. Next time, I might dress up as a Winter Drillympian.

Drill-seeker

To test combi drills – versatile models that can drive screws and drill into brick, as well as drilling softer materials such as wood – I set up a series of workstations for screw driving, drilling wood and hammer-drilling into concrete. I would need to change the drill bit after every station, and I’d time each drill to see how quickly it completes these tasks.

A few of our drills were of the heftier, SDS+ variety, designed especially for drilling or breaking up hard materials using specialised drill bits. Using these heavyweights to turn a screw would be akin to entering Usain Bolt into the marathon, so I put them through their own tailored test: drilling repeatedly into breeze blocks, which were fresh from serving as a podium for the top-ranking combi drills.

The Drillympics was fun and useful in equal measure, but it couldn’t make up the entirety of my cordless drill testing. I also assessed the best models while doing real DIY tasks, which are in abundant supply at my mid-renovation home. Jobs such as drilling into brick and screwing skirting boards into place gave me a good feel for how each drill would really perform in the user’s hands – and how well their lithium-ion batteries would last and recharge.

A cordless drill is the power tool you’re likely to use more often than any other, for tasks ranging from assembling flatpack furniture and putting up shelves to drilling into walls and perhaps even mixing adhesives. It pays to choose a winner.

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This week’s picks

• Can a hair dryer really save your scalp from heat damage? I put Dyson’s Supersonic Nural to the test

• ‘A crunchy, blistered, golden-brown pillow’: the best supermarket puff pastry, tasted and rated

• The best steam irons to make light work of the laundry pile, tested

• The best women’s waterproof jackets for every type of adventure, tested

• The best kettles to save energy and speed up your cuppa, tested

• The best electric blankets and heated throws, tried and tested to keep you toasty for less

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Editor’s pick

When you’re trying to cut down on plastic waste, you quickly notice how much piles up from everyday cleaning products and toiletries. Refillable options are great, but can often be less convenient, especially if you don’t live close to a refill shop. So these 12 subscriptions will help you save the planet – all while making sure you don’t run out of the essentials, from shampoo and dishwasher tablets to, er, toilet-freshening drops (more essential for some than others, perhaps).

Monica Horridge
Deputy editor, the Filter

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In case you missed it …

Has this year’s permadrizzle been playing havoc with your hair? We’ve tested everything you need to keep it in control, from hydrating hair masks to styling tools such as hair dryers, straighteners and hot brushes. We’ve also spoken to top hairdressers about their favourite at-home styling tools.

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Get involved

Sometimes, a simple tool, gadget or product makes your life that little bit better: a sock that doesn’t work its way down your trainers; a kitchen knife that chops well; or a lipstick that stays put. What makes your everyday 10% better? Let us know by replying to this newsletter or emailing us at thefilter@theguardian.com.