Best Combi Drill Under £50
Finding a reliable combi drill under £50 that can handle masonry, wood, and metal without breaking down is a challenge. We have analysed the specs, battery ecosystems, and owner reviews to find the models that deliver the best value for your money.
Quick answer
The VonHaus 18V Combi Drill offers the best overall balance of torque, hammer action, and battery life for under £50. For the tightest budget, the Draper 12V Combi Drill is a solid, lightweight choice for light DIY tasks.
Why trust ToolBuyerHub
- Tested on specs (power, torque, PSI)
- Battery & ecosystem compared
- Aggregated owner reviews
- Build quality & warranty checked
- Brand reliability
- No fake hands-on claims
Research updated June 2026.
VonHaus 18V Combi Drill
Best balance of power, features, and price.
| Product | Best For | Key Spec | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VonHaus 18V | Overall Value | 30 Nm, 18V | 4.2 / 5 | Under £50 |
| Draper 12V | Budget Pick | 12V, Lightweight | 3.9 / 5 | Under £50 |
| Ryobi ONE+ 18V | Ecosystem | 18V, 45 Nm | 4.3 / 5 | Under £50 |
| Bosch Home & Garden 12V | Compact Design | 12V, 20 Nm | 4.0 / 5 | Under £50 |
| Stanley 18V | Basic DIY | 18V, 25 Nm | 3.8 / 5 | Under £50 |
VonHaus 18V Combi Drill
Best OverallPros
- Good torque for the price
- Includes two batteries
- Comfortable grip
Cons
- Battery life is average
- Chuck can slip under heavy load
The VonHaus 18V Combi Drill is a standout in the budget category because it offers a genuine 30 Nm of torque and a hammer action that works on light masonry. Owner reviews consistently mention it handles drilling into brick and screwing into hardwood without stalling, which is rare at this price point.
It comes with two 1.5 Ah batteries and a charger, so you can keep working while one charges. The build quality is decent for the cost, though the chuck is not the most precise. It is a solid all-rounder for anyone needing a first drill or a backup tool.
Draper 12V Combi Drill
Best BudgetPros
- Very lightweight
- Excellent value for money
- Good for small screws and pilot holes
Cons
- Not powerful enough for masonry
- Batteries charge slowly
The Draper 12V Combi Drill is the perfect entry-level tool for light DIY tasks. It is very compact and weighs very little, making it ideal for overhead work or for users who find heavier drills tiring. It handles drilling into wood and drywall with ease.
It is not designed for heavy masonry or large diameter holes in hardwood. The 18 Nm torque is sufficient for driving screws and drilling small pilot holes. It is a reliable, no-frills drill that gets the job done for basic home maintenance.
Ryobi ONE+ 18V Combi Drill
Best EcosystemPros
- Part of the huge Ryobi ONE+ system
- High torque for the price
- Good build quality
Cons
- Only one battery included
- Can be bulky for small hands
The Ryobi ONE+ 18V Combi Drill is a fantastic choice if you plan to expand your tool collection. It is part of the Ryobi ONE+ ecosystem, which includes over 200 tools that all use the same battery. This makes it a smart long-term investment.
It offers 45 Nm of torque, which is higher than most drills in this price range, and it handles masonry drilling well. The main downside is that it usually comes with only one battery, so you may want to buy a second one later. It is a powerful and reliable performer.
Bosch Home & Garden 12V Combi Drill
Best CompactPros
- Very compact and lightweight
- Bosch brand reliability
- Includes two batteries
Cons
- Limited torque for heavy tasks
- 10mm chuck limits bit size
The Bosch Home & Garden 12V Combi Drill is a compact and well-built tool from a trusted brand. It is designed for light-duty work and is very easy to handle in tight spaces. The build quality is noticeably higher than some other budget options.
It has a 10mm chuck, which means it cannot accept larger drill bits. The 20 Nm torque is fine for screwing and drilling into soft materials, but it will struggle with masonry. It is a great choice for precision work and small repairs around the home.
Stanley 18V Combi Drill
Best Basic DIYPros
- Good value for an 18V kit
- Includes two batteries
- Familiar brand name
Cons
- Torque is lower than rivals
- Plastic gearbox feels less durable
The Stanley 18V Combi Drill is a basic but functional tool for very light DIY jobs. It offers 25 Nm of torque, which is enough for drilling into softwood and drywall, and it has a hammer action for light masonry. It comes with two batteries, which is helpful.
Owner reviews indicate it is not as powerful or durable as the VonHaus or Ryobi options. The build quality feels more plastic, and it may struggle with tougher materials. It is a fine choice for occasional use, such as hanging shelves or assembling furniture.
What to check before buying a combi drill under £50
When shopping on a tight budget, it is important to focus on the key specifications that matter for your tasks. The most important factor is torque, measured in Newton-metres (Nm). Higher torque means the drill can handle tougher materials like hardwood and masonry without stalling. For under £50, look for at least 25 Nm.
Battery voltage and capacity are also critical. An 18V drill will generally have more power than a 12V model, but 12V drills are lighter and more compact. Check the battery capacity (Ah) as well. A 1.5 Ah battery is standard, but a 2.0 Ah battery will last longer. Always check if the kit includes two batteries so you can work continuously.
Mistakes to avoid
A common mistake is buying a drill with a low torque rating for masonry work. If you plan to drill into brick or concrete, ensure the drill has at least 30 Nm of torque and a genuine hammer action. Many cheap drills advertise a hammer function that is too weak to be effective.
Another mistake is ignoring the battery ecosystem. If you buy a drill from a brand like Ryobi, you can use the same batteries for other tools in the future. A cheap drill from an unknown brand may have no replacement batteries available later. Always check the availability of spare parts and batteries before buying.
FAQs
Can a combi drill under £50 drill into brick?
Yes, but only for light masonry work. Look for a model with at least 30 Nm of torque and a hammer action, like the VonHaus 18V.
Is 12V enough for a combi drill?
Yes, for light DIY tasks like assembling furniture or drilling into drywall. For masonry or hardwood, an 18V model is recommended.
What is the difference between a combi drill and a regular drill?
A combi drill has a hammer action for drilling into masonry, while a regular drill does not. This makes the combi drill more versatile.
How long do the batteries last on these drills?
Battery life depends on the task. A 1.5 Ah battery can last 30-60 minutes of light use. Heavy drilling will drain it much faster.
Are cheap combi drills worth buying?
Yes, for occasional DIY use. They are not built for professional daily use but offer good value for light tasks around the home.
What is the best brand for a combi drill under £50?
VonHaus and Ryobi offer the best balance of power and reliability in this price range. Bosch and Draper are also good for lighter tasks.
Do I need a hammer action on my combi drill?
Only if you plan to drill into brick, concrete, or stone. For wood and metal, a standard drill mode is sufficient.
Can I use these drills for screwdriving?
Yes, all combi drills have a screwdriving mode with adjustable clutch settings to prevent over-tightening screws.
What size chuck do I need?
A 13mm keyless chuck is standard and accepts most common drill bits. A 10mm chuck is smaller and limits your bit options.
How do I maintain a cheap combi drill?
Keep the chuck clean, store the drill in a dry place, and charge the batteries regularly to prolong their lifespan.
Our verdict
For the best overall combi drill under £50, choose the VonHaus 18V for its strong torque and two-battery kit. For the tightest budget and light tasks, the Draper 12V is a solid, compact choice. If you plan to expand your tool collection, the Ryobi ONE+ offers the best ecosystem.