Last Updated on 2022-03-01 by Harry Masterton
In A Hurry? Go straight to the Best Winners In BEST Multi Head Drill Every Category.
- BEST VALUE – Best For Homeowners BLACK and DECKER Matrix Cordless 6-Tool Combo
- BEST For Serious DIY and Home Renovation – Bosch GSR12V-140FCB22 Cordless 5-In-1 Multi-Head
- BEST For Jobsite Installation – Milwaukee 2505-22 M12 Fuel Installation Multi Head Drill/Driver Kit
- BEST Professional Grade – DeWalt XTREME 5-IN-1 DRILL/DRIVER KIT
- Also Ran – Festool 564535 CXS 3 in 1 Compact Drill Set
- Also Ran – Metabo 601037620 12V PowerMaxx 3-In-1 Drill Driver Installation Kit
The power tool market is highly competitive, and within that, the drill is the tool manufacturers focus on the most. Every year we are introduced to the latest task-oriented tools, including the multi drill.
These are a drill with interchangeable heads that make drilling and driving easy. A good multi drill allows you to:
- Save money;
- Reduce tools;
- Increase productivity.
Saving money
A drill with interchangeable heads performs the task that once required several power tools. That saves you money with only a single purchase, even if the initial buy costs more than a traditional drill design.
Saving space
Each power tool requires space for storage and operation. The fewer drills you have, the more room there is for other power tools. It also takes up less space on the bench or job site.
Increased productivity
Time in the woodshop is limited, so anything that saves it is worth considering. On the job, time is money. A drill with interchangeable heads saves time, making it a worthwhile for hobbyists and professionals.
These tools are ideal for those starting into the woodworking hobby, for the serious DIY'er and weekend renovator!
Interchangeable power tools let you do more work with just one tool. A variety of tip attachments make this possible. Most woodworkers will refer to these as either a multi head drill or modular power tools. These designs are not the same, though, with the:
- Multi head drill including tips to drill/drive in tight spaces or at angles;
- Modular power tools design using accessories to do more than drill or drive.
Creating a far-reaching drill and driver
A multiple-headed power drill uses a typical design, including a tip that remains on the housing at all times. What makes these interchangeable power tools unique are their drill head spindle add-ons. They allow you to drill holes or drive fasteners in awkward areas or angles you could not reach.
Multi Head Drill vs Modular Power Tools
Tips include right-angles, offset shafts that allow drilling or driving near the corners and tight spaces where two boards meet perpendicularly, quick-change head adaptors, and different size chucks. A modular power tool system usually changes the function of the drill/driver, not just making it more versatile at those two jobs.
The power of a modular power tool system
Small shop owners and home woodworkers need all the space they can get, and interchangeable power tools help by doing the task of two or more hand-held power tools. A modular power tool system takes it a step further than a multi-headed design by replacing the entire nose of the tool. That allows you to change out gears and tips so that you can go from a drilling tool to one that cuts or acts like a multitool.
Having one hand-held power tool that drills, drives, cuts, sands, and acts as a router saves you lots of space in the shop
particular if you're working in confined spaces.
Black and Decker Matrix Discontinued?
Those familiar with a multi head drill or other modular systems might have seen the three-tool Black and Decker BDCDMT120STS power tool or five-tool Black and Decker BDCDMT1205KIT combo kits. You might have noticed they are no longer on store shelves or online and wonder if Black and Decker Matrix discontinued production? The answer is no.
Black and Decker now produce a six-tool Black and Decker BDCDMT1206KITC combo kit to replace the others. The new product includes several multi head drill designs with a jigsaw and sanding attachment.
If you are familiar with the Black and Decker Matrix combo kits, it is worth noting that the trim saw attachment did not make it into the new kit. That is the only thing we noticed missing from the re-bundled Matrix power tools by Black and Decker. We also noticed the upgraded hard case providing better protection.
What happened to Craftsman Bolt-On and Ridgid Jobmax Modular Power-Tool lines?
Two other popular product lines in the multi head drill/modular tools product category come from Craftsman and Ridgid. The Craftsman Bolt-On has several attachments that make it handy as a modular tool product line. Rigid's Jobmax consists of three power base designs and seven tool heads.
Craftsman Bolt-On
These lines of attachments and power base build a complete modular system. You can still buy the head attachments for this series everywhere, but the power tool base is becoming harder to find. Many online shopping sources have erased this product's information pages.
If you have one, it can convert into an impact driver, jigsaw, multi-tool, air inflator, hammer drill, router, trim saw, or sander. The power base is a typical power drill design with a pistol-grip handle.
- Attachment designs allow cutting, inflating, multitool, sanding, and multi head drill functions;
- The power base is hard to find.
Ridgid Jobmax
Another modular tool system, the Jobmax products stands out for the three tool base designs (all are variations of the barrel-grip handle). Several tip accessories convert the tool to cut, drill, drive, and oscillate.
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- Three tips provide right-angle access for drilling and driving;
- There are still tool bases sold online, but they are also becoming harder to find.
It is worth noting that both tool lines cost more than the Black and Decker Matrix system.
Best Multi Head Drill – The Reviews
The four multi head drill reviews below cover what we consider the best multi head drill products based on specs, unique performance features, and extras like warranty coverage or storage protection.
Each of the multi head drill reviews breaks down into who we recommend it to, the specs that matter and what they offer you as a user, and three things that make it worth your while. We also include a couple of points that we found lacking with each of the multi head drill reviews so you can become aware of potential issues that you might want to avoid.
While it is true that the best multi head drill design is often limited by budget or brand loyalty, we have included products that fill a wide range of needs both budget DIY grade tools and high quality power tools like Bosch and the DEWALT cordless tool.
Comparison shopping will get you the multi head drill you want.
Bosch GSR12V-140FCB22 Cordless Electric 5-In-1 Multi-Head Power Drill Driver Set
The Bosch 12V multi head drill measures 5.2 x 2.0 x 7 .0 inches, which allows you to reach into tight spaces in compact shelving or smaller boxes with its short nose length. A tool weight of 1.8 pounds is light enough to use the multi head drill away from your body or overhead without becoming fatigued.
Bosch's GSR12V-140FCB22 – Features
A 12V MAX battery platform is used to power the Bosch multi head drill. It generates 265 Inch-pounds of torque, which is plenty of driving force for drilling with medium-sized bits or driving medium-length wood fasteners.
Four attaching heads convert the Bosch 12V multi head drill into a five-in-one product. These include a keyless chuck, locking chuck, right-angle attachment, and offset head attachment. The Bosch multi drill comes with a quick charger and battery pack.
Bosch GSR12V-140FCB22 – Things We Like
- The Bosch 12V multi head drill has an LED light above the trigger. That provides illumination in tight spaces for DIY and woodshops projects;
- It has an offset angle attachment that adjusts into 16 positions. That lets you position the drill properly while keeping the handle from interfering with your alignment;
- The right-angle attachment tapers for clearing in tight spaces. It also works with the other three attachments for increased versatility with this multi head drill.
Bosch GSR12V-140FCB22 – Not So Good
- The complex design on this multi head drill means the attachments can work loose during operations. You must keep an eye on these to make sure it does not detach and fall someplace that is hard to retrieve;
- A twelve-volt battery pack may not be enough for heavy-duty drilling or driving. You might find the Bosch multi head drill bogging down in hardwoods or using a wide drill bit, even at a full charge.
Milwaukee 2505-22 M12 Fuel Installation Multi Head Drill/Driver Kit
One stand-out feature on the Milwaukee M12 multi head drill is size, measuring 9.9 x 14.9 x 4.1 inches. That allows the Milwaukee multi head drill to reach tight spots easily. Another feature we like with the Milwaukee 12v multi head drill is that it weighs only two pounds with a battery, making it light enough to use all day giving it outstanding versatility.
4.8 out of 5.0 stars
Milwaukee 2505-22 – Features
The motor on this multi head drill is brushless, generating maximum efficiency and output on the Milwaukee 12v multi head drill. It generates 300 Inch-Pounds of torque and 1,600 RPMs under no-load.
The M12 RedLithium batteries power this Milwaukee multi head drill, providing consistent output and longevity on the job. Four attachments come with the Milwaukee m12 multi head drill (offset, right angle, 1/4-inch hex, and 3/8-inch chuck).
Milwaukee 2505-22 – Things We Like
- The Milwaukee 12V multi head drill has a nose of 5.12 inches and weighs only 2.0 pounds with the battery inserted. Those two stats make it stand out during the workday;
- A POWERSTATE brushless electric motor powers the Milwaukee multi head drill. That design generates maximum output and lasts longer than other induction motors using brushes;
- Milwaukee Tools offers you a five-year warranty on this multi head drill. That is one of the longest product coverage packages in the power tool market and increases consumer confidence when buying.
Milwaukee 2505-22 – Not So Good
- It has an ergonomic design that makes this Milwaukee M12 multi head drill awkward feeling to some. Balance might also be an issue, especially with a larger amp-hour battery pack installed;
- The control design on this multi head drill places the directional button at the top instead of near the trigger. That requires you to stop if you want to activate these controls.
Festool 564535 CXS 3 in 1 Compact Drill Set
The product in our Festool CXS review measures 15.55 x 11.61 x 4.13 inches. It is compact enough for most projects around the house or in the shop of weekend woodworkers. It weighs less than two pounds when the Centrochuck is attached, making the Festool right angle drill light enough to use for quick drilling or driving jobs.
4.6 out of 5.0 starsFestool 564535 – Features
The Festool right angle drill is the smallest in the manufacturer's line of Li-Ion drills, using 10.8-volt batteries with a 2.6 amp hour rating. You can drive medium-sized bits or fasteners, but it will bog down under medium or heavy workloads.
The manufacturer compensates battery size for the kit in this Festool CXS review with two batteries. Its charger builds a full charge in under an hour. Three attachments (Centrotec, keyless, and right angle) is comparatively limited.
Festool 564535 – Things We Like
- A three-year warranty covers the drill, charger, and battery in this combo kit. Most warranty packages offer less coverage on batteries and charging units;
- Electronic circuitry protects the power tool from overheating, over current, and under-voltage. Those extreme states can reduce performance or cause the three-in-one drill to break down;
- The product in this Festool CXS review is an upgrade in battery amp hours. Previous versions of this kit used battery packs with almost half the amp hour rating.
Festool 564535 – Not So Good
- The Festool right angle drill is designed for light workloads, limiting its usefulness in shop and job site applications. You might find it underperforming except in light-duty DIY or small woodworking projects;
- It is a three-in-one power tool, which is limited compared to others on this list. While the design covers most applications, you will miss the offset attachment most kits include standard.
Metabo 601037620 12V PowerMaxx 2.0Ah BS 12 Q 3-In-1 Drill Driver Installation Kit
Like most multi head drill designs we have reviewed, this product is small, shipping at 15.21 x 12.48 x 4.29 inches. Out of the box, a short nose profile helps the drill reach into tight spaces once attachments are in place. It is lightweight enough to use throughout the day without wearing you down, but it does not stand out in its weight class.
Metabo 601037620 – Features
A standard 12-volt battery is used to power this three-in-one drill design. It is rated at two amp hours but will wear down sooner in hardwoods or while drilling/driving larger bits or fasteners.
The kit includes a quick-change chuck and a right-angle chuck for attachments. Registering the product provides you with Metabo's XXL warranty, which extends coverage by three additional years.
Metabo 601037620 – Things We Like
- A low-mounted LED work light and metal belt clip are job site extras. Those working the trades understand the convenience these offer in awkward or tight spaces;
- An ergonomic handle design makes the pistol grip comfortable to use. It should fit most hands without fatigue, and the rubber helps to reduce vibration transfer;
- Metabo provides a hard plastic case to protect the multi head drill and accessories that come in this combo kit. That allows you to keep components together and safely carry them from place to place.
Metabo 601037620 – Not So Good
- There are only two attachments that provide fewer options for drilling and driving. That limits this power tool to a three-in-one design that is not as versatile as others on this list;
- Metabo uses a standard 12-volt battery for power. That is a bit underwhelming compared to the MAX designs of other 12V platforms, especially at only a two amp hour rating.
DeWalt XTREME™ 12V MAX BRUSHLESS CORDLESS 5-IN-1 DRILL/DRIVER KIT
The DeWalt multi head drill measures 7.38 x 5.0 x 2.26 inches and has a tool weight of 1.6 pounds. It has a short length that will fit between pieces of lumber you are drilling/driving through, and the lightweight design allows you to hold the drill without getting tired.
4.8 out of 5.0 stars
DeWalt 5 in 1 – Features
The DeWalt multi head drill uses the 12V MAX battery platform, which should be sufficient for light and medium projects at 250 UWO. It uses a brushless motor which generates peak performance and efficiency between motor and gears. There are 15 clutch settings and two speeds on the DeWalt 12V multi head drill (0-425 RPMs and 0-1,500 RPMs).
A built-in 1/4-inch hex bit holder modifies by adding the 1/4-inch hex quick-release chuck. Its right-angle attachment and off-set attachment (both 1/4-inch) provide reach in awkward areas the drill can not fit into, while the 3/8-inch drill chuck allows you to equip more bits. The 1/4-inch attachments can combine for more reach (adding the quick-release to the right-angle for more extension).
DeWalt DCD703F1 – Things We Like
- The DeWalt 5 in 1 drill uses a built-in head and four interchangeable accessories. These provide you with the ability to reach into awkward spaces, which is handy on many shop projects;
- It has a short nose length of five inches when using just the built-in tip. That allows you to get into the interior boxes and shelves that you are assembling with the drill;
- Several of the attachments are equipped with quick-release hardware. That provides a secure hold and allows you to exchange tips without having to chuck them.
DeWalt DCD703F1 – Not So Good
- The DeWalt 12V multi head drill has some play on the interchangeable tips. It should not be enough to transfer to the bit, but caution is needed when you are first drilling with the bit to avoid issues;
- A single 2.0-amp hour battery pack might be limiting for job sites or some shop projects. You will experience downtime while the battery charges.
Black and Decker Matrix Combo Kit Review
The Black & Decker company has been around since 1910 and has built a reputation in the market for manufacturing accessories, hardware, fastening products, home improvement items, appliances, and power tools. It merged with Stanley Works in 2010, gaining access to designs from several other brand names as a subsidiary. What that means for you is that Black & Decker products, including its Matrix product line, are well-built and combine the best features in the power tool market.
While most woodworkers would look at the Matrix product line as a multi head drill, it can do more than drill holes and drive fasteners. It is closer to a modular system that replaces several power tools with one device. The DIY and home workshop market is the target audience, with a combo kit designed to save space with fewer tools.
Black & Decker has continued to improve its kit composition, with the current incarnation offering a six-piece design. It takes the place of smaller combo kits, combining the most-used attachments for job applications around the home and shop. Components are designed to be easy to use and quick for you to swap.
BLACK and DECKER BDCDMT1206KITC Matrix Cordless Drill 6-Tool Combo Kit with Case
The Black and Decker Matrix combo kit comes in a hard case and ships at 19.69 x 4.63 x 17.88 inches. While several attachments make this more than a drill with interchangeable heads, the size remains efficient for working in small or awkward places. The Black and Decker Matrix quick connect system varies in weight, depending upon the attachment used, but does not become heavy.
BLACK and DECKER BDCDMT1206KITC – Features
The Black and Decker multi head drill might be the ultimate combo kit for DIYers, thanks to five attachments included with its purchase (impact driver, router, oscillating, jigsaw, and sanding tips). These make it more than a drill with interchangeable heads since it does more than drill or drive.
The Black and Decker Matrix 6 has plenty of power thanks to the battery pack with a 20-volt potential that operates nominally at 18-volts. Several accessories, like sanding pads, make the Black and Decker Matrix quick connect system ready to go out of the box.
BLACK and DECKER BDCDMT1206KITC – Things We Like
- The Black and Decker Matrix combo kit includes five attaching heads to make it a six-in-one power tool. That is more versatility than most multi head drill products offer out of the box;
- Using the Black and Decker Matrix quick connect system is easy for everyone from first-timers to experienced power tool users. There are no complex steps to swapping out the tips;
- It uses the 20V MAX battery platform for powering the Black and Decker Matrix 6. That makes it one of the more powerful multi head drill kits on the market.
BLACK and DECKER BDCDMT1206KITC – Not So Good
- To save on production costs for this drill with interchangeable heads, the manufacturer uses cost-effective materials. That saves you money but reduces the durability of components in the motor and on the housing;
- The Black and Decker multi head drill may wear at the attachment point with extended use. That can create a play between the gears on the base and attachments of this multi head drill.
Black and Decker Matrix Attachments
A multi head drill is only as good as the attachments that work with it. Manufacturers create combo kits that provide two or more head attachments that work on their base housings. The Black and Decker Matrix combination kit is a six-in-one tool out of the box because it includes a jigsaw, impact, oscillating, router, and sander head, along with the permanent chuck on the front.
Black & Decker has produced several attachments that work on the current base housing, expanding the versatility of the Matrix product line. Many of these were sold in previous combo kits but did not make it into the current one. These products take the place of several power tools and should be adequate for most home improvement and woodworking projects.
What follows are quick descriptions of some of the products that increase the Matrix arsenal of tools.
MATRIX BDCMTRS Reciprocating Saw Attachment
Takes your Matrix multi head drill and creates a reciprocating movement for saw blades. It provides a place for your off-hand for better control and safety. You can use it for cutting, trimming, and pruning in your home or out in the yard.
MATRIX BDCMTTS Trim Saw Attachment
The attachment converts your multi head drill into a small circular saw. Functioning as a trim saw, the blade cuts plywood, paneling, fence, and trim. It uses a 3.375-inch circular saw blade with an RPM range of 3,400 using the 20V MAX battery.
MATRIX BDCMTHPI High Pressure Inflator Attachment
You can turn your multi head drill into a tool that inflates balls, tires, and more. It includes a 14-inch hose, a needle tip, and a beach ball tip. The device rates up to 100 psi at peak, or 80 psi continuous.
BLACK and DECKER BDCMTHDFF Matrix Hammer Drill Attachment
The Matrix multi head drill converts into a hammer drill by installing this component. It adds the impact motion required for work in concrete and masonry. The design is also two-speed and allows you to select the operating mode needed.
Multi Head Drill And Modular Tools – Driving It Home
There are several products out there to choose from, but not every model is right for you. Before deciding on which combo kit/tool you want, think about what you need from it.
Products from brand names like Bosch and Milwaukee provide the control and durability needed on the job site. And of course spare parts will be available for the life of the tool.
What they bring to the table is required by assembly shops and carpenters during installation or repairs. These tools will also benefit advanced woodworkers or DIYers taking on big projects.
Anyone that does minor home improvements or casual building and repairing on the weekends will find something like the Black and Decker multi head drill ideal. Some reasons for this include:
- It is cost efficient – You get six tools for a reasonable price;
- You will save space – Most DIYers and home workshops have limited space;
- Gets newbies working right away – You can do a lot with the Matrix right out of the box;
- It provides future proofing – Additional attachments increase what you can do with the power tool, both now and in the future.
That said, professional-grade products will last longer and are usually more efficient. Do not overlook what these power tools can do for you!
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