ERBAUER Edd18Li2 Review

A good cordless combi drill is the Swiss Army knife of power tools — it drills clean holes into wood and metal, punches through brick and masonry with a hammer action, and drives screws with controlled precision. For anyone tackling home improvement projects that span multiple materials, having all three functions in one tool saves the cost, space, and hassle of owning separate machines. Modern brushless motor technology has transformed what is possible at the budget end of the market, delivering more runtime per charge, less maintenance, and a longer working life than the brushed drills of a decade ago. But with so many brands competing for your attention, finding a combi drill that genuinely balances price, performance, and build quality takes some digging. The right choice should feel comfortable in the hand, switch effortlessly between modes, and keep going through a full day of mixed tasks without constantly reaching for the charger. Get it right, and one tool covers most of your drilling and driving needs — leaving more budget for the materials that make your project shine.

Brushless combi drills have become the default recommendation for home improvers and tradespeople who want one tool that handles drilling, hammer drilling, and screwdriving. Erbauer, a brand distributed primarily through Screwfix and B&Q in the UK, positions itself in the value-for-money segment — offering features like brushless motors and lithium-ion batteries at prices that undercut the established professional brands. The EDD18-Li-2 is part of their EXT 18-volt battery platform, which means the batteries work across Erbauer's range of cordless tools.

In this review, we look at how the EDD18-Li-2 performs across its three modes — drilling into wood and metal, hammer-drilling into brick and blockwork, and driving screws with the adjustable clutch. We assess build quality, battery life with the included 4.0 Ah pack, and how the Keep Cool battery technology holds up under sustained use. If you are weighing up whether this Erbauer drill deserves a spot in your toolkit, this honest assessment will help you decide.

At the heart of the EDD18-Li-2 is a brushless motor that delivers up to 30 Nm of maximum torque — a modest figure by professional standards but adequate for the DIY and light-trade tasks this drill targets. The 3-in-1 functionality switches between drilling, hammer drilling for masonry, and screwdriving via a simple mode selector ring. A 13 mm self-tightening metal keyless chuck handles bits and accessories up to 13 mm in diameter, and the drill offers three speed settings to match the task. The included 4.0 Ah lithium-ion battery features Erbauer's Keep Cool technology, which actively manages cell temperature during charging and discharge to prevent overheating — a feature often reserved for more expensive battery platforms.

Design-wise, Erbauer has opted for a compact, lightweight body that prioritises access to tight spaces. The black and blue housing is functional rather than flashy, with rubber overmould on the grip for comfort during extended use. A trigger-activated LED illuminates the work area, though it is positioned below the chuck rather than around it — expect some shadow on the drilling point. The self-tightening metal chuck is a genuine plus at this price, allowing one-handed bit changes without hunting for a chuck key. The belt clip is a useful addition for keeping the drill close when climbing ladders or moving around a work area.

In everyday use, the three-mode selector makes switching tasks quick and intuitive. The hammer-drill mode handles red brick and lightweight blockwork for wall plugs and small fixings, though it is not a replacement for a dedicated SDS rotary hammer on reinforced concrete or hard engineering brick. The 13 mm drilling capacity in wood and metal covers most household and light-trade needs — spade bits for cable routing, twist drills for metal brackets, and hole saws up to the chuck's capacity. The adjustable clutch provides control when driving screws, though with only 30 Nm of torque, heavy structural fasteners will push the drill to its limit.

The kit comes with a single 4.0 Ah battery and a charger that refills it in approximately 50 minutes — reasonably fast, and the Keep Cool temperature management should help maintain battery health over repeated charge cycles. Erbauer claims the Keep Cool 4.0 Ah battery offers 25 percent more lifespan than a standard Erbauer pack. The included carry case keeps the drill, battery, and charger organised and protected during storage and transport. As part of the Erbauer EXT 18V platform, the battery is compatible with other Erbauer cordless tools, allowing you to buy bare tools and share batteries across your collection.

The complete kit weighs approximately 4 kg including the carry case, battery, and charger — the bare tool is considerably lighter. The product holds a modest 3.1 out of 5 stars rating from only 2 customer reviews on Amazon, and its bestseller rank sits at #750,480 in the broader DIY and Tools category and #2,360 in Drill Drivers — reflecting limited adoption on the French market where Erbauer has less brand awareness than in the UK. The drill comes with the original manufacturer warranty, and Erbauer tools are supported through the Screwfix and B&Q retail networks. Note that the included instructions may not be available in all languages.

Best suited for DIY homeowners and budget-conscious tradespeople who want a brushless 3-in-1 combi drill for light to medium tasks, with the benefit of a growing battery ecosystem at an accessible price point.