What Is Drill Torque (in-lbs)? How Much Do You Need?
Max torque across 17 tracked models
Peak rotational force the manufacturer rates the drill for. Higher drives bigger bits and long screws. Range 265 in-lbs to 1,400 in-lbs, median 550 in-lbs. Models without a published value are left out.
265
407
549
691
833
974
1,116
1,258
Rules of thumb
- Furniture and light DIY rarely need top-end torque; compact drills are easier to handle.
- Large spade bits, hole saws and long lag screws benefit from high torque.
- Torque figures are manufacturer-rated and not always measured the same way across brands.
Next steps
See drills sorted by max torque
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