How loud is a power drill?
DeWALT declares an emission sound pressure level (LpA) of 73 dB(A) for its DCD740 cordless right-angle drill/driver and 94 dB(A) for its DCD999 18 V combi drill, A-weighted, at the operator position in the standard EN 62841 test. Sound power (LWA) for the DCD999 is 105 dB(A), which is a different quantity and not what reaches your ear.
- Level
- 73–94 dBAA-weighted sound level
- Daily limit
- 1 h a dayNIOSH, at the loud end
- Versus conversation
- 126× energyabout 4.3× as loud
What the numbers mean
How it was measured. Manufacturer-declared emission sound pressure levels (LpA) for two DeWALT 18 V cordless drills, tested to EN 62841-2-1; stated uncertainty 3 dB(A).
Tools sold in the UK and EU carry two noise figures in the manual. LpA is the emission sound pressure level at the operator's position in a standardised test; LWA is the sound power level, the total acoustic power the tool radiates, which is always the larger number. For the DCD999 combi drill the manual lists LpA 94 dB(A) and LWA 105 dB(A). For the much smaller DCD740 right-angle drill/driver the LpA is 73 dB(A).
The manuals say the declared values were measured in a standardised test and may be used to compare one tool with another, and that the declared level represents the main applications of the tool. Drilling into masonry with the hammer action engaged is a different job: see the hammer drill entry, where declared levels and measured peaks are higher. The DCD999 manual itself tells users to wear ear protectors when impact drilling.
How long is safe?
NIOSH recommends no more than 1 h a day at 94 dBA (no limit at the quiet end, 73). OSHA's legal limit is 4 h 36 min.
| Level | NIOSH limit (85 dBA, 3 dB rule) | OSHA limit (90 dBA, 5 dB rule) | UK/EU 80 dB(A) action value reached after | UK/EU 85 dB(A) action value reached after |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 73 dBA | No limit | No limit | Not reached in 24 h | Not reached in 24 h |
| 94 dBA | 1 h | 4 h 36 min | 19 min | 1 h |
Times are for a whole day’s exposure, with the rest of the day quiet. The workplace limits were written for adults at work, not for children. Work out a mixed day with the noise dose calculator.
Protecting your hearing
Compare the LpA figure in the manual when buying: a few dB(A) less is a real difference. Wear plugs or muffs for long drilling sessions and always in hammer mode, as the manufacturer advises.
Earplug and earmuff ratings (NRR in the US, SNR in the UK and EU) are lab figures; real-world protection is usually lower. How to read the ratings.
Compared with sounds nearby
Using midpoints of each range. Energy multiplies by 10 every 10 dB; perceived loudness roughly doubles (why).
- Garbage disposal (67–93 dBA): this has about 2.2× its sound energy and sounds about 1.3× as loud.
- Motorcycle (80 dBA): this has about 2.2× its sound energy and sounds about 1.3× as loud.
- Noisy toys (70–102 dBA): it has about 1.8× the sound energy of this and sounds about 1.2× as loud.
- Amusement arcade (83–89.4 dBA): it has about 1.9× the sound energy of this and sounds about 1.2× as loud.
- Normal conversation (55–70 dBA): this has about 126× its energy and sounds about 4.3× as loud.
Questions
How many decibels is a cordless drill?
Declared emission levels for two DeWALT cordless drills are 73 dB(A) (a compact right-angle drill/driver) and 94 dB(A) (an 18 V combi drill) at the operator position in the standard test.
What is the difference between LpA and LWA on a drill?
LpA is the sound pressure at the operator in the standard test, the figure closest to what you hear. LWA is sound power, the total noise output of the tool: 105 dB(A) for the DCD999, against an LpA of 94 dB(A).
Sources
- DeWALT DCD999 18 V combi drill instruction manual, DeWALT (manufacturer). Supports: dB_high: LpA 94 dB(A), DCD999.
(emission sound pressure level) dB(A) 94
Checked 2026-11-03. - DeWALT DCD999 18 V combi drill instruction manual, DeWALT (manufacturer). Supports: body: LWA 105 dB(A), DCD999.
(sound power level) dB(A) 105
Checked 2026-11-03. - DeWALT DCD999 18 V combi drill instruction manual, DeWALT (manufacturer). Supports: body: ear protection advice.
Wear ear protectors when impact drilling.
Checked 2026-11-03. - DeWALT DCD740 cordless right angle drill/driver instruction manual, DeWALT (manufacturer). Supports: dB_low: LpA 73 dB(A), DCD740.
(emission sound pressure level) dB(A) 73
Checked 2026-11-03. - DeWALT DCD740 cordless right angle drill/driver instruction manual, DeWALT (manufacturer). Supports: body: purpose of declared values.
It may be used for a preliminary assessment of exposure.
Checked 2026-11-03.
This page is general information, not medical advice. If you have ringing in your ears, muffled hearing or any change in your hearing, see an audiologist or your doctor.