The B&Q Apollo 20V Cordless Drill from Kingfisher plc - compact torque for DIY buyers

Reviewed: ad hoc news New Release & Launch desk. Edited and checked on 2026-06-30, 09:27. Details in the imprint.

The B&Q Apollo 20V Cordless Drill lands in your hand with a solid plastic shell, a rubberized grip and that faint smell of new tools that sticks to the box. Squeeze the trigger and the motor spins up with a quiet whirr rather than a harsh buzz.

What the Apollo targets

At B&Q, the Apollo 20V Cordless Drill sits as an own-brand alternative to bigger-name drills that often cost more and come with complex accessory bundles. It aims at homeowners who want one drill that will cover shelves, flat-pack furniture and light masonry jobs.

The 20V lithium-ion battery gives enough punch for general DIY, but B&Q keeps the pack modest so the drill stays light in the hand. You feel it most when you reach overhead to fix a curtain rail and your wrist still feels fresh after several screws.

Specs and everyday handling

The Apollo drill typically offers two mechanical gears, a variable-speed trigger and a torque ring with multiple clutch settings so the bit stops before it strips screw heads. That torque ring clicks firmly under your fingers, a tactile cue that is handy when you work fast.

B&Q often bundles a basic set of bits and a charger, so the buyer can start immediately without hunting for extras on the way home. The plastic case is not luxurious, yet it keeps the drill from rolling around the car boot and scratching door trims.

Where it stands in the aisle

In a typical B&Q power-tool aisle, the Apollo drill sits below big pro-tier brands on price, but above the truly bare-bones options that lack a second gear or a comfortable grip. The orange-and-black color scheme is instantly visible against the shelving labels.

Product managers at Kingfisher design these Apollo tools to match the jobs that average customers describe at the counter, rather than chasing spec-sheet races. So the casing feels robust enough for garage work, but Kingfisher avoids heavy metal parts that would scare casual users.

Strengths and trade-offs

The biggest strength is balance: the drill is not amazingly powerful, yet in wood and plasterboard it feels smooth and clean, with less kick than some heavier rivals. That makes it easier for a novice to drill straight holes without wobble.

The trade-off is that dense concrete and thick steel will expose the limits of the motor. Regular DIY users will be fine, but serious tradespeople will still reach for heavier pro-line tools with bigger batteries and more aggressive torque.

How it fits Kingfisher’s strategy

Kingfisher has pushed its own brands hard across B&Q and Screwfix to improve gross margins and give shoppers recognizable ranges that stay in stock. Apollo drills plug into that logic: they keep more value in-house while still feeling approachable for non-professionals.

Thierry Garnier, Kingfisher’s chief executive, has repeatedly highlighted the role of own-label assortments in supporting everyday low pricing and differentiating the group from pure online rivals. The Apollo line is a tactile example of that strategy sitting on the shelf.

Stock context in one sentence

Overall, Apollo power tools like the 20V Cordless Drill form a small but visible part of the DIY offer that backs Kingfisher’s London listing, while the price of Kingfisher shares (ISIN GB0033195214) follows broader housing and renovation trends on the London Stock Exchange.

This article was AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. Product information without guarantee; prices and availability may change at short notice. No investment advice, no buy or sell recommendation. Stock-market transactions involve risks up to total loss.