Not sure which drill you need? Check out our handy guide
A versatile power drill has become an essential in every DIYers tool kit and with a number of different types available it can be difficult to know which drill you need. This handy guide will explain everything you need to know about the most popular drills on the market to help you decide which is the best one for you.
The Classic: Drill Drivers
A Drill Driver simply has two functions; to loosen or tighten screws and to drill holes. They are lots of different drill and screwdriver bits available allowing you to undertake a number of different tasks, from drilling into wood, metal or masonry to putting up shelves and assembling furniture. Therefore, Drill Drivers are the go to power drill for those varied, small jobs around your home.
A quick glance
Perfect for: simple tasks such as drilling holes & driving screws
Materials: wood, metal & masonry
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Perfect for simple DIY tasks -
Perfect for simple DIY tasks
The Favourite: Combi Drills
Are also known as “Impact” and “Hammer” drills, and are extremely versatile as they are suitable for both easy and hard tasks. There are extensive drill and screw driver bits available making the drills perfect for completing a wide range of DIY tasks. The drills work by pounding the drill bit forward whilst rotating, while behind the rotating drill bit, two ribbed metal discs click in and out against each other helping to pound the drill bit forward.
A QUICK GLANCE
Perfect for: easy & hard tasks such as drilling holes & driving screws
Materials: wood, metal & masonry
Maximum Strength: SDS Hammer Drills
Are also known as Rotary Hammer drills, due to its hammer function caused by a cylinder of air compressed by a piston which then beats the drill bit as it rotates. These tools are the best for drilling into masonry and concrete at a fast speed as it has additional shock absorbing qualities built in.
A QUICK GLANCE
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Drill into concrete easily -
Drill into concrete easily
Maximum impact: Impact Drivers
An Impact Driver delivers a rotational, ‘twisting’ force. These drills produce a higher rotational torque, making an Impact Driver the perfect tool to drive screws quickly, particularly large diameter screws. These drills tend to be smaller and lighter making them more comfortable to work with for extensive screw driving tasks such as assembling furniture or creating a decking area in your garden.
A QUICK GLANCE
TERMINOLOGY
Torque: is the twisting force of the drill and it is best to change the torque setting to suit the material you are working on. Harder material needs higher torque whereas delicate materials need a lower torque.
The Rpm (Revolutions per Minute): tells you how fast your drill rotates and some drills allow you to change the speed of the tool. Use a low speed for driving screw or drilling into softer material and a high speed for drilling into harder materials.