Drills and screw drivers

If you’re just looking for an electric screwdriving function to replace your classic screwdriver, a cordless screwdriver is the most suitable choice. However, if you also occasionally need to drill holes, buying a drill or cordless drill driver is best. That way, you can use the tool for a variety of everyday applications. Check out our handy drill guide for more helpful drilling tips.

When it comes to more complex tasks like changing tyres and chiselling, all-rounders may not be up to the job. That’s where more specialised power tools – such as cordless impact drivers and rotary hammers – come in handy.

As well as the intended use, you should also consider the material you’re working with before choosing a power tool. A cordless drill driver is ideal for light drilling and screwdriving through soft material, while harder surfaces require more powerful tools.

If you want to work with harder material, check the torque and speed specifications of the tool. High rotation speed and low torque is best for drilling, while the opposite is true for screwdriving.

• Rotation speed: This is the speed at which the electric drill rotates, determining how fast it can cut through material and how clean the holes are. A higher speed enables quicker drilling and smoother holes, whereas a lower speed is better suited to certain material and more delicate tasks. Choosing the right rotation speed is critical in ensuring optimum performance, avoiding damage to the work surface, and maximising the tool’s life.
• Torque: Measured in newton-metres (Nm), torque determines the force required to drive screws into other material. Higher torque ensures more secure fittings, while insufficient torque can lead to loose screws. Tools with adjustable torque prevent over and under-tightening, offer better control, and reduce the risk of damaging your working material.

Some drills and screwdrivers are also equipped with impact or hammer functions:

• Impact function: The impact function works using a clutch system that produces both a rotational and an impact force at high speeds. These tools are suitable for drilling through material like masonry, brick, and aerated concrete. You can also deactivate the impact function to use the device like a normal drill.
• Hammer function: Typically found in rotary hammers and SDS+ hammer drills, this function provides powerful, hammering blows in addition to a rotational action. This breaks up hard material like concrete and stone, accelerating the drilling process and making demanding tasks easier. For softer, more delicate material, the hammer function should be deactivated in order to avoid damaging the surface.

Cordless screwdrivers are typically equipped with a hexagonal bit socket and only perform screwdriving functions. The lack of a drill chuck makes these devices much smaller, lighter, and easier to handle than other drill machines and power tools. Cordless screwdrivers allow you to work for longer periods without getting tired and can be used effectively even in hard-to-reach places. With a variety of available attachments, they make helpful additions to any household.

A cordless drill driver is essentially a combination of a cordless screwdriver and a drill. They’re exceptionally good for all-round use in a variety of DIY projects, including home repairs, woodwork, and general construction.

Typically, a cordless drill driver will have two gears for different levels of rotation speed and torque. The first gear provides higher torque and lower speed – ideal for driving in larger screws – while the second gear offers lower torque but higher speed for faster drilling.

The cordless combi drill is essentially an upgrade to the cordless drill driver. It has an impact function that can be switched on and off as required, generating a percussive effect in addition to the rotary function when desired. As a result, combi drills can break through hard material such as brick and concrete for quicker demolition jobs. Our guide on impact drills for DIYers contains more information on what to look for when choosing a combi drill.

Cordless impact drivers utilise a high torque and an impact function to excel in demanding drilling and screwdriving tasks. They specialise in loosening and tightening nuts and bolts for wheels, ensuring everything is fastened hyper-securely. The impact effect increases the torque and loosens rust, making the tool a must-have for anyone who likes working on their car or motorbike. Even long screws and bolts can be fastened in no time, thanks to the rapid pulsating movements of the cordless impact driver.

Hammer drills, also known as rotary hammers or SDS+ hammer drills, are used when drill drivers, impact drills, and combi drill machines reach their limits. Thanks to their powerful hammer function, they can break through even the toughest concrete with only a small amount of pressure applied.

Rotary hammers have different attachments to standard drills since they need more solid accessories to handle the immense power of the tool. For instance, the SDS+ drill bits have special notches which make it easier to transfer power to the bit. Aside from drilling, hammer drills can also be used for light chiselling work – see our guide on hammer drills for DIYers for more details about their power and usage.