The cordless drill is the most popular power tool in the world. Its versatility, portability and ease of use make it an essential tool for both the home and the workplace. This guide will provide you with all the information you need to select the best cordless drill for you.
Cordless drills can be divided into two categories; drill drivers and hammer drill drivers.
Cordless drill drivers are used for drilling into wood, metal and plastic, and are also great to use for general purpose screw driving (for screw driving into metal, it's advisable to use an impact driver). They vary in size, voltage, and power, but are generally quite compact and lightweight.
The defining feature of a cordless hammer drill driver (also known simply as a cordless hammer drill) is its ability to drill through masonry. They also have all the capabilities of a cordless drill driver. The 'hammer' in their name is derived from the 'hammer action' they employ to drill through masonry. This function enables the drill to produce rapid vibrations that chip away at masonry work whilst the chuck continues to rotate.
Cordless drills feature many different components, and having a sound understanding of these plays an important part in purchasing the best cordless drill for you. Knowledge of these parts also aids in the efficient and effective use of the tool.
All cordless drills are powered by rechargeable batteries. These come in different types, such as Nickel Cadmium (NiCd) and Lithium Ion (Li-ion) where Li-ion is the most advanced, but the voltage of the battery that the drill requires to operate will determine the approximate power and weight of the drill.
- 7.2V, 9.6V, 10.8V, and 12V drills are designed for light duty applications that do not require excessive power or speed.
- 14.4V, 15.6V, 18V, and 21.6V drills are designed for medium duty applications and serve as great general-purpose drills that easily accomplish most tasks. The two most common voltages are 14.4V and 18V.
- 28.8V, 36V, and 48V drills basically exhibit the power of a corded power tool. They are designed for heavy-duty applications where portability is paramount. The most common is 36V.
The voltage of a cordless drill is determined by the batteries that the drill is designed to accommodate. As a general rule, the higher the voltage, the more power and speed the drill will be able to produce (simultaneously).
The voltage of a battery doesn't necessarily indicate the specific power that the tool will output however. This is dictated more by the quality and design of the tool's internal components, especially the transmission. It is therefore quite common to find a high quality 14.4V tool that is more powerful than a low quality 18V tool.
Also known as a gearbox, transmissions dictate the speed range (revolutions per minute, or rpm) that a drill can operate at, and the corresponding torque (or turning force) that it can produce.
Cordless drills can have single or multiple gears. The best cordless drills have multiple gears, which creates a much more versatile drill that will no doubt increase efficiency and effectiveness. Cheaper models will only have one gear, whereas high quality models may have up to three or four. On those models with a single gear, torque and speed are balanced for optimal drilling and driving effectiveness. Those with multiple gears feature more torque in their lower gears, and more speed in their higher gears. If a cordless drill has multiple gears, there will be a numbered gear switch at the top of the drill.
Other features to assess are the clutch collar/mode switch configuration, the type of chuck and style of housing on particular models.
When purchasing the best cordless drill for you, decide what features are most important to you and make sure these are included in your final purchase. The main considerations you should make include how much power you require, the size and weight of the tool, and how often you will be using it.
For most users, a two-geared cordless drill of at least 14.4V will be capable of completing the current job at hand and most future jobs that may arise. It is also a good idea to ensure you purchase a model that includes two batteries.
Manufacturers will either direct their products at the DIY or professional market. DIY tools are designed for home use and generally include plenty of features for a very modest price. They also tend to have very generous warranty periods, including replacement warranties. Professional tools are designed for commercial use and are built for durability, performance, and reliability. Their warranty periods tend to be much shorter than DIY tools, and are exclusively repair warranties. The main advantage of these tools is that they should well outlive their warranty period, and if they require repair and maintenance spare parts are readily available.
The price of any tool will depend on the quality, capabilities, and features of the model. Bear in mind that at least one of these three elements is commonly sacrificed by manufacturers to reduce the tool's price and increase its sales. After all, price is the most important factor for consumers.
It is important to note that the entire cost of any power tool is not just its initial purchase cost. Added costs can include accessories for the tool to function, maintenance, downtime, and replacement costs. Buying according to your specific needs will help to keep these costs to a minimum.
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