Power drills are one of the most common household power tools for a good reasons. For one, they come in handy for all sorts of household chores like hanging pictures and drywall repair. Many also seem to forget how cumbersome hand tools are when compared to time-saving electric gadgets like the power drill. So what are you waiting for? Use this guide to pick out a power drill and forget the screwdrivers and hand drill for good.
Cordless power drills are more popular than cordless drills because of their portability and convenience. On the other hand, many professional contractors prefer corded drills due to their no-frills power and dependability. Although recent technology has done an exceptional job of closing the gap between corded and cordless power drills, the choice is still ultimately yours to make .
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Drill Bit Size: The bit
Make sure that you consider what type of materials you will be drilling most. Softer materials (such as wood) don't need a very large bit and they can run at very high speeds, whereas harder materials (metal and masonry) require slow speeds and large bits to get the job done. Opt for a model with variable speed if you plan to work on a variety of materials. Drill Bit Type: There a different drill bit accessories suited for different tasks, such as for drilling wood, masonry, metal, ceramic, and glass. Chuck Type: Choose between a keyless or keyed chuck, which determines the method for screwing on the bit. Keyed chucks require using a key to tighten the bit, while keyless chucks have an internal gripping mechanism that does not require any other tools. Keyed chucks were the old standard, preferred due to their reliability. These days key less chucks are just as reliable and they offer faster switching between bits. |
Torque, which is measured in foot-pounds, is the drill's maximum amount of turning force. Some drills have an adjustable clutch with different torque settings for different applications. There is a general correlation between drill price and torque; drills that cost more have more torque.
The higher the voltage, the more power (9.6-28V) and weight (3-10 lb) the drill will possess. Most household jobs will be fine with a 13.2 volt![]()
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Rechargeable drill batteries should last you about five years, or roughly 500 charges, though with frequent use you might need to replace it sooner. They can be pricey, so you might want to consider just buying a brand new drill. If you have a higher end drill, it's probably more economical to buy a replacement battery.
Common features you'll want in a cordless or corded drill:
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