Power Tools

Power Drill Guide: What Are The Different Types of Drill?

From corded hammer drills to impact drivers, there are countless power tools to choose from. Whether you are drilling holes in masonry or embarking on a new woodwork project, different materials and tasks will require different tools and drill bits.

To help you navigate theoccasionally complicated world of power tools, we’ve put together this handy drill guide. Whether you’re embarking on a DIY project or simply hanging a photo frame, we have everything you need to find the right tool for the job.

What Are The Different Types of Drills?

All drills, regardless of specific function, can be divided into two broad categories. When deciding what drill to buy, which of these two types will suit you bestt is the first decision you need to consider:

Corded

If you’re more experienced, or looking to do some heavy work, you may appreciate the extra force of a corded power drill. These mains-powered drills are perfect for more demanding jobs and frequent use.

Compared to cordless models, corded drills have greater power and torque (twisting force)– making them more suited to heavy duty jobs, like drilling through masonry. You’ll also never run out of power midway through a project with a corded drill.

Cordless

A cordless power tool has the advantage of being both flexible and convenient. Although less powerful, for the majority of DIY’ers a cordless drill is the best option due to its ease of use and portability.

What Is A Cordless Drill Used For?

Standard cordless drills can be used for a range of tasks, such as making holes and driving screws into wood or plastic items. A combi drill is the best drill for metal, as they have two-speed settings to provide great control and performance.

With slightly more power behind them, hammer drills would be used for denser materials, like brick and concrete. The hammer drill is also the most suitable tool for masonry, combining a rotary motion with a pulsating hammer action to penetrate this tough material without risk of burn out. For less heavy-duty work such as driving or loosening screws, an impact driver is perfect.

There is no trailing flex to get in the way, so cordless models can also be safer to work with. For long jobs, you may want to invest in a second battery or a drill with a quick charge function, so you don’t have to wait whilst your battery recharges.

Battery type

If you do opt for a cordless model, you’ll also want to think about the type of battery you need.

Lithium-ion batteries are smaller and lighter than traditional Ni Cad batteries. Lithium-ion batteries also hold their charge for longer, meaning they need less frequent charging between jobs. Ni Cad batteries are bulkier and heavier, but tend to be a cheaper option if you’re on a budget.

If you’re in the market for a new charger or battery for your cordless drill, explore our selection, which includes brands like Black and Decker, Bosch and Stanley.

What Is A Combi Drill?

If you’ll be using your power tools for a range of projects, a combi drill may be the best option. As the name suggests, this type of drill combines different settings that allow you to drive screws and drill holes into a range of materials, including concrete and masonry if it has a hammer function.

Most models will have a keyless chuck that allows you to quickly change drill or screwdriver bits by hand.

What Is An SDS Drill?

An SDS drill is a heavy duty hammer action drill that can be used to tackle a wide range of tough tasks and materials, such as drilling through steel, masonry, concrete and brickwork. The chuck on an SDS drill is different to that on a standard drill, so they require specialist drill bits. If you’re going to be breaking up concrete, taking down old tiling or removing internal walls, then an SDS drill is the tool for the job.

How Do You Know Which Type of Drill Is Right for You?

It’s important to consider how a drill feels in your hands, as you’ll likely be holding it for long periods of time. Check if the handle is comfortable (especially if you’re left-handed). You may find a rubberised or ‘soft grip’ anti-slip handle gives you a better hold. T-shaped handles are usually easier and more comfortable to use because the battery is centred, which makes the drill feel more balanced.

Top Tip: It’s sensible to check that you can lift a drill comfortably and that it isn’t too heavy for you.

How Do I Know What Kind of Drill Bit I Need?

Before buying a drill, make sure that you have everything you need to complete the task. Available in a range of shapes and sizes, drill bits ensure your power tool can be adapted to various materials and tasks.

For instance, if you’re unsure which drill bit is best for brick, opt for a masonry drill bit. Alternatively, if you’re renovating a bathroom and wondering if you need a special drill bit for tile, a carbide or diamond-tipped drill bit is better suited.

Top Tip: Drill kits are a great investment, especially if you’re making a first-time purchase.

Drill FAQs

What drill power rating should you go for?

When buying a drill, it’s important to consider which power rating is required. Generally, the higher the voltage or wattage, the more expensive the drill will be.

Cordless drills all come with a voltage rating (voltages range from 7.2v to 24v). The higher the voltage rating, the more powerful the drill. A higher voltage drill delivers more power, which will make drilling/screwing easier, so you’ll finish the job quicker.

A higher voltage also usually means a heavier battery – but it’s worth remembering that a bigger battery doesn’t necessarily mean the drill will work for longer.

For corded power drills, it’s all about the wattage. A higher wattage gives more power for heavier tasks and the drill can work for longer without the risk of overheating.

Do I need a drill with gears?

The gears in a drill transmit power from the motor to the chuck and the drill bit. Different gears let you do different things better. For general drilling, 1 gear is fine, and the simplest and cheapest drills usually come with a single gear.

If you want to use your power drill as a screwdriver, it’s worth paying extra for a drill with a second gear. The first gear offers greater torque at lower speeds – so you have greater control of the drill when driving screws. The second gear is for drilling with a lower torque but a higher speed.

Most power drills come with a several different torque settings. These are good for tackling the full range of materials you’re likely to come across as an amateur DIY’er. They also have a reverse gear for undoing screws or freeing stuck drill bits.

What is a variable speed drill?

Single-speed, low-end power drills aren’t suitable for all drilling jobs. If you need to drill a range of materials of differing toughness, go for a drill with variable speed control, so you can match the speed of the drill to the job and the material you’re working on.

The speed of a drill (measured in RPM – revolutions per minute) is important for overall performance. For precision jobs, a variable speed drill will enable you to start slowly and gradually increase the speed for more accurate, neater results. Drills with ‘fast stop’ will stop quickly when the trigger is released, giving you extra control and maximum accuracy.

Do I need a drill with hammer action?

Many combi drills come with a hammer action setting for drilling into heavier and harder materials, such as masonry. Hammer action supports your drilling with simultaneous striking action, making drilling much quicker and easier. For hammer work, you’ll need toughened tungsten carbide tipped (TCT) masonry bits.

Do I need a drill or an electric screwdriver?

If you’re looking for a lightweight, inexpensive tool that’s primarily used for tightening and loosening screws, then an electric screwdriver is perfect. Due to their smaller structure, the screwdriver allows you to drive a screw into narrow or compact space – making it the preferable choice.

Compared to electric screwdrivers, drills are more powerful and versatile. Available with multiple attachments, the drill enables you to work with a wider range of materials, including concrete and tile. Although they are the pricier option, drills are a good long-term investment and essential for larger projects.

And there you have it – our ultimate drill guide to help you choose the right tool for the job! Explore our full range of power drills to find your perfect fit and visit our Ideas & Advice Hub for more DIY hacks and inspiration.



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