How to Choose and Buy an Electric Drill

Here are some hints and tips to consider when choosing an electric drill.

How to Choose and Buy an Electric Drill - Introduction

Electric drills are an essential tool for a range of DIY jobs, and most households usually keep a drill for at least occasional use for basic maintenance and repairs.

Choosing an electric drill can be confusing, so we've put together this guide to help you understand the jargon and find a model that will best suit your household's needs.

How to Choose and Buy an Electric Drill - Features

Here are the key features to look out for when choosing a drill:

Power - Measured in watts for corded drills, and volts for cordless drills, the higher the power the quicker it will be. Performance increases with power, though prices rise for more powerful drills.
Handle - Look out for a T-shaped handle, for better handling and balance of the drill.
Gears - A good drill should have at least two gears, one for screw-driving and another for drilling harder materials
Torque - For adjusting the combination of rotary force and speed according to the drilling job, torque settings are essential. You'll need to look for a model with at least 5 torque settings if you want a versatile drill capable of handling a range of DIY and household tasks
Bit -This is the part of the drill that makes contact with the material being drilled. The bit is held in place by the chuck. Bits vary in size, and up to 10mm should be enough for most DIY jobs. Bits are made to withstand a range of materials, but for the hammer action function the bit should be made of toughened tungsten carbide tipped (TCT)
Chuck - The chuck is the mechanism that holds the drill bit in place. The chuck on an electric drill can be one of three types:
- Key operated chuck - where the chuck is tightened with a key. These types of chuck are the most secure, giving greater precision, even on tough materials
- Keyless chucks - these are usually designed to a standard 13mm and bits can be changed quickly, although there is less flexibility with drill bits.
- SDS chucks - use a quick lock system for quick and secure changing of drill bits. The SDS system is great for a range of drilling jobs, including harder materials, and is often available on high end models of drill.
Speed/variable speed - Measured in RPM (revolutions per minute) the drill's speed affects its performance. Look out for models with variable speed settings, so you can adjust the RPM for particular jobs and materials.
Hammer action - Ideal for tough materials such as concrete, a hammer action function on a drill uses a pounding action - thousands of beats per minute. A steady grip is needed for the hammer action, so most models will include an extra handle for greater precision
Depth rod - A depth rod is a convenient tool for setting the maximum depth of the hole
Secondary handle - For improved balance and accuracy when drilling, a secondary handle is especially useful on drills with a hammer function
Integrated magnetic bit holder - Keeps all the drill bits attached to the drill so that you don't forget where you left them!
Reverse action - For easier removal of the drill.

How to Choose and Buy an Electric Drill - Corded or Cordless

Whether you choose a corded or cordless electric drill may depend on what type offers you the best features. Both corded and cordless drills have their own advantages and disadvantages:

Corded Drills - Powered by the mains, corded drills have more power and torque, benefiting from continuous power supply. With no battery that needs to be charged, corded drills are always ready to use as long as there is a mains power socket. Many models of corded drills will come with extra features compared to a cordless model, although they can be heavier. However, because corded drills are dependent on a mains power source, they can only be used within range, and the cord can restrict how you position the drill.
Cordless Drills - For use anywhere, a cordless drill is usually lighter and easier to handle than a corded drill. Because there is no cord to get in the way when you are drilling, a cordless drill is safer to use than a corded model. You can use the drill in otherwise inaccessible places because there is no restriction or dependence on a mains power source. Battery life can vary, but Lithium-Ion batteries give the most energy per cell, and you can always inter-change batteries while one is charging and the other is in use. However, cordless drills are usually less powerful than corded models, and some cordless models are not really useful on harder materials such as masonry.

How to Choose and Buy an Electric Drill - Warranty and Budget

A warranty ensures repairs or replacements under certain conditions and is essential when buying a drill. Most electric drills will come with a reasonable warranty, although for more expensive models, you may want to consider paying for an extended warranty.

It's a good idea to set a limit on the amount of money that you're prepared to spend on a drill and avoid paying more for unnecessary features you won't use. By shopping around online, comparing the prices of electric drills between different retailers and taking advantage of special offers and discounts, you could even get a better model of drill for your money.