Buying your first power drill? Here is a Power Drill Buying Guide that will list down some of the most important considerations to make. The other factors for your choice are covered in this very informative video.
1) First of all: With a Cord or Cordless?
For most, this is the first point to make a decision on. There are different advantages plus disadvantages to each type of drill:
– First of all, cordless drills are often more convenient to use. They can be used in any location without the need for power cords and power outlets, as long as the battery stays charged. Overall, the greatest edge of corded electric drills is the absence of limits on how long one can use them at a time. With a corded drill, you will never find yourself waiting for batteries to charge.
– Secondly, while it may sound a little strange, cordless drills tend to be lighter than corded drills. Really makes a lot of sense, right? But, if one opts for a high-power cordless drill (18V and 24V), these models are often as bulkier as compared to the corded types.
– Thirdly, cordless drills are deemed as always safer. There is no cord that can be a trip hazard.
– Additionally, and fourthly, if torque and extended times are needed, a corded drill, by a long shot, performs better. Although there are many high-power models available in the market for cordless drills, corded drills always supply more power, and will be able to provide it longer.
– Fifth, even the most “perfect” batteries have a finite lifetime. One should expect that batteries of your cordless drill last only for two to four years at most. The batteries of cordless drills are expensive to replace. It’s often cheaper to buy a new cordless drill than purchasing a new set of two batteries. So if one a cordless drill, he should expect to be purchase a new drill in several years. On the other hand, if one chooses a corded drill, he is set for at least a decade of usability.
– If one is opting for a cordless drill, he should choose a cordless drill with Lithium-Ion, commonly known as Li-Ion batteries. One should avoid buying drills powered by Nickel-Metal-Hydride or NiMH batteries. The former is better. Lithium-Ion batteries are known to be more powerful and have longer lifetimes. They also don’t have “memory” issues. And more importantly, these are less harmful to the environment, because of the lower content of harmful metal elements.
2) Pick the Best Chuck
What is a Chuck? It is the component of the drill that keeps the drill bits in place. There are two choices to make here: the chuck size and the chuck type.
The chucks are available in these sizes: 1/4″, 3/8″, and 1/2″. The standard size is 3/8″. If one is looking for the ability to use large diameter drill bits, he should opt for the 1/2″ chuck since many big bits will not fit in a 3/8″ drill. If one does not need or will have no use for larger bits, the 3/8″ chuck is a better option. This is because, typically, these drills will have higher drill bit speeds with the smaller-sized chucks.
As for the type of chucks, there are generally two types: keyed and non-keyed or keyless. With the former, one uses a mechanical key to loosen or tighten the drill bits. For drills with the non-keyed or keyless chucks, one tightens the drill bit into the chuck by holding it with the hand while powering the drill. It is clear though, that the mechanical advantage of the keyed chuck makes it hold bits more secure and tighter. Thus there is a lesser chance for the drill bit to slip in the chuck. The advantage of the keyless chuck, on the other hand, is that it is faster to change drill bits, and there is nothing to lose or misplace.
3) Other Important Features to Consider
To get the most benefits out of a new drill, one needs to check if it carries these essential features:
– Reverse Function. Even if one doesn’t plan to use the drill to drive screws, the reverse is necessary for removing drill bits that get stuck. If one is opting for getting a drill with a keyless chuck, it is always best to have a reverse function. Otherwise, there will be no way for one to get the drill bit out.
– Variable speed. If one will be using the drill to drive screws, this feature is absolutely essential. Even without this need, this is still a helpful feature since it is much easier to drill clean holes because different materials require bit speeds.
– Speed range settings. This feature is crucial if one plans to drive screws. This gives one the flexibility of speed — a lower speed range makes driving screws much easier.
– A torque clutch. This, again, is only required if one plans to drive screws. The clutch allows you to set a maximum torque point, after which the drill will stop. This feature is handy when driving screws so that you do not over-drive the screw into the material. If you drive large amounts of screws (like in decking), this feature is a real life-saver.
