The Best Drills To Complete Any Home Renovation Project
If you do not have the luxury of hiring someone to fix your everyday household problems, a drill will certainly come in handy. You might need to tighten up a few loose screws, maybe build a new toilet seat, fix the curtain rods, or perhaps you want to get your new clock on the wall. With electric drills, you can do these, and more, just in a couple of minutes! Moreover, drills can help cater to your common DIY issues. Especially if you're somebody who likes to take care of daily household matters on your own, a drill machine must be a part of your toolbox! In fact, with some good fixes, you can even turn your old house look all renewed. Not to mention, you can get drills that run on different voltages depending on the task at hand. To narrow it down, we've put together a list of the best drills in 2022 and a detailed buying guide to help you finalize your purchase. So, without any further ado, let's begin!
Best Drills Buying Guide
A modern drill is a very versatile power tool. No matter the task, whether it involves assembling flat-pack furniture, building a deck, or drilling holes through walls to mount objects, an electric drill makes drilling holes in different materials super easy. With a drill on your side, you can wrap up home improvement projects without any hassle.
There are a lot of models of drills available. They range from very powerful and robust hand tools that are packed with features demanded by professional tradespeople to more functional and typical versions most suited to the occasional home DIYer.
A great drill for you will be fit for your purpose and very good value for money. This guide should help you decide which drill is the most appropriate for your needs!
What Are the Different Types of Drills?
There are a couple of drill machines out there, some of them are designed to do better in one job than the other. But there's more to it, let's dig in!
Drill drivers
These types of drills are perfect for smaller household jobs. Such power tools can function as a drill as well as a screwdriver and will cope with wood and thin metal. Drill drivers are not designed to be used with masonry or heavy-duty jobs. They are more appropriate if you only need a drill for light use. A drill driver is a very reasonably priced option to consider.
Impact drivers
These types of drills were designed to do one job – to drive in screws. They are very efficient in removing over-tightened or frozen screws in your old house. They save a lot of time too especially when you are carrying out a project that involves volumes of screws, such as building a deck.
Combi drills
Combi drills are very versatile and great all-rounder drills. They work well for wood, brick, concrete, and steel, and with a combination of driver, hammer, and impact settings. Usually, a combi drill can tackle most jobs. Such cordless drills are very popular for carrying out home DIY projects.
Hammer drills
The hammer drill like its name is a heavyweight drill that is specifically designed to drill into stone, masonry, and concrete. Its hammering action produces quicker drilling that makes it really appropriate for really heavy work.
If you are new to drilling, check this video from The Honest Carpenter to know more about the difference between drill and drivers.
Sds (Special Drive System) Rotary Hammer Drills
These are highly specialized, and more expensive, drills. They are usually more powerful than standard hammer drills and are used for really heavy-duty jobs. An SDS drill has the featured choice of turning off the rotary action so the tools can chisel through stone and concrete.
Which Ones Are Better: Cordless Drills or Corded Drills?
Cordless drills
These kinds of drills are very popular for a good reason. Cordless drills are powered by efficient, rechargeable Lithium-ion batteries. They are built to work wherever they are needed. They are lightweight and also comfortable to use over a long period of time. The more power a job requires, the quicker the battery will be drained. Most Li-ion batteries can be fully recharged in an hour or less. You can always buy extra batteries if you always need to work for long periods at a go.
Pros
- They are very portable and convenient
- They are lightweight and comfortable to use for longer periods
Cons
- They are not as powerful as corded drills
- The tools productivity is hugely impacted by the battery life
- They are more expensive
Corded drills
This kind of drill connects to the mains supply. You will need access either to a plug socket or an extension lead. They can be used for long periods without worry about battery life. A corded drill equipped with the right drill bits, can tackle metal, stone, and drill large holes with ease. Corded drills mostly come equipped with a double handle, so they can be safely and effectively used for heavy-duty tasks.
Pros
- They are more powerful than cordless drills.
- They are cheaper than cordless models.
Cons
- They are not as portable as cordless drills.
- They are also usually larger and heavier to handle and hold.
What Things Should You Consider When Looking for a Drill?
To get the type of drill you need, you will need to consider a lot of factors. How often do you intend to use it? What types of jobs do you want it to perform? Which materials do you tend to work with?
When choosing a drill, it’s best to examine these product features to help you make the right decision.
Torque
Measured in Newton-meters (Nm), this is the force that causes rotation in a drill. Put simply, more torque means a higher drilling force. A higher torque setting would usually be required for tough materials, like brickwork. For more delicate materials (like wood) a lower torque setting reduces the amount of damage. Torque control, sometimes referred to as a variable clutch setting, allows you to adjust the torque to fit the material you are using.
Speed
The speed of a drill is measured in RPM (revolutions per minute). You require less speed to drill softer materials. High speed is needed for drilling into harder materials. Drills that offer variable speed features are useful for working with a range of materials. Single-speed drills on the other hand are not the most versatile.
Reverse function
Some drills have a function that allows them to change the direction of the drill and bits. They are usually for loosening bolts and screws.
Chuck types
The chuck is the section of the drill that keeps the drill bits in place. The chuck determines what size of drill bit shaft the drill can accommodate. The two most popular chuck sizes are 10mm and 13mm chucks. 10mm chucks are sufficient for most home DIY use, 13mm chucks are more for heavy-duty applications.
Gears
Drills that come equipped with more than one gear allow you to select different speed ranges. You get the option to control the speed of single gear drills with the speed control trigger.
Drilling capacity
Drilling capacity is the maximum diameter of the drill bit that can be used. You should always check that the drill bits are compatible with the drill you are using.
The Best Drill Models of 2022 in Detail
BLACK DECKER 20V MAX Drill
– Best Overall
A 20V cordless drill that features an adjustable speed system for better precision. It features a 3/8-inch bit system and a keyless chuck. Moreover, the 20V motor delivers a maximum speed of 650RPM; the speed can be adjusted as well. The drill comes packed with a lithium-ion battery. The best part? The clutch on this drill features 11 different adjustable positions, providing precise and accurate movement to drill into metal, wood, cement, or plastic!
- It has an 11-positions clutch, enabling precise control for drilling into various materials
- The speed can be controlled as well
- It comes with a lithium-ion battery
- The drill is a little under-powered but gets the job done regardless
AVID POWER 20V MAX Lithium Ion Drill
– Runner Up
This is a cordless drill with multiple adjustable positions that offer enhanced accuracy in tight spaces! We believe it’s a small and compact option. Moreover, this cordless power drill uses a 20V motor that provides adequate power for different types of operations. The drill comes loaded with a keyless chuck. The speed on it can be adjusted, as well as the position of the drill bit. The complete package includes a 22PCs bit set that contains both drill and driver bits.
- It comes with 10 pcs drill bits, 10 pcs driver bits, as well as an extension bar for hard-to-reach places
- It has a rubber-covered, ergonomic handle for easy operation
- The drill has a 15+1 position clutch that allows for improved control
- It comes with a light but it only lights up when you press the trigger. We believe it should light up beforehand
TACKLIFE 12V 2.0Ah Drill
– Honorable Mention
A cordless drill system that comes with built-in fast-charge technology. This drill works like a wonder and is a lightweight solution for everyday home tasks. It comes with a 200mAh Lithium-Ion battery pack. Moreover, this cordless power drill charges fully within an hour and gets you ready to take on some screwing and drilling. The whole kit comprises a 22pcs set, has a 12V motor, and weighs around 4.15 pounds!
- This drill charges fully within an hour and has a great battery life (2000mAh large-capacity)
- It comes with 2 variable speed options
- The drill comes with a 19-position clutch for precise, smooth drilling as well as screwdriving tasks
- It’s not the best choice for longer screws (more than 2.5 inches)
CRAFTSMAN V20 Drill
– Also Consider
A multipurpose tool that can be used as a driver and drill. The CRAFTSMAN Cordless Drill comes loaded with a battery and a charger. It offers a power rating of 280 watts and allows you to adjust its speed. The 20V motor paves way for a stable RPM that yields the desired accuracy regardless of the material you’re drilling into. And what’s the drill about this drill? It comes with a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty!
- It comes with a 1/2 inches keyless chuck that allows for a fast and easy bit change
- The battery timing goes as high as 60 minutes with continuous usage
- It comes with a 3-year limited warranty
- The battery runs out relatively quicker
DEWALT 20V MAX Drill
– Also Consider
The DEWALT drill has a compact structure, sturdy built, and high-performance motor that deals out 300-watts of power for any tasks you may have on your plate. You may choose between two speeds to fasten and drill different applications at work or home. It has a single sleeve ratchet chuck that allows you to grip things tighter. Plus, the ergonomic handle helps you build control over time. The drill comes with a compact charger and a battery. We think this drill particularly does better at smaller jobs – for instance, putting together furniture items or shelves!
- The motor helps you choose between two speed options; 450 RPM and 1500 RPM
- It has a 1/2 inch chuck that provides tight bit gripping
- It has a compact, light-weight design that works great when you’re dealing with hard-to-reach areas
- It doesn’t have an extraordinary battery; only good for small tasks
WORKPRO Pink 20V Lithium-ion Drill
– Also Consider
Last but not least, here’s a drill with a max 20 voltage and 1.5AH Lithium-Ion battery to give you steady power as you work on your home project or professional gig! The Workpro drill has a 21+1 torque position clutch to get more precision on adjustments. The soft grip on the handle does not only makes things comfortable but also increases your control of the tool. You may need to work in dark spots, and the LED light will be of good assistance. Also, it comes with a storage bag to keep your tools and accessories organized. Although keep in mind, some of the parts can be wobbly.
- This drill offers a speed of up to 1500 RPM
- It features a 21+1 torque position clutch; providing excellent and better control than the most
- It comes with an LED light for easy dark-spot drilling/screwdriving
- It might not be a sturdy/powerful enough option for concrete related tasks
PEOPLE ALSO ASKED
A: The primary purpose of a drill is to drill holes. It is an essential tool for anyone who wants to perform simple tasks like putting up a shelf or hanging a picture. They also work very well for professional applications by technicians and tool experts. Also, most modern drills in the market can act as a drill machine as well as a screwdriver.
A: When selecting your drill, you should choose a drill that feels comfortable to hold with an ergonomic design. Consider the weight of the drill, it shouldn't be so heavy that fatigue will be a factor. As with any other tool, the question of how much you can afford is relative. If you need to decide between two models with similar features and performance levels, opt for a well-known brand. This will ensure you get a better-quality product with long service life.
A: To help you make an informed decision, here's an overview of what each drill can be best utilized for: Concrete: SDS drill Plastic/Metal/Wood/Glass: Drill driver, Hammer drill, Corded impact drill Brick: Hammer drill, Corded impact drill, SDS drill Tiles: Drill driver, Hammer drill, Corded impact drill, SDS drill (tile only)
