The right tools make all the difference to any project
that you are working on. Having the right tools means fewer mistakes and work getting
done on time. Right tools on hand can prove to be a boon for DIY enthusiasts.
Screwdrivers, hammers and spanners are basic tools that almost everyone has. Those
with a more serious interest in working with their hands look out for drills. Of
course the tools inventory of those who use tools in a professional capacity always
includes drills.
Drills are needed when holes are to be made in metal, wood and concrete. Drills
can also be used to drive in screws and fasten nuts and bolts when they are fitted
with the right kind of adaptors.
Hand operated drills prove to be very cumbersome and the results of using them do
not prove to be very satisfactory. Power drills are the preferred universal choice.
When it comes to power drills there are two basic choices - corded power drills
and cordless power drills. Corded power drills are connected through cords to the
mains while in use. Cordless power drills are powered with the help of batteries
or a charger.
Corded And Cordless Drills – A Comparison
|
Cordless power drills are preferred over corded power drills as they are
easier to handle. No dangling cords getting in the way of a busy workman. Cordless
power drills are lighter in weight when compared to corded ones. Users find cordless
power drills very handy as they can be used even in places where there is no electrical
socket. These are the main reasons why people tend to prefer cordless drills over corded. |
|
|
|
All of these advantages, however, do not mean that corded drills
have no redeeming features. Corded drills are preferred for heavy duty jobs by experienced
workers.
Corded power drills are used for tough jobs because they offer more power and torque.
Even though the user of a corded power drill has to rely heavily on the availability
of a suitable electrical socket, it can be the preferred choice for certain kinds
of tasks.
Users find that holes of a large diameter are better drilled with corded power drills.
If a cordless drill is used for a task of this kind, it would stress the battery
of the drill too much and lead to a breakdown.
|
A Few Features To Consider While Evaluating A Drill
The size of the motor in the drill determines its performance.
A power rating is used to indicate how powerful a drill is. High power ratings assure
the user about good performance. Simple logic here – the higher the electricity consumed,
the higher the power. The power rating is given in Volts for cordless drill
and in Watts for corded ones. Cordless drills generally come with power ratings
9, 12, 14 and 18 volt models.
The speed of a drill is indicated in RPM (Revolutions per Minute). This indication
helps the user gauge the speed at which the drill will function and thus it can
be used accordingly. Some drills come equipped with multiple speeds while others
are just single speed drills. The absence of choice of speeds affects the flexibility
of the drill.
Some drills are equipped with a percussion action so that heavy materials like concrete
can be pierced. These are mostly air powered drills that operate using compressed
air. Such drills are usually used in engineering workshops. Drills with an enhanced
hammer action are also referred to as SDS drills. They can outperform a hammer drill
any day. SDS drills operate in three modes – drill only, drill and hammer, hammer
only no drill. The user can choose the function as per the need of the task. SDS
drills are very powerful so choose one that has a safety clutch. Go in for a light
weight drill to make handling easier.
The drill bits used in these drills are TCT (tungsten carbide tipped) masonry bits.
The speed at which these drills operate is around thousands of beats per minute.
Control of these drills requires a certain amount of skill. Secondary handles that
provide a firm grip make usage of hammer drills more comfortable.
Most power drills have five torque settings. This feature allows for better control
of the drill by giving level options for the twisting force and speed.
Features like variable speed and reverse add to the versatility of a drill. Addition
of a gearbox with multiple speed ranges increases the flexibility of usage of a
drill. Less speed and more torque is made possible with this feature.
The part of the drill that holds the drill bit tightly in place is referred to as
its chuck. The capacity of the chuck determines the largest size of drill bit that
can be used in the drill. The standard 10mm size is generally suitable for most
needs. The chuck mechanism may be either key operated, keyless or SDS. Keyless models
are usually fitted with a 13mm chuck.
3/8 inch and ½ inch are generally the sizes that power drills are made in. The measurement
is indicative of the size of the chuck and the largest drill bit that can be fitted
into it. For most tasks a 3/8 inch chuck is sufficient.
While buying drills, whether corded or cordless, try not to compromise on quality.
Cheaper drills might not be such a good buy as they might need replacement sooner.
Quality drills prove to be cheaper in the long run if you take performance and durability
into account.
Safety Considerations While Operating A Drill
While using power tools of any sort one should exercise
extreme caution to avoid any mishaps. Safety glasses should always be worn while
using a power drill. This will protect the eyes from any bits of flying concrete
or wood that is being pierced. Appropriate clothing is also necessary. Loose fitting
clothing or jewelry can get caught in a power drill so these should be avoided.
Carrying a power drill by the cord is to be avoided at all costs as this puts
undue pull on the cord. It might lead to the cord getting dislodged when in use
and a short circuit might damage the power cable. The cord should be checked periodically
and replaced if any worn out portions are noticed.
It is very important to maintain a firm grip on the handle when a power drill is
in use. Sprained wrists are not an uncommon occurrence among users of power drills.
Price Ranges Of Corded Drills
Power drills are available from $30 onwards for a basic
3/8 inch corded power drill. Manufacturers like Black & Decker, Craftsman, Skil,
Makita and DeWalt make several models for this basic category. Most of these models
have a variable speed feature that makes the drill more versatile to use. The $30-$45
price range can fetch you a corded power drill that is suitable for most domestic
DIYs.
The $50 - $65 price range will bring you a corded drill kit. The kit comes equipped
with drill bits of varying sizes that can be used for different purposes. The drills
in this category generally have a 3.5 – 6 amp power rating. Some manufacturers also
make hammer drills in this price range. The drills in this category may have both
keyed and keyless chucks giving customers a lot of variety to choose from.
The next price band of $65 - $80 can get you more powerful drills. As the price range
goes up you can rest assured that you are buying a sturdy drill. Most top manufacturers
use heavy gauge steel and put in heat-treated gears. This ensures durable and efficient
service.
As you climb the price ladder several models from manufacturers like Milwaukee,
Hitachi and others like Makita, DeWalt, Porter, Bosch, Craftsman, etc., greet you
with various models. Heavy duty drills with a 5.5 amp motor can be bought in this
price band. High RPM and other exclusive features from different manufacturers make
these drills excellent value for money. Heavy duty drills can be used to drill into
several kinds of materials. Spending in the $100 - $120 price range can fetch you
a professional drill with an exhaustive repertoire of drill bits and screwdrivers.
As you go higher up the price ladder you get ½ inch drills with variable speeds
and a full range drill kit. The $150 - $250 price band can get you hammer drills
with several features like rotary hammer, pistol grip, safety features and combination
kits. The $250 plus range will get you lightweight yet powerful drills with electronic
torque controls.
The $400 plus range will get you powerful combination drills with a power rating
of 18V or 19V. The leading manufacturers of powerful corded drills are Hitachi,
Bosch, Milwaukee, DeWalt and Makita among others.
Price Ranges Of Cordless Drills
$10 can get you a 12 V cordless drill with variable speed
and anti-slip handle. As you enter the next price band of up to $30 you can get
a 3/8 inch cordless drill with a keyless chuck. Craftsman, Milwaukee and Skil, among
others, make drills that fit into this price band. These drills are highly functional
and suffice for the needs of the avid DIY enthusiast. The next rung – the $40-$50
price band can get you cordless drills equipped with a drill kit containing drill
bits of varying sizes. Some models accommodate screwdrivers too. The drills in this
price band are generally in the 10V and above power range. Features vary from manufacturer
to manufacturer with some offering a 24 position clutch while others offer two batteries
which can last for an average of five hours.
As you move into the next price band of $60-$70, features get added to your drill.
You get powerful batteries that remain charged for up to eighteen months. Some drills
come equipped with an electronic clutch with up to ten torque settings. Some models
have quick change chucks that make the drill easy to use.
Slightly higher up the price ladder into the up to $100 range will get you drills
with LED indicators that show the drilling direction. Keyless chucks that allow
the user fast and easy changes of drill bits are a popular feature in this price
band. Variable speeds and electronic brakes are features that most manufacturers
automatically include in this category. Panasonic, Bosch, Milwaukee and Craftsman
are among the leaders in this price band.
Crossing the $100 threshold will bring you to multiple gear selectors with variable
speeds. Reversible action that facilitates the removal of screws is a feature in
some drills that comes in very handy.
Those who are looking for cordless drills that can be used in a professional capacity
will find the $200 and above price band to be ideal. Hammer drills, 24 V drills,
½ inch drills, T – handle drills, drills with a hammer drill kit… the list goes
on. DeWalt, Craftsman, Bosch, Panasonic, Makita, Milwaukee and several others vie
with each other with several feature-packed drills on offer.
The above $500 price band will fetch you combo kits that also include drills. All
the leading manufacturers make several excellent combination tools that fall into
this elite price band.
Top Manufacturers