Buyers guide to power drills

Whether you want a power tool for professional reasons or just as a home diyer wanting to do home improvements, choosing the correct tools are essential.

I hope that the following will help you in deciding on the correct one.

Is Cordless Better Than Corded?

There are both advantages and disadvantages to both of these types, but generally, cordless is the route for most people.

The advantages of cordless is not having twisted cables to contend with and they also tend to be smaller, lighter and easier to use in close spaces.

Advantages:

• More Flexible – easier to use up ladders or in tight areas
• Safer to use with not having a trailing cord
• Easy to handle and lightweight

The disadvantages are that you need to remember to keep charging the battery or maybe instead, having to buy two batteries for those longer jobs. To help with this, you will now find that many tool sets do come with two included batteries.

Disadvantages:

• Need to regularly recharge the battery
• Don’t have as much power as a corded tool.

Voltage and Batteries

The voltages tend to vary from 7.2v to 24v. Higher voltage tools gives you better performance and more power, which means that you can finish the job faster.

The charge on lower voltage batteries last about the same as higher ones, but you get much more done with the higher voltage due to its increased speed.

Lower voltage tools (like 12v) are ideal if you want to just put up pictures around the house, but for the average home diyer or professional, you should be looking at 18v or higher. Do bare in mind, the higher the voltage, the higher the costs.

Speed

Speed is known as rpm (rotations per minute) and come with both lower speed settings and higher speed settings. The lower speeds tend to be around 300-400rpm and the higher tends to be 1300-1700rpm.

If possible, buy a tool with a bigger range, as these tools allow you to be able to do a greater range of jobs.

Chuck Size

These tend to come in two sizes, either 1/3 inch or 1/2 inch. This will dictate what is the maximum size of hole that you can drill. For most, a the 1/3 inch size is ideal, but them for the more serious home diyer, go for the 1/2 inch size.

Hammer Action

If you intend on drilling masonry, then you will need to go for a tool with hammer action.

Before you buy

Before you buy, decide on the following:

What will you be using the tool for? This will dictate the voltage you will need, but 18v and above are the best choice.

Do you need one or two batteries? If you need two, look for sets that come with two batteries included.

Will you be drilling masonry? If so, you need to include the hammer features.

Do you need a quick charger? If so, go for one which recharges in around 30 minutes.

The best advice I can give you is to read the best cordless drill reviews or consumer reviews (the people who have actually used the product). This will tell you if there are any issued with regards to the product or if it is generally well thought of.

Choose a well know make, like Bosch, Dewalt or Makita etc.

Bestselling Drills on Amazon

	Genesis GCD18BK 18v Cordless Drill/Driver Kit, Grey	$31.08
	Black & Decker DR260B 3/8-Inch 5.2 Amp Drill/Driver	$29.88
	Black & Decker BDCDMT120 20-volt Matrix Drill The BLACK & DECKER BDCDMT120 MATRIX 20V DRILL features the innovative Matrix Quick Connect System, which allows the user to add different heads for different jobs and applicat... read more →	$59.00
	DEWALT DWD115K 8 Amp 3/8-Inch VSR Mid-Handle Grip Drill Kit with Keyless Chuck	$68.99
	Black & Decker LDX220SBFC 20-Volt MAX Lithium-Ion Drill/Driver with Fast Charger	$79.00

Prices are accurate as of June 19, 2013 6:15 am. Product prices and available are subject to change. Any price and availablility information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of any products.

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