Nov. 04, 2024
Tools
A cordless drill is the most essential power tool you'll buy. It's the tool you'll depend on for large projects, such as building a deck and remodeling a kitchen, as well as for smaller tasks like installing fixtures and assembling furniture. You might even use your drill to service other tools.
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Today, most cordless drills operate on lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. These batteries provide more power and longer run times in a lighter package than ever before. The Natural Resources Defense Council reports that these batteries have improved so significantly over the past decade that a newer drill can operate for 50% longer than one from seven years ago.
Additionally, many of today’s cordless drills are equipped with advanced motors. Brushless motors, once exclusive to contractor-centric brands like DeWalt, Makita, and Milwaukee, are now accessible in reasonably priced consumer drills from brands such as Kobalt, Porter-Cable, and Ridgid.
Unlike brushed motors, which run at a constant rate regardless of the material (whether softwood like pine or hardwood like oak), brushless motors adapt to the resistance they meet, drawing less energy. They produce less friction, increasing efficiency, and have fewer moving parts. With no brushes to replace, maintenance is simpler.
Overall, improved motors and battery longevity have consistently enhanced brand performance in Consumer Reports ratings, which now include impact drivers. Impact drivers are compact yet powerful tools designed to drive screws into wood, metal, and cement more efficiently than traditional cordless drills, making them ideal for heavy-duty tasks such as building decks or home renovations.
For DIY enthusiasts, both impact drivers and cordless drills are indispensable. Most owners are satisfied with their drills; data from our exclusive member survey shows that two-thirds of cordless drill brands receive favorable ratings for reliability and owner satisfaction. Brands such as Bosch, DeWalt, Makita, Milwaukee, and Ridgid are rated Excellent in both categories.
Prices for new drills range from $30 to $300, with impact drivers costing up to $450. Continue reading for essential details to help you select the right tool.
Selecting the right drill can be challenging. Have you ever faced overwhelming options at the hardware store while tackling DIY projects at home?
Use this guide as your ultimate resource. In this article, we discuss the benefits of cordless versus corded drills, recommend models based on task difficulty, and list brands along with their prices. Check it out:
BASIC Jobs: Assembling simple furniture, drilling plasterboard and wood (35 mm), steel (13 mm), and concrete (15 mm).
Choose a drill with a gearbox and hammer action for light, repeated household use. This will also effectively support smaller masonry drill bits for hanging pictures or curtains.
Specifications: 500-700 watts, RPM, 13mm keyless chuck, 70-140 Nm torque, 18 volts.
A basic corded hammer drill can penetrate heavy-duty materials like concrete, stone, brick, and tile. While they deliver greater power, care is required to avoid breaking small-diameter bits under heavy loads. Most models allow you to turn off the hammer function for tasks like those done with cordless drills, though they may be heavier and require two hands to operate.
Opt for a drill with a warranty to ensure quality and reliability. Typically, Ace Hardware in the UAE offers a 1-year warranty.
Brands like Black and Decker, Dewalt, and Bosch offer recommended basic ranges.
Price: AED 179 - 350.
ADVANCED Jobs: Drilling concrete and other tasks usually handled by professionals.
An SDS drill, built for heavy-duty use, typically comes with powerful motors designed for rigorous construction and building tasks. The hammer action and extra power benefit larger masonry bits for expansion bolts used in hanging heavier items such as TV brackets and mirrors.
Specifications: 700+ watts, Keyed SDS Chuck, 60 Nm torque, 18-40 volts.
The SDS drill is preferred for professional-grade tasks. Note that cordless drills are not ideal for hard walls due to their reliance on battery power, requiring frequent recharges.
Opt for a minimum of 700 watts for optimal performance.
Brands like Hitachi (high range only) and Milwaukee are excellent choices at the premium end.
Price: AED 600+ for preferred brands.
BASIC Jobs: Assembling simple furniture and drilling plasterboard, wood (30 mm), or steel (13 mm).
Specifications: 1.5 to 2 Ah, RPM, 10mm keyless chuck, 35 Nm torque, 12 volts.
If you only need to drive screws into the wall, a lightweight cordless drill without hammer action will suffice. While cordless drills offer more freedom, they tend to have less power than corded drills, especially for tough hammer action tasks.
Stick to established brands like Black & Decker, Skill, or Bosch (green range for non-professionals) when choosing battery-powered drills.
Price: A basic battery drill starts around AED 159 for a 10mm chuck.
ADVANCED Jobs: Assembling larger furniture, decking, and drilling plasterboard, wood (35 mm), steel (13+ mm), and concrete (15 mm).
Specifications: 2 to 3 Ah, RPM, 10mm-13mm keyless chuck, 50 Nm torque, 18+ volts.
For intermediate tasks, upgrading to a 13mm chuck is advisable as it supports almost all household needs. Ensure adequate voltage with at least 18 volts, using lithium-ion batteries for longevity.
Avoid multi-sets with shared batteries to prevent frequent battery swaps if working on multiple tools.
Price: AED 235 - 850.
Ah: An ampere hour (Ah) is a measure of battery charge that allows one ampere of current to flow for one hour.
RPM: Revolutions Per Minute; drilling RPM varies with material cutting speed and drill bit size. Reduce speed when drilling harder materials.
Chuck: Drill chucks hold the drill bit. They can be keyed, keyless, or hybrid, enabling quick bit changes.
Nm: Torque (Newton Metres) measures the force causing rotation, indicating the drill's power.
Volts: Higher voltage in power tools translates to greater torque, enabling less strain on the battery.
Watts: Higher wattage is better for drilling masonry; lower wattage suffices for plasterboard. A 550-watt drill is adequate for basic DIY jobs.
Approximately 80% of people use their drill primarily for driving screws, such as when assembling flat-pack furniture. For tasks requiring drilling, many opt to hire professionals. Thus, owning a drill may not be essential.
Yes, especially if you're an avid DIYer. If you only use a drill occasionally, a higher-spec cordless drill is recommended.
Ensure it comes with a battery or purchase one separately. A warranty is also advised.
The best drill bits depend on your DIY tasks. Since bits can break, having spares is worthwhile. Consider a multipack of quality bits:
Quality drills are available at lower prices due to improved designs and mechanics. Many reputable brands now manufacture basic drills in China, ensuring they are fit for purpose.
Useful features like an illuminating light enhance accuracy while drilling. Laser leveling features may be less beneficial.
For non-professional use, a standard drill typically lasts between 5-10 years.
Need more information? Listen to the We Will Fix It Podcast focused on selecting a drill in Dubai.
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