Choosing a drill for home use: recommendations and tips

What is a drill, what types of work does the tool perform?

An electric drill, or electric drill, is a tool for household and industrial use for drilling holes in various materials: wood, metal, stone, plastic and others. The tool acquires new abilities if you use special attachments: grinding discs, polishing wheels, roughening brushes.

For household electric drills on the market, the minimum and maximum diameters of the drilled holes are 1.5–14 mm, this diameter is determined by the grip width of the chuck jaws. If you need to drill larger holes, there are drills with a thin shank (10 mm) clamped in a standard chuck. When using such drills, remember that the drill drive motor receives excess load. Do not allow the motor to overheat.

What is the difference between a drill and a hammer drill?

The differences between a drill and a hammer drill are not noticeable at first glance, but they are significant. A drill is intended for drilling holes, and a hammer drill is a tool that breaks holes in any solid material or crushes it. Although many modern drills have an impact function, impact power (the energy transferred to the drill) is very low. A hammer drill differs from a drill in that impact is its main mode of operation - the energy with which the drill cuts into the material reaches tens of joules.

Best drills 2021

On the farm, a drill is an almost irreplaceable thing, like a hammer or pliers. But unlike them, a power tool is a much more complex and multi-tasking thing. We'll tell you which best drills to look for when choosing in 2021

Metabo BE 850-2 BZP

11 374 (keyless chuck type)

Are you sure this is not a hammer drill? A solid aluminum gearbox with a switch on the side can indeed arouse such suspicions. But in fact it is a rotation speed switch. And very useful - at first speed, the 850-watt motor provides up to 36 Newton-meters of torque. By the way, the bits do not have to be clamped in the chuck: a socket for them is provided in the spindle itself. There is also a safety clutch that prevents the gearbox and motor from being overloaded when the drill or bit jams.

The engine here has reliable dust protection, so this drill can also be used at a construction site without fear for its resource. Reverse is carried out by turning the brush assembly, so the rotation direction switch has a characteristic location on the side. The simplicity and reliability of such a reverse is a plus, but the switch is still not very convenient.

Main advantages:

• Robust two-speed gearbox with safety clutch
• Vibration protection on handles
• High torque
• Dustproof motor

Minuses:

• Dimensions and weight
• Not very convenient reverse switching

Models in the line:

• Metabo BE 850-2 BZP - type of keyless chuck
• Metabo BE 850-2 ZVP
  - key chuck type

9.8 / 10Rating Reviews The drill showed itself well; you can work with the same bits thanks to the reduction gear in the gearbox without any problems. Read more Read more

DeWALT DWD115KS

6 130

When working with a powerful (and therefore usually weighty) drill with one hand, there is usually little convenience: the motor located in front of the handle outweighs and twists the hand. Well, the creators of the DeWALT DWD115KS did not forget about this, placing the handle just under the center of gravity, at the same time reducing the weight to 1.9 kg.

The drill is really very convenient when working with one hand, especially since in the quest for maximum compactness there is simply no room left for the front handle. But the 700-watt motor pulls well, and the cartridge has a built-in ratchet that prevents it from spinning spontaneously during reverse.

Main advantages:

• Compactness
• Convenient one-handed grip
• Rubberized grips
• Overload protection

Minuses:

• No locking on state
• Full plastic body

9.1 / 10Rating Reviews An excellent drill if you work from a stepladder in an awkward position: comfortable weight distribution, acceptable weight, the second hand will remain free, you can use it to protect yourself. Read more Read more

Metabo SBEV 1300-2 (ZVP) Box

11 413 (key chuck type, supplied without case)

A power of 1.3 kW is a serious claim for high performance, and the gearbox, completely assembled in an aluminum housing, has not only an impact mode, but also two spindle speeds. The spindle itself, equipped with a jaw chuck, also has a hexagonal socket for bits. So Metabo deserves first place in this section of the ranking of the best drills.

If you look closely, you can see the atypical location of the speed controller - it, together with the Vario-Tacho-Constamatic control electronics board, is placed on top of the case, and this, perhaps, will be the only complaint about ergonomics. Between the speed controller and the shock mode switch there is a control indicator that notifies about the activation of thermal protection (constant burning), blocking of restart (frequent flashes), as well as wear of the brushes (rare flashes). The last “reminder” is worth mentioning. The speed controller also has a special pulse mode to facilitate drilling and screwing in self-tapping screws.

The engine is traditionally dust protected, and the gearbox is equipped with a safety clutch. Metabo takes issues of reliability and operational safety seriously here.

Main advantages:

• Reliability and functionality
• Excellent brush wear indicator
• Two-speed gearbox
• Pulse rotation mode

Minuses:

• Unconventional location of the speed controller (in less powerful models of this family it is installed as usual, on the key)

Models in the line:

• Metabo SBEV 1300-2 (ZVP) Box - key type chuck, supplied without a case
• Metabo SBEV 1300-2 (BZP)
  - type of keyless chuck, supplied with a case

9.8 / 10Rating Reviews A powerful and very easy-to-use drill with all the necessary protections. It's expensive, but worth the money. Read more Read more

BOSCH GSB 21-2 RE Case (ZVP)

12 966

Structurally, Bosch is simpler, although this company loves all sorts of bells and whistles in the professional segment no less than Metabo. The drill is equipped with a two-speed gearbox; at the first speed, the 1100-watt electric motor transmits up to 40 Newton meters to the spindle.

The grip of the drill is comfortable, although it is worth complaining that for this class the front handle is rather simple, and its vibration isolation is not the best. When working in impact mode, Metabo is more comfortable and there is less “itching” on your hands.

The gearbox is equipped with a clutch that not only limits the torque transmitted to the chuck, but also effectively dampens “tearing” out of the hands when the drill suddenly jams.

Main advantages:

• Reliable gearbox, not prone to overheating during heavy work
• Safety clutch
• Powerful engine

Minuses:

• Average vibration protection for shock mode

9.6 / 10Rating Reviews Bosch is Bosch, the drill is good, strong, powerful. I even tried to stir the solution with it, there was no overheating. Read more Read more

Makita DHP481RTE

31,980 (two 5 Ah batteries, charger, case, additional handle)

A true all-rounder, this drill/driver also features an impact clutch, so there's always a job for it. The maximum torque here is no less than 115 Newton meters. And, if you need a really high-torque screwdriver, then Makita will be just in the right place. Considering the amount of torque, a powerful side handle, worthy of another mixer, is exactly in place here.

Types of drills

Electric drills vary in available functions (impact/non-impact) and type of power supply (corded/cordless).

Shocked or unstressed

As the name suggests, a simple hammerless drill does one job: drill holes. Often an electric drill has an impact mechanism. An impact drill can drill holes in concrete or brick by hitting the rotating drill bit in an axial direction. On models of this design, there is a drilling mode switch for hammer drilling mode: usually an icon with a drill image indicates a simple drilling mode, a picture with a hammer activates the hammer mode.

Mode switch: drill or hammer

An impact drill cannot compete with a hammer drill when chiseling deep holes or grooves; only a hammer drill is suitable for this.

Mains or battery

A corded drill is a tool with a cable and a plug for connecting to a 220 V power supply. This drill is used permanently, within one workplace, mobility is limited by the length of the cable. Battery models make the range of applications wider and can be used in rooms with no power supply or outdoors. But at the same time, there remains a need to connect the charger for the drill battery to the mains. Both mains-powered and battery-powered models are suitable for home and garden use.

Power tools from different manufacturers differ in price levels. The more expensive the device, the higher the build quality, the better the materials used in its manufacture. Professional tools that can work a full shift cost 2–3 times more than household ones. You shouldn't overpay for industrial drills if you drill holes occasionally.

Principles of classification by current sources

An electric drill motor can be created to be powered from a 220-volt household network or removable batteries based on the use of one of the combinations of metals for the electrode plates:

1. lithium-ion;
2. nickel metal hydride;
3. nickel-cadmium.

The first two types are environmentally friendly. Lithium-ion batteries have low self-discharge. Nickel-metal hydride batteries, when used correctly, have a long guaranteed life of charge and discharge cycles.

Nickel-cadmium models work better than others at low temperatures, are cheaper, but they have a memory effect that requires proper charging technology.

Cordless drills are not connected to the electrical network 220, they work well in autonomous conditions.

How to choose an electric drill for your home

To choose the right electric drill for your household, you must consider the following criteria:

• presence of a striking mechanism;
• mains or battery version;
• electric drill power;
• shaft rotation speed;
• drilling diameter;
• cartridge type;
• equipment.

For home use, a drill with an impact mechanism is preferable. In everyday life there is a need to drill walls to attach various building elements, furniture, paintings, lamp brackets and other things. There is no need for a drill with a battery as such. A network model is also quite suitable for home use. In some cases, you may need an extension cable for connection.

Electric drill power

Electric drills intended for use at home have a power from 500 W to 1 thousand W. This amount of power makes it possible to drill holes in wood, metal, concrete and other materials that are found in everyday life. It is unlikely that at home there will be a need to drill metal more than 3 mm thick. When selecting a drill based on power, it is worth taking into account the intensity of the planned work. Household use involves short-term drilling modes. Long-term continuous drilling can lead to overheating of the armature and failure of the winding. The electric drill must be allowed to cool, especially if you can clearly feel heat emanating from the body of the tool or the characteristic smell of burnt electrical insulating material.

Shaft speed

The rotation speed of the drill shaft is 500–1500 rpm. To process different materials, modern electric drills have rotation speed regulators. The quality of drilling depends on the correctly selected cutting mode. High rotation speed is required for smooth and precise holes. When drilling metal, monitor the heating temperature of the drill and the force of pressure on the drill. If the drill is overheated, it can be damaged - the metal will anneal and lose strength. For metal work, medium rotation speeds are suitable. When drilling concrete or brick with a pobedit-tipped drill, switch the drill to impact mode and set the rotation speed to high.

To replace mortar or tighten a screw, medium or low rotation speed is suitable. To perform work with special grinding or stripping attachments, a high-speed mode is required.

Drilling diameter

The power tool data sheet indicates the maximum diameter of the holes to be drilled. Minimum values ​​are usually not noted (about 1.5 mm). The product passport provides information on the maximum diameters of holes drilled in various materials: wood, concrete, metal.

Chuck type

Modern models of electric drills are equipped with two types of chucks.

1. Quick-clamping. Clamping the drill in such a chuck is done by hand. These cartridges are made of plastic. Designed for quick and frequent replacement of drills. They do not provide reliable fastening of the drill in the chuck. Used on models with and without a hammer mechanism.

   The keyless chuck is tightened by hand

2. Key. This type of chuck is made of metal and equipped with a special toothed crown and a key for tightening it. This type of chuck provides reliable fixation of the drill, but requires more time for the operation of replacing drills. Used on models with and without a hammer mechanism.

   The key securely clamps the drill in the chuck

For home use, a drill with a metal key chuck is preferable.

The disadvantage of a key cartridge is that the key may get lost. It is recommended to secure the wrench to the drill cord.

Equipment

Drills on sale can be presented as a separate tool, or supplemented with components. The main components for an electric drill are drills of various diameters and purposes. Additional components:

• reserve cartridge;
• grinding attachments;
• core drills;
• scans;
• mixers.

It is very convenient if the drill is placed in a plastic case.

Drills are divided according to the material being processed:

• metal - steel drills with a spiral groove;
• wood - spiral drills with a centering tip, feather and beam - for drilling large diameter holes;
• concrete - twist drills with a special carbide tip and crowns;
• glass - spear-shaped drills with an abrasive or diamond coating for making holes in ceramics and glass.

When choosing a drill, the equipment is important. Buying different devices is subsequently more expensive than buying them as a single set.

The manufacturer bears warranty responsibility not only for the tool, but also for the quality of the equipment.

Additional functions

Drilling holes is not the only useful function of the tool in question. Using an electric drill you can perform the following work:

• tightening fasteners (screws, self-tapping screws);
• grinding and cleaning surfaces of various materials;
• preparation of construction mixtures.

All of the above types of work require the necessary equipment: metal brushes, mixers, extension cords, angle attachments.

Gallery: drill accessories

Steel brush polishes material

Mixer attachment mixes cement

An extension cord will help you reach hard-to-reach places

Angle drill chuck

Video: choosing an electric drill - part 1

Other important criteria

When choosing a drill, you should pay attention to the presence of a quality certificate and the manufacturer’s warranty period. Today, the country of origin of the product is not significant. The build quality of Chinese products depends on the brand of the manufacturer. Many European and American tool companies locate production in China and other Asian countries to reduce the cost of production due to cheap labor. However, the requirements for build quality do not change.

Video: choosing an electric drill - part 2

Tool classification

When choosing a drill, in addition to the above parameters, it is necessary to take into account the intensity and frequency of its use, without going to extremes. Purchasing an expensive professional model designed for daily use for several hours is not rational. The equipment will remain idle for most of its life. If you buy a simple model and start making money by renovating premises, you will very quickly have to exchange such a product for a new one.

The market offers several options for tools for home use. Electric drills are considered the simplest and most inexpensive. Low weight and dimensions, ease of use, and minimal energy consumption are considered the main advantages of such equipment.

For owners of apartments and private houses made of concrete slabs, bricks and other durable materials, purchasing a hammer drill will be a rational investment. Great power and dimensions, the presence of an impact function makes the tool an indispensable assistant when drilling holes in walls. An intermediate option is to buy an impact drill. It is quite convenient to work with such equipment, and in terms of functionality it is only slightly inferior to rotary hammers.

In accordance with the generally accepted classification, drills are divided into the following types:

• Standard drills, the most common and in demand.
• Angled models, the use of which allows you to work in hard-to-reach places.
• Mixer-type equipment capable of not only drilling, but also working with various attachments for mixing materials.
• Compact and lightweight screwdrivers, with AC connection or cordless models.
• Rotary hammers equipped with a special gearbox and impact mechanisms of similar design.

These options are considered basic for use at home. If necessary, you can purchase specialized models, for example, a pneumatic device, magnetic or electrical discharge equipment, equipment for drilling holes in printed circuit boards. Such equipment is not used for household needs, and its purchase is justified if a person is engaged in such work at home.

Rating of models for home use

The manufacturer's brand, power and build quality of the tool are of great importance for determining the price. From the existing offers on the market, you can select a reliable and high-quality tool worth up to 3 thousand rubles, suitable for the necessary selection criteria. For products from leading companies in this industry, you will have to pay about 6–7 thousand rubles.

Definitely, the choice depends on the budget, but do not forget about the quality of the materials used in the manufacture of power tool parts. During operation, the drill is subjected to physical stress, vibration, overheating, and wear of the rubbing parts in the gearbox, so the quality of the assembly matters. Some models are presented on the market both with a key chuck and with a quick-release chuck.

Table: rating of models for home and garden

Gallery: photos of top models

Drill Bosch PSB 450 RE

Drill TexAS (TA-01–012)

Drill Proton DEU-1100

Drill Steel UD650-RR

Drill Hitachi FDV16VB2

Drill Makita HP1640

Drill Intertool DT0107

Drill Metabo SBE650

Drill Stanley STDH8013

Main characteristics of an impact drill

Among the characteristics of the drill that you need to look at when choosing: power, rotation speed and the ability to adjust the speed.

Drill motor power

The engine is the “heart” of our tool. The limiting capabilities of the device depend on its power. The type of motor determines the power, rotation speed and affects the efficiency of the drill.

Small household drills have a power of up to 1000 watts. They are quite enough to solve problems at home or in the country. They can work 4 hours a day. It is also necessary to take breaks every 20 minutes.

Professional drills are equipped with motors whose power exceeds 1200 W. External and internal elements are made of durable materials - alloy steel, rubber, aluminum, etc.

When buying an impact drill for your home, experts recommend focusing on devices from 700 to 1000 W. These are the tools that can solve all everyday tasks. They will also be quite sufficient during home renovations. You should not take the most powerful model for simple work, since a more powerful drill will be heavier, and during repair work even an extra half a kilogram will become a problem.

Rotation speed and speed control

An equally important indicator for an electric drill is the rotation speed and number of revolutions. There are drills with speeds up to 3000 - these are models for simple tasks or processing. Professional equipment may have a higher number of revolutions.

There are also pneumatic drills that have their own operating characteristics. To connect any pneumatic tool, you need to purchase an air compressor.

Customer Reviews

Customer reviews will help answer the question of which drill is better.

The Bosch PSB 450 RE Easy class drill is quite powerful, despite its size, it is an irreplaceable home assistant if you need to fix something, drill something, or assemble furniture. The drill is lightweight, it is comfortable to hold in the hand, it has a quick-release chuck, there is no need to unscrew or tighten anything, the drill can be changed with one hand in a matter of seconds. Its compactness and light weight make it easy to use as a screwdriver, which in turn allows you to save on the purchase of the latter.

SunlightDeLoren

https://otzovik.com/review_2571873.html

The Makita HP1640 drill is one of the most powerful in its class. Its use ranges from small household work to large-scale, general-purpose work. The power supply is supplied from the network, the electrical device is equipped with options for drilling and drilling with a hard impact (perforating). The kit includes an additional lever-handle, which allows you to perform work in hard-to-reach places and of increased complexity. There is also a key for securing the cutting tool in the chuck, which is conveniently stored in the mounting hole of the electrical wire.

serg34

Read also:  How to choose the right hair dryer for home use

https://otzovik.com/review_549572.html

I needed to punch several holes in a concrete wall, and after searching for reviews on the Internet I settled on the Black&Decker CD 714 CRES. I liked the price and reviews. The locking button immediately broke, I had to buy a wrench and use it to unscrew and tighten the cartridge. I managed to break through the wall. A loud, unpleasant sound appeared, similar to the sound of a working hammer drill. Convenient drilling depth limiter, rotation speed adjustment, reverse. At the dacha, during the construction of the fence, a huge number of holes were drilled in the metal; only the drills were changed. Using a card attachment, I cleaned the rust from the roof of a 5 by 3 barn. Many other minor jobs have been completed. I'm used to the noise. There seem to be no other critical shortcomings. It is quite suitable for non-professional work at home and in the country.

mak57524922

https://otzovik.com/review_1518186.html

Kinds

It is quite difficult for a beginner to understand the variety of devices presented in stores. Therefore, before choosing a drill, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the types.

Unstressed

If you are looking for a tool for small repair tasks around the house, this model is for you. This is the most common classic drill. It is designed for drilling soft materials such as wood or plastic. You can work with thin metal, but be careful.

Hammerless drill

Percussion

Unlike hammerless, it is suitable for short-term work with concrete and even stone. In this way it resembles a hammer drill. However, there is still a difference between an electric impact drill and a rotary hammer: the first is intended for intensive long-term work, the second is not. Even a high-quality impact drill cannot constantly drill into hard materials; it will quickly fail.

Hammer drill

Screwdriver

This is a universal tool, it combines the functions of an electric drill and a screwdriver. It is intended not only for holes, but also for screwing in self-tapping screws.

It is important to understand how often you will use these features. If you have to work quite a lot with screws, it makes sense to purchase two separate devices.

Screwdriver

Mixer

If you need to mix tile adhesive or cement during renovation, a drill mixer will help you. Usually it comes with an attachment for kneading building materials. In addition, for ease of operation, its body is equipped with additional handles.

Drill - mixer

Corner

Rarely used at home, it is more of a professional choice. Angular is designed for drilling corner holes in narrow and inconvenient places. It has low power, and it cannot cope with every material. But some brands offer a regular impact driver with an angle bit.

Angle drill