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Drills are workshop tools which have a cutting tool or driving tool attachment. The attachment is can either be a drill driver or bit and is used for boring holes on different materials.
In some cases, they may be used to fasten materials together with fasteners such as screws.
There are many types of drills; hand drills, pistol grip drills (corded), hammer drill, rotary hammer drill, cordless drills, drill press, geared head press drills, radial arm press drills and mill drills.
On this page, we will discuss the best cordless drills and everything you need to know about them.
Contents
- 1 Top 5 Best Cordless Drill You Should Buy In 2020 Reviews
- 1.1 1. Milwaukee 2691-22 18-Volt Compact Drill
- 1.2 2. DEWALT DCK286D2 Compact Hammerdrill and Impact Driver Combo Kit
- 1.3 3. Makita LCT200W 18-Volt Compact Lithium-Ion Cordless Combo Kit
- 1.4 4. PORTER-CABLE PCCK602L2 20V MAX Lithium 2 Tool Combo Kit
- 1.5 5. BLACK+DECKER BDC120VA100 20-Volt MAX Lithium-Ion Drill Kit
- 2 Top 10 Products Bought Together With Cordless Drills 2017
- 3 What are cordless drills?
- 4 Why do we need the best cordless drills?
- 5 Best Cordless Drill Buying Guide 2017
- 5.1 Features
- 5.2 Design
- 5.3 Batteries
- 5.4 Customer support
- 5.5 Other considerations
- 5.6 Cordless combo kit
- 5.7 Battery charge indicator
- 5.8 Cooling system
- 5.9 Accessories
- 5.10 Multi-stage clutch system
- 5.11 Chuck size
- 5.12 Cordless Drill Types
- 5.13 Cordless screw drivers
- 5.14 Cordless drills or drivers
- 5.15 Cordless impact drivers
- 5.16 Cordless hammers drill/drivers
- 5.17 Parts of cordless drill
- 5.18 Gears
- 5.19 Chuck
- 5.20 Motor
- 5.21 Battery types
- 6 Conclusion
Top 5 Best Cordless Drill You Should Buy In 2020 Reviews
1. Milwaukee 2691-22 18-Volt Compact Drill
Milwaukee 2691-22 Impact Driver and Compact Drill Combo Kit is a hardware equipment kit that contains tools that are used for drilling and boring holes for eventual insertions of nuts, bolts, screws and other fasteners.
The kit typically consists of the following items: two M18™ RED LITHIUM™ compact battery packages (48-11-1815); 30-minute charger; a carrying case; M18 1/2 inch compact drill and driver; belt clip; and M18 1/4 inch Hex compact impact driver.
It is primarily intended for low to medium-sized uses, such as general carpentry, small scale industrial use and domestic home use. It is therefore an essential equipment set that should be as accessible to every other person as possible.
It is generally used for fastening conduit clamps, sheet metal screws, outlet boxes, panel boxes, pipe clamps, pipe couplings, pipe hangers, switch plates, and general fastening tasks.
Our Rating: (4.7 / 5)
Specifications
The main features and specifications of Milwaukee 2691-22 Impact Driver and Compact Drill Combo Kit are:
- Product Dimensions: 13 x 10.8 x 7.8 inches
- Product Weight: 4 pounds
- Part Number: 2691-22
- Special Features: compact
- Country of Origin: United States of America
- Power Source: Electric-powered
- Lighting: Built-in Light Emitting Diode bulbs
- Calibration: Battery fuel gauge
- Battery Cell Type: Lithium Ion
- Controls: Variable-speed triggers
- Driver/Driver Power Output: Produces torque of 400 inch-pounds
- Impact Power Output: Produces torque of 1400 inch-pounds
- Motor Type: 4-pole frameless
- Manufacturer’s Warranty: 5 Years
Pros
The main benefits of Milwaukee 2691-22 Impact Driver and Compact Drill Combo Kit are:
- It has a very long and comprehensive warranty package (five years, which covers the cordless product, the battery packs and the tools.) This effectively safeguards users from any unforeseen misfortunes that may naturally occur within five years of use.
- It is very durable; a trait that eliminates the need for constant repairs, maintenance and short term replacements.
- It is able to be used at night or in periods of very low visibility courtesy of the built-in LED lighting system. This increases the range of the product use.
- It is very easy to keep track of the available amount of electrical power through the battery fuel gauges. Users are thus able to plan well in advance for their energy needs which leads to minimal shutdowns occasioned by power blackouts.
- Its variable speed triggers help to regulate the amount of speed and therefore ensure uniformity of the tasks so accomplished.
- Its power output of 400 inch-pounds of driver torque and 1400 inch-pounds of impact torque respectively are high enough for just about any drilling needs.
- It is easy to carry, handle and store owing to its compact size.
Cons
The most notable drawback of Milwaukee 2691-22 Impact Driver and Compact Drill Combo Kit is:
- It is very expensive and thus way out of the reach of many would-be users.
Is This A Great Purchase?
As can be concluded from the preceding explanations, the Milwaukee 2691-22 Impact Driver and Compact Drill Combo Kit is indeed a very handy piece of hardware equipment which simplifies the construction, installations and general repair works.
It is a very great purchase to households, carpentry workshops and light industries because it confers the benefits of versatility, convenience of storage and handling and simplicity of use to the users.
2. DEWALT DCK286D2 Compact Hammerdrill and Impact Driver Combo Kit
This Dewalt kit that contains a Hammerdrill and Impact Driver combination is a great addition to any handyman or handywoman’s collection.
It easily and efficiently tackles on commercial grade projects with the same ease as it does simple home improvement projects around the house.
The investment in this extremely light weight kit will hold its quality and durability for years to come.
Dewalt has established itself as a brand in the industry that is renowned for their quality, durability, and user-friendliness. This kit comes with the trademark Dewalt yellow color.
Our Rating: (4.6 / 5)
Specifications
- Brushless motor delivers more run time on less battery
- XR Li-Ion batteries provide a higher energy capacity
- DCD795 20V Max 1/2” hammerdrill
- DCF866 20V Max 1/4” impact driver
- 2 XR Li-Ion batteries
- 3 year limited warranty, 90 day money back guarantee
Pros
- This kit is light and compact.
- The battery life of this kit lets any project continue on smoothing without needing a break to recharge the tools.
- It is versatile because it can tackle on commercial grade projects with the same ease as small home improvement or assembly projects around the house.
- Both tools provide ample amounts of torque and are extremely ergonomic.
- Additionally, this kit is Energy Star certified, making it a sustainable energy efficient option.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the chuck can be wobbly.
Is This A Great Purchase?
This product is a great purchase because its price point, combined with its quality, makes it an extremely versatile addition to any person’s hardware box.
The only downside to this product is the rare wobbly chuck. Occasional users have reported that their kits have come with wobbly chucks. It can sometimes be easily fixed by loosening the mounting and then properly retightening it. Oftentimes, this problem can also be easily fixed by taking it to the local hardware store for a quick evaluation.
3. Makita LCT200W 18-Volt Compact Lithium-Ion Cordless Combo Kit
Although the Makita LCT200W Combo Kit is advertised for professional use, this 200 watt version is much better suited for home users and DIY enthusiasts.
The driver-drill and impact driver included in this set are two of the most effective, compact, cordless tools available on the market.
Usually when one is working in tight places, power must be sacrificed for a smaller tool. Not in this case. Both of the LCT200W’s Makita-built motors provide enough power to tackle most projects.
Our Rating: (4.6 / 5)
Normally, more power translates to increased fatigue, but an ergonomically designed handle contours to the user’s grip, facilitating comfort and ease.
A side clip and tool bag add to the LCT200W’s convenience.
However, that is not to say that it does not have disadvantages, namely the battery life. This is a problem that Makita tries to solve by providing two batteries and a charger, but changing them in and out during a busy project can be frustrating.
But overall, the LCT200W is effective at getting the job done.
Specifications
- 2-speed 1/2″ Driver-Drill (0-400 & 0-1,500 RPM) with Makita-built 4-pole motor delivers up to 480 inch-pounds of torque and weighs only 3.3 pounds with battery.
- Variable speed Impact Driver (0-2,300 RPM & 0-3,200 IPM) provides up to 1,420 inch-pounds of torque and weighs only 2.9 pounds with battery.
- Battery charger fully charges batteries in fifteen minutes with no apparent degradation.
- Star Protection Computer Controls protect against over-discharging and over-heating.
- LCT200W can use Makita LXT batteries for longer life.
- The compact size of both the driver-drill and impact drill are ideal for working in tight spaces.
- Included tool box and side clip makes carrying convenient.
- 3-year warranty on tools and 1-year warranty on batteries and charger included.
Pros
- The LCT200W’s driver-drill and impact driver are well-built, light-weight, and well-designed, making them easy to use, easy to hold, and long-lasting.
- The LCT200W’s driver-drill and impact driver perform well on the job.
- The guide lights on the sides provide extra accuracy.
- The battery charger works fast, fully charging in only fifteen minutes.
Cons
- When using a long bit, the drill-driver casts a shadow on the guide light.
- The battery life is too short, especially when heavy torque is required.
- Prolonged use of heavy work is tiring and disappointing because the battery needs changing every 15-20 minutes.
Is This A Great Purchase?
This question depends on the work for which the LCT200W will be used.
If the work will be short projects in and around the home or on DIY projects, then yes, the LCT200W is a great purchase.
If the work will be long projects, particularly in a commercial setting, then a drill-driver and impact driver with longer battery life should be considered.
Of course, the lithium-ion batteries can just be cycled on the charger, but this can be one more unnecessary burden, especially when time is of the essence.
On the other hand, the LCT200W can use the heavier Makita LXT batteries, and while they do provide longer battery life, just the fact that extra batteries have to be bought can be perceived as a cheap, profiteering move on Makita’s part.
Apparently, Makita has a reputation for poor batteries. Professionals should take this into account, especially since they are the LCT200W’s target market.
All that being said, the LCT200W is a great combo kit for anyone who needs compact, cordless tools for personal projects.
4. PORTER-CABLE PCCK602L2 20V MAX Lithium 2 Tool Combo Kit
Every now and then, the need to do drilling on the wall and wooden items emerges when you want to fix a certain item.
To drill the walls, you have to use a drilling machine. The Porter-Cable Pcck602l2 20v Max Lithium 2 Tool Combo Kit is the perfect machine that arrives with a driver or drill, an impact driver and an additional accessory to make the drilling job easier.
The Porter-Cable Pcck602l2 20v Max Lithium 2 Tool Combo Kit is the perfect product for anyone out there who wants to drill holes in the wooden areas, walls or the tough metals in their homes or business premises.
Our Rating: (4.6 / 5)
Specifications
The machine arrives with several specifications that make drilling job easier.
- First, this drilling unit is powered by a 20 volt lithium ion battery. This gives the user 1.5 amps per hour. The feature means that you do not have to buy the connection cables. Besides, the two batteries provide enough power to last.
- In addition, it comes with the PCC640 volt maximum impact drivers. The drivers are ideal for any drilling job be it steel or wooden surfaces and other applications when need be.
- This drill is medium in weight, but very powerful. The units are lightweight, and they include an inbuilt LED light and belt clips for safety and making the drilling job easier.
- This tool has an additional battery fuel gauge. The gauge displays the amount of charge remaining so that you make the arrangement.
- The machine is designed in a compact design that makes the tool ideal when fitting tight areas and any other overhead application.
- Since it uses rechargeable batteries, you get a Li-Ion charger for recharging these batteries. You can recharge the batteries for 40 minutes before you use it. The feature is important because it reduces downtime.
Pros
There are many advantages seen from these units. For example, when you compare this with others, you notice that they are light in weight and powerful enough to finish the work efficiently.
- The drill comes with variable speed triggers which are convenient for magnetic bit holders. You benefit from the sturdy belt clips which are mounted on the handle sides
- The machine arrives with a rechargeable battery and charger. You will not spend more buying the new batteries.
- Besides the Porter-Cable Pcck602l2 20v Max Lithium 2 Tool Combo Kit comes with a warranty for three years.
- Another pro is that it is installed with a powerful LED light which is useful when working in dark places.
Cons
- The impact driver produces a lot of noises
- Some reviews seen shows that the machines internal gear breakdown after a short time when put under the pressure. This increases the cost of repairs.
- Another disadvantage is that the machine heats up when in use and this makes it looks like some wires are burning.
Is This A Great Purchase?
The Porter-Cable Pcck602l2 20v Max Lithium 2 Tool Combo Kit is a great purchase because it is used to drill holes in steel and other surfaces.
It has a rechargeable Li-Ion battery to give power. This saves the cost of buying. Its compact designs mean you can work with it because it is lightweight and portable.
5. BLACK+DECKER BDC120VA100 20-Volt MAX Lithium-Ion Drill Kit
Black and Decker BDC120VA100 Drill Kit is an assortment of hardware drilling equipment that comprises LD120 20V MAX lithium-ion drill/driver, LB20 20V MAX lithium-ion battery, LCS20 charger and one 100-piece accessory kit.
It is mainly intended for domestic home use and for drilling on plastic, metallic and wooden surfaces.
Our Rating: (4.4 / 5)
Specifications
The major features and specifications of Black and Decker BDC120VA100 Drill Kit are:
- Product Dimensions: 15.5 inches by 5.6 inches by 14.4 inches
- Item Weight: 8.8 pounds
- Part Number: BDC120VA100
- Power Source: Cordless-electric
- 24-position clutch
- 3/8-inch chuck
- Manufacturer’s Warranty: 2 Year Warranty
- Accessories: a socket adaptor; five 1/4-inch sockets; one drill bit gauge; five brad-point drill bits; four screws and four screw anchors; five masonry drill bits; fourteen 2-inch screw-driving bits of variable sizes; one handheld ratcheting screwdriver; one magnetic bit-tip holder; seven 3-1/2-inch screw-driving bits of variable sizes; ten, general-purpose drill bits; ten nut-drivers; and thirty-two 1-inch screw-driving bits of various sizes.
Pros
The most outstanding benefits and merits of Black and Decker BDC120VA100 Drill Kit are:
- Operational Efficiency: The device delivers very outstanding results indeed owing to the fact that it is very easy to use. This is because of its compact size; light weight; ergonomic features; a 3/8-inch chuck that allows for quick and easy changes of the bit; the on-board bit storage that allows for easy access to the screwdriver bit; Lithium power; and a 24-position clutch that prevents the stripping and overdriving screws. Furthermore, it allows for multi-tasking i.e. the undertaking of two or more tasks at the same time such as installation of shelves and assembling of furniture at the same time. This greatly saves on time for users.
- Versatility: The device is suited for a very wide variety of materials such as plastic, metal and wood. Furthermore, it is able to perform a variety of tasks owing to its 100-piece assortment of additional accessories. It therefore offers users great convenience in service delivery.
- Power Storage: Its battery is very efficient in the sense that it can hold charge for a very long period of time (18 months). Users are therefore assured of long-term reliability.
- It is very portable and thus easy to lift, carry around and deploy to the exact location of interest. For that reason, it is able to execute serious household chores with relative ease and also access tight remote spaces that are largely inaccessible.
- Power Output: It can generate up to 300 inches-per-pound of torque. This is strong enough to penetrate through even the toughest of materials such as metal.
- Operational Speed: It can attain the variable speed of between 0 to 750 revolutions per minute which makes it able to handle even the most difficult drilling tasks.
- User Comfort: It is very comfortable to handle and use due to the ergonomic design handle that also features an over-molded grip.
Cons
The main shortcoming of Black and Decker BDC120VA100 Drill Kit is:
- It is mainly designed for light domestic chores; it is not in any way recommended for heavy commercial use. This is a severe blow to its functionality.
Is This A Great Purchase?
Black and Decker BDC120VA100 Drill Kit still the drill of choice for domestic household chores – the aforementioned shortcoming notwithstanding!
It is a very great purchase because it confers the benefits of operational efficiency, versatility, comfort, and high outputs to users in one convenient simple package.
Top 10 Products Bought Together With Cordless Drills 2017
Cordless drills are shaft-like tools that have two or more cutting edges used to make holes in firm materials through rotation of the edges.
These types of drills are cordless in nature, hence have no long electric wires connected to a power source as seen in corded types of electric drills.
The devices are used to make holes in materials made of wood, metal and other materials that can be drilled easily.
The equipment listed and described below are used together with cordless drills and may at times play an even bigger role in the success of the drilling process.
Products frequently bought together with cordless drills:
1. Batteries
Our Rating: (4.4 / 5)
Most of the cordless drills are fitted with long lasting rechargeable batteries that can be used for a long duration when fully charged and adequately maintained.
However, this may not sustain the cordless drills in large scale drilling operations as they require extra sustainable power to make the operations successful.
It is vital to purchase an extra pair of batteries to act as a form of backup in case the ones in use fail or become totally drained after being used.
This will ensure the drilling process runs smoothly as there is another set of batteries in place to keep the cordless drill running avoiding any disappointments likely to arise.
2. Safety gloves
Our Rating: (4.4 / 5)
Working with cordless drills can prove to be a tricky affair as it entails the use of sharp drills and screwdriver tips.
It is essential to wear protective gloves to offer protection against any form of potential danger posed by the equipment or machinery in use.
Individuals can choose from a wide variety of protective gloves ranging from leather, canvas to metal mesh gloves that best suit the type of process they are working on.
3. Flashlight kits
Our Rating: (4.1 / 5)
Flashlight kits are bought for use in dark or poorly lit areas. An easy process that involves the use of cordless drill equipment may end up becoming almost impossible if there is limited lighting.
Individuals wishing to work with cordless drills in dark or poorly lit areas have to purchase flashlight kits to enable them easily identify the spots they are working on and also to enable them move freely without hurting themselves.
Some manufacturers of cordless drill devices normally combine the drills with inbuilt flashlight kits. Individuals with cordless drills without flashlight kits should consider purchasing one.
4. Hearing protection devices
Our Rating: (4.1 / 5)
There is an appropriate sound frequency or pitch that human beings can receive without affecting their hearing organs.
Most of the drilling processes are done in noisy areas and the drilling equipment used may also end up producing harmful or irritating noise.
It is important to purchase earplugs, earmuffs or noise resistant headphones when using cordless drills in noisy environments or using them to drill in large scale productions that expose one to constant noise levels that can become dangerous with time.
5. Dust extraction kits
Our Rating: (4.5 / 5)
These are devices used to collect dust produced during the drilling process when working in dust- sensitive areas or working near equipment or machinery that are highly sensitive to dust.
The dust extraction kits are normally fitted or attached to vacuum cleaner hoses for them to work efficiently.
Cordless drills when working on materials made of wood or timber may end up producing unnecessary dust particles to the environment they are used in.
Individuals working in areas with expensive and delicate machinery prefer purchasing dust extraction kits to protect the equipment from damage or malfunction that would have been brought about by contact with the dust particles.
6. Stand support
Our Rating: (4.5 / 5)
Stand support are specialized types of equipment whose main purpose is to carry materials or structures that are undergoing drilling in order to offer firm support ensuring they do not fall while drilling is done.
Drilling of holes in such materials entails the use of certain amounts of force levels, making it essential to provide stability to the drilled materials to prevent them from falling or randomly shaking resulting in poorly or unevenly drilled holes.
7. Boring machine
Our Rating: (4.3 / 5)
These are machines with pre- drilled holes normally used in activities or drilling processes that require precise accuracy while drilling.
Boring machines come with already drilled holes which guide human operators on the most appropriate position or location suitable to carry out drilling.
Boring machine equipment are used in large scale activities requiring the uniform drilling of numerous holes on materials and surfaces.
8. Tool belts
Our Rating: (4.5 / 5)
These are special types of belts that are used to carry various working tools or equipment.
Tool belts normally have special compartments for attachment of equipment, hence make it easy for the human operator carrying them to easily locate the equipment he or she needs without having to constantly move from place to place.
Tool belts normally come in handy when one is working with more than one tool enabling them to carry both the tools with ease.
The flexible nature of tool belts makes them ideal for use in multi- functional industrial activities.
9. Ladders
Our Rating: (4.1 / 5)
These are devices made of either wood or metal that have steps that can be used to move from a lower position on the ground to a much higher position far above the ground.
Individuals working with cordless drills may be required to drill holes in various places and positions that are far above the ground.
They require ladders to hold and support them during the process, helping them work easily and efficiently without straining.
However, those working in areas not far above the ground, prefer the use of stools as compared to ladders.
10. Protective glasses or shades
Our Rating: (4.2 / 5)
The eye is an important organ of the body that should be treated with utmost care.
The drilling process may entail random movement of emitted dust and strange particles that can become highly harmful when they come into contact with the human eye.
Protective glasses or protective shades offer protection against such materials, hence preventing any emitted dust or foreign particle from colliding with the human eyes.
Protective glasses can also be used to act as a shade against too much light, hence making it easy to work in areas with more than enough light.
What are cordless drills?
Cordless drills are electric drills which use rechargeable batteries. Just as the name suggests, cordless drills have no cord or a power cable.
For quite some time, corded drills were superior to the cordless ones due to their power capacity.
However, with the advancement in technology, cordless drills have become more powerful and efficient in comparison to their corded cousins.
The most convenient thing about cordless drills is that they can be used around the house without dragging the cord around.
Why do we need the best cordless drills?
The cordless driver or drill is very popular due to its portability. This tool is used for drilling holes and driving in screws. It has a keyless chuck which is compatible with almost all drill bits and screw driving bits.
Therefore, if you have accessories such as hole-saws, wire-wheel brushes, rotary sanders and round/hex drill bits, you don’t have to worry about compatibility if you own a cordless drilling tool. In addition, if you prefer adjusting the amount of torque when screw driving, this equipment is the best for you.
The slip clutch equipment on the cordless drill allows you to set the torque to the desired value.
That is not all! Since the cordless drill uses rechargeable batteries, you can continue operating even when the lights go out. This is one of the greatest advantages of using cordless drills over the corded types.
Best Cordless Drill Buying Guide 2017
There are many brands of cordless drills available in the market. Depending on the model, the brands will come with different operational speeds, torques, design and batteries.
When choosing any cordless drill, you have to factor in the project at hand or what job you wish to do with it.
For instance, the basic drills are best for assembling furniture or drilling small holes while the advanced ones are best for tough materials.
Without further ado, here are some things to consider while choosing a drill bit:
Features
The power output of any drilling machine is determined by the speed and torque output. These two features will categorize a drilling machine either as a decent type or an excellent power type. If you are working on a project where you have to drill lots of holes, ensure the drill has a high RPM value. This is because, higher speeds are better for drilling holes. In addition, picking one that has two speed settings is better. It will enable you set up high speeds required for drilling holes while slower speeds will be for driving screws.
Each time the word torque is mentioned, power is the aspect which follows it. Generally, torque is directly proportional to power and this is used to determine the strength of any drilling equipment. Therefore, the best cordless drills will always have a high torque so as to enable you drill holes through harder surfaces. The best rated power drills will always operate at high speeds and produce high torques. Such drills will come in handy for tough projects.
Another feature which you should consider when looking for the best cordless drills is the power rating or UWO. Power is determined by speed and torque. The higher the UWO rating, the more the powerful a drill is and the faster it can perform a particular task.
If your project requires you to drive in more screws, look for one that has at least 20 clutch settings. This will prevent you from sinking the screws too deep into the material. In other words, the more the clutch settings, the more the options you have for inputting a specific amount of force to drive the screw to the perfect depth.
Design
This refers to the physical part of the drill. Ensure that the drill is comfortable, lightweight, balanced and has features which make it easy for you to carry out the job. The better the ergonomic design, the better the drill machine. For instance, you don’t want to use a heavy machine which will wear you out quickly before finishing your project. In addition, you don’t want to use a drill, which has more weight at the top than at the bottom. An unbalanced drill might lead to poor quality work. Among the best cordless drills, many weigh less than 5 pounds and have weight both at the top and below the grip.
Take a situation where you are working on slightly dark areas such as under the sink or in a closet. You will definitely require a source of light. This is why you should also look for a drill that has LEDs for illuminating the area in front of you. Most people don’t find this feature necessary, but just to be on the winning side always put it under consideration.
Lastly, ensure that the bit holder is attached to the drill tool. This will make your tool more durable and reliable as there is no need of attaching or detaching the bit holder.
Batteries
This is a very important feature of cordless drills as they don’t rely on wall power. The battery type in a drill will portray some of its features such as weight and overall power output. For instance, the lithium-ion batteries are lightweight, long lasting and give better power output. Any drill with an output voltage of 18 volts or higher can drill tough surfaces such as metal or masonry.
Imagine that you are working on a timed project and the drill runs out of power before completing the task. Even though, you will re-charge the batteries you will not recover the time lost. Therefore, you should always look for a drill that comes with two batteries so that once one of them runs out of juice, you may use the other one comfortably. In addition, look at the time taken to charge the batteries. If a drill takes too much time in re-charging one battery, you can be frustrated, especially when both batteries run out of charge.
Customer support
Truth be told, these drilling tools can be very expensive and it is best to always protect your investment against some things which can damage your tool. This is why you should always look for a company that offer good warranties for its products. Most of the companies will give two warranties; one for the drill and the other for the battery. Also ensure that the company has both email and telephone support.
Other considerations
Cordless combo kit
A cordless combo kit comprises of more than one cordless tools which share the same battery or charger. This implies that you can re-charge one battery using one of the chargers instead of relying on one tool for charging. This saves you a lot of time. In addition, the cordless combo kit comes will most of the accessories required for the projects.
Battery charge indicator
There is nothing more frustrating than a drill running out of juice in the middle of an operation. Therefore, if the tool has an indicator you will be able to know when the charge is too low.
Cooling system
If the drill overheats, it will not run for long periods of time continuously. Therefore, good cordless drills have cooling fans and shields which take away excess heat.
Accessories
Simple accessories such as auxiliary handles, pressure sensitive triggers and single sleeve keyless chucks are necessary to have during projects.
Multi-stage clutch system
Cordless drills should allow you to shift from low speed to high speed rpms and vice-versa. This will make it easier for you to select the perfect speed for the task. Moreover, a multi-stage clutch will enable you achieve high precision driving.
Chuck size
The most common sizes of the cordless drill chuck are; 3/8 inches and 1/2 inches. The 1/2 inch models are heavy duty models which are preferred by professionals. The 3/8 inch models are used by average people. In addition, the chuck should have sufficient grip to prevent it from wobbling during operation. Lastly, the chuck should be designed in such a way that it is easy to change the drill bit. For example, most chucks can be twisted by hand to remove or attach a drill bit.
Cordless Drill Types
Generally, cordless drills are categorized into four types according to the task they are designed for:
- Cordless screw drivers
- Cordless drills/drivers
- Cordless impact drivers
- Cordless hammer drill/ drivers
Cordless screw drivers
Of the four, these have the least power output. They are also the lightest and most compact in the list. Their main function is driving in screws and are most suitable for simple tasks such as woodworking. However, they are not suitable for drilling holes. Their voltage output is 2.4-10.8 volts.
Cordless drills or drivers
If you are a DIY homeowner, this is the perfect tool for you. They are the most popular brand of cordless drilling tools. They can be used in drilling holes through wood or soft metals also performs in screwing operations. They have an adjustable clutch which will enable the operator to adjust the torque. Their power output ranges from 7.2 volts-20.2 volts.
Cordless impact drivers
This is most suitable for heavy duty tasks. It is similar to the common cordless drill, but the difference comes in that it has collet that is compatible with hex-shanked driver bits rather than the keyless chuck present on the cordless drill. This drill tool will automatically increase the driving torque if it senses any form of resistance during operation. This prevents the drilling attachment from slipping and eliminates the need of a pilot hole. They are some of the best for driving in screws and long fasteners rather than drilling holes. Their power output is about 14.4-20 volts.
Cordless hammers drill/drivers
These are the more powerful of the four, hence are good for drilling on hard surfaces such as brick and concrete. However, they are heavier and much noisier than the rest. It has a variable-speed clutch and during operation, it punches the drill bit out and in while simultaneously spinning it. They have special drill bits and their output is between 18 volts and 36 volts.
Parts of cordless drill
So far, most of the features of cordless drill have been mentioned above, but there is still a need to address some of the main parts.
Gears
Gears are the ones responsible for multi-operational ability of a drilling tool. Most drills have a two-geared system. The first gear provides low speeds and higher torque, which is suitable for driving screws while the second gear provides higher speeds necessary for drilling holes. Therefore, always look for a tool which has more than one gear.
Chuck
Are you still looking for the chuck key? Long are the days when chucks had to come with a key. Modern cordless drills come with a keyless chuck which will enable you to remove the key by simply twisting the chuck.
Motor
The motor determines the torque output of the drill. By attaching an adjust clutch to the motor, you will be able to set different torques.
Battery types
Currently, the Nickel Cadmium batteries are being replaced by the Lithium-ion batteries which provide more energy storage for cordless drills.
Conclusion
There are many brands of cordless drills on the market and each of them is designed for a specific task.
Therefore, you should always know what you want to accomplish with the drill before buying it.
Do you require more holes than screws in your project?
What is the nature of material or surface you will be working on?
Are the ergonomic qualities of the tool suitable for you?
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