Drills

A drill’s multi-functionality makes it a basic tool for every household, which is why it should be one of the first tools that you acquire. However, due to the large variety of drills on the market, it can be difficult to choose the drill that suits you best. Consult the following guide to learn more about the key characteristics of drills and their accessories.
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Uses
Electric or cordless?
Characteristics and options to be considered
Accessories
Maintenance

Uses

The primary function of a drill, as the name implies, is to drill holes. But as well, there is a vast range of accessories that use the tool’s rotation to enhance its applications. Various accessories are used to drill holes, turn screws, sand, mill, sharpen, brush, cut, etc.

Electric or cordless?

Corded drills

Drills with electric cords are ideal for long jobs or when a more powerful and durable tool is required. To evaluate such a tool’s performance, check the amperage and RPM ratings. Normally, amperage varies from 3 to 7 amps and RPM between 800 and 2,500, which perform well on wood, metal, plastic and even cement. Note that in the case of metal and cement, a lower RPM rate is needed to get good results. For the average do-it-yourselfer, a drill rated at 4 amps and 800 RPM is usually sufficient.

You should also know that for the same price, a drill with a cord is more powerful than a cordless model. Naturally, it must be used in proximity of an electrical outlet. The occasional user should choose this model, as it demands less scheduling than its battery-equipped counterpart.

Cordless drills

Cordless drills are much more practical. They can be carried to any work site without concern for electric sources and extension cords. Their voltage varies between 7.2 and 24 volts and their RPM rate between 400 and 1450. To assemble furniture, install blinds, shelves and picture frames, a 7.2 to 9.6 volt drill is sufficient. For small renovation jobs, woodworking and drilling into boards and panels, choose a model with a voltage of 9.6 to 14. For major renovations, drilling into planks, metal or plastic, a 14 to 24 will be needed to do the job.

When purchasing a cordless drill, the battery can make all the difference. There are two types of batteries: NiMH and NiCad. Check the longevity rating on the battery, i.e., the length of time the battery performs on a single charge, which is shown as an abbreviation “Ah” (ampere-hours). Remember that the Ah isn’t a performance indicator and has no influence on the drill’s weight. A NiMH battery appears to have more longevity, but you should be aware that, regardless of the battery type, longevity will be influenced by the intensity of use. A more demanding task requires more energy, which will thus lessen the battery’s charge time. The life expectancy of a rechargeable battery is about 500 charges. Be careful to not overcharge the battery by leaving it on the charger longer than necessary, as overcharging diminishes life expectancy.

Battery charge time can vary from one to three hours. It is therefore recommended to have a spare battery on hand. Since batteries can lose their charge even when in storage, it’s important to recharge them every three months, about every season change, or correctly plan your jobs to set aside recharge time before they begin.
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