June 6th, 2023 by Shauna Hammond

Drills are a must-have for every toolbox, there are very few DIY tasks you can get through without the use of a drill or at least that would be a lot easier with the presence of a drill. However, drill selection can be a bit tricky nowadays with some many different models and features available on the market it can be difficult to know which is the right drill for your needs – after all you don’t want to be caught short in the middle of a job nor do you want to spend a lot of money on a drill packed with features that are of no use to you. In this blog, we will discuss the main difference and weigh the pros and cons in order to make selecting the right kind of drill for you easier.

What Do I Need?

The right drill can make all the difference in the world when it comes to your DIY projects. Drills come in different sizes and shapes, so there are many factors that go into choosing the best drill for you, and it can be a little bit daunting going in blind, so before you even begin browsing the available selection, here at MYLEK we highly recommend taking some time to sit and consider what you need. Think about the kinds of jobs you will be using your drill for, what kind of materials you are planning to drill into, how often will it be used and how long it be used for -  if you are going to be using a drill as part of your trade then you will need something more powerful than someone who plans to only use their drill occasionally to help assist with DIY project or putting together furniture. Take time to think carefully about what you will be requiring from your drill as this is the best way to understand what features you need to be looking for while shopping for your new drill.

Selecting the Right Power and Torque

Starting from the top you should think about what kind of power you will require, again this will depend largely on what kind of jobs you will planning to complete. If you are undertaking a lot of new projects that will require you to drill through a wide range of materials then you will want to look at more powerful drills in the range of around 21v. However, if you are only planning your drill for some like work then 18v drills will be more than sufficient. It is also worth noting that higher power usually means an increased torque, which is an important factor for working with tougher materials which is why selecting the right power is important.

Speed and Chuck Size

The speed of a drill is measured you RPM (revolutions per minute). Different kinds of materials will require different speeds – so this means if you are planning to work with a wider range of materials then a drill with variable speed settings will ensure that you are not caught short. Additionally, the chuck size will determine the maximum diameter of the drill bit it can hold. Most drills come with a 3/8-inch or 1/2-inch chuck, but some heavy-duty models offer larger chuck sizes, larger drill bits are required to make larger holes or to effectively drill through robust materials.

Selecting the Right Type

Once you have settled on the right power for your needs, it’s time to start looking at the different types of drills available – each drill is better designed for different jobs so this is largely one of the most important aspects to be considered when choosing the right drill for you – take time to think against about the jobs you will planning to complete with your drill.

Hammer Drill

If you plan on undertaking larger jobs that may require you to drill into materials such as masonry or concrete then you need to be looking for a hammer drill as these are most suited to these kinds of strenuous jobs since they combine drilling and hammering action to easier work through tough materials, using a standard drill to a work with masonry will only result in unsatisfactory results or damaging your drill.

MYLEK 20v Cordless Brushless Hammer Drill

Price: £85.00

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Impact Drivers

Impact drivers, or impact drills are designed specifically for driving screws and fasteners as well as tightening nuts. They use a higher torque in order to better handle repetitive driving tasks, their power makes them ideal to quickly screw into wood and softer brickwork – this makes them a great choice for those looking for a drill to help them build furniture or complete woodwork project such as making decking.

Cordless or Corded?

Another important aspect to consider is whether you would like a cordless or corded drill, while this can largely come down to a matter of preference there are some differences that you should also consider.

Cordless drills are more portable and usually run on rechargeable Li-ion batteries. However, you will find that some power is sacrificed for this portability. However cordless drills have the advantage of offering more freedom of movement, they also tend to have a light build which can make them more comfortable to use for those not used to the weight of power tools. Cordless drills are often more suited for use on small-scale jobs, due to the restriction of their charging times.  

Corded drills on the other hand boast more power than cordless drills, however, they often have a bulky body which can make them uncomfortable to use for long periods of time for those not used to them, they also offer less freedom of movement since you will be restricted by a power cord. However, these drills are much more optimal for large-scale jobs, since they will have a constant supply of power and they offer more power so are better suited to more demanding tasks.  

MYLEK Black 18V Li-ion Cordless Drill 2 Speed MYCBMC with Drill Bit Set

Price: £55.00

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Other Things to Consider

There are a few other things you should consider when looking for your drill which is separate to the technical side, yet equally important.

Ergonomics and Comfort

You will be the one using the drill, so you want it to feel comfortable in your hand – a powerful drill with lots of features may be too heavy making it uncomfortable or unsteady when in use so be sure to check the weight, grip, and overall ergonomics of the drill. This will help to avoid fatigue which can lead to accidents and strain.

Additional Features

Think of any other features that may be helpful such as LED light at the end for better precision, or built-in level indicators, brushless motor for increased efficiency, fast charge if a cordless drill is more appealing and cord length for corded drills.

Budget

Finally, you should consider your budget, there is a lot of variation in price when it comes to drilling and while a feature-filled drill can be tempting, consider if it is a worthwhile investment don’t spend money on unnecessary features. Working to a specific budget can also help to narrow down your choices making the final choice easier.

We hope this guide has helped you plan which drill is right for you, or at least how to better approach shopping for your new drill. It's important to remember that the best drill for one person may not be the best drill for another. If you're looking for something lightweight and portable, then cordless drills are probably your best bet. On the other hand, if power is what matters most to you then corded models might be better suited for your needs as they offer more torque than their battery-powered counterparts. If you still feel uncertain then do not hesitate to speak to an expert for advice, after all, you don’t want to be stuck with a useless power tool taking up unnecessary space in your home.