How to Choose the Right Power Drill
There are so many types and brands of power drill available that it can be difficult to choose the
right one for you. Different drills suit different needs and applications, and many people find it
difficult to work out which one will perform best for them.
As such, when choosing a power drill there are a number of things you have to consider.
How Powerful Should it Be?
One of the first things to consider when addressing the question of “How to choose the right power
drill” is how powerful you need it to be. Corded drills are usually more powerful than their batterypowered counterparts. However, the two types use different measures of power. Corded drills are
measured in amps, while the power of a cordless one will be reflected in the battery voltage.
In either case, telling the difference in power between different drills is simple. Higher-voltage
battery-powered drills are more powerful than lower-voltage ones, and corded drills with more
amps are more powerful than those with less. A 12-16 volt cordless drill will suit most people's
needs. However, for heavy-duty use you could require a higher-voltage drill or a corded one.
Power Source
It is also important to assess whether you would be better off with a corded or cordless drill. As
mentioned above, corded drills are more powerful, but this is not the only factor to think about. A
battery-powered drill of at least 12 volts will be enough power for most people, and there are other
advantages and disadvantages worth considering.
The most obvious advantage to a cordless drill is that it is more versatile in terms of location. You are
not reliant on having access to a power source when you use it, so you can take it wherever you
choose. A corded drill, on the other hand, will provide consistent power with no fear of the battery
running out. If you are unlikely to use your drill away from a power socket, a corded drill may be
better. Otherwise, a cordless drill could be necessary.
The danger of a cordless drill running out of battery power can be minimised by having at least one
spare battery. One battery can be charged while the other is in use so that you always have access to
a quick replacement. It is also worth looking at the amp-hour (Ah) rating of the battery, which gives
you an indication of how long the battery will last.
Make and Model
Even when you have decided on the type and power of drill you need, there are a number of brands
on the market. Each brand offers multiple different models, so it can be difficult to choose which
specific drill to purchase.
While there are exceptions to this rule, better-known brands generally offer more reliable drills.
However, every brand has some bad models and some little-known brands are surprisingly good. It
can be useful to search for user reviews online before settling on a specific drill.