Choose the best drill for your needs
From corded to cordless drills and drill features to drill bits, here's our guide to help you find the best hand drill for your task.
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From convenient combi drills to powerful hammer drills and impact drivers to SDS drills - join us as we simplify the jargon and answer all your questions to help you choose the ideal tool for your task at hand. Learn about drill types, features, and more to find the perfect drill, whether you're a professional or looking for a handy tool for your next DIY project.
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Things to consider when picking a drill
Before buying a drill, it’s worth considering how and where you’ll use it. Factors include the type of task, the materials you’ll be working with, how frequently you may use this tool, power requirements and your skill/experience level. Read on to learn more.
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Choosing a drill by task
A DIY enthusiast with a new project in mind? Or perhaps you want a trusty drill for quick repairs around the house? Either way, here's a list of drill types to choose from based on your needs.
- Hanging pictures/mirrors: Drill driver
- Putting up TV wall brackets: Hammer drill
- Putting up curtain poles: Corded impact drill
- Putting up shelves: Hammer drill or corded impact drill
- Putting together furniture: Electric screwdriver, Drill driver, SDS drill
Choosing a drill by material
It's essential to pick the right power tool that matches the material you are working with. Too hard or thick, and your drill won't power through. Too delicate, and the drill can end up damaging the material. Here are some helpful pointers.
- Metal/wood/tile/glass/plastic: Drill driver, Hammer drill or corded impact drill
- Brick: Hammer drill, Corded impact drill, SDS drill
- Concrete: SDS drill
- Tile: Drill driver, hammer drill, corded impact drill, SDS drill (tile only)
Top power drills
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Types of drills
From everyday DIY to demanding construction tasks, drilling power tools come in various types and strengths. Knowing how each drill works helps you pick a tool that delivers the right balance of power, precision and versatility.
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Corded and cordless drills
Which one is best for you?
Choose from three types of drills: corded, cordless (with battery), and cordless (bare tool, no battery included). Explore which option is best suited to your needs below. Power for cordless drills is measured in volts and power for corded drills is measured in watts. The higher the number of volts or watts, the more power a drill has. Read on to find the best fit for your projects.
- Corded drills: These plug in at the mains and can often provide more power and torque than cordless options. This makes them better for longer or for heavier duty tasks.
- Cordless drills: The main benefit of these is that you can take them anywhere. Ideal for everyday DIY, cordless drills have a rechargeable battery. If you have two rechargeable batteries, you can simply swap them when one runs out.
Drill bit set and accessories
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Drill features
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Torque
Torque is the force that causes rotation. Higher torque means faster rotation. For tough materials like brickwork, a high torque setting is best, while more delicate materials like wood call for a lower torque setting to minimise the risk of damage.
Speed
Drill speed is measured in RPM (revolutions per minute). Delicate materials like glass and stainless steel require a lower RPM, while harder materials like brick and hardwood call for higher drill speeds. Quick tip: Be careful of heat damage when drilling on high speeds.
Keyless chuck
The chuck is the part of the drill that holds the drill bits in. In general, a keyless chuck will take bits with diameters between 0.5mm and 10mm or 13mm for drills with larger chucks.
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Drilling capacity
A drill’s drilling capacity refers to the maximum size of drill bit it can take. To avoid damage or poor performance, make sure your drill bits match your drill’s capacity before use.
Reverse function
Drills with a reverse function let you change the direction in which the drill bit rotates. This comes in particularly handy for loosening screws or bolts, especially when using impact drivers or electric screwdrivers.
Gears
Drills with more than one gear let you select different speed ranges. You can control the speed of single gear drills with the speed control trigger. This helps prevent damage when working with different types of material requiring different speeds and control in a single work session.
Frequently asked questions about drills
What drill is best for home use?
Combi drills or electric screwdrivers are the handiest drills for home use. They are lightweight and can screw-unscrew bolts and screws making them perfect for things like installing flat-pack furniture or putting up a picture frame. A combi drill can also support slightly heavier tasks like drilling into masonry or brick to install shelves or curtain rails for home DIY projects.
What is better, brushed or brushless cordless drills?
Whether a brushed or brushless drill will work better for you depends on your drilling needs. While a brushed cordless drill is used for heavy-duty, professional tasks, a brushless drill allows a lot more flexibility for simpler, lighter tasks at home or in the garden.
How long do battery-powered drills last?
Depending on the size of the battery and the intensity of your task, a smaller battery-powered drill can last from anywhere between 20 minutes to 1 hour. A drill with a larger battery can last for up to 2 hours.
Can an impact drill be used as a regular drill?
It is advised to only use impact drill for its primary purpose as a fastener. While it can be used as a regular drill if necessary it can cause damage to drill bits and the material because of its low torque and light weight.
How do I choose a drill for beginners?
When buying a drill for the first time, it is best to consider your drilling needs, the type of tasks you'd be doing with it, and the kind of material you'll be working with. It's best to start with a drill that is multi-purpose, lightweight, and allows speed adjustments.
How can I store my drills safely in the garage?
Keep your drills in a dry, elevated spot such as a shelf or a tool cabinet. Storing it at a height protects it from dust and moisture. For more organisation ideas, explore our guide to creating a tidy and organised garage.
What do I need to know when buying a drill?
When buying a drill, consider the jobs you plan to use it for. Factor in the power you need, and whether corded or cordless suits you best. Look at voltage, torque, speed settings, chuck size, weight, and battery life to ensure comfortable, reliable performance.
What is better, an 18V or 20V drill?
An 18V and 20V drill offer similar power, with the latter matching 18V under load. An 18V–20V cordless lithium‑ion combi drill with a brushless motor offers a strong balance of power and weight. Be sure to match the drill to your projects; 12V suits light tasks, while masonry work needs a hammer function. Prioritise adjustable torque, variable speed, and ergonomic comfort.
