Which drill to buy

The cordless drill has become an essential tool for every DIY enthusiast and there are a number of different models available. We look at the different types of cordless and corded drill, to help you decide which is the best one for you.

29/01/2018

If you're looking for a drill that can perform basic DIY functions such as tightening or loosening screws and drilling pilot holes, a Drill / Driver is the tool for you. In conjunction with the right bits, a drill / driver can be used for a variety of different tasks in and around the home, or when making your own DIY projects. Use a drill / driver to drill wood and metal, and also for drilling into soft brick walls.

Combi Drills - also known as 'Impact' and 'Hammer' Drills - are the next level up from a basic drill / driver. These tools are extremely versatile and can be used for the infrequent harder tasks, such as drilling into brick, concrete and natural stone tiles. When used on hammer function, the drill bit rotates while simultaneously being pounded into the work surface by two ribbed metal discs. This gives the drill even more power to drill into hard materials.

Hammer Drills, or Rotary Hammer Drills, have a more sophisticated hammer function for heavy-duty drilling. The hammer function is caused by a cylinder of air compressed by a piston that beats the drill bit as it rotates. These tools are the best for drilling into masonry and concrete at a fast speed as it has additional shock absorbing qualities built in, and for chiselling.

Impact Drills provide a high level of torque - turning power - making them ideal for repeated drilling into wood, metal, masonry or non-reinforced concrete. The impact drill can drill with diameters up to 10mm in concrete and 25mm in wood, whether screwing clockwise and anti-clockwise. The Bosch range of impact drills are compact and lightweight for comfort and ease of use.