Best Drills Guide | Types of Drill - Screwfix

A drill is a staple tool for any tradesperson or DIYer’s toolbox. Used to drill holes, tighten or loosen screws, or chisel into materials, it’s a handy tool, useful for multiple projects. But there are many types available, all with different features and functions. So how do you know which is the best drill for your needs?

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This comprehensive drill guide tells you everything you need to know about drills. It covers the types of drills available and which ones are best for specific tasks. We look at the different features drills can have and why they are useful. We also explain power ratings and battery technology and highlight some key things to consider when buying a power drill. 

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A drill is a toolbox essential that will last for years. So, when you’re deciding which one to buy, there are several factors to consider, such as how often you’ll use it, what drilling tasks you’ll need it for, what type of material you’ll drill into, and your budget.

Some drills are more multipurpose than others, so they can cover a range of tasks. And some also include a screwdriver function. Then some drills are made to suit specific tasks, including powerful drills for drilling into tough materials, drills with longer battery life for extended use, and drills with different features.  

Corded or cordless?

The difference between corded drills and cordless drills is how they are powered. A corded drill is plugged into the mains electricity supply, while a cordless drill is powered by a built-in battery. 

When deciding which is the best cordless drill, or corded drill for you, consider the pros and cons below:

What is an SDS drill?

An SDS drill is a drill with a Slotted Drive System, which relates to how the drill’s chuck holds and moves the drill bit. The chuck has a piston that fires the drill bit forward and backward in a hammering action. This reduces friction and increases the strength compared to a standard hammer drill. It makes SDS drills ideal for drilling into tough concrete and masonry. In addition, the rotary function can be turned off to allow for chiselling and chasing tasks.

There are three types of SDS drill: regular SDS, SDS Plus, and SDS Max. SDS Plus is simply an improved version of an SDS regular drill, and both types can hold a drill bit with a 10mm shank. They are suited to lighter-duty masonry work and drilling small holes. But the SDS Max can hold a drill bit with an 18mm shank, which can withstand more torque and force. This makes it better for tougher masonry work and drilling large holes.

Power ratings on drills are measured differently, depending on how the drill is powered.

Cordless drills are powered by a battery, so their power is measured in volts. They can range from 7.2V to 54V. A corded electric drill's power is measured in watts ranging from 450W to W.

The power rating on a drill is important because the higher the voltage or wattage is, the more power the drill has, and therefore it can tackle heavier tasks. So, for example, you'll need significantly more power to drill into concrete than you would to drill into soft wood.

Cordless drills are powered by built-in rechargeable batteries. There are three types of technology: Nickel-Cadium (NiCad), Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) and Lithium-ion (Li-ion).

NiCad batteries are the oldest technology of the three. These batteries are cheaper than the other types, but they have a good life span if they are well maintained. In addition, they are tough and resistant to impact and extreme temperatures, so they are ideal for outdoor use. On the downside, they are heavy, so they aren't comfortable for prolonged use, and they run out faster than other battery types. Ideally, the battery should never drop below 70% charge, other than once a month, when it should be fully discharged. Otherwise, their memory is severely affected, and their lifespan is diminished. They also need to be given time to cool down before being charged, which increases their charging time.  

NiMH batteries are more expensive than NiCAD, but their capacity is often 2 or 3 times greater, and they weigh less. On the downside, they have a rapid self-discharge and are sensitive to extreme temperatures. And, like NiCad batteries, they need to be kept at 70% charge, with a full discharge once a month to maintain them. But, if they’re left fully discharged for long periods, the battery will deteriorate rapidly, and its lifespan will be significantly shortened.   

Lithium-ion batteries are used in most cordless drills. They can be charged at any time, no matter what charge percentage they already have. They also have no self-discharge, so they won't drain unless you're using them. So, even if you don't use the drill for a long time, it will be ready to use the next time you need it. In addition, Li-ion batteries charge from empty to full power quickly – typically within 60 minutes and hold more power for longer than other battery types. Another advantage is that they're lightweight, making drills with this battery type comfortable to use for long periods. And they're better for the environment.

Considering buying a drill but unsure of the pricing and the type you need? Well, you’re in good company as HSS ProService are here to ensure you find the right drill for you.

In this drill buying guide, we’ll break down all the types of drills, their main uses and the drill bits they come with so that you can better understand which drill works best for you.

Buying a drill: How to find the right drill for the job

When it comes to buying a drill, there are some questions you’ll need to ask yourself first to help you determine the type of drill you need for the material you’re planning on working with. Some of the questions to ask yourself include the following:

• What material will you be drilling into?
  
• Do you need a corded or cordless drill?
  
• Do you require a screwdriver function?
  
• What features do you require?
  
• Do you need an LED light?
  

At HSS ProService, our selection of available-to-hire drills will help you complete your project effectively whether you require equipment for construction or demolition purposes. We supply both corded and cordless drills.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Surface Drillngtooling. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

The power of the drill driver you require depends on the size of the hole you're drilling. For simple hole drilling in wood, metal and plastic, a cordless drill is the best option. A cordless drill is practical and convenient for carrying around. A corded drill, however, can be more powerful and drill bigger holes but requires a space where it can be plugged in.

Another thing to consider when buying a drill is drill modes. Screwdriving mode is a drill most drills use to screw things slowly and accurately yet also very effective. For a good screwdriver function, consider a drill with a reverse function that has either adaptable speed or torque control.

Choosing the best type of drill for your project can be challenging since there are so many options available. That’s why we’ve broken down each drill type below to make it easier for you to choose which is best for you.

Hammer Drills

Hammer drills are a powerful option for drilling hard materials like stone, concrete and masonry thanks to their rotary hammer movements. This type of drill has an oscillating hammering motion when rotated, making hammer drills ideal for more intense tasks and solid materials.

Hammer drills have the ability to control the power while keeping the RPM low which enables you to cut through tough and heavy-duty materials while minimising surface damage. They can penetrate dense materials also instantly.

We have an impressive range of cordless and corded drills here at HSS which are available to hire for your next project, no matter how long you need them. You can use a hammer drill as a standard drill if you wish, but it’s certainly worth hiring one if you are intending on drilling through solid materials.

Cordless drills

The advanced battery technology in cordless drills enables users to operate longer in locations where no electrical outlet is present, which is convenient for projects where you’ll be working long hours. This compact tool has excellent drilling capacity and variable speeds.

Cordless drills are similar to their corded counterparts, however, they are typically lightweight and don’t have a cord. They are popular drills because they are lightweight but still have plenty of power and speed control triggers.

It is easier to carry around a cordless power tool and get into more intricate areas with a cordless combination drill since they are lightweight and have no cord getting in the way or limiting their reach. Explore our range of cordless drills with advanced battery technology today.

Combi-hammers

Combi-hammers are practical and versatile drills owing to the hammer mechanism they feature, which makes breaking apart and hammering into solid materials, such as concrete, an easier task. They’re also very powerful tools and can be bought in both a corded and cordless variation - you can hire our corded Heavy-Duty Atc Combi-Hammer for a low cost today.

Most drills that don’t have a hammer function can only be used on softer materials like wood and plasterboard, however, the combi drill allows harder materials to be drilled and hammered into easily.

Combi-hammers are able to carry out multiple drilling tasks with ease, making it the perfect drill if you’re considering buying a drill for a range of heavy-duty operations. They come equipped with a number of additional drilling features that make them ideal for tasks like heavy breaking, chiselling and scraping. This makes masonry drilling a breeze.

Diamond drills

A powerful drilling technique that can produce clean, accurate holes through the toughest materials is achieved using a diamond drill. Diamond drills have a hollow, cylindrical bit set with diamonds that makes them suitable for drilling brickwork and most masonry.

A diamond drill is used in any scenario where accurate holes must be made, such as when creating smaller openings for pipes and wires or precise holes in applications where bolts are to be placed.

At HSS, each of our available-to-hire diamond drills provides power and precision and can be used to carry out tasks on a wide range of applications and materials. Drilling through solid material and masonry is easy with a diamond drill - why not get started with a professional diamond driller kit from us?

Drill drivers

A drill driver is a power tool with two modes: drilling and screw driving. It is often powered by a battery and has two or more speeds to ensure it can be used for multiple purposes.

You can choose a low or high torque setting on a drill driver, which controls how much power is applied by the drill to drive the screw, you can do this by using a torque selection ring located next to the keyless chuck.

The screwdriver mode can be achieved by putting a drill driver on a low-speed setting, while effective drilling can be achieved by increasing the speed setting of the drill. This drill is excellent for someone who wants to complete a job or task where both drilling and screwdriving are required.

Power screwdrivers

The smallest yet most portable drilling tool of the bunch, power screwdrivers are battery-powered, lightweight cordless screwdrivers that are handy for all screwdriving work you require for your DIY project.

Electric screwdrivers are simply designed for tightening and loosening screws in tight spaces for quick assembly, as opposed to manual screwdrivers which are less effective and drill drivers which are far heavier. Small and lightweight, this cordless tool is more convenient than drill drivers and makes screwdriving any application in any space an effortless task.

Get next-day delivery on drills and drill bits at HSS

If you’re in urgent need of a drill for your project or you’re keen on buying a drill on a budget, HSS ProService can come to the rescue with our next-day delivery on a range of drills and drill bits that are available to hire at an affordable price. 

The benefits of hiring for the longevity of your project are almost endless, so why not explore our incredible product range today and get in touch to hire some high-quality equipment for your next project? We hope this guide has helped you form a decision on what drill works best for you.

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