A cordless drill is an important tool to have in your arsenal because you don’t know what it might come in handy. Cordless drills can be a better choice than corded models for those that want freedom of movement or need to use them away from electrical outlets. But, with so many models out there, how can you be sure of finding the best cordless drill for your needs? The following tips should act as a helpful starting point when comparing different options.
What to Look For When Choosing A Cordless Drill.
How Powerful is it?
The best cordless drills should make short work of the task at hand without any physical effort from you at all. If you wanted an arm workout then you would get a manual drill. The more powerful the drill the better able it is to keep the drill bit turning against the resistance of the wall. Check the product description of any potential purchase to find the voltage. They can go as low as 6V and as high as 18V, so there is a big difference in their abilities. Choose a voltage that suits your needs.
Check to See If There Are Variable Speed Settings.
The speed of the drill will also play an important part in a successful job. Some basic cordless drills only have one speed. This is fine for simple jobs but you have to match the speed to the task. A lower setting, around 300rpm, is ideal for driving screws into holes, but not for making them. The best approach is to find a drill with a variable speed setting or a slider between two fixed speeds. Check the specification to see what the range is first.
Power Isn’t Going To Get You Very Far Without A Battery Pack.
Ideally, you will want a cordless drill that has a high-end rechargeable NiMH battery pack. This is the best choice for a long battery life and a reliable performance. Just be aware that the battery life can vary greatly between models depending on their quality and the output. Don’t rely on the specification for an accurate idea of the lifespan or charging time. Read user reviews for a better understanding of their experiences. Also, double-check that the battery pack is actually included in the box and not sold separately. In some cases, you might find that there a spare battery included. This can be more costly but it is useful if you have a long job ahead and would prefer to swap out the batteries.
Is the Drill Easy To Operate?
If this is your first cordless drill then you need something user-friendly. Some of the best cordless drills for beginners will have triggers that are easy to use and have an accessible switch for that variable speed. Also, check to see if there is a keyless chuck so that you can change the drill bits with ease. The drill should also have a reliable clutch, which will provide greater control over the drilling process.
Is the Drill Comfortable to Use?
This is something that a lot of consumers forget about when looking for the best cordless drill for home use. We can get so caught up with the different settings and the power of the device that we forget that we need to hold it for long periods. The first thing to consider is the grip around the trigger and body of the drill. A textured surface and ergonomic shape can help to prevent fatigue in your hand. Then there is the weight. Some powerful models with big battery packs can weigh users down after a while. Again, see what previous buyers have to say before committing to a product.
Find a Cordless Drill in Your Budget.
Last, but not least, there is the issue of cost. There are cordless drills across a vast price range with different features and capabilities. Some of the most impressive and eye-catching might be more expensive than planned for. Ask yourself if that cost is justified or if a cheaper model is a better match for your tasks. Also, don’t be tempted to go too cheap with something that looks like a bargain. It might not have the power, speed or other features needed. It also might not have the battery included.
Check out this in depth Article on the Best Cordless Drill Review
Written by Bryan Sebring from Sebring Design Build. Bryan has been in the remodeling industry for over 25 years and has remodeled over 3000 homes.