An electric drill is a tool that should be in every home. It is indispensable in a home craftsman’s workshop, but even if the owner’s hobbies do not include plumbing or carpentry, one cannot do without it.
Hang a picture, shelf, cornice, make a hole in metal or concrete - that’s where you need it. It’s not difficult to acquire such a tool; you just need to go to the nearest store and choose a drill for home use.
To avoid making a mistake with your purchase, it’s worth learning a little more about this useful tool.
Household and professional tools
Based on the expected load and intensity of use, drills can be divided into household and professional. For the manufacture of the latter, special designs and materials are used that have an increased ability to resist wear. This allows the device to work flawlessly for several hours on end.
Household tool models are characterized by less wear resistance and relatively easy assembly. But such drills are much cheaper than professional equipment and are considered a good option for use at home.
General description of the tool
A drill is a type of hand-held power tool, the operating principle of which is based on the rotation of the shaft, which drives one or another type of chuck for replaceable equipment (drills, bits, mixers for preparing solutions). The main need for equipment is focused on carrying out repair and construction work: drilling and forming grooves, manipulating fasteners, mixing liquid mixtures of various consistencies. The first compact prototype was created in 1895 and since then the demand for the tool has remained at a constantly high level both among professional builders and in the private sector.
First electric drill, 1895 Source wikimedia.org
Taking into account the wide range of possible tasks that can be solved using drills, the production of tools is carried out with a different set of functional additions. That is, in fact, you can find on trading floors both an ordinary compact device with a low cost, as well as more massive and expensive models with all kinds of buttons and switches. To understand how to choose a drill for your home, you need to understand the features of each subtype and become familiar with the technical criteria for choosing equipment.
Differences from screwdrivers and hammer drills
When choosing a tool for a home workshop, the user is often faced with the problem of which is better: a drill, a screwdriver or a hammer drill. Construction professionals like to have every option in their arsenal. To decide on a household plan, it is worth turning to the opinion of experts and the general distinctive characteristics of power tool samples. Brief information about the advantages and disadvantages is presented in the table.
| Tool | Advantages | Flaws |
| Drill | Most modern models are characterized by versatility and reasonable prices. Also, the advantages include compactness and low weight. | Many household models have limited service life and performance, which is due to rapid engine overheating and low power. Difficulties often arise with adjusting the shaft speed. |
| Screwdriver | Compared to a drill, the tool is lighter, more compact, and more convenient to work with in relation to self-tapping screws and other hardware with a threaded part. | Battery components are quickly discharged due to their low potential. The power of the equipment is obviously low, which explains the narrow scope of application. |
| Hammer | Compared to alternative options, high power, performance, and versatility stand out here. | Many models are characterized by heavy weight and low accuracy of hole formation. Most of the assortment is represented by highly specialized samples, which explains the relatively high cost. |
Essentially, drills are used to form holes in various substrates. If there is a function for adjusting the shaft rotation speed, then the tool, as a rule, easily replaces a screwdriver. Rotary hammers are often chosen for home workshops due to their impact mode of operation, which is important for drilling hard materials. Most drills also have this function. Its power is quite enough to install a couple of seats for electrical outlets in concrete walls or to make grooves for wires.
Household and professional appliances
Like any other type of power tools, there is a conditional division into two types: household and professional. Moreover, the top drills for the home include both. The middle level in terms of price/quality is sometimes classified as a group of semi-professional equipment. The criteria for classification are the basic technical characteristics of the model range, functionality and a set of additional devices or “bells and whistles”.
Example of household equipment Source laukar.com
So, the advantages of household equipment include the following:
- reasonable price;
- versatility due to minimal equipment, which includes the ability to drill walls, screw in self-tapping screws and mix solutions;
- compactness and ease of use;
- the manufacturer's warranty often includes a longer service period than for a professional tool;
- protection of the user from injury and the tool from rapid breakdowns at a good level.
But experts note a number of important disadvantages that affect the choice of a drill for the home:
- one-time operating mode – no more than 15-20 minutes;
- work during the day – it is recommended not to exceed 4 hours in total;
- materials for the production of equipment are designed for light loads.
Such disadvantages are eliminated in professional samples. Here you can work for an hour without breaks and about 8 hours a day. But despite all the advantages, the functionality of such a tool comes down to a narrow specialization. Due to various improvements, professional equipment, as a rule, has greater weight and dimensions, and also costs significantly more.
Example of professional equipment Source satom.ru
Types of drills
Depending on the structural features of the structure and scope of application, a couple of classifications can be distinguished.
By purpose
Unstressed
It would be advisable to choose a non-impact type option for wood, metal and plastic. Its advantages, in addition to universal application, include compactness and ease of operation. It is worth considering that such devices are not designed for long hours of activity with a heavy load.
This type has a primitive design compared to all other types of instruments. The only function of the device is to rotate the drill.
It would be advisable to use such a drill for domestic needs; it cannot cope with concrete or stone materials.
Having a percussion mechanism
They can easily make holes in solid crystalline materials, which is why they are in demand. They have the function of a hammer drill. Unlike the previous version, they operate in two modes: drilling and impact drilling. Such devices are more universal. At the owner's request, the impact mechanism can be turned off.
However, the design is quite banal, so you can only count on a certain range. Abuse of the shock mode can lead to premature failure of the device. Thus, the share of work of the impact mechanism should be no more than a fifth of the total time the device is used.
Screwdriver
Replaces two tools at once in everyday life. In addition to drilling, it is used for screwing in or removing elements. This is a popular device for people who often have to assemble structures and use a large number of fasteners, such as screws and screws.
This model is not capable of interacting with solid materials. You can't ask for more from such a model.
Corner
Used when drilling skirting boards or assembling furniture frames. The downside is the lack of an option to integrate a striking mechanism, as well as reduced power.
Accordingly, the device is useless for working with hard materials. For this reason, most professionals use special attachments for corner work.
Mixer
The need to prepare building mixtures is no less important than drilling. For this, a special device is used that helps to mix the solution correctly.
The set comes with a whole set of different attachments. In addition to mixing solutions, they can be used for drilling certain materials at low power. The set includes a set of necessary attachments. This helps increase the efficiency of working with the material.
By food type
Network
It only works when plugged into a power outlet. The cost of a corded drill can be favorable, and the ability to choose from a large number of powers helps to cope with work of different levels. It can be found both in workshops and in private homes for domestic needs.
The most significant disadvantage of network devices is, of course, the limitation of the movement of the instrument by the cord. They are often too heavy, which also interferes with efficient work.
Rechargeable
Unlike the previous version, the mechanism of the battery device implies the presence of a special battery, which is located in the handle. Because of this, the drill becomes heavier, but the master has an important and significant opportunity for personal comfort to carry out work in places without electrical power. Thanks to replaceable batteries, you can use the device for several hours on end.
However, this model may not be suitable for drilling very hard floors, since it does not have such high power.
What is the difference between a drill and a screwdriver?
These tools have different purposes:
- A drill has a drilling function; it is suitable for wood, metal, plastic or not very complex work with stone, brick, concrete.
- From the name of a screwdriver, its main function is already clear - to tighten and unscrew screws. A screwdriver has less power than a drill.
Key Features of Selection
When buying a tool, you should not pay attention only to cost, functionality or size. There are several important criteria and aspects that will help you choose a drill yourself. Before purchasing a device, you need to carefully study the overview of all the characteristics.
Power
The rotation speed and the ability to drill holes in materials of varying hardness largely depend on the power of the drill. This figure ranges from 300 to 2000 W. The larger it is, the more impressive the loads that the mechanism can withstand. The power of models for professional use does not fall below 1000 W.
The weight of the device also depends on this criterion, so you need to carefully approach the issue of choice. If materials denser than brick are not used for work, you can stop at a drill power of 800-1000 W. This will avoid pain in the hands from the need to exert additional effort when drilling, but at the same time, the drill will not burden the master with a lot of weight. To work with concrete or other hard materials, you need to choose a drill with more power.
Thus:
- 450 W – for minor repair work indoors;
- 700–800 W – for work at emergency facilities;
- 1000 W – for serious repair work by experienced craftsmen;
- more than 1200 W – for metal processing enterprises.
Shaft rotation speed and its adjustment
Without high-speed revolutions, the master will not be able to properly sand the surface. In addition, the number of revolutions per minute also plays an important role during impact work. For some models this figure is 3,500 rpm. The higher, the faster the required hole is drilled. To screw in a screw, it is not necessary to take models at high speed; an indicator of 500–600 rotations per minute is suitable.
Some device models can only operate at one speed, which can be changed by adjusting the number of revolutions. This process takes a certain amount of time, which makes it inconvenient. Therefore, drills have been created with several main speeds, which allows you to quickly switch between them.
Drilling diameter
The drilling diameter is an aspect that you need to take a closer look at for subsequent correct work with the tool at home. The instructions for each drill indicate the largest and smallest diameter of the holes that this model can make. Their maximum value is often different. If you use a drill that is too large in diameter, the device will quickly fail. This figure ranges from 0.3–30 mm. Basic optimal values:
- 90–80 mm – suitable for brick walls;
- 9–32 mm – for installation of plumbing fixtures;
- 32 mm – for working with metal;
- 10–70 mm – for wood.
Chuck type
The drill can be fixed in several ways, and accordingly, the chucks can also be of different types:
- Key. Allows you to best secure the drill using a special key. Used in more powerful and massive models. The obvious disadvantage is the replacement of the drill.
- Self-clamping. It does not require special keys for replacement, so it can be used for quick work with various materials, including metal.
- Collet. Fixing requires more effort than with the previous option. Suitable for people working with machines.
What other parameters to consider when choosing
- An important point is the convenience of the design and the absence of discomfort during use. The body can be made of various materials. Handle covers can improve the safety of the device and make it more comfortable to use.
- The presence of an additional handle will allow you to drill dense floors with greater comfort. It can be removed and rotated or securely attached to the body.
- Additional lighting is needed to illuminate hard-to-reach areas.
- Nozzles can be purchased separately. They have a wide range of functionality and are used for a variety of jobs.
Specific designs
Drill mixers are produced in a separate class with engines designed to operate at low speeds while overcoming high counter forces created by dense building mixtures. Their working body is made in the form of a spatula or drill, which ensures mixing of paints, putties and other solutions. The design of such a tool provides for a reserve of engine power and methods for increased heat removal from the windings, increasing the resistance of the mechanisms to overheating.
The angle drill has a head design that allows you to perform work in hard-to-reach places with limited space at an angle of 90 degrees to the axis of the body.
The drill/driver has the ability to adjust torque at low speeds. It is convenient for tightening or removing self-tapping screws or screws in large quantities.
The universal corded drill is widely used and has many functions:
- regulation of the rotation speed of the working body with a smooth start of drilling at low speeds and a gradual increase in the number of revolutions to the optimal value;
- reverse;
- impact mechanism.
Drill rating
There are a variety of products available in the home tools market. Depends on the features of the drilling machine and the brand itself. The rating of electric drills based on the advice of experts and user reviews will help you navigate and make the right choice.
Bison ZDU-780 ERKM2
The top of the drill is one of the most common impact models, suitable for amateurs. This option is attractive due to its inexpensive cost and acceptable parameters. Due to its characteristics, this electric drill is suitable for any need.
- Max. drilling diameter: 13 mm;
- power: 780 W;
- Max. speed: 3000 rpm.
Whirlwind DU-1100
High-quality drill at an affordable price. The locking button attracts special attention: working with such a device is even safer.
- Max. drilling diameter: 13 mm;
- power: 1100 W;
- max. speed: 3000 rpm.
Hitachi DV16V
Suitable for long-term and frequent household repairs. Thanks to its low weight it is convenient to use. Short cord.
- Max drilling diameter: 13 mm;
- power: 590 W;
- max. speed: 2900 rpm.
Dnipro M
It has two operating modes, which makes the model universal. Thanks to the additional reliable handle, you can properly distribute the load.
- Max drilling diameter: 13 mm;
- power: 1200 W;
- max. speed: 2500 rpm.
Rating of models for home use
The manufacturer's brand, power and build quality of the tool are of great importance for determining the price. From the existing offers on the market, you can select a reliable and high-quality tool worth up to 3 thousand rubles, suitable for the necessary selection criteria. For products from leading companies in this industry, you will have to pay about 6–7 thousand rubles.
Definitely, the choice depends on the budget, but do not forget about the quality of the materials used in the manufacture of power tool parts. During operation, the drill is subjected to physical stress, vibration, overheating, and wear of the rubbing parts in the gearbox, so the quality of the assembly matters. Some models are presented on the market both with a key chuck and with a quick-release chuck.
Table: rating of models for home and garden
| № | Manufacturer , model | Presence of impact mechanism | Power, W | Number of strokes per minute | Chuck type, diameter | Maximum diameter , mm | Weight, kg | Maximum rotation speed, rpm | Cost, rub. | Additional features |
| 1 | Bosch PSB 450 RE | There is | 530 | 48000 | key 1.5–16 mm or quick-clamp 1.5–16 mm | 20 - wood 13 - concrete 10 - steel | 1,5 | 3000 | 2650 |
|
| 2 | TexAS (TA-01–012) | There is | 750 | no data | key 1.5–13 mm | 25 - wood 16 - concrete 13 - steel | 1,4 | 2800 | 1200 |
|
| 3 | Proton DEU-1100 | There is | 1100 | 44800 | key 1.5–13 mm | 25 - wood 16 - concrete 13 - steel | 1,8 | 3000 | 1600 |
|
| 4 | Black&Decker CD714CRESCA | There is | 710 | 47600 | quick-release 1.5–13 mm | 25 - wood 13 - concrete 13 - steel | 1,6 | 2800 | 3280 |
|
| 5 | Steel UD650-RR | There is | 650 | 4500 | key 1.5–13 mm | 30 - wood 14 - concrete 12 - steel | 2,1 | 3000 | 1480 |
|
| 6 | Hitachi FDV16VB2 | There is | 550 | 46400 | key 1.5 - 13 mm or quick-clamp 1.5 - 13 mm | 30 - wood 16 - concrete 13 - steel | 1,6 | 2900 | 3050 |
|
| 7 | Makita HP1640 | There is | 680 | 44800 | key 1.5 - 13 mm | 30 - wood 16 - concrete 13 - steel | 1,8 | 2800 | 3280 |
|
| 8 | Intertool DT0107 | There is | 500 | 29000 | key 1.5 - 13 mm | 20 — wood 13 — concrete 10 — steel | 2,0 | 2700 | 1200 |
|
| 9 | Metabo SBE650 | There is | 650 | 44800 | quick-release 1.5 - 13 mm or key 1.5 - 13 mm | 30 - wood 16 - concrete 13 - steel | 1,8 | 1500 | 3300 |
|
| 10 | Stanley STDH8013 | There is | 800 | 54000 | key 1.5 - 13 mm | 32 - wood 16 - concrete 13 - steel | 2,4 | 3000 | 3460 |
|
Gallery: photos of top models
Drill Bosch PSB 450 RE
Drill TexAS (TA-01–012)
Drill Proton DEU-1100
Drill Steel UD650-RR
Drill Hitachi FDV16VB2
Drill Makita HP1640
Drill Intertool DT0107
Drill Metabo SBE650
Drill Stanley STDH8013
The best impact drills for quality and reliability
Interskol DU-16/1000ER
These inexpensive drills are the best in terms of price and quality. Can make holes in various materials.
- Max drilling diameter: 13 mm;
- power: 1000 W;
- max. speed: 2500 rpm.
Makita hp1640k
This Chinese device is one of the most popular in the top. It weighs little, so it will be easy for both men and women to work with it.
- Max drilling diameter: 13 mm;
- power: 680 W;
- max. speed: 2800 rpm.
BOSCH GSB 1600 RE BZP
A popular German company will be able to pleasantly surprise you. This tool model will last for more than one year.
- Max drilling diameter: 13 mm;
- power: 700 W;
- max. speed: 3000 rpm.
DeWALT DWD024
The rating of electric drills cannot be imagined without this position. The manufacturer allows you to choose the rotation speed, which makes use much easier. Long quality cord.
- Max drilling diameter: 13 mm;
- power: 750 W;
- max. speed: 2800 rpm.
Types of instruments
Drills can be classified as power tools without narrow specialization in solving any problems. This is justified by the wide range of equipment that is presented on the trading floors of the construction market. Let's consider the species diversity of products within the group according to two main characteristics: purpose and type of nutrition.
Classification by purpose
One of the main criteria for choosing a power tool is its purpose or basic functionality. Based on this feature, 5 types of power tools can be distinguished. Let's look at the features of each of them to understand which drill is best to choose for solving certain problems.
Regular unstressed
The functionality of such a tool is limited to drilling bases with low and medium density. These include, for example, wood, metal, materials with a porous structure. As a rule, models of this series are considered for repair work and for the construction of small projects.
An ordinary unstressed instrument Source instrumentgrad.ru
Examples of popular models
The rating of classic type electric drills with one operating mode includes both domestic and foreign models (they prevail). Let's look at a few popular options. Bosch is considered one of the most famous brands. From this manufacturer, craftsmen distinguish GBM 13 HRE and GBM 10 RE. They allow you to drill with high precision and work with self-tapping screws. The first option has a power of 550 W, the maximum drill diameter is limited to 20 mm. The second is 600 W, the diameter of the hole in the tree is no more than 25 mm. The disadvantages of the GBM 13 HRE include a short wire and an unreliable design of the speed switch. The disadvantages of the GBM 10 RE boil down to chuck play and poor speed control (the level remains high).
Drill Bosch GBM 13 HRE Source outilonline.com
Two models also stand out from Makita: DP4001 and DP4011. In the first sample, craftsmen note the reliability of the gearbox, the provision of conditions for long-term use, good power (750 W) and a high range of drill diameters (up to 13/38 mm). But sparking of the brushes is soon observed. The second drill and professional group allows you to drill holes up to 13/40 mm, the power is 720 W, the speed develops up to 2900 rpm. There is a safety clutch and electronic adjustment of the shaft speed. The disadvantages include the high cost and short service life of the keyless chuck.
Topping the ranking of the best drills is the DeWalt DWD522KS. It is considered one of the most ergonomic due to good weight balancing and reduced vibration during operation. The power here is 550 W, speed is 2800 units. The advantages also include a long cord, a reliable quick-release chuck, electronic adjustment of the shaft speed and the presence of a locking button. Disadvantages include high cost and the lack of an additional handle included.
Drill DeWalt DWD522KS Source dtest.sk
Among the domestic models, the Bison EDM-820 RM stands out. Here 650 rpm, holes are formed with a diameter of 13/36 mm. Thanks to its high power of 820 W, the tool is suitable for mixing mortars. There is also a long warranty (5 years). The weight of the device is larger than many analogues, but this is justified by high-quality materials. The disadvantages include the noisy operation of the gearbox and the short wire.
See also: Catalog of companies that specialize in the reconstruction and rebuilding of houses
Percussion
Such a drill is relevant for working with hard materials such as concrete, brick or metal, subject to a limited diameter of 13 mm (the softer the base, the larger the drill can be used). But the working life of the engine is limited in time for one run, as it quickly overheats.
Due to the design features of the push mechanism, there is also a short service life of the tool compared to a hammer drill. Also, holes are formed less accurate and not even due to sudden movements of the drill, the effectiveness of which, among other things, depends on the pressure on the equipment. That is, equipment with shock operating mode is recommended to be used for repairs, but not on large objects.
Example of an impact drill Source prom.st
When choosing a tool, you should pay attention to the possibility of switching the impact to the drilling mode - not all samples provide this function. Experts also recommend cutting off models whose power is below 800 W. Other additions for home use are not fundamentally important, but are desirable (for example, reverse rotation or a safety clutch).
Examples of popular models
For 2019-2020, the rating of impact drills is presented by three budget models: Bort BSM-650U, Zubr DU-810 ERM2 and Interskol DU-580ER. The first stands out for its reliability, power, backlighting and an additional compartment in the handle for drills. There is also a speed switch, which is important for working with self-tapping screws. But users note the disadvantage of severe overheating during prolonged use.
Model Bort BSM-650U Source nix.ru
The model from the Zubr brand is easy to use due to its durable rubberized plastic body and the close proximity of a minimal set of buttons with switches. Here, the advantages include high power, the number of revolutions at idle reaches 280 units per minute, about 42,000 blows are produced during the same time. The manufacturer offers a warranty on the tool for 5 years. The compact lightweight model has only one drawback - you may get a sample with a loose cartridge, which should be corrected immediately at a service point.
The topper in the ranking of the best impact models is the drill from Interskol. Here the craftsmen note high quality and advanced functionality. For domestic needs, a limit of 12 mm for a hole in concrete is also considered a plus. An equally important advantage is the long cord for connecting to the power grid. But there is one drawback, which is the rapid heating of the engine.
Model Interskol DU-580ER Source instrumentgrad.ru
Drill/driver
A distinctive feature of the equipment is the ability to reduce the shaft rotation speed in order to work with threaded fasteners. But here, in drilling mode, the resource of such low-power models is limited by materials with low hardness. That is, for brick and concrete you will need a different version of the tool.
Compact example of a drill-driver Source vseinstrumenti.ru
When choosing a drill/driver, important functions are changing the speed mode and adjusting the direction of shaft rotation. There are models with a pulse mode, which is important for dismantling work. An innovative model in this group is considered to be an automatic device with a cassette feed of self-tapping screws, which is convenient for large-scale projects.
The best hammerless drills
Metabo BE 650 (BZP)
Used for drilling holes in a wide variety of materials. A convenient advantage is that you can quickly change the drill.
- Max drilling diameter: 13 mm;
- power: 650 W;
- max. speed: 2800 rpm.
DIOLD MES-5-03
DIOLD MES-5-03 is among the top quality electric drills. Attracts users with power and light weight.
- Max drilling diameter: 13 mm;
- power: 800 W;
- max. speed: 1200 rpm.
AEG BE 750 R
The long cord eliminates the need for extension cords, giving the advantage of freedom of movement.
- Max drilling diameter: 13 mm;
- power: 750 W;
- max. speed: 3000 rpm.
Video description
In this video, the user examines a special attachment for a drill, which acts as an alternative to an angle tool:
Differences by food type
There are only 2 types of tools: mains or battery. The first ones are equipped with a cord and plug for connecting to the power grid through an outlet. The latter operate from recharging devices with one or another rating. They are distinguished by their mobility, but the power is not high, and the batteries have a limited working life (within 1-7 hours of active use). Often, after 1-2 years, you have to change the drill, since the batteries are either no longer produced or they go out of sale in common retail outlets.
Cordless drill/driver Source ot-i-do.ru
Experts recommend choosing Li-Ion (lithium-ion) batteries. They are lighter and last longer. Nickel-cadmium (NiCd) are relevant for working in frosty conditions. An unpleasant feature of such batteries is the “memory effect”. That is, when installing a battery for charging with a remaining charge of, for example, 20%, it may stop working when this limit is reached. Nickel-magnesium (NiMg) weighs less compared to previous analogues and does not “remember” the residual charge.
Choosing the type of electric drill
Actually, here you just need to decide what the drill should do: just drill or drill and chisel. A hammerless drill allows you to drive a drill into wood, wood, or metal using progressive circular rotations; you just need to apply a little pressure so that the crown removes the first chips and then it’s a matter of time. Impact drills operate a little differently: a shock motion is added to the chuck, with the help of this impulse the drill is pushed a certain distance during the scrolling process. This is the same as hitting the brace with a hammer from above - the process goes much faster.
Now let’s figure out which drill to buy for your home. If you intend to drill concrete, then you definitely need an impact drill, since a regular drill will “lick” the surface for several minutes and you will even want to take a nap while working. Using the impact function, a hole will be made in a few seconds even in the hardest concrete. In all other cases, an impact drill for domestic use will not be relevant. And remember, it does not replace a hammer drill and will not be able to hammer concrete for a long time - it will die. They have completely different impact mechanisms (gear displacement and pneumatic impact with a bolt) and the drill can only periodically help out with the impact function.
Impact drill mechanism
Hammer hammer mechanism
“I’ll add 1000 rubles and buy a drum, what’s the problem?” - you say. Yes, but there is a big disadvantage - it will be much heavier and more massive, for the sake of one hole a year you will have to carry a heavy and not very convenient tool all the time. Repairs will also cost much more. Here you already need to decide which drill to choose for yourself, based on these inconveniences. Some modern drills combine compactness, lightness and impact function, but then you will have to overpay about 2000-2500 rubles for such a miracle - the choice is yours.
