Electric drill: how to choose, advice from builders

Kinds

Currently, there are a large number of types of electric drills on the market.
Drills differ from each other primarily in the design of the gearbox and purpose.

The main types of these tools are:

1. Regular drills. They are distinguished by their compactness and lightness. These devices can be used for drilling materials such as wood, metal or plastic. As a rule, conventional drills have functions for setting speed and receiver.
2. Impact drills . Their distinctive feature is the presence of a modified gearbox with additional two gears. Due to the rotation of the engine, not only the transmission of revolutions to the cartridge occurs. The device can perform reciprocating movements. Because of this, a chisel effect occurs.
3. Mixer type drills . Such devices are distinguished by an enlarged gearbox. Despite the considerable power of these devices, they have very low rotation speeds. This is facilitated, among other things, by the mass of similar drills. They are intended mainly for mixing mortars.
4. Screwdriver type drills . They can be used not only for drilling, but also for tightening or unscrewing screws. The main feature of such devices is a significant range of rotational speed settings.

Expert opinion
Kuznetsov Vasily Stepanovich

All of the above drills are in demand. They differ from each other not only in technical characteristics, but also in operational capabilities.

Amateurs and professionals. There's a tool for everyone

Most power tool manufacturers clearly position their products: this one is for amateurs, and this one is for professionals. Even the colors of household and professional equipment are different. This classification reflects only the capabilities of the tool regarding the intensity of work (domestic is used from time to time, professional is used every day, for 6-8 hours). Based on operating conditions, household and professional tools are subject to different requirements for their performance and durability. However, many amateur craftsmen perceive this division inadequately. They say, why on earth would I buy a tool that is obviously inferior?

In fact, it is not about quality, but about resource. This is easy to understand with an example: each of us had to catch up with a trolleybus or bus getting ready to leave the stop. This requires a certain amount of effort, but in general it’s okay, I catch my breath and that’s it. Now let’s take a marathon athlete who must not only run 42 km in competitions, but also come first. Can you imagine how much he runs every day?

So, a professional instrument is a marathon runner, and an amateur instrument is like you and me. We will not be able to complete the marathon distance, but this is not required of us. To hang cabinets or hangers, a household drill is sufficient. But if you are building a summer house, are seriously involved in furnishing an apartment or making furniture, it is better to immediately buy a professional model. On the other hand, using a professional tool for half an hour a week is the same as buying a Kirovets tractor to cultivate 6 acres...

The new Bosch impact drill can handle the toughest construction jobs - hole saw drilling, paint mixing, etc. This is a tool for those who understand what power reserves mean

How to choose?

Before purchasing an electric drill, there are several important factors to consider, such as:

1. Electric motor power . A conventional drill only needs 500 watts. If the device will be used for working with wood, it may have less power. If it is necessary to drill metal, such drills stop during operation. Impact devices are more efficient above 700 W. Mixer-type devices should have a power in the range of 800-1000 W. Drills-drivers, in turn, can be designed for 450 W.
2. Number of gearbox revolutions per minute . It affects the operating speed and traction forces of the gearbox. Regular and high quality impact drills should reach 3000 rpm. For mixers, this figure may not be very significant - only 600 rpm. Screwdrivers should be purchased with a function for switching rotation speeds. The first of them should be designed for 400 rpm, the last - for 1500 rpm. If the drill does not have a speed switching function, it is best to give preference to a device with a rotation rate of approximately 700 rpm.
3. Device weight . If you need to use a drill for a long time and regularly, you need to choose devices with low weight. In this way, the load on the worker’s hand can be significantly reduced. If the drill will be used rarely, experts advise purchasing a heavier but cheaper device. As a rule, conventional devices, impact models and screwdrivers weigh in the region of 1,200-1,700 kg. In turn, mixers differ in weight in the range of 2,700-3,000 kg.
4. Additional adjustments . Experts advise paying attention to the possibility of adjusting the speed of revolutions. The function of adjusting the motor power supply parameters can also be useful. Some models are distinguished by the presence of a switch for settings.
5. Cartridge type . It can be either quick-clamping or turnkey. The second option is more reliable due to the provision of reliable fixation. In turn, a drill with a quick-release chuck is much easier to use. Despite this, such models are often characterized by twisting of the drill when working with durable material.
6. Power supply . There are a large number of corded and corded drill models on the market. The main disadvantages of the former are the periodic need to charge the battery. The disadvantages of devices operating from the mains include the impossibility of using them far from an outlet. The cost of cordless drills is slightly higher than corded ones.

Thus, the choice of an electric drill must be made based on the characteristics of its further operation.

Determining the criteria for choosing an electric drill

But choosing a suitable drill is not at all difficult, you just need to formulate the selection criteria for yourself. The criteria for different people can differ radically (brand, price, power, design). However, it is more logical, starting with your own goals, to formulate the requirements that your future electric “assistant” must meet. What exactly are you going to do with it? “Repairs, of course,” my friend widens his eyes. “What else should we do with it?” But repair is a flexible concept. “Okay,” I suggest, “let’s make a list of the jobs that need to be done.” - “What’s there to put together, all sorts of little things: hang a cabinet in the kitchen, a picture in the room and a hanger in the corridor...”. He scratches the back of his head thoughtfully, looking somewhere inside himself. “No, by and large, we need to install three more additional sockets - in the kitchen, in the nursery and in the bedroom, rearrange the switch in the corridor, connect the wires...” The gaze gets out of the wilds of the soul and rushes past me, somewhere into the vast distances. “I also want to cover the balconies with clapboards, make bookcases and build a bunk bed for my sons: as they grew up, it became cramped. And a shoe locker wouldn’t hurt either, my wife has been asking for it for a long time...”

Well, now, at least, everything is clear: once a repair has begun, it cannot be finished, it can only be stopped. Nevertheless, the goals have been outlined; it remains to find the means to implement them. Correctly formulating a goal is half the battle done!

STERN Austria drills are a reliable tool for household use. This is the Hobby line - tools accessible to the general public

Review of popular models

Before you buy an electric drill, you should definitely pay attention to the review of the currently most popular models of such devices. They differ significantly from each other in cost, technical characteristics and operational capabilities.

Best unstressed

These models of electric drills are used primarily for performing small household jobs around the house. With their help you can make small holes in wood, metal or plastic.

Hitachi D 10 VC 2

This model of electric drill is equipped with a keyless chuck. It allows you to change the drill without the need for a wrench.

The device has the following functions:

• Setting the speed mode.

• Reverse rotation of the drill.

The weight of the model is only 1.3 kg. As a result, the device is quite easy and simple to use even for a long period of time. The power of the device reaches 460 W. The maximum diameters of holes that can be made using such a drill in wood and metal are 2.5 and 1 cm, respectively. The manufacturer has provided the possibility of using cartridges up to 10 mm.

The main advantages of the Hitachi D 10 VC 2 model are:

• Compact overall dimensions.
• Small mass.
• Can be used as a screwdriver.

• Possibility of installing an additional handle.
• Moderate cost.

Like other drill models, Hitachi D 10 VC 2 has some disadvantages, such as:

• Hard cable.
• Poor equipment.

• Low cartridge strength.
• High noise level.

This model is intended for household repair work. It features an optimal combination of cost and quality.

DeWALT DWD115KS

A distinctive feature of this model is the increased power, which is 701 W. This device can be used for drilling wood, metal and plastic products. The size of the cartridge and the diameter of the holes that the device allows you to make are exactly the same as the previous model. The weight of this drill is 1.9 kg.

The advantages of the DeWALT DWD115KS model are as follows:

• Good power.
• Ergonomic design with non-slip handle.
• Keyless chuck.

• Presence of a protective fuse against overloads.
• Availability of soft start function.
• Availability of reverse operating mode.

The disadvantages of the DeWALT DWD115KS model include the following features:

• Not a very significant cartridge size.

• Reliable wire.

• The case is small in size.

This drill model is well suited for household needs. It can be used to repair furniture or drill metal. The drill rotation speed reaches 2500 rpm. The maximum chuck size is 10 mm.

Makita DP 4700

This Japanese model of electric drill is equipped with a chuck with a diameter of 13 mm. With this device you can drill both wood and metal. The device allows you to make holes with a diameter of 3.6 and 1.3 cm, respectively.

The power of this model is 510 W. It is equipped with a quick-release chuck. The device can be equipped for both household work and minor repairs. The cost of this device is higher than the previous two.

The advantages of the Makita DP 4700 model are:

• High precision of operation due to the presence of bearings.
• Durable plastic housing.
• Increased reliability.

• Considerable build quality.
• Keyless chuck.
• High torque reaching 38 Nm.
• Ease of use.

The main disadvantages of this model are as follows:

• High rate of inertia.

• Inconvenient overall dimensions of the handle and regulator.

• Poor equipment.

This drill is the highest quality and most reliable in comparison with the previous two.

Best drums

Using impact drill models, you can drill, including concrete or stone. All the devices presented below have quick-release chucks, which makes them easy and simple to use.

SPARKY BUR 150CET KL

This Bulgarian-made instrument has a power of 600 W. The diameter of the cartridge of this model is 13 mm. The maximum diameters of holes in wood, metal and concrete that can be made using this device are 2.5, 1.3 and 1.5 cm, respectively. During operation of the drill, the blow frequency reaches 37,500 beats/min.

The advantages of the SPARKY BUR 150CET KL model are:

• Relatively light weight of 1.5 kg.
• Ergonomic design.
• Receiver function available.
• Possibility of adjusting rotations.

• High level of torque.
• Low noise level.
• Availability of speed support function.
• High-quality assembly and durable body.

The disadvantages of the model are as follows:

• Insufficient cartridge rigidity during long-term use.

• A little slow start.

• No case.

The cost of this model reaches 4600 rubles. It may be suitable for extensive renovation or construction work.

Bosch GSB 1600 RE

This tool is a professional model. It is suitable for working with stone, metal, wood and ceramic products. The power of this tool reaches 700 W. The maximum rpm level is 3000 units. In hammer drill mode, the drill provides 25,000 beats/min. The maximum hole diameters that can be made with it reach 1.6 (brick), 1.2 (metal) and 3 cm (wood).

The main advantages of the Bosch GSB 1600 RE model are:

• Reliable assembly.
• High hull strength.
• Long period of operation.
• Small overall dimensions.

• Relatively light weight of 1.9 kg.
• Electronic adjustment of the beat frequency.
• High power.
• Compatible with a wide range of attachments.
• Relatively low cost.

Experts include the following disadvantages of the model:

• No case or backlight.

• Poor operation of the drill direction regulator during intensive work.

• Large drill play during prolonged use.

This model of electric drill has an optimal combination of price and quality. The device is suitable for both domestic needs and construction work.

Makita HP 2051 F

This model has a gearbox equipped with two speed modes. The power of the device reaches 720 W. The device has a rotation setting function. In addition, the drill is distinguished by the ability to change the frequency of blows. In brick, metal products and wood, using this model, you can make holes with a diameter of 2, 1.3 and 4 cm, respectively.

Experts attribute the following factors to the advantages of the Makita HP 2051 F drill:

• Long period of operation without the need to contact service centers.
• Durable metal housing.
• Bright backlighting enhances ease of use.

• Electronic rotation speed adjustment.
• Comfortable handle.
• 2.5 m long cable.
• Excellent balancing.

The disadvantages of the model are as follows:

• Poor retention of the drill in the chuck during intensive work.

• Inability to mechanically adjust the rotation speed.

• Relatively high cost.

Experts advise purchasing this model only if you need to carry out construction and repair work frequently.

What kind of electric drill do you use?

ShockedUnstressed

An electric drill is a necessary tool for everyday life that can be easily purchased at almost any hardware store. Before you do this, you need to pay attention to some factors that will allow you to make your purchase correctly. In addition, it is worth analyzing the rating of the best models of various types. Only in this case can you choose a truly reliable, high-quality and optimal tool in terms of its operational capabilities.

Types of cartridges

The chuck holds the drill bit or bit. Depending on its type, it is worth selecting the mate. They are classified as follows:

• The most common is the key chuck, which securely holds the drill. But using such a cartridge requires a special tool, and it is quite easy to lose it.
• Keyless chucks make it possible to install a drill without the use of additional equipment; you only need your own hands. It is convenient to use, but a drill with a keyless chuck is more expensive than one equipped with a key chuck. The design of the keyless chuck is ideal for solving everyday problems at the household level, but in the professional field it may not be enough - it is not always able to withstand rapid rotation and reduce the degree of drill fixation.
• A single-clutch quick-release chuck allows you to change a drill with a spindle lock of the installed type - depending on the model, you will have to press a special button or move the ring.
• The counter part of the tool with a Morse taper should be installed in a chuck of type MK2, MK3. It is this connection that ensures that the drill is securely fastened, and heavy bits can be centered with high precision.
• Diamond concrete core bits are installed in a special G 1/2” and 1 1/4” UNC chuck.
• Heavy bits and large diameter drills are fixed with a 19 mm Weldon chuck.
• Some manufacturers' models feature a six-flute shank chuck - 7/16 Hex.

Screwdriver with battery

Lately, manufacturers are increasingly adding batteries to many tools, so there is a whole niche in the construction field.

Types of drills and screwdrivers:

• Regular;
• Angular.

There are usually three speeds, so the tool is equipped with a switch. The first is the weakest, plays the role of a screwdriver. The last one is a powerful drill.

Useful little things and accessories for drills

Leading manufacturing companies supplement their tools with all sorts of devices that make work easier or make it more productive. This primarily includes special soft handles. They reduce vibration to a minimum, which allows you to work longer, or rather, without feeling tired. The drill can be equipped with a built-in flashlight, which can be very useful when working in hard-to-reach places. The latest innovation in the field of improvement of drills is a special device for collecting dust (built-in vacuum cleaner). It not only collects up to 90% of the generated dust, but also serves as a guide, ensuring the perpendicularity of the drill to the surface in which drilling is performed.

Well, the last plus is a suitcase in which not only a drill can be stored, but also the tools and accessories necessary to work with it. Very comfortably.

Dust collection kit

Main characteristics:

operating mode

Rotary hammers with switching between three modes are convenient for the home workshop:

Impact - turns the rotary hammer into a jackhammer

Some models also have a reverse mode. With its help, it is easier to remove storms from the hole.

rotational speed

The cleanliness of the surface treatment depends on this indicator. The standard speed for most models is 11,000. 30,000 rpm, adjustable. Tools with higher speeds will require expensive cutters, and they also produce a loud whistling sound when working.

power

A powerful plane planes deeper. For beginners, a model with a power of up to 600 W will be enough for rough and finishing processing.

When choosing tools Based on three factors:

a. Needs - do you plan to engage in a specific type of work or are you a generalist?

b. Necessities - what tool is needed for your hobby: for example, do you need a powerful drill or can you get by with just a screwdriver. We recommend focusing on our TOP 7:

• screwdriver
• hammer drill
• drill
• jigsaw
• Grinder
• Electric planer
• Electric milling machine

c. Possibilities - estimate your budget. Expensive and powerful tools will come in handy if over time you turn your hobby into a professional activity. If the plans are not so grandiose, there is no point in chasing cool models.

Sources:

https://storgom.ua/dreli/regulirovka-oborotov.html https://liderstroyinstrument.ru/lp/vybor/kakvybratdrel/ https://domzastroika.ru/instrumenty/kak-vybrat-drel.html https:// baucenter.ru/advices/984868/

Rating of companies

There are a large number of companies producing equipment and tools in the construction industry. Based on customer reviews and long-term observations, it is possible to create a rating of drill manufacturers.

MAKITA

Japanese manufacturer, operating since 1915. Widely appreciated among professionals.

The company monitors product quality as well as customer requirements. Sales are carried out in European countries, North America and, of course, Japan.

• Makita has a wide range of models, from hammerless drills to diamond drills.
• The power of the devices starts from 230 W and reaches 1700 W.
• You can find a drill for both home repairs and professional work.

METABO

One of the recognizable companies in the domestic market. The German brand is known for its quality and reasonable prices.

The first electric drill was created here in 1934, and then the first impact drill.

• The company's goal is to continue to create new models, improving the tool.
• Thanks to decades of experience in the industry, METABO can offer customers drills of any type and model.
• These include standard models with a minimum set of functions, as well as impact drills and drill mixers.
• Minimum weight – 1.3 kg. Power can reach 1800 W.

BOSCH

Another company from Germany that has conquered the world stage. Today, Bosch products are sold in more than 150 countries. There are 7 representative offices in the Russian Federation.

• The company invests heavily in constant research, which helps expand the range and improve models.
• Only high-quality materials are used in production, and combined with ergonomics and simple controls, the tools are incredibly convenient and pleasant to use.

The price/quality ratio favorably distinguishes the company from the rest and puts it in first place.

DEWALT

An American company that is one of the leaders in the global market.

The high price is justified by the high quality, which is why the brand remains less popular than those previously listed.

The company's main models are impact drills. Their power reaches 1300 W. All products are provided with a warranty period of 3 years.

HITACHI

Another large concern in Japan, which appeared in 1910. Now the company produces computers, medical and industrial equipment, and electronics.

• The company's drills are designed for long-term use.
• The cases, as the manufacturer assures, are made of high-strength materials to prevent serious damage.
• Drills stand out for their ergonomics, compact size and fairly light weight.

The tools are suitable for home work and professional use.