The cordless drill has become an essential part of any handyman’s tool collection for the 21st century. They eliminate the hassle of a cord and are very portable.
Many different companies produce cordless drills. Black and Decker, Craftsman, Ryobi, and Skil are very common cordless drill companies. Bosch, Dewalt, and Ridgid produce higher quality cordless drills for use in industrial type environments.
Below are some of the most important features you should look for in a power drill.
1. Power
The power of a drill is measured in volts. The common voltages range from 9.6v to the newer 24v specification. For most home applications anywhere from 9.6v to 14.4v will work nicely. Professionals should only shop for the 18v and higher voltages cordless drills, while these are for designed for more heavy duty usage.
2. Charger
When a battery is overcharged, it greatly reduces its life. Better quality chargers prevent this, by stopping the charging when the battery is fully charged.
3. Battery
The drill’s battery is made with two different metals submerged into a liquid electrolyte solution. Producing power consists of the oxidized nickel generating a chemical reaction. This chemical reaction is what produces electricity.
The higher voltage your drill battery is, the more power it can store. Overall NiMH batteries seem to perform better overall than other types.
You should also note how much replacements batteries are for your drill. Some cordless drill batteries can cost up to 75 dollars each, which might come close to the cost of your drill!
Typical drill batteries will last up to 5 years. Frequent use decreases the batteries overall lifetime.
Some drill batteries also fit other handheld cordless power tools sold by the same company. These can include flashlights, jig saws, circular saws, and many more accessories. It is a very convenient feature to share batteries between tools.
3. Handle Styles
Cordless Drills are made with distinctively different handle styles. The three common cordless drill styles are the pistol, t handle, and right angle grip drills. Make sure before your purchase that the cordless drill you are buying feels good in your hand, and that it is ergonomic. Comfort is one of the most important factors in your cordless drill purchase.
The most popular of the handle styles is the T handled. They provide a better balance, and a more compact shape. Right angle drills are ideal for areas where space is very restricted, and sometimes the established pistol grip style is preferred.
4. Drill Chuck
While not a major issue, make sure your cordless drill is equipped with a keyless chuck.
The only drills on the marketplace today equipped with a keyed chuck are the lowest quality, no name drills.
5. Drive Train
You should make sure your new drill comes equipped with a two speed gearbox. This will allow you faster speeds, or run at a lower speed with much greater torque.
The drill should also be equipped with a multi torque clutch. It will permit you to apply limited power so you will not strip a screw.
Following this guide should help you to purchase the right cordless drill for you, which will be a benefit for many years to come.
