Cordless drills has changed the way that many peoples build, the way that many people fix thing, and the way that many people create item both around the house and on the job site. Instead of being limited to the range of power that a corded drill could provide, or instead of having to contend with extension cords that limited the mobility of those working with a corded drill, individuals today have access to cordless drills that provide nearly the same power as corded drills, but allow for greater freedom in the work sites that those cordless drills serve. However, not all cordless drill are created equal.
Some drills can handle certain type of work better then others. To take advantage of cordless drills to their full potential, it is critical for individuals to understand these different varieties of cordless drills. Otherwise, they may end up purchasing a drill that is not apropriate to their need.
There are a variety of different types of cordless drills. Each of these types has been engineered to provide certain benefit to the individuals that use the drills. As such, becoming familiar with each type will allow individuals to make more informedly purchasing decisions about cordless drills.
Common Types of Cordless Drills to Know
1. Hammer Drills
Hammer drills are designed to allow drill bits to rapidly move in an axial movement while the drill perform its normal rotational movement. This allows the drill to more easily “chew” through masonry materials. However, hammer drills do produce significant vibration that can eventually lead to the numbing of the hands after extended use.
Many model of hammer drills now include vibration dampening technology to minimize this problem. While hammer drills are beneficial for tasks like attaching a television bracket to a wall, for instance, it is not necessary to incorporate the hammer function for most wood or metal drilling task. As such, it can add to the weight of the tool that must be managed.
2. Compact Drills
Compact drill are designed to have lower weights and length than other types of drills. This allows them to be used in tasks in which the drill bit must enter into location that are limited in size. Many compact drills are also equipped with 12-volt or 18-volt battery.
These drills provide the same amount of torque as other cordless drills but with a smaller battery that provides less run time before the battery must be replaced. However, most individuals can manage the need for battery changes when performing weekend project. Compact drills are especially beneficial for performing tasks in which precision movements is required.
3. Right Angle Drills
Right-angle drills are engineered to allow the drill bit to emerge from the tool perpendicularly to the handle of the drill. Because the motors for these drills are constructed to allow for such a movement, they allow individuals to drill into task in which the power of the drill must approach the workpiece from a different angle than the workpiece itself. For instance, electricians use these drills to drill into joists in the attic, while plumbers may need to bore into studs to place plumbing fixture without moving there bodies.
4. Impact Drivers
Impact driver are similar in appearance to drills but distribute their power differently. Instead of rotating continuous, impact drivers deliver sharp blow to the screw heads that they are installing. This feature allows individuals to avoid the twisting movement of the wrist that are required when using regular drills.
Impact drivers are beneficial for installing lag bolt into wood, building decks, and other metal framing task. However, impact drivers cannot be used to bore into hole in wood, metal, or other materials.
5. Drill Drivers
Drill driver are similar to standard drills but include a numbered collar behind the drills chuck.
This feature allows the user to adjust the amount of torque that the tool can apply to the material that is being drilled. Low setting of the torque control can prevent the tool from tearing drywall, for instance, while higher setting allow the tool to function similarly to a standard drill. Drill drivers are often the default tool for carpenters, individuals that perform hobby projects, or those whose truck include only one power tool.
6. High Torque Drills
High-torque drills include high voltage (20 or 40 volts) and gear system that amplify the power that is delivered to the drill bits. These drills are essential tool in tasks like driving 8-inch lag screws into treated timber. High-torque drills can also handle large saw and paddle bits.
However, the extra weight of these drills means they are not meant to be held overhead for long period. High-torque drills are essential for task like heavy material removal.
7. Brushless Motors
Brushless motor are a type of drill that has had the carbon brushes on the motors removed.
This leads to fewer area of friction in the motors, meaning high performance in cordless drills for longer periods and with fewer interruptions due to motor wear. While the initial purchase price for drills with brushless motors is higher, the cost savings of replacing battery and the time savings due to fewer breakdowns will even the price difference within a single season of ownership. For individuals that use a cordless drill each day, therefore, it is worthwhile to purchase model that include brushless motors.
8. Rotary Hammer Drills
Finally, specialty rotary hammer drill are among the most powerful cordless drills. Unlike hammer drills, rotary hammer drills use a true pneumatic hammering mechanism to deliver powerful blow to the drill bits at high rate. These drills are needed for task like drilling a 2-inch hole in a foundation, for instance, or chipping at old tile.
While these drills are among the most powerful available, they also have some of the highest weight and price for cordless drills. However, professional that perform extensive masonry work rely on these tools daily. The best cordless drill for an individual comes from recognizing the task that are the most common within their workshop or work site.
Individuals who perform few task may find it beneficial to purchase a compact drill, for instance. Finish carpenter may find it beneficial to own a brushless impact drill and right-angle drill. Rough framer or masons, though, may require a high-torque drill or rotary hammer drill.
The freedom provided by cordless drills only becomes valuable once the correct type of drill is selected for each task. By selecting the best cordless drill for individual task, individuals will find that their task are performed at a faster rate, their wrist are less sore after each task is completed, and their project become less chore-like and more signs of their building skill.
