How to choose an electric drill

A drill will make it much easier to make holes in bricks, tiles, metal or wood. It is used both in garage workshops and in large companies. It is useful to have such a tool in summer cottages or in apartments. Some devices can make small holes and function for 4-5 hours a day, while others can interact with crowns. To know how to choose a drill for your activity, you need to find out the key parameters and their effect on the process. Recommendations will come to the rescue.

The principle of operation and the device of the drill

The drill is used in most manufacturing and construction processes. Thanks to it, drilling is carried out in bricks, metal, wood, tiles and stone.

This device is comfortable:

• prepare holes for inserting the lock;
• fix the metal sink;
• make holes for the ventilation grill in the wall;
• pass the cord through the ceiling and roofing materials;
• unscrew wooden or plasterboard screws;
• knead the solution in order to putty;
• make attachment points for metal structures;
• make decorative elements on the stone;
• prepare holes in ceramic tiles for electricians or plumbing.

The principle of operation of the device involves the rotation of the armature of the electric motor, to which the voltage from the brushes will be transmitted. The armature shaft is connected to a chuck with a pressed drill. Rotating motion at maximum speed helps to quickly cut the top layer of material and the groove of the drill. The shavings will be led out through special channels in the form of a drilling element.

The main unit of the device will be a chuck capable of expanding its own clamping fists or bringing them extremely close, which will determine the largest and smallest drill diameter and the option of making holes of specific sizes.

To operate the product, a trigger is provided on the body, which starts rotation and a lock button, which facilitates continuous drilling. Some models are equipped with a reverse in order to turn the torque in the opposite direction. This is used for the purpose of unscrewing a self-tapping screw or more easily removing a drill from a solid material.

To determine the depth of entry, a limiter is provided, which is fixed on the side and does not allow the device to go deeper when it reaches a specific point. This is comfortable in a situation with thin baffles and precision drilling.

Some models are equipped with a percussion mechanism that makes circular movements, as well as tapping, which will accelerate the drilling of hard material. The principle of operation of such a device lies in the use of a "drunk" bearing, which has a walking rotational trajectory, at maximum speed, carries out blows.

The drill will include:

• Electrical engine;
• brushes;
• safety clutch;
• gears for the transmission of torque;
• bearings;
• cartridge;
• key for starting and switching speeds.

The best drill manufacturers - which company to choose

When it is required to make several holes in the shortest possible time and you need such a device for occasional needs at hand, then high-quality models are produced by the following manufacturers:

• Bosch;
• Dewalt;
• Hitachi;
• Metabo.

However, the capabilities of a number of drills have significant differences from others, so you should familiarize yourself with the key characteristics.

Drill selection options

It is possible to make holes in the wall with a quality drill, in addition, it can perform a large number of other important functions. Therefore, it is quite difficult for an inexperienced user to choose from a large number of products that are on the market today.

Power

The device can drill hard material or adjust the speed of work (depends on the power). It can be 230-2000 W. The higher the indicator, the sooner the device copes with the thickness or it is possible to press on the handle harder, the equipment will not wedge, but continues drilling:

• For minor work in a summer cottage, a 400 W product is suitable.
• For mobile emergency teams or repair specialists, a 600-700 W device is suitable.
• Professional builders can use products from 1000 W.
• In production, during the processing of metal or stone, equipment of 1500-2000 W is used.

Number of speeds

Some of the materials will be intact when drilled at low speed. Some of this rotation can heat and deform. The third varieties, which are drilled extremely quickly through and through and, perhaps, the holes will be with excessive depth. It is good for frequent monotonous work to use a specific set speed.

Some drills operate at 1 speed, regulated by the number of revolutions. However, regular tuning will take time when changing materials (after wood, you will need to work with metal or brick), the accuracy of a forced decrease or increase in speed will be low.

Therefore, products with 2-4 speeds are being developed, where the consumer pre-sets the required number of revolutions for all positions and changes them by normal switching during operation:

• The 2-speed drill is suitable for those who work all the time with 2 materials that differ in density.
• The 4-speed product is suitable for craftsmen who drill in concrete, steel, wood and plastic. To switch to new materials, you only need to change the drill.

Chuck type

One of the key components of the device will be a chuck that holds the drill and does not allow it to turn idle or sink into the retainer. There are several types of chucks that differ in clamping. They hold the drilling element equally well, but they are distinguished by the principle of functioning and comfort:

• Key. It has clamping fists that move at 3 points due to the rotation of the key along the teeth on the chuck. The drill is effectively fixed, however, a key will be required to change the element. In order not to lose and always have it at hand, it is tied to the wire of the device. This type of chuck is suitable for a summer cottage or in activities where you do not need to frequently change drills.
• Keyless. Functions as a key, by moving the upper part the drill will be gripped. Letting go will fix it and it is possible to start work immediately. No need to use a key, it can be replaced with one hand It is the optimal solution for professional builders who often change the diameter of the holes being made or switch to drilling other materials.
• Collet. Clamping is carried out by tightening the nut. This is done without a key, but you will need 2 hands on the chuck, or grab by hand and slowly rotate the motor in order to attract.The type of chuck is suitable for repair specialists, in car services and in other activities where from time to time it is necessary to install other drill diameters.

Reverse

On top of the trigger, in some of the products, there is a reverse lever that starts reverse rotation. This will make it easier to protrude the drill from the hole made, which helps those who work with hard material and impressive thickness (wall 50 cm, metal plate 2-3 cm).

Another reverse function is to unscrew the screws at a low speed. Thus, it is possible in the shortest possible time to disassemble the cabinet, remove the mortise lock or dismantle the fastening of the plasterboard partition. This option will become necessary in the manufacture of furniture and builders.

Backlight

The precision of the drill at start-up will affect the drilling of the holes in the required places. For this purpose, there is a diode on the drill body that illuminates the working surface of the device. This is useful for those who have poor lighting of the workplace or change it all the time.

Lighting will be needed in particular by plumbers, since there is often not enough light under the bathroom, sink or in the basement.

Maximum drilling diameter

Each chuck grips small drills of 0.2-0.3 cm, however, the highest rates for products vary. A similar parameter will differ from the type of material, therefore, before purchasing, you need to make sure that the product will fulfill the required hole size, regardless of the certain hardness of the object:

• For the purpose of drilling bricks, the maximum is 1-8.2 cm.
• Products with parameters 1-3 cm are suitable for summer cottages, in order to install plumbing.
• Parameters of 4-8 cm will be needed for builders in order to form a ventilation hole, lay heating pipes and other work.
• When working with metal, the diameter of holes from a number of models is limited to 0.6 cm, while others can break up to 3.2 cm in width.
• While drilling wood, drills make holes of 0.9-7 cm. Installation of the lock will require the ability to work with crowns 3-4 cm. Significant parameters are used only in decoration work.

Infinitely adjustable

There is sometimes a wheel on the trigger of the product, the rotation of which will set the depth of pressing the key and the drilling speed.

Such regulation will make it possible to change the number of rotations not stepwise, but gradually. This is suitable for those who carry out work with materials similar in hardness, where it is only required to slightly accelerate the rotation during the transition from one type to another.

In addition, this option is useful when drilling plastic and other substances, where high speed provokes heating and melting of the hole.

Length of cable

Networked products will depend on electricity, and the radius of the working surface is limited by the length of the cable from the network. The length of the cord is 1.5-4 m.

• When work is carried out all the time on a workbench or table, then the minimum size is sufficient.
• At a car service it is possible to purchase a drill with a cord of 2-2.5 m.
• In construction, it is optimal to use a 3-4 m cord, since using a carrier will make it heavier to lift the device with a wire and work at a height.

Impact function

The rotation from the electric motor to the chuck will be transmitted due to the gearbox in the device itself. However, at this stage in the chain, there is another element - a "drunken" bearing.

It has a curved shape and during operation its edges will perform longitudinal movements, which is felt as a quick tapping on the drill.

This impact option will increase the pressure on the work area and speed up the passage of the material. It is used during drilling in bricks, foam blocks, aerated concrete and stone. This option is required for every builder and apartment renovator.

Fixing the Start key

Work with a drill begins with mounting the drill to the required area and pressing the "Start" button.It will take 5 minutes to pass a material of small thickness (for example, 0.5 cm of iron or 2 cm of wood). Then the finger releases the key and moves the drill to another location.

However, when it is necessary to drill holes to a considerable depth in hard materials (metal 2-3 cm, brick wall 10-20 cm), then this takes about 10 minutes, and in a situation with a large number of such places where similar drilling is necessary, by the evening the finger that presses on the trigger gets tired.

Therefore, manufacturers supply some products with the option of blocking the "Start" key, where the side button from the natural grip of the hand will block the release of the trigger and will allow, without stress on the finger, to work with materials of considerable thickness. It will be appreciated by builders and metalworkers.

Tool weight

The mass of the device is 1-7 kg. This can affect the comfort of work and the load on the hand. The more massive the device, the easier it is to drill in the lower position:

• To install racks for partitions, holes in the coating for plumbing, it is optimal to use products weighing 5-6 kg.
• Models with diamond drilling also differ in their impressive mass, therefore those working with ceramics and stones will need to adapt to the stress on their hands.
• To perform work at a height, it is optimal to purchase lightweight products for 1.5-2 kg.
• To be used in summer cottages or in a garage and vertical holes, a 2.5-3 kg product is suitable.

Suitcase

Some products are available for purchase in paper boxes, while others have a case with plastic handles. Their device is distinguished by well-thought-out compartments for the drill itself, its cable and a place for attaching and storing a set of drills.

This will be extremely useful for emergency door openers, plumbers and those who often change their own workplace. To use in a summer cottage or garage, it is possible to store it on a shelf and there is no need for a case.

Body material

Devices are made of plastic or metal. This affects their mass. Metal ones have an aluminum case, which significantly increases their reliability and resistance to damage. Such a device will better survive falls and will be able to last much longer:

• To drill from time to time in summer cottages, a plastic housing will suffice.
• Metal products are suitable for those who often lay the device on a hard surface or work in confined spaces.
• During work at a height, there are controversial opinions: the device is better protected during a fall, but with a large mass in order to raise it with hands above the head. The plastic case is significantly lighter, but when it falls from a height, you will probably need to purchase a new product.

Drill types

Despite the versatility of such a device, various modifications of devices may have differences in design among themselves. This is done for greater comfort in the process of carrying out work of a particular type. When choosing a device, you need to think carefully about what it is needed for.

Network

The question often arises of how to choose an electric drill. The most popular model with an electric motor, which operates from a 220 V power supply. Products are distinguished by a wide range of performance and maximum drilling diameter in different materials. They are used in dachas, small workshops and production.

Pros:

• variety of power;
• there is a shock function;
• extensive use on materials;
• metal cartridges;
• ergonomics;
• small price;
• comfortable grip;
• emphasis on the handles.

Minuses:

• work is limited by the length of the wire;
• the mass of some of the products is uncomfortable for ceiling work;
• speed switches are located in inconvenient places;
• the plastic case will crack when dropped.

Rechargeable

The question often arises of how to choose a cordless drill.The device is distinguished by autonomous functioning due to a small battery, which is built into the handle.

This will significantly make the product heavier, but it will make it possible to drill holes in an object where there is no electricity, or not to waste time unwinding the cord and quickly move to another workplace.

Such products are used for the purpose of assembling and installing furniture or during repairs by field craftsmen.

Pros:

• will not depend on the network and the length of the wire;
• drilling diameter up to 2 cm in wood and 1 cm in metal is supported;
• the complete set often includes 2 batteries for the purpose of change and continuous operation;
• overload protection system;
• versatility.

Minuses:

• the period of operation is limited by the capacity of the battery;
• heavy weight;
• the battery on the handle gets in the way in a narrow space;
• sometimes not enough power for hard material.

Pneumatic

The device operates on compressed air supplied from the compressor. Consumption will be 115-140 liters per hour. For communication purposes, a flexible hose and union are used. The products are distinguished by different spindle speeds and, due to the absence of an electric motor, do not overheat.

They are lightweight due to their easy assembly. They are used for employment purposes during the working day, where there is an air supply system or a compressor. For example, factories and production, bulk buildings.

Pros:

• ease;
• application 8-10 hours daily;
• do not overheat;
• compactness of the case;
• reliable metal handle;
• various ranges of spindle rotation.

Minuses:

• you will need an air supply system or a portable compressor;
• the radius of the working surface is limited by the length of the hose.

Diamond drilling

They are powerful 2000W models used with drills or diamond bits and tips for making holes in concrete, ceramics, tiles. The device has a weight of 4-7 kg and operates in dry or wet modes.

In view of such a device, it is possible to drill holes up to 13 cm in diameter. They are used in construction during the making of holes in solid natural and artificial material.

Pros:

• increased productivity;
• 2 modes of operation;
• drilling option in extremely hard material;
• wide range of uses.

Minuses:

• big sizes;
• significant weight;
• overcharge;
• expensive spare parts.

Which drill to choose

Often the question arises, which drill to choose:

• The front door repair specialist or their installers will need a battery product with the largest drilling in metal 1.3 cm and in wood 2.5 cm, with 2 replaceable batteries with a capacity of 1.5 A / h, with a quick-release chuck to easily replace the drill when working, weighing 1.4 kg, 2 speeds for a smooth transition to another material. The lighting and case will be very helpful.
• A simple network device for giving has a power of 450 W, a key chuck, reverse for easy exit from the hole or use as a screwdriver, hole diameter in metal 1 cm and 2 cm in wood, weight 1.3 kg, cord length 2 m and 1 speed.
• Professional builders need a network device with a performance of 800-1000 W, a keyless chuck, 2 speeds, lighting, a metal diameter of 1.3 cm, a tree of 3 cm and a brick of 1.6 cm, weighing 1.9 kg, a 4 m cord and a case in for carrying purposes. When the body is made of metal, the fixture will serve longer. The spindle speed is 2000-3000 rpm.
• For full employment, a factory with an air system requires a product that is designed for a pressure of 6 atm, with an air consumption of 110-130 l / min, and a spindle speed of 1800-2600 rpm.
• For drilling ceramics and natural stone, a diamond drilling product with a capacity of 1700 W, with 2 speeds, a hole diameter for a stone of 13.2 cm, a weight of 6 kg and speed control is selected.

Often the question arises of how to choose a drill for the home.To find out how to purchase a quality product, you should read these recommendations.