Shopping for a cordless drill might seem like it would be an easy thing to do. Yet the moment you walk into the hardware store and down the cordless drill aisle, you are instantly confused. Who knew that there were so many cordless drills to choose from?
Getting Started
If you have used a cordless drill a lot, think about the things that you liked or did not like about the previous drill that you owned. Was it too heavy? Too light? Did its performance meet your standards? These are things to keep in mind which will help you select a new cordless drill. Choosing the right drill You need to know how often you will be using your drill and for what purposes. If you are a contractor that will be using it on a daily basis, then you will probably be looking for something that has a long battery life and more power. For hanging pictures at home, you can get by with something much smaller. Hold it in Your Hand One way to help you select a cordless drill is to hold it. This way you will know exactly how it feels.
Types
Cordless These types are fast and easy to use. They work with most jobs. Cordless Impact These are best at putting in long screws and also getting out very stuck screws. The cordless impact can handle lug nuts on your car because there is less torque happening to your hand. They are often very loud though, and hearing protection will be needed. Cordless Screwdriver These are small and lightweight. They work best for small jobs that are done around the home. Cordless Kits A kit is a great way to buy tools. You will get a bunch of different tools that can be used, but these kits do cost a lot.
Features
There are certain features on cordless drills that you want to be on the lookout for. These features include:
- Battery
- Battery Charger
- Battery Charge Indicator These three features are important because the battery is what makes the drill go. You want a battery that will last a long time. Lithium batteries are recommended by most companies. If you are in a hurry, a fast batter charger will be very helpful. Some chargers will charge up the battery in as little as 60 minutes. The battery charge indicator is important because the life of some batteries can be ruined if they go dead.
- Speed Ranges The range of speed in cordless drills varies. You need to find a drill that will work with what you want it to do. Going to fast can be harmful to the drill. It is nice to have a drill where you can adjust the speed. Brands There are a lot of different brands available for purchase. These brands include:
- Black & Decker
- Bosch
- Craftsman
- DeWalt
- Hitachi
- Makita
- Panasonic
- Ryobi
- Skil
