The 9 Best Drills For Home Projects

Buying a Drill

For many DIYers, the most-used tool in their collection is a dependable drill. These versatile tools can be used for everything from hanging things on the wall to assembling a deck.

A pure drill puts holes in things, but most DIYers opt for a combination driver/drill that also functions as a power screwdriver. Here are some of the key things to keep in mind while shopping for a drill.

• Function. Some drills have specialty functions, such as a hammer drill or impact driver. We’ll go into each of these below, but for most homeowners we recommend a variable-speed driver/drill equally capable of creating holes and sinking screws.
• Price. Drills come in a wide price range. Homeowners and hobbyists can meet their needs without breaking the bank.
• Chuck size and style. A chuck is the part of the drill that clamps the bit in place. The chuck size indicates the largest diameter drill bit you can use. Most around-the-house tasks can be done with a 3/8-in. chuck, while drills with a 1/2-in. chuck can tackle more demanding tasks. Chucks are tightened by hand (keyless chucks) or with a specialized tool (keyed chucks). Keyed chucks allow secure connections, but keyless chucks are much more convenient.
  
• Weight. With most drills running between three-and-a-half to five pounds, the difference between a lightweight and heavy-duty drill can seem small. But that extra pound or two makes a huge difference when you’re perched on a ladder and working overhead. For cordless drills, consider the weight with the battery, not just the drill itself.
• Power. This is the “oomph” factor — how much power the drill delivers to the material you’re working on. Many drills have multiple clutch settings that function much like the clutch in a car, allowing you to fine-tune the amount of torque behind the rotational movement. (You don’t want the same amount of force when driving a screw into a picture frame as when drilling a hole in steel.) Some drills also have a high/low speed setting, to give even more control over the rotational speed of the drill bit.
  
• Motor style. Power tools are described as brushed or brushless. The differences are an entire topic on their own. Broadly speaking, brushed motors have a physical contact that brushless motors don’t. This additional contact means brushed motors generate more heat and require maintenance when the brush wears down. Motor style also encompasses build-quality issues, such as whether the gear housing is metal or plastic.
• Power source. Drills are corded or battery powered. Corded drills draw different amperages, while batteries vary in storage and power delivered.
• Bonus features. Items like a task light, smartphone monitor, detachable side handle or metal gear casings are nice to have, but not essential to the core function of the drill.