The drill-driver is the essential tool for DIY enthusiasts, even occasional ones. The choice of model should be based primarily on your daily use. But when new to DIY, it can be difficult to analyze the different technical characteristics.
To help you find a quality machine that suits your needs, we have listed all the important points to consider when buying:
1. The best brands of drill machines
Showing proof of innovation, a few brands have succeeded in establishing themselves in the market for quality tools both designed for professionals and individuals:
Bosch: Among the market leaders, Bosch offers quality drill machines with many options for increased performance. In addition, users benefit from optimal user comfort.
Ryobi: Ryobi is also one of the brands known for their reliability. Ryobi drill machines are versatile and performant. They adapt to various uses for a good quality result.
Makita: Emblematic brand in the professional portable tools sector, Makita perfectly combines performance, design, and ergonomics. Makita drill machines are suitable for professionals and individuals alike.
Black & Decker: Black & Decker is also one of the benchmarks in the drill machine market. The brand offers you a complete range of the best drilling machines to meet all needs and budgets. Its wireless devices are powerful and precise.
DeWalt: Almost a century old brand, DeWalt has built an excellent reputation worldwide for the robustness and durability of its devices. Its drill machines are no exception. In addition, the brand continues to innovate to support the users of its devices.
Hitachi: Hitachi drill machines meet the needs of construction professionals and Sunday DIY enthusiasts alike. The brand offers practical and efficient tools so as not to get in the way of your movements.
Metabo: Metabo is a world-famous brand that designs and produces lightweight and compact drill machines while being powerful. It provides its devices with innovative systems such as Quick for frequent passages between drilling and screwing.
2. Materials
You can work soft materials, such as plasterboard, and drywall with a metal bit. With this type of drill bit, you can also work with metal materials like copper, aluminum, brass, zinc, iron, and steel. For wood, you can drill and screw with the wooden drill, whether on soft wood or hard wood (depending on the type of machine). If you want to use it on hard materials like stone, brick or concrete, the percussion feature will come in handy.
3. Percussion mode
It is recommended for working with materials such as stone, concrete, or cellular concrete. Cordless models equipped with this mode are also effective on soft materials such as soft concrete, brick, or plaster, but will have more difficulty on materials requiring more power, and for which a corded machine will be more suitable.
4. Voltage
The power of the machines corresponds to the voltage of the battery which is measured in volts (V). The higher the voltage, the better the torque (or the force of torque to turn to overcome resistance). The ideal average voltage is 18 V: enough voltage to drill holes in a frame and floor covering. On the other hand, do not just rely on tension: drilling performance and torque also come into play.
5. The tightening torque
Expressed Newton Meter (Nm), it defines the clamping force of the drill-driver (its ability to screw in different materials). When you adjust the tightening torque, you adjust the rotational force. This must be adapted to the material you want to work on, so as not to damage the screw heads and bits. The chuck of your machine has a ring on which you can read the tightening values.
6. Speeds
Most models have two speeds (powerful torque for drilling holes in hard materials and weaker torque for screwing in, unscrewing, and making holes in softer materials). Depending on the speed, you have to adapt your accessories. A sliding switch allows you to select a higher or lower speed. On some machines you have an electronic speed controller. For drilling and screwing, a drill with a minimum torque of 40 Nm is recommended.
7. The battery
Lithium-ion batteries are the most common. The composition of these batteries is less toxic than those of the past, nickel-cadmium. They are also more powerful and have a better longevity. If you know that you will be using your machine for long hours, consider getting a model with two batteries. Autonomy is measured in ampere hours (Ah). For recharging, allow between 30 minutes and 1 hour.
8. Power
It represents the amount of energy required by the engine for it to function properly. Generally, the greater the power, the easier it is for you to pierce tough materials. For percussion mode, count around 24,000 strokes per minute for proper use. Cordless machines use a 10 to 13 mm chuck, with a rotational speed that can reach 3000 revolutions per minute.
9. The weight
The ideal is to choose a machine that balances performance and weight. An 18 V model is generally less light than a less powerful one. But most cordless machines today remain maneuverable, thanks to their shape and the harmonious distribution of the weight of the various components. Your machine probably will not slip out of your hands either, as most come with a non-slip coating.
Conclusion
The drill driver is a 2-in-1 tool that is suitable for professionals and individuals alike. It allows you to perform various tasks such as changing the shower bar and assembling furniture. As there are various models on the market, it is important to choose well according to your needs.
