Your A to Z guide on Purchasing the best heavy duty drill
Purchasing a power drill can prove to be one of the most prudent decisions that you’ll ever make in the long run as it is not only a go-to tool with 1001 uses but also helps you save a few bucks that you would have otherwise spent on paying someone else to do simple home improvement projects for you.
Nevertheless, most of them pack myriads of bells and whistles which make choosing the best heavy duty drill an exhilarating task.
To make it even harder it is easy to get torn on whether to go cordless or corded and with this factors in mind you’d have to wade through a lot of jargon before you find the perfect heavy duty drill.
To save you the confusion I did the heavy lifting and prepared a rundown of factors to consider while choosing one and also few recommendations on the best corded drill for woodworking below.
Related:Top 3 Rated Cordless Hammer Drills
Why should you go corded?
While everyone goes cordless, it is easy to wonder why you should be the exception. There is no denying that both types of drills pack their perks, but there is a reason why old will forever remain gold and here is why.
Power
Even though cordless drills are convenient when it comes to portability, they are less efficient when it comes to implementing projects that require more power as they rely on batteries. The scenario is ultimately different when it comes to corded as they are always connected to a source of power, and you don’t have to worry about having extra batteries or recharging. Hence are a perfect fit for heavy-duty projects.
Costs
You also don’t have to stress on costs of purchasing extra or new batteries due to wear and tear. Also, keep in mind that corded drills are often way much cheaper in comparison to their counterparts.
Ease of use and sturdier motors
Corded woodworking drills are easy to use because all you need to do is plug in and you’ll be set to work not to mention that they come with beefier motors in comparison to cordless.
Related: 11 Best Corded Hammer Drills
How to choose the best corded drill for woodworking
As mentioned earlier, selecting the best-corded drill for woodworking is no walk in the park. However, having the factors below in mind choosing the right one can prove to be all fun and games. Without any more fuss read on to find out what you need to know.
Motor Power
Power is the mother of functionality in any corded drill, and as such, it is essential that you consider it first. The amount of energy required is based on the type of project you plan on using your power drill on.
The motor power of any woodworking drill is measured in amps.
If you’re planning to use your drill on general home projects then always go for a range of between 5 and ten amps but if you’re looking for one to work on tough materials such as concrete always ensure you go for one whose motor power is higher than seven amps.
Keep in mind that the higher the motor power, the better the functionality.
The hammer setting
It is the general rule of the thumb that the best heavy duty drill should have a hammer function. Measured in blows per minute, alias BPM, the hammer setting makes it easy for you to drill through tough materials such as bricks or concrete surfaces. However always ensure you turn it off while working on metal and wood projects.
Drill speed
The last thing you want is to use a drill that has fixed speed as it not only makes it difficult for you to achieve precision but also limits you on the range of materials you can use. Therefore ensure that the corded drill you opt for has an adjustable speed because different materials require different speed. For instance, the speed you use on wood cannot apply to metal or concrete.
Related: Best Concrete Saw
Chuck size
Chuck sizes are also of the essence as they determine the size of the bits that you can use. Most consumer models often come in two sizes either a 3/8 inch chuck or ½ inch one. However the larger the chuck, the better as it accommodates bigger drills. Therefore if you’re looking to drill large holes more often then the ½ inch will be a perfect fit for you.
Reverse feature
At times, your drill will get stuck on the piece of wood, metal or even concrete that you’re working on. Removing it manually can prove to be an incredibly tedious task but having a corded drill with the reverse mechanism can prove to be lifesaving. Also, the reverse feature makes it possible for you to work on projects both anti-clockwise and clockwise.
Comfort
Comfort is also an essential factor while choosing a drill especially if you find yourself working long hours. Make sure that the corded drill you opt for is light enough and has a soft rubber handle to promote usability and limit fatigue in the long run.
Price and quality
Lastly, consider the price and quality. No matter how good a corded drill is, it will be of no use if it doesn’t fit your budget. On the other hand, no matter how cheap it is, it will be of no help if it breaks down after a few weeks. Therefore consider the price and quality in equal measure after reviewing the above.
Related: Best Cordless Chainsaw Reviews
The Best Heavy Duty Drill Reviews
DEWALT DW130V 9 Amp 1/2-Inch Drill with Spade Handle
Dewalt has a reputation of bringing forth products of impeccable quality, and this DW130v 1/2 inch corded drill is no exception.
It comes with a variable speed of between 0 – 550 which means you can work on a diverse array of materials and a powerful 8 Amp motor hence eliminating chances of stalling.
You will have to spend a few extra bucks on it.
Black & Decker DR560, ½ Inch corded driver
Besides a 3600 side handle comfortable and durable design, this black & Decker is also highly functional and packs all the perks you’d need in a corded drill. It has a motor power of 7 Amp and a variable speed of 0-900 RPM. Nevertheless, if you’re planning on indulging in general projects, then the chuck size is a little bit big.
Bosch HD21-2 Speed Hammer Drill
If you’re on a budget and looking for a quality corded drill, then Bosch HD21-2 Speed Hammer Drill
Final thoughts
Now that you’re aware of the advantages of corded drills over cordless, how to choose the best heavy duty drill one and even a few recommendations on the top power drills, purchasing one should no longer be a futile task but a smooth sailing process and the key to joining the Do it yourself squad.
Feel free to ask any question or add recommendations by commenting on the box below.
https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/choosing-a-power-drill-3536605
https://home.howstuffworks.com/power-drills.htm