DIY Network

Power Tool Techniques and Workstations: Choosing a Drill From "Tool School" episode DTSC-104

	7.2-volt drill
	12-volt drill
	Figure A

As with most tools, there are a lot of choices in power drills and a lot you need to know. There are many bells and whistles available, so be sure to pick the drill that's right for you. Here, Cheri Van Bynen offers an overview.

7.2-volt drill

• Very lightweight, cordless.
  
• Able to handle most household tasks.

12-volt drill

• Good intermediate size and weight.
  
• Offers a lot of power for big jobs.

Some heavier duty drills have torque settings. You will need high torque for setting screws, and high speed for drilling holes. As you go up in price and size, you get more features such as 18-volt battery and leveling bubbles built into the drill.

Another great feature to have on any drill is a removable chuck (figure A) that comes off and exposes a driver bit so that you can drill and drive without having to go through the trouble of changing the bits.

Even though cordless drills are great, a corded drill is nice to have around. If you have access to electricity and are working for long periods of time, it makes sense to use a corded drill. Also, most cordless drills only accept a 3/8-inch drill bit, whereas some corded drills accept the larger 1/2-inch bit.

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Figure B

Tips to Remember:

• Select a drill that feels good in your hand.

• Corded drills are good for big jobs with access to electricity, while cordless models have limited running time but are ultra-portable.

• If you go cordless, a 7.2-volt drill is good for most household jobs.

• A magnetic pad (figure B) to hold your drill or driver bit can be a time-saving feature.

• Some models will have a clutch collar that allows you to set the clutch to slip, depending on if you are setting screws on a soft metal. If you are drilling, you can set the clutch to not slip.

• Buy a good set of drill and driver bits.
  
  
  

  RESOURCES :
  18-volt Firestorm Cordless Drill / Driver (from multi-kit)
  Multi-kit UPC: 02887741550
  Black and Decker
  Phone: 800-54-HOWTO
  Web site: www.blackanddecker.com

  12-volt Drill / Driver (and case) 9966
  UPC: 039404126313
  PorterCable
  Phone: 800-4US-TOOL
  Web site: www.portercable.com

  7.2-volt Cordless Drill Driver (and case) HB723K
  UPC: 033287125890
  12-volt Cordless Drill / Hand Vac Combo (and case) HS12VK2 UPC: 033287125135
  Ryobi
  Phone: 800-525-2579
  Web site: www.ryobitools.com

  ALSO IN THIS EPISODE:
  	Power Tool Techniques and Workstations: Choosing a Drill
  	Power Tool Techniques and Workstations: Jigsaws
  	Power Tool Techniques and Workstations: Rotary Tool
  	Power Tool Techniques and Workstations: Portable Work Tables