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Drill Buying Guide

Choose The Best Drill For You

At Hilti, we have a range of drills that cover most applications for professionals across the trades. But with a host of applications to consider, finding the right drill for your needs can be overwhelming.

Our easy-to-follow buying guide for drills can help you decide amongst the available  options , so you can make sure you always have the right tools on hand. 

TYPES OF DRILL

Drill Drivers

Drill drivers are the most common type of drill used by professionals and DIY enthusiasts. They are predominantly used for drilling into light materials such as wood, tile, metal and uPVC. As a basic drill, with no hammer action, they are usually more  cost-effective.

They are also capable, as the name suggests, of driving screws into various materials like wood. This means that most drill drivers will come equipped with a variable speed option to cater for these tasks – making them a versatile tool for professionals who need to drill and screw at various times. 

Hammer Drill Drivers

A hammer drill is similar to a drill driver, however the main difference is that the chuck on the hammer drill will move back and forward, similar to the motion of a hammer when it’s being used. This helps it to tackle heavy-duty jobs in harder materials such as concrete and masonry.

You can also adjust  the settings on a hammer drill depending on the material you’re working on. This helps to minimise surface damage when you switch to hammer drilling mode, while making easy work of drilling across various materials. 

SDS Rotary Hammer Drills

SDS drills are built for jobs on  the hardest materials including stone, concrete or masonry. SDS stands for Slotted Drive System, which means it holds a specific type of drill bit that is only suitable for this type of drill.

In comparison to tightening the chuck on a drill driver, these tough and specialised drill bits simply slot into the end of the drill without having to be tightened, using grooves and a spring-loaded chuck to stay secure. An SDS drill also incorporates a hammer action,  similar to a hammer drill but it is usually driven by a piston rather than the chuck which moves back and forth on a hammer drill.

There are three main types of SDS drill currently on the market:

  1. SDS: Regular version of the tool
  2. SDS Plus: Normally lighter than the bigger SDS Max models, holds drill bit shanks up to 10mm
  3. SDS Max: Can hold drill bits up to 18mm, used best for the toughest applications 

Diamond core drills

If you’re looking to bore large holes through a surface, including reinforced concrete, asphalt or masonry, then a diamond drill is the tool for the job. They are used with hollow bits that can make light work of even the toughest applications and can also be used with additional kit for wet coring to reduce dust while improving performance.

Depending on the model, diamond core drills can be used either handheld or as part of a rig-mounted apparatus  for tasks which are more labour-intensive. From a health and safety perspective , a rig mounted setup also prevents user fatigue. While sometimes quieter compared to other drills, a diamond core drill may often require additional cleaning and maintenance to ensure smooth operation, as they are normally used on the toughest materials which generate more dust. 

Right Angle Drills

In more recent times the popularity of right angle drills has increased with trade professionals using it for various applications. Featuring a compact head, which is smaller in depth compared to a regular drill driver, right angle drill drivers and wrenches offer ease of use and access to users in confined or tight spaces.

Given the compact nature of the drill, and power available, right angle drills drivers are not normally suitable for tough base materials or the toughest materials, with wood and metal the most common application surfaces for use. But what they lack in power, they gain in flexibility with one handed control and manoeuvrability.

 

Impact drivers and wrenches

The drills we’ve featured in this guide cover tools that are predominantly used for making holes. Impact drivers are designed to   drive  screws or bolts into a surface, while an impact wrench is used to tighten bolts and fastenings.

If you want to know more about these products, you can find more details on our dedicated impact driver and wrench buying guide. 

What you need to consider when buying a drill

Chuck Type

The choice of chuck can have an influence on usability and overall efficiency, making it an essential consideration for various drilling tasks. There are three main types of chuck on a drill – depending on the model. Key chuck, keyless and SDS. A key chuck requires a ‘chuck key’ to tighten and loosen any bits in the tool. A keyless chuck can be operated by hand through rotating the drill head to open or close the bit opening. SDS chucks, as previously mentioned, allow bits to be slotted in and secured.

Speed Options

Most, if not all, drills come with variable speed settings for RPM (revolutions per minute). Different speeds are usually beneficial for better efficiency on the surface material. Typically, low RPM speed works better for harder applications using metal, requiring more torque. When it comes to materials such as wood or uPVC, high speeds are more suitable. Choosing the right speed on your drill increases precision, prolongs the life of your drill bits, and improves efficiency on the job.

Torque

This refers to the rotational force created from the drill motor, measured in Newton metres (Nm). Higher and lower torque have their benefits for different applications. Higher torque is usually best for tougher tasks, while lower torque is best for everyday DIY jobs. As with various speeds settings, many drills allow you to adjust torque requirements.

Remember, as you increase drill speed, your torque decreases. But when you drill at low speed, you can allow for more torque.

Drill Bit Size

Drill bit size determines the size of your hole being drilled. Most drills, with either a standard key or keyless chuck can accommodate a range of bit sizes usually up to 1/2 inch / 13mm.  SDS tools can accommodate bigger drill bits – though these aren’t suitable for non-SDS tools. Choosing the right size drill bit will always depend on your chosen application.

Motor Option (Brush vs. Brushless Motor)

Many tools with a motor will either have a brushed or brushless motor. Brushed motors use carbon brushes to help the motor operate, resulting in more friction and wear over the motor’s lifespan. Brushless motors use magnets or electronics to operate, offering higher speed, more torque, and longer battery life.

However, as build components for a brushless motor are more sophisticated than their carbon brush variants, there is a higher cost to pay for brushless motor drills. But what you get is a product that lasts  longer. So, while a motor with carbon brushes may be cheaper, lifetime may be reduced and repair frequency may be higher.

Corded vs Cordless drills

In essence, corded drills are generally more powerful but less portable. Cordless drills use rechargeable batteries and offer greater mobility and convenience.

The choice between the two is dictated by your work demands and applications. Those in a workshop may prefer a corded tool, while professionals who require mobility and want to avoid long cords as a safety and tripping hazard, will prefer cordless.

Always bear in mind for cordless tools that you need to consider runtime of the tool and charge time of the batteries to help you avoid downtime.

Other accessories to consider

  • Batteries and chargers: If you’re using a cordless drill, having extra batteries can help you stay productive for longer.
  • Dust extraction accessories: Everyone should be able to work in a safe environment. Always consider dust removal add-ons where relevant, especially when drilling into masonry.
  • Carry case and tether: Any working area can present risks, so having a carry case can keep your kit safe and organised, while a tether or belt clip can also reduce the risk of accidents.

 

Take a look at our drills

We have a selection of drills s that are suitable for a whole range of applications. So whether its metal, wood or plastic,  you can trust the quality in our products to help you get the job done right. 

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