How Do I Know What Power Drill To Buy: [Explained]

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Updated in April 2025 | By John

Power Drills: A Buyer’s Guide

Power drills are essential tools for any homeowner or DIYer. But with so many different types and models on the market, it can be hard to know which one is right for you.

In this guide, we’ll help you narrow down your choices by explaining the different types of power drills, what features to look for, and how to choose the right one for your needs.

We’ll also provide tips on how to use and maintain your power drill so that it lasts for years to come.

So whether you’re a first-time buyer or you’re simply looking to upgrade your old drill, read on for all the information you need to make a smart purchase.

How Do I Know What Power Drill To Buy

When buying a power drill, there are a few factors you need to consider.

What will you be using the drill for:
If you only plan on using it for light-duty tasks, such as hanging pictures or assembling furniture, then a cordless drill with a 12-volt motor will be sufficient. However, if you need a drill for more heavy-duty tasks, such as drilling holes in concrete or masonry, then you will need a corded drill with a more powerful motor.

How much do you want to spend:
Power drills can range in price from a few tens of dollars to several hundred dollars. The price of a drill will depend on the features it has, such as the power of the motor, the speed of the chuck, and the number of accessories that are included.

What features are important to you:
Some features that you may want to consider include a variable speed trigger, a belt hook, and a carrying case.

Once you have considered these factors, you can start shopping for a power drill that meets your needs.

How Do I Know What Power Drill To Buy?

What to Consider When Buying a Power Drill

There are many factors to consider when buying a power drill, including the type of work you will be doing, the power of the drill, the speed of the drill, and the features you need.

Type of Work

The first thing you need to consider is what type of work you will be doing with the drill. If you will be using the drill for light-duty tasks, such as driving screws or drilling holes in wood, then you can get by with a less powerful drill. However, if you will be using the drill for more heavy-duty tasks, such as drilling holes in concrete or driving large screws, then you will need a more powerful drill.

Power

The power of a drill is measured in amps. The higher the amps, the more powerful the drill. For light-duty tasks, a drill with 5 amps of power should be sufficient. For more heavy-duty tasks, you will need a drill with at least 7 amps of power.

Speed

The speed of a drill is measured in revolutions per minute (RPM). The higher the RPM, the faster the drill will spin. For light-duty tasks, a drill with a speed of 500-1,000 RPM should be sufficient. For more heavy-duty tasks, you will need a drill with a speed of 1,500-2,000 RPM.

Features

In addition to the type of work you will be doing, the power of the drill, and the speed of the drill, you also need to consider the features you need. Some features that you may want to consider include:

A variable speed setting

A reversing switch

A belt hook

A carrying case

Choosing the Right Power Drill

Once you have considered the factors above, you can start to narrow down your choices. There are many different power drills on the market, so it is important to do your research and find a drill that meets your needs.

Here are a few tips for choosing the right power drill:

Read reviews of different drills to see what other people have to say about them.

Compare prices of different drills to find the best deal.

Consider the warranty that comes with the drill.

Power Drill Buying Guide

If you are still not sure what power drill to buy, here is a buying guide that can help you make a decision:

Light-duty tasks:

For light-duty tasks, such as driving screws or drilling holes in wood, you can get by with a less powerful drill. A good option for light-duty tasks is the Black & Decker BDCHD120C 12-Volt Cordless Drill. This drill has 12 volts of power and a speed of 500-1,500 RPM. It also has a variable speed setting and a reversing switch.

Medium-duty tasks:

For medium-duty tasks, such as drilling holes in concrete or driving large screws, you will need a more powerful drill. A good option for medium-duty tasks is the DeWalt DWD510PK 18-Volt Xtreme 2-Speed Drill. This drill has 18 volts of power and a speed of 0-600/0-2,000 RPM. It also has a variable speed setting, a reversing switch, and a belt hook.

Heavy-duty tasks:

For heavy-duty tasks, such as drilling holes in masonry or driving large lag bolts, you will need a very powerful drill. A good option for heavy-duty tasks is the Makita XPH108DZ 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Hammer Drill. This drill has 18 volts of power and a speed of 0-600/0-2,000 RPM. It also has a variable speed setting, a reversing switch, a belt hook, and a hammer action.

Also Read: How Do I Repair Azcraftman Power Drill

FAQs: How Do I Know What Power Drill To Buy

What are the different types of power drills?

There are three main types of power drills:

Hammer drills are designed for drilling through concrete, masonry, and other hard materials. They have a hammer mechanism that helps to break through the material.

Rotary drills are designed for drilling through wood, metal, and other soft materials. They do not have a hammer mechanism.

Combination drills are a combination of hammer drills and rotary drills. They can be used for drilling through both hard and soft materials.

What features should I look for in a power drill?

Here are some features to consider when choosing a power drill:

Power: The power of a power drill is measured in amps. The higher the amps, the more powerful the drill will be.

Speed: The speed of a power drill is measured in revolutions per minute (RPM). The higher the RPM, the faster the drill will be.

Torque: The torque of a power drill is measured in foot-pounds (ft-lbs). The higher the torque, the more powerful the drill will be at drilling through tough materials.

Chuck size: The chuck size is the diameter of the hole that the drill bit can fit into. The larger the chuck size, the larger the drill bit that can be used.

Drill bits: Some power drills come with a set of drill bits. If not, you will need to purchase drill bits separately.

How much should I spend on a power drill?

The price of a power drill can range from around $20 to $500 or more. The price will depend on the features of the drill, such as the power, speed, torque, chuck size, and included drill bits.

Where can I buy a power drill?

Power drills can be purchased at a variety of retailers, including hardware stores, home improvement stores, and online retailers.

How do I use a power drill?

Here are some tips for using a power drill:

Always wear safety glasses when using a power drill:

Make sure the drill bit is the correct size for the hole you are drilling:

Hold the drill firmly with both hands and keep your body in a safe position:

Start the drill slowly and increase the speed as needed:

Apply pressure to the drill bit as you drill:

When you are finished drilling, turn off the drill and remove the drill bit:

About The Author

I am John, and I am the creator of this website. I have been in the woodworking industry for about 5 years. I developed my passion for DIY projects around the house when I was in high school. I have discovered a new appreciation for those who have the experience to pass along their expertise. They know what works best and are able to help others. I am proud to be among them.

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