How To Pick A Power Drill: [Answered]

We may earn commission from qualifying purchases through affiliate links - at no extra cost to you.
Updated in June 2025 | By John

Power Drills: A Buyer’s Guide

Power drills are essential tools for anyone who needs to do any kind of drilling, from hanging pictures to building furniture. But with so many different types of drills on the market, it can be hard to know which one is right for you.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the different types of power drills available, and help you choose the one that’s best for your needs. We’ll also provide tips on how to use and maintain your drill safely and effectively.

So whether you’re a DIYer or a professional, read on for all the information you need to know about choosing the perfect power drill.

How To Pick A Power Drill

When choosing a power drill, there are a few factors to consider:

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

Speed:
The speed of the drill is measured in revolutions per minute RPM. The higher the RPM, the faster the drill will be able to drill holes.

Torque:
The torque of the drill is measured in inch-pounds in-lbs. The higher the torque, the more powerful the drill will be at driving screws.

Chuck size:
The chuck size is the diameter of the drill bit that the drill can accept. The most common chuck size is 1/2 inch.

Drill bits:
The type of drill bits that you need will depend on the projects that you will be using the drill for.

Once you have considered these factors, you can choose a power drill that is right for your needs.

Here are some additional tips for choosing a power drill:

If you only plan on using the drill occasionally, you can get by with a less powerful model.
If you plan on using the drill for heavy-duty tasks, such as drilling into concrete or masonry, you will need a more powerful model.
If you plan on using the drill for a variety of projects, you may want to consider a drill with multiple speed settings.
If you plan on using the drill for driving screws, you will need a drill with a high torque rating.
If you plan on using the drill for drilling holes in metal, you will need a drill with a carbide-tipped drill bit.

How To Pick A Power Drill

What to Consider When Buying a Power Drill

There are a few things to consider when buying a power drill.

Power: The power of a drill is measured in amps. The higher the amps, the more powerful the drill will be. If you plan on using your drill for heavy-duty tasks, such as drilling through concrete or masonry, you will need a drill with a higher amp rating.

Speed: The speed of a drill is measured in revolutions per minute (RPM). The higher the RPM, the faster the drill will be. If you plan on using your drill for drilling holes in wood or other soft materials, you will not need a drill with a high RPM.

Torque: Torque is the amount of twisting force that a drill can apply. The higher the torque, the more difficult materials the drill will be able to penetrate. If you plan on using your drill for drilling through tough materials, such as metal or masonry, you will need a drill with a high torque rating.

Chuck size: The chuck size is the diameter of the drill bit that the drill can accept. The larger the chuck size, the larger the drill bit that the drill can use. If you plan on using your drill for a variety of tasks, you will want a drill with a large chuck size.

Drill type: There are two main types of drills: corded and cordless. Corded drills are powered by an electrical outlet, while cordless drills are powered by batteries. Corded drills are typically more powerful than cordless drills, but they are also less portable. Cordless drills are more convenient to use, but they have a shorter battery life than corded drills.

Choosing the Right Power Drill for You

Once you have considered the factors above, you can start to narrow down your choices of power drills. If you need a drill for heavy-duty tasks, such as drilling through concrete or masonry, you will need a drill with a high amp rating, high torque, and a large chuck size. If you plan on using your drill for a variety of tasks, you will want a drill with a variable speed setting and a chuck size that can accommodate a variety of drill bits. If you need a drill that is portable and convenient to use, you will want a cordless drill with a long battery life.

Tips for Buying a Power Drill

Shop around: Compare prices from different retailers before you buy a power drill. You can often find good deals on power drills online.

Read reviews: Read reviews of power drills before you buy one. This will help you get an idea of what other people think of the drill and whether it is a good fit for your needs.

Ask for advice: If you are not sure what type of power drill to buy, ask for advice from a salesperson or other experienced user. They can help you choose a drill that is right for you.

Conclusion

Buying a power drill can be a daunting task, but it is important to do your research and choose a drill that is right for your needs. By considering the factors above, you can narrow down your choices and find a drill that will meet your expectations.

Also Read: How To Power Core Sample Drill

FAQs: How To Pick A Power Drill

What is the difference between a drill and a driver?

A drill is a power tool that uses a rotating bit to make holes in a variety of materials. A driver is a power tool that uses a rotating bit to drive screws or other fasteners.

What type of power drill should I get?

The type of power drill you need will depend on the tasks you plan to use it for. If you only need a drill for occasional use, a corded drill will be sufficient. If you need a drill for more demanding tasks, such as drilling through concrete or masonry, a cordless drill with a brushless motor will be a better choice.

What size drill bit do I need?

The size of the drill bit you need will depend on the size of the hole you need to drill. For most general-purpose drilling, a 1/2-inch drill bit will be sufficient. If you need to drill larger holes, you can use a larger drill bit.

How do I use a power drill safely?

To use a power drill safely, follow these tips:

Always wear safety glasses when using a power drill.
Make sure the drill is turned off before you insert or remove the drill bit.
Do not overload the drill.
Use the correct drill bit for the job.
Do not force the drill.
Keep the drill away from children.

How do I maintain a power drill?

To maintain a power drill, follow these tips:

Clean the drill after each use.
Lubricate the drill according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Inspect the drill for wear and tear regularly.
Replace worn or damaged parts as needed.

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.

Leave a Comment