Figuring out how to choose the best 20v drill or the best 18v drill may at first seem like a challenging endeavor. However, it is simply a matter of choosing the model that best meets your needs, selecting the desired features, and settling on the most appropriate battery system. Below are some tips to make the selection process a bit less daunting:
Both professionals and do-it-yourselfers would probably agree that a cordless drill/driver is a tool that is always in high demand. This is because drills are necessary for everything from hanging a picture to building a deck, and hundreds of tasks in between.
Although certain models are manufactured to perform essentially every driving and drilling task you will ever encounter, others are specifically designed for projects such as making holes in concrete or driving large lag screws. If you read cordless drill reviews, you will quickly discover that today’s market offers every type of drill imaginable in a broad range of prices. The essential tips below will help you make the best choice for your needs:
Essential Tip #1: Choose the Most Appropriate Model
Drills/drivers come in many categories, and the one you choose should best match the work you typically do on a regular basis. If you complete many different tasks, consider investing in more than one model.
Cordless Drill/Driver
Cordless drills are a must-have for many individuals. Their popularity is due to the fact that they are highly versatile and have numerous speeds, as well as a variable clutch. The latter is particularly helpful for driving fasteners. If you drill holes in masonry materials, you must have a driver that features a hammer-drill mode, as this is essential for such work.
Cordless Right-Angle Drill/Driver
A right-angle cordless driver allows you to drill holes or drive fasteners in tight quarters. This is a specialized model, and it operates in a similar manner to that of a standard cordless drill. However, it features right-angle gearing, which ultimately powers the chuck at a ninety degree angle to the shaft of the motor. This innovative engineering ensures that the distance between the chuck’s tip and the motor housing’s opposing surface is a mere four inches. This allows you to work between floor joists and in other tight areas. Not surprisingly, this model is favored by plumbers and electricians, according to many cordless drill reviews.
Cordless Impact Driver
Impact drivers help you seat large fasteners such as lag screws. Similar to the pneumatic impact wrench used by mechanics to loosen and tighten lug nuts, this driver makes a similar “tap, tap, tap” sound, from its internal mechanism repeatedly hitting the rotating shaft. This rotational pattern enables the appliance to loosen and drive even the most big and stubborn fasteners with exceptional control. Such tools are faster and more efficient when driving screws as well. They are also less likely to strip the screw. Finally, this model is more compact and lighter than traditional drill/drivers.
Cordless Screwdriver
Cordless screwdrivers are perfect for driving small fasteners, and are also inexpensive. Nimble and lightweight, they are a terrific one-trick pony if you must drive small screws. They can be used for lengthy amounts of time without fatigue, and tight spaces can be accessed because such models are somewhat small.
When shopping for the best 20v drill, consider buying a kit that features various types of cordless tools that share the same charger and battery. Such kits are particularly helpful if you frequently complete a broad range of tasks for which different tools are necessary.
Essential Tip #2: Select a Comfortable Tool
If you must drill for extended periods of time, you must choose a drill that feels balanced and comfortable in your hand. If your wrist strength is compromised or you have small hands, do not buy the most powerful, largest model on the market. Rather, purchase one that is big enough for your most demanding jobs, but no larger.
Essential Tip #3: Acquire Adequate Power
Power is measured by voltage, and the higher the voltage of the battery, the more twisting strength or “torque” you will have. The standard range is anywhere from six to thirty-six volts. In most cases, the heaviest drills feature the highest voltage. For example, a drill/driver featuring 36 volts may weigh as much as eight pounds. Therefore, only select this model if you prefer to keep all your tools on the same voltage platform, or you have to work very quickly or drill very large holes or drive big fasteners. Typically, a 12-volt tool provides sufficient power for common driving and drilling tasks, while heavy-duty drilling/driving applications require the best 18v drill or higher.
Essential Tip #4: Choose the Appropriate Chuck Size
The chuck size determines how big of a bit shank the drill can hold. A 1/2 inch chuck is the most widely used size today. This is because it offers flexibility when completing various tasks, from stirring drywall compound and drilling large holes in concrete, to drilling modest size holes in wood.
Essential Tip #5: Speed Considerations
Most cordless drill/drivers feature two speeds. Approximately 300 to 400 rpm is considered low speed, while 1,200 to 1,500 rpm is regarded as a high drilling speed.
Essential Tip #6: Fine-Tune the Clutch’s Driving Force
A drill/driver’s clutch can be preset at widely different levels of resistance. However, the clutch will slip when the preset level is reached. This will create a fast clicking sound. This sound works as an alert to prevent you from overdriving, or snapping or stripping a screw. The clutch also protects the motor from overheating if higher than normal resistance is experienced.
Essential Tip #7: Chargers and Batteries
The battery is the heartbeat of any driver/drill. It determines the run time and power of the tool. Always remember this when shopping for the best 18v drill or the best 20v drill.
The use of lithium-ion batteries in cordless tools has recently increased in popularity, as these batteries hold a charge longer and weigh less. However, Ni-Cad batteries are less expensive and offer efficient performance, making them an acceptable option for casual users. When conducting battery comparison, remember that run-time is measured in amp hours and power in volts.
Chargers are also important and recharge times vary significantly among chargers, from approximately fifteen minutes to three hours. Fast-charging models and their compatible batteries usually cost more. However, certain consumers, such as construction workers who require fast charge times, should consider this type of charger. It is also wise to invest in two batteries and always have one charging in case your tool goes dead.
Cordless Drill Reviews
When reading cordless drill reviews, always remember to consider your specific needs, regardless of what other consumers have to say. Tools are a major investment, but if you follow the tips outlined above, you are certain to find the best 20v drill or 18v drill to meet your individual needs. For those on a budget, Cordlessdrillzone lists the best cordless drill under 150.