What Is A Cordless Drill Used For In UK –
Many homeowners are keen to do home repairs and some DIY in the United Kingdom. Cordless drills have been around now for a long time and they really help with tackling projects both big and small. They are versatile, portable and easy to use. Cordless drills are used for simple jobs such as assembling flat pack furniture, hanging shelves, or something more ambitious, then the cordless drill can be used to make your life easier. In this article I will explain what types of cordless drills are available in the UK, what they are used for and what applications and benefits they bring to DIY projects.
Common Features of Cordless Drills
These all have various key features in common. I have listed those below:
- Motor: The motor is contained inside the housing of the cordless drill and is key to delivering the power to the drill. The motor converts electrical energy from the battery into a rotational force, which can then rotate the drill bit at various speeds.
- Chuck: This is the component that securely grips the drill bit. A tight fit ensures a firm connection and consistent drilling performance. Different chuck types exist, each offering varying degrees of convenience and compatibility. These include a keyed chuck, and several types of keyless chucks.
- Trigger Switch: This is the switch that you push to control the cordless drill. It regulates the speed and power of the motor, allowing for precise control during drilling and driving operations.
- Battery Pack: The battery pack stores electrical energy, and provides the power necessary for operation. Battery voltage and capacity are key considerations, influencing the drill’s performance and runtime. The most common voltage is 18V, and batteries can range in size from 1.5Ah to 6Ah (Ampere Hours)
- Gearbox: The gearbox efficiently transfers power from the motor to the chuck, enabling various torque settings and drilling speeds. Many models have a 2-speed gearbox.
Cordless Drill Types
There are 6 types of cordless drill which I have listed below. The reason I show these as that each type of drill has different uses. They have been designed and manufactured that way to meet exact user needs. You can click on an image if you want to see a larger version.
1. Combi Drills
These are the most versatile option, as they combine drilling and screwdriving capabilities. That makes them a very good choice for a wide range of DIY tasks.
They can be used for two purposes: drilling holes and driving in screws.
The drilling mode is used for drilling holes into wood, metal, and plastic, while the hammering mode is used for drilling into concrete and masonry.
The driving mode is for inserting and removing screws.
2. Impact Drivers
People often mix impact drivers up with cordless drills. Impact drills are designed for driving screws and tackling tough materials.
They deliver high-impact strikes, making them perfect for penetrating concrete and masonry.
Impact drills are also much better for driving larger screws, such as lag screws and long wood screws.
3. Hammer Drills
These have been specifically designed and engineered for drilling into hard materials like concrete and brick.
They use a hammering action to break up material as they drill.
Hammer drills are one of the most powerful type of cordless drill, and they are essential for any serious DIYer or professional.
4. Driver/Drills
The main focus with this type is on screwdriving tasks
That is because they deliver precise speed control and have multiple torque adjustments. That makes them ideal for delicate work and a variety of screw types.
However, driver drills are also well-suited for drilling small holes, such as pilot holes for screws.
They can also drive in and remove screws up to 50mm long.
5. Rotary Drills
These are designed and engineered for drilling larger holes.
All of these will have a very high powered motor and a tough, robust chuck.
They are very capable of handling demanding applications.
Rotary drills are often used for drilling large holes in wood, metal, and plastic. They are primarily used in construction and for various engineering uses.
5. SDS Drills
SDS drills are a specific type of hammer drill that uses an SDS shank to connect the drill bit to the chuck.
These shanks are designed for quick and easy bit changes, and they provide a more secure connection than traditional chuck types.
SDS drills are ideal for heavy-duty drilling applications, such as drilling into concrete slabs and foundations.
They are used mainly by the construction industry, though a serious DIY person will love this type of drill.
Most Common Uses
As mentioned the cordless drill has many uses. I have listed the most popular and common uses below in a table. You can see a bigger image by clicking on it.
|
Use |
Description |
Image |
|---|---|---|
|
Drilling holes in various materials |
Cordless drills are commonly used to drill holes in a variety of materials, including wood, metal, and masonry.
The type of drill bit used will depend on the material being drilled. You can buy drill bits for wood, for metal, for plastic and for concrete. Concrete drill bits are better known as masonry drill bits. |
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|
Driving screws of different sizes and types |
Cordless drills are also commonly used to drive screws of different sizes and types. The chuck on the drill can take various sizes of screwdriver bits or you can use a universal driver bit holder. You can then set the torque on the drill which adjusts the control and the amount of force applied to the screw. |
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|
Mixing paint and other DIY materials |
Cordless drills can also be used to mix paint and other DIY materials. This is where you can buy a paddle bit which can then be attached to the drill chuck and that to creates a mixer. The drill can be used to mix the paint until it is smooth and even. Some users will also mix wallpaper paste with these. Some people will also use another paddle type to mix plaster. |
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Cutting materials with hole saw attachments |
Cordless drills can also be used to drill holes in materials with hole saw attachments. These attachments are available in a variety of sizes, and they can be used to cut holes in wood, metal, and plastic. You can buy these as a single size, but they are more commonly bought in sets. They are useful for making holes for cables, pipes, conduit and recessed lighting and ceiling rose lighting. |
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|
Drilling pilot holes |
Cordless drills are ideal for drilling pilot holes. These are small holes which can then be used to drill larger holes, or as guiding holes for larger screws or nails. Their main purpose is to prevent splitting the wood and ensures that screws or nails are driven straight. These can be bought separately or as a set of drill bits. |
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|
Attaching furniture hardware and assembling flat pack furniture |
They can be used for attaching furniture hardware, such as hinges, knobs, and drawer pulls. The versatility of cordless drills allows for precise drilling and driving of screws into various furniture pieces. They are particularly useful for assembling flat pack furniture such as IKEA furniture, where longer screws are commonly used. |
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|
Installing shelving |
Cordless drills are indispensable for installing shelves, as they allow for accurate drilling of mounting holes and driving of screws or bolts. The portability of cordless drills makes them convenient for this task, especially when working in tight spaces. |
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|
Hanging pictures and mirrors |
Cordless drills are the best tool to use for hanging pictures and mirrors securely on walls. This is where the ability to control the torque and speed of the drill ensures that the wall anchors are not damaged, and that the picture or mirror is level. They can be used on stud walls but you will need a masonry drill bit for solid walls. |
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|
Putting up blinds and curtain rails |
Cordless drills are a handy tool for installing blinds and putting up curtain poles. They allow for precise drilling of mounting holes and driving of screws or brackets. That helps ensure they are securely attached to the wall or ceiling. In most cases they will be used with a masonry drill bit and then a wall plug where the screw gets attached. |
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|
Removing stripped screws |
Cordless drills can be used to remove stripped screws. Stripped screws are screws that lost their grip due to damage or wear. Usually these are older screws that have been over driven when first used, or have simply rusted over time. The impact feature of some cordless drills can help to break loose the screw, allowing for easy removal. You can also buy stripped screw removers which can then be used with your cordless drill. |
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Drilling holes for plumbing and electrical work |
Cordless drills are often used in plumbing and electrical work They are used for a variety of tasks such as to drill holes for pipes, wires, and cables. The compact size and maneuverability of cordless drills make them well-suited for these tasks. |
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Benefits of Using a Cordless Drill
Cordless drills just make your life a great deal easier. Here are some of the key benefits:
- Corded drills have a cable, whereas cordless drills don’t. That makes them more portable and also safer to use.
- They are relatively easy to use, with intuitive controls and ergonomic designs, They are also really versatile and can help with a wide range of tasks, from drilling holes in various materials to driving screws of different sizes and types
- Electricians, plumbers, joiners, and construction workers rely on cordless drills for their precision, power, and adaptability.
- Cordless drills are powered by rechargeable batteries, offering a range of options to suit different power needs and project durations. For short, quick tasks, smaller batteries provide ample power. For more demanding projects or extended use, larger batteries offer extended runtime and higher torque. With a variety of battery sizes and voltages available, users can select the ideal power source for their specific needs.
Other Considerations
- Various cordless drill types are designed to cater for specific applications. Make sure that you select the right tool for the job. For DIY enthusiasts, a combi drill or driver drill is often sufficient. For more demanding tasks, impact drills or rotary drills are better suited. Impact drills excel in driving in longer screws for bigger projects like fence building, shed building or deck building.
- The type of drill bit or attachment is also important. For drilling holes, choose the appropriate drill bit size and material compatibility. For driving screws, ensure the screwdriver bit matches the screw type and size. Special attachments, such as hole saws, stripped screw removers and mixing paddles, expand the versatility of cordless drills.
- Safety is really important when using cordless drills. Always wear appropriate safety gear, including gloves, safety glasses, and hearing protection. Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Inspect the drill regularly for any damage or wear. Keep the drill clean and free from debris. Store the drill and batteries properly when not in use.
- Proper battery care will extend the lifetime and performance of cordless drills. Charge batteries only with the recommended charger. Avoid overcharging or deep discharging batteries. Store batteries in a cool, dry place. Use the correct battery type for your drill model.
My Final Thoughts
Cordless drills are pretty much an essential tool for both DIY enthusiasts and professional contractors in the UK. They are versatile, portable and easy to use. From drilling holes in various materials to driving screws of different sizes and types, cordless drills can quickly adapt to a wide range of tasks.
The number of battery options, enhanced safety features, and reduced environmental impact further solidify their position as indispensable tools.
Whether you’re assembling furniture, tackling a bigger renovation, cordless drills allow you to work efficiently, safely, and with tremendous convenience.
Other Related Reading
You might also be interested in reading:
- My drill buying guide
- Best Cordless Drill in the UK
- Cleaning and maintaining a cordless drill
- Storing a cordless drill
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