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Choosing an Electric Drill
By Steve Maxwell
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When a new homeowner or aspiring handy person asks me what power tool they should buy first, the answer's easy: an electric drill. What's not so easy is deciding which model offers the best value for the dollar. That depends on situation, expectations and tool budget. Here's some guidance as you wade through all the great choices.
Cordless drills were pretty wimpy when they first hit the market more than 20 years ago, but they've come a long way since. They're now so good that higher voltage units like the 12, 14.4 and 18 volt models can completely replace a conventional corded drill for all household and most jobsite tasks. Cordless tools deliver plenty of power, plus unbeatable portability. They're serious tools, with sales figures to show it. In 1999 for instance, the latest year for which Canadian numbers are available, cordless drill sales outstripped corded by 2 units to 1. The ratio is 4 to 1 based on dollar value.
One of the most useful cordless tool variations is the drill driver. It looks like an ordinary drill but includes finely-controllable, reversible/variable speed trigger and an adjustable clutch that automatically drives screws to any predetermined depth you want. These two features work together to make the drill driver the ultimate screwdriving power tool. And of course, they're also great for boring holes in wood, plastic and metal, using regular twist bits or spade bits.
When it comes to cordless tools, voltage ratings roughly equate to power output. Today’s top cordless models carry 24 volt batteries. Low-end units have 7.2 volt electrics. If you’re looking to buy a cordless drill driver as your main drilling and screw driving tool, focus on models with 12, 14.4, 18 or 24 volt ratings. You'll find 9.6 volt machines available, but they won’t quite replace a corded drill at home or on the job. Some high-voltage cordless drills have something called a hammer-drill setting, a feature that speeds boring operations in masonry by 300% or 400%. This is a must-have feature if you'll be working with the concrete walls of a high-rise condo, or in a basement or block-walled garage.
Another consideration is charge time. Most cordless tool batteries come with chargers that bring a flat battery up to full charge in about an hour. Some models come with 15 minute chargers, though this is an optional accessory for most makes. A pair of batteries and a one hour charger will keep all but the most demanding users happy.
Despite the amazing performance and portability of cordless drills, there are two reasons why you should still consider a corded model: up-front price and on-going cost. Cordless drills are roughly twice as expensive as corded ones, power and features being equal. Then there's the issue of replacement batteries. The nickel-cadmium (Nicad) and nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries that are behind today's awesome cordless performance don't last forever. Eventually they lose their ability to hold a charge, with the higher voltage battery packs having a shorter life because of the higher internal temperatures they generate during charge/discharge cycles. And with the cost of a new 14.4 or 18 volt battery pack higher than $100, you've got to ask yourself if you really need cordless convenience. Sure, it's cool, but that's nothing to base a wise tool purchase on.
Traditionally, both cordless and corded drills required a separate key to lock a drill bit in the chuck before use, but most models now come with a keyless chuck. You just slip the drill or screwdriver bit into the opening, then tighten by hand without tools. That's it. Skeptical about keyless chuck performance? They're actually first rate, working just as well as their keyed cousins, except with less hassle.
Nowadays, power tool users call the shots. Big-name manufacturers everywhere work hard to earn your favour, bending over backwards to please you. One way is with no-questions-asked return policies. Most tool companies allow you to try their tools then return them for a full refund, without any reason at all except that you're not pleased. Details vary from make-to-make, so check with your retailer before you buy. Typical return periods extend from 1 to 3 months.
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Choosing an Electric Drill
By Steve Maxwell
|
|
|
When a new homeowner or aspiring handy person asks me what power tool they should buy first, the answer's easy: an electric drill. What's not so easy is deciding which model offers the best value for the dollar. That depends on situation, expectations and tool budget. Here's some guidance as you wade through all the great choices.
Cordless drills were pretty wimpy when they first hit the market more than 20 years ago, but they've come a long way since. They're now so good that higher voltage units like the 12, 14.4 and 18 volt models can completely replace a conventional corded drill for all household and most jobsite tasks. Cordless tools deliver plenty of power, plus unbeatable portability. They're serious tools, with sales figures to show it. In 1999 for instance, the latest year for which Canadian numbers are available, cordless drill sales outstripped corded by 2 units to 1. The ratio is 4 to 1 based on dollar value.
One of the most useful cordless tool variations is the drill driver. It looks like an ordinary drill but includes finely-controllable, reversible/variable speed trigger and an adjustable clutch that automatically drives screws to any predetermined depth you want. These two features work together to make the drill driver the ultimate screwdriving power tool. And of course, they're also great for boring holes in wood, plastic and metal, using regular twist bits or spade bits.
When it comes to cordless tools, voltage ratings roughly equate to power output. Today’s top cordless models carry 24 volt batteries. Low-end units have 7.2 volt electrics. If you’re looking to buy a cordless drill driver as your main drilling and screw driving tool, focus on models with 12, 14.4, 18 or 24 volt ratings. You'll find 9.6 volt machines available, but they won’t quite replace a corded drill at home or on the job. Some high-voltage cordless drills have something called a hammer-drill setting, a feature that speeds boring operations in masonry by 300% or 400%. This is a must-have feature if you'll be working with the concrete walls of a high-rise condo, or in a basement or block-walled garage.
Another consideration is charge time. Most cordless tool batteries come with chargers that bring a flat battery up to full charge in about an hour. Some models come with 15 minute chargers, though this is an optional accessory for most makes. A pair of batteries and a one hour charger will keep all but the most demanding users happy.
Despite the amazing performance and portability of cordless drills, there are two reasons why you should still consider a corded model: up-front price and on-going cost. Cordless drills are roughly twice as expensive as corded ones, power and features being equal. Then there's the issue of replacement batteries. The nickel-cadmium (Nicad) and nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries that are behind today's awesome cordless performance don't last forever. Eventually they lose their ability to hold a charge, with the higher voltage battery packs having a shorter life because of the higher internal temperatures they generate during charge/discharge cycles. And with the cost of a new 14.4 or 18 volt battery pack higher than $100, you've got to ask yourself if you really need cordless convenience. Sure, it's cool, but that's nothing to base a wise tool purchase on.
Traditionally, both cordless and corded drills required a separate key to lock a drill bit in the chuck before use, but most models now come with a keyless chuck. You just slip the drill or screwdriver bit into the opening, then tighten by hand without tools. That's it. Skeptical about keyless chuck performance? They're actually first rate, working just as well as their keyed cousins, except with less hassle.
Nowadays, power tool users call the shots. Big-name manufacturers everywhere work hard to earn your favour, bending over backwards to please you. One way is with no-questions-asked return policies. Most tool companies allow you to try their tools then return them for a full refund, without any reason at all except that you're not pleased. Details vary from make-to-make, so check with your retailer before you buy. Typical return periods extend from 1 to 3 months. |
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