We love a power tool and there is no better power tool than the drill. We call them ‘empower tools’! It’s the first bit of kit that most people buy when moving into their own home and the one we all reach for the most. There are a variety of drills available on the market, each with its own unique set of features and benefits. Hammer drills are great for drilling into masonry, impact drills are perfect for driving screws and bolts, brace drills are perfect for precision drilling, and core drills can be used to cut through a variety of materials. Knowing which drill is best for the job is essential for getting the most out of your tools and that is what our guide will help beginners with.
So, if you are as nerdy about tools as we are, read on…
A drill is a power tool that uses a rotating drill bit. It is used to create holes in various materials, such as wood, metal, and plastic. Drills are commonly used in construction and carpentry work, as well as in plumbing and electrical work. There isn’t a tradesperson in any discipline that hasn’t got at least one drill and often many. Each will have their own favourite and can probably wax lyrical about why too. Every tool has a story, but the power drill probably has ALL the stories!
There are various types of drills available on the market, each designed for specific types of materials and tasks. For example, some drills are designed for use with softwoods, while others are better suited for drilling through hardwoods.
In addition, some drills are equipped with special attachments that allow them to be used for tasks such as sanding or polishing.
Before drills were fitted with electric motors for use in the home in the 1940’s, handymen used hand cranked ones. A lot of work! Drills are an essential tool for many different types of work, from construction to carpentry to simple home improvement projects.
As already mentioned there are different types of drills available on the market, each with its own unique features and benefits.
Drills can also be broken down to whether they are cordless drill (which offers portability and convenience) or corded (which offers more consistent power but requires cables that can get tripped on or an extension cord if you are far from a power source).
Let’s have a look at five different types of drills.
We know that drills are one of the most versatile tools in any handyperson’s toolkit. They can be used for everything from making holes in walls to driving screws into wood.
The most basic is the standard drill which consists of a motor that turns a drill bit, which is held in place by a chuck.
The speed of the drill can be adjusted by changing the position of a switch, and most drills also have a reverse function that can be used for removing screws or drilling out stubborn knots in wood.
A hammer drill is used for drilling into masonry. It works by using a rotating drill bit to create a hole, while at the same time delivering quick, forceful blows to the material from the bit itself.
This combo of drilling and hammering action is what makes a hammer drill so effective at creating holes in even the hardest materials. The speed and power of the drill can be adjusted to better suit the material being drilled, and different bits can be used for different applications.
An impact drill offers high power and torque and uses a similar hammering action to create holes in concrete or other hard materials. The hammering action makes it possible to drill through tougher materials, but it also makes the drill more difficult to control. In an impact drill the force is delivered perpendicular to the bit, rather than from the bit itself.
As a result, corded impact drills are typically used by experienced professionals for larger projects. Cordless impact drills are powered by batteries, which makes them more portable and a good choice for light-duty projects around the home.
A core drill is used to create a hole in the center of an object. The most common type of core drill is the diamond core drill, which uses a diamond-tipped bit to cut through hard materials. Core drills are often used to create holes for plumbing or electrical wiring, or to remove samples of material for testing. They can also be used to create decorative patterns in stone or concrete. In general, core drills are very versatile tools that can be used for a variety of purposes.
A drill press is a worktop machine that drills holes, and is for the person who requires more precision as they are drilling. It consists of a base, a column or pillar and a head as well as a table attached to the column. The drill chuck is connected to the spindle and the bit is inserted into the chuck. The depth, speed, and alignment of the hole you are drilling can then all be controlled with the drill press.
Drill presses are used in woodworking, metalworking, and other applications where precise holes are needed.
There are of course variations on the above such as cordless, corded, hand and right angled drills – each will have the same basics:
Handle
Chuck
Bit
Choosing the right drill can be a daunting task, especially for a beginner. There are many factors that you need to consider, such as the type of material you’ll be drilling into, the size of the hole you want to make, and the amount of power you need.
However, by following these simple tips, you can choose the right drill for the job.
First, consider what you’ll be using the drill for. If you only need to make small holes, then a cordless drill will be sufficient. However, if you’re planning on doing some heavy-duty drilling, then you’ll need a more powerful drill.
Second, take into account the size of the hole you need to make. A larger drill bit will require a more powerful drill.
Finally, think about how much power you need. A higher-voltage drill will be able to handle tougher materials and larger holes.The big batteries will not need to be recharged so often
The most common choice for household DIY is a ‘18v Lithium battery Cordless Drill’. It’s a good combination of economy, weight and power.
Whether you’re just starting out with power drills or you’re a seasoned professional, it’s important to always follow safe operating procedures. Here are a few drill safety tips to keep in mind:
Read the manual before using any new drill, and be sure to understand all the safety information.
Never use a drill without the proper safety gear, which we can drill down (gettit?) to eye protection.
Always keep the drill bit properly secured to avoid accidental detachment.
Use caution when drilling near flammable materials.
By following these simple safety tips, you can help prevent accidents and ensure that you’ll be able to enjoy many years of safe drilling.
Before using a drill for the first time, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the anatomy of the tool. The body of the drill houses the motor, while the chuck is located at the front and is used to hold the drill bit in place. The trigger is located at the back of the drill and is used to start and stop the motor.
To attach a drill bit, you’ll need to first loosen the chuck by turning it counterclockwise. Then, insert the bit into the chuck and tighten it by turning it clockwise. Once the bit is secure, you’re ready to start drilling.
To begin drilling, place the tip of the bit on your desired drilling point and squeeze the trigger gently to start the motor. As you drill, apply gentle pressure to keep the bit from slipping. When you’re finished, release the trigger to stop the motor.
Finally, loosen the chuck by turning it counterclockwise and remove the bit.
With these simple steps in mind, you’ll be drilling like a pro in no time.
Drills are a versatile tool that can be used for a variety of tasks, from hanging pictures to putting together furniture. However, drills can also be dangerous if you are a bit fast and loose with them, so it’s important to use them correctly. Here are four common mistakes beginners make when using a drill:
1. Not wearing eye protection: Drilling produces a lot of dust and debris, which can easily get into your eyes. Always wear safety glasses or goggles when using a drill.
2. Not using the right bit: There are different types of drill bits for different materials. Using the wrong bit can damage the material you’re drilling into and cause the drill to slip.
3. Holding the drill too tightly: If you hold the drill too tightly, you could lose control of it and cause an injury. Instead, grip the drill lightly but securely with both hands. It’s an excellent exercise in not being so tense.
Drill bits are an essential part of any drill toolkit, but choosing the right bit for the job can be tricky. To help you make the right choice, here is a quick guide to the most commonly used types of drill bits.
The first type of drill bit is the twist bit. As its name suggests, this type of bit has a twisting action that helps it to bore through material. Twist bits are the most common drill bit used, and are available in a range of sizes and are ideal for drilling holes in wood and metal.
The second type of drill bit is the spade bit, which is sometimes referred to as a paddle bit. Unlike twist bits, spade bits have a cutting edge that helps them churn through material. This makes them ideal for larger holes, and they are often used in construction work. Spade bits are also available in a range of sizes.
The third type of drill bit is the auger bit. Auger bits have a spiral design with a screw tip that helps them to bore through wood quickly. They are often used for deep holes.
The Forstner bit is fourth on the list and is designed for use with wood. It has a point for accurate positioning and a cutting edge that helps them to create clean, flat-bottomed holes.
Finally there is the self-feed drill bit, another one used for wood. It is more compact than other drill bits but is very effective.
While the five listed above are suitable for drilling wood, there are many other drill bits available depending on your project need. Each type of drill bit has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to choose the right one for the job at hand.
Finally, we should look at some beginner friendly projects that you can use a drill for, so that you can get some practice in.
An easy project is to simply hang pictures or other wall decor. All you need to do is drill a small hole in the wall and then insert the appropriate screw. You’ll want to make sure you’re not hitting any electrics of course, but with a little practice, you’ll be able to get the perfect placement for your pictures every time.
Hanging shelves is also a very empowering skill to have. Imagine being unafraid to pick up a power drill and spend a fulfilling afternoon getting all your nice things up and on display without the need to call someone in.
Both these fundamental DIY projects are taught at our Drill Skills or DIY in a Day – Drills workshops and includes the testing out the different types of materials you might need to drill into (plasterboard, tiles, brick and so on). They are probably the two most popular classes that we run with good reason; these are life skills!
Another beginner-friendly project is assembling furniture. When you’re putting together chairs, tables, or shelves, a drill can be a big help. Oftentimes, all you need to do is attach two pieces of wood together with some screws. A drill makes it easy to get the screws started and then tighten them down so that the furniture is secure. Use a drill bit with a hexagonal tip-normally an H4- to replace the manual ‘Allen key’ that comes with a flat pack- it will make the assembly much quicker (you can thank us later).
Of course, putting flat packed furniture together is fun, but you can also experience the pleasure of learning to make your own furniture with many of our workshops. Because you’ll learn some fundamentals of furniture-making, you’ll also understand how to fix or firm up any furniture you already have that has become a bit wobbly too.
A drill is a versatile tool that can be used for a variety of different projects around the home. In this article, we have outlined some of the most common types of drills, drill bits and their uses. Whether you’re looking to hang pictures on the wall or assemble furniture, there’s a drill out there that will help you get the job done quickly and easily.
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