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How to pick the right cordless drill
A cordless drill will be one of the most useful tools around the house, but with all the options available, which is the right one for the job? Makita offers a huge range of cordless tools in both 12v and 18v Li-Ion options and we will take you through the difference of some of the range.
12v Drivers
The 12v range has more than enough power to get most jobs done around the house. The 12v range is more compact, lighter, versatile and less expensive than the 18v range.
18v Drivers
However, if you are planning some serious renovation or extended use, the 18volt range will be more suited. The Makita 18v range also has the fastest charge time in the world, with a 1.5AH battery charging in as little as 15mins and a 6AH battery in just 55mins on a fast charger.
The Makita range can be generally classified into 3 main categories: Drill Driver, Hammer Drill Driver and Impact Driver. They all have distinct purposes, but with a degree of overlap. When choosing your drill, consider what materials you will be drilling and how frequently you will be using it:
- What type of timber? Softwood, hardwood, decking or sleepers
- What sort of metal? Aluminum, stainless steel
- Drill for masonry? Bricks or concrete
The material, frequency, duration of the use, and whether you are drilling or driving all influence the type of drill needed.
Drill Drivers
Drill Drivers are versatile and very handy – mainly used for drilling holes into timber and steel as well as driving screws into timber, metal, plastic and plaster. Their keyless chuck makes it quick and easy to change bits, multispeed gearbox and adjustable clutch makes them ideal for drilling and driving into materials with different densities and the variable speed gives more control when driving screws or drilling slippery surfaces. They also go in reverse. So basically, Makita Drill Drivers versatility means they will comfortable perform most tasks around the house.
Hammer Drill Drivers
Makita Hammer Drill Drivers are similar in that they can drive screws and drill into most surfaces, but their hammer setting rocks the drill bit in and out to specifically drill into light masonry such as bricks. So, if you are planning to drill into masonry surfaces at some stage they’re definitely the way to go. Because they also function as a drill driver, they can still drill into timber and steel as well as drive screws.
Impact Drivers
Impact drivers feature greater torque so they’re predominantly designed for driving much heavier gauge screws. They operate at a higher RPM than hammer drills making them ideal for driving self-tapping screws for fences or roofs, right up to bugle battens. One of the major benefits of Impact drivers is that they can be used one-handed.
Brushless Drivers
Although brushless motors are relatively new technology in power tools, they’re rapidly gaining popularity as their high efficiency motors offer better run time, less heat and they’re also more compact.
So when choosing a cordless drill to suit your needs, check out the Makita range and chat to the team at your local Mitre 10.
