The wilko guide to drills

What type of drill do I need?

Depending on the job you need it for, and what material you’re working with, there are a few different options of drill to choose from. Here’s the rundown:

Drill drivers

In the world of drills, ‘driver’ means it can drive screws in and out of materials by rotational force.

A drill driver is a versatile option which suits a large variety of home and garden tasks. It can be used to drill holes as well as drive screws, depending on which drill bit you pop in. If you’re looking at buying your first drill, this is the perfect place to start!

Great for: hanging photo frames and wall art, building furniture, drilling holes into wood.

Hammer Drills

A hammer drill is a powerful tool which uses a hammering mechanism to make light work of drilling holes into the toughest of materials. Concrete, brickwork and masonry are no match for a hammer drill!

Many models of hammer drill will have adjustable torque settings, which essentially controls the power that is put into the mechanism. This way, you can drill slower while maintaining power – ideal for making sure you don’t accidentally damage the surface you’re drilling into.

Great for: bathroom refits, drilling into outer walls or solid brickwork.

Combi drills

A combi drill, short for ‘combination drill’, combines the features of a drill driver and a hammer driver. This makes them one of the most versatile drills on the market!

Combi drills can drive screws and drill holes into wood, metal, and even masonry and ceramics, resulting in a drill-of-all-trades!

They’re a space-saver too, letting you easily adjust between the two (or more!) features without the need for multiple power tools.

Great for: most everyday jobs around the home and garden, from hanging shelves to laying decking.

SDS drills

‘SDS’ can either stand for ‘slotted drive system’, ‘slotted drive shaft’ or ‘special direct system’, depending on who you ask. Think of an SDS drill as a more powerful and efficient version of a hammer drill – it laughs in the face of the toughest and thickest surfaces like concrete and stone.

SDS drills use specialised drill bits for power and efficiency, and many models let you toggle between drilling and hammering, making them versatile bits of kit for demolition too.

They usually have 2 handles for extra grip and stability, and are sometimes referred to as ‘rotary hammer drills’.

Great for: especially tough drilling or hammering jobs like breaking concrete, as well as removing tiles and paving.

Impact drivers

An impact driver is designed specifically to drive screws, nuts and bolts with more power and efficiency than a standard drill driver.

Impact drivers have more torque than standard drills, making them the ideal choice for demanding DIY jobs. If the screws or materials are very long or your bolts need to be tightened securely, an impact driver is for you. They also complete your jobs faster and more efficiently, making them a good choice for when you’ve got lots of screws to sort out!

Unlike drill drivers, impact drivers are only made for driving screws and bolts, not for drilling holes.

Great for: larger DIY projects like building sheds and log cabins, fencing, decking, or roofing.

What to look for when buying a drill

Once you’ve worked out what type of drill you’re after, there’s a few more considerations to look out for.

Corded or cordless?

So, wire or no wire? Most drill types these days are available in both.

Corded drills have the benefit of never running out of battery, and tend to be cheaper than their cordless counterparts.

However, battery powered drills give you more mobility for your DIY projects, and are safer to use by not causing trip hazards.

What’s more, many DIY brands now will have multiple power tools that can be powered by the same rechargeable battery, making your toolkit more streamlined and easier to use. No more mix-and-match trying to find the right battery!

Understanding drill power

Some drills will have more power than others, but it isn’t simply a case of higher power = better quality.

If you’re buying a drill for straightforward tasks like drilling into plaster or soft wood, you don’t necessarily need to shell out for a high-powered drill. Likewise, a lower-powered drill wouldn’t be effective for heavy duty demolition jobs.

The power of corded drills tends to be measured in watts, while cordless drills are measured in volts.

Higher voltage means more torque. More torque means more power when drilling, good for stubborn surfaces or larger jobs.

For cordless drills, the battery pack will also be measured in amps. The higher the amps, the longer the battery will last between charges. Easy!

What does ‘brushless’ mean on a drill?

It’s to do with how the power is transferred inside the drill itself.

Brushed drills use carbon brushes to deliver electricity to the mechanism. They’re cheaper compared to brushless drills, though the brushes will wear out over time and they’re less energy efficient.

Brushless drills use a different mechanism which is more efficient, gives you better control over the speed of the drill, and lasts much longer. They cost more up-front than brushed drills, but the lifespan justifies it.