The use of a battery pack for power tools radically changed the approach to organizing a workflow. The master had the opportunity not to think about the close proximity of the power grid and to perform work in remote areas. Cordless drills also received this advantage, a review of which will make it possible to determine the choice of a suitable modification and other parameters.
Battery Drill Overview
The main difference of this tool is that it is equipped with a battery, from which the engine runs. Structurally, this solution somewhat weighs down the device compared to conventional networked drills, and also increases the size, but manufacturers are trying to minimize these negative effects. However, to the minuses they are not always worth attributing. In the process of drilling, the tool must exert a certain physical load on the working point - and in this sense, the mass helps the operator to provide the necessary pressure. Another thing is that this load is not required in relation to low-power cordless drills. Reviews of such modifications, on the contrary, emphasize the advantages of a lightweight design, if you need to make holes with a small diameter, but in large quantities. The weighting of the design of the instrument in operations of this format leads to rapid fatigue of the hand.
Choice of Key Features
The primary parameters of choice include power, speed of rotation of the drill and the diameters of the holes that the tool can perform in working with different materials. The minimum power threshold is only 3 V, but with such a device it will be difficult to solve even small-format household operations for drilling in a tree. At a minimum, it is recommended to purchase devices with a voltage of 10.5 V. For universal needs, a model for 14-, 5-18 V is suitable, and if we are talking about high requirements for endurance and performance, then it makes sense to get a 36-volt cordless drill.
The choice of torque today is not as relevant as before, since developers are increasingly providing the ability to adjust the speed. That is, it is possible to adjust the speed mode, for example, in the range of 400-1000 rpm. This feature allows you to adjust the operation of the tool to the characteristics of a particular material - from soft wood to hard steel. Now it’s worth talking about drilling diameters. On average, it is 20-25 mm for wood, and 7-10 mm for metal. The possibilities of using equipment of one or another format depend not only on the power of the device, but also on the type of cartridge - preference should be given to quick-clamping mechanisms like SDS-Max.
Choosing the optimal battery
Most users choose lithium-ion (Li-Ion) drills. They make up the widest segment, which is fully justified due to their working qualities. In particular, such a battery has a small mass and at the same time provides high performance. But for this you will have to literally pay the price of the additive to the price tag and put up with the vagaries of the element in cold weather. Also on the market there are nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) cordless drills, reviews of which note a large number of recharge cycles and resistance to temperature. But the wide distribution of such models is prevented by the large size of the battery pack and the memory effect, due to which the capacity can be replenished only after the full consumption of potential. As an alternative, nickel-magnesium (Ni-MH) elements can also be distinguished. Their advantages include environmental cleanliness, minimized memory effect and modest size, but these advantages are crossed out by the fragility of the battery.
Additional functionality
In order for the workflow to require a minimum of unnecessary operational actions, it is worthwhile to foresee a list of auxiliary functions. For example, a reverse, that is, a reverse stroke will allow you to easily pull out a jammed drill from a problem material. If you plan to work with solid-state substrates like concrete or brick, then it will not be out of place to provide for an impact function - due to the vibration effect, it allows more efficient to form large holes that conventional cordless drills can not cope with. The reviews of experienced craftsmen also advise beginners to pay attention to the smooth running option, spindle lock and an instantly activated brake mechanism. To varying degrees, these add-ons increase the ergonomics and safety of the instrument.
Makita Model Reviews
The manufacturer almost abandoned the network models, completely betting on the battery tool segment. From the perspective of the average user, the Makita cordless drill is attractive for its structural reliability. This applies to the mechanism of action of the keyless chuck, housing and gearbox, which is considered the weak point of any type of power tool. The Japanese manufacturer equips the models with a planetary all-metal gearbox, which increases the reliability of the products.
Traditionally, Makita devices receive ergonomic forms for convenient physical handling, which is appreciated by inexperienced users. But developers do not bypass the professional class. Builders prefer a Makita cordless drill with 14-16-speed torque control and the ability to work with large format drills. They note the stability of drilling, smoothness and generally high quality of the result, regardless of the base material.
Bosch Model Reviews
Models of the German manufacturer are characterized by the reliability of the element base, a wide range of options and performance. In practice, the use of a capacious battery is especially emphasized, which allows us not to stop when replacing complex serial tasks to replace the power supply or recharge it. By the way, the charging process can be as little as 30 minutes. This is noted by users of devices with Hyper charge technology. The durability of the case is another advantage that users of German cordless drills give out. The reviews indicate the reliability and tightness of the plastic, which transmits a minimum of vibration to the handle and allows you to maintain the stability of the drill during operation.
Dewalt Model Reviews
The company Dewalt is not so famous in comparison with the two previous manufacturers, but its developers regularly demonstrate solutions that are attractive in modern consumer qualities. Again, experienced experts in the segment often recommend this product due to the use of a unique modular design. The advantage of this approach is that the user gets access to almost all the responsible nodes of the tool. This allows you to repair cordless drills yourself, if possible. Dewalt spare parts in the form of carbon brushes, the same gearbox and gaskets with consumables are not difficult to find today, so you can count on the long-term use of the device with minimal cost.
Reviews about Interskol models
One of the largest domestic manufacturers of construction equipment. First of all, the models of this brand are in high demand due to the modest price tag. Interskol cordless drills in different segments of the drill cost 20-25% less on average than, for example, Bosch products.
As for the working qualities, they are characterized by the owners of the devices as satisfactory. To solve standard simple drilling tasks, such a tool is suitable for the wave, but in responsible professional work it is better to prefer a more solid model. But, from the point of view of functionality, the cordless drill “Interskol” causes unambiguously positive feedback. Users point to electronic speed control, battery indicators, the ability to balance the case, etc.
Rating of the best models
The average price category of cordless drills is 5-6 thousand. The best cordless drills, the rating of which is presented below, were selected from this segment for the totality of positive operational qualities:
- GSR 120-LI from Bosch. Although the device has a low power of 12 V, this disadvantage is fully compensated by 20 positions for adjusting the torque, reverse direction of the bit and structural reliability.
- Makita 6271 DWALE. The tool takes the second place due to the balance of operating parameters, as well as optional additions in the form of an LED flashlight, a smooth ride and spindle lock.
- Model DCD 710 C2 by DeWalt. This device is also equipped with a backlight and is equipped with a 15-band mechanism for setting speed modes. But in terms of durability, it can not compete with previous models.
- Interskol DA-13 / 18M2. One of the advanced models of the Russian manufacturer, which has a two-speed mechanism for adjusting torque, backlight and reverse stroke.
Conclusion
Choosing the right drill today is easy. Even low-power budget modifications successfully cope with most of the everyday tasks of creating holes. And yet, if a cordless drill for the home is selected, then you should not save on additional functions that will make the tool operation process safer and more comfortable. Options of this type can well be found in the Interskol line. When choosing an apparatus for semi- or professional purposes, one should also focus on high power and reliability indicators. Such a choice is best done with focus on the family of companies "Bosch" and "Makita". Among other things, the models of these companies are distinguished by a high operational resource and a stable battery function.