A power drill is used to drill holes, most generally in hard surfaces, and drills have two different actions involved in the drilling of the hole. Any hole that is created with the drill has been through either its rotary or hammering action. Usually power drills resemble handguns with a trigger-type button and can be used for multiple purposes. The earliest drills were bow drills, dating back to ancient Egypt, and obviously not powered by any form of electricity or alternate power source. Drills didn’t become powered by electricity until 1889 in Melbourne, Australia, where the credit was given to Arthur James Arnot and William Blanch Brain. Six years later, 1895, the portable electric drill was invented by Wilhelm Fein from Germany.
There are so many different types of powers drills and so many different uses for a power drill. First let’s look at what type of power drill you want. Do you want a corded drill which needs to be plugged into an electric outlet? The advantages being more power, more torque, no power failure mid-project and the disadvantages being dependence on an electrical source, units are often heavier and being somewhat restricted by cord length. Or do you want the cordless drill with removable battery packs that you need to recharge? They are lightweight and easy to use, unrestricted by a cord. You can take them anywhere. However, cordless drills often have less power than a corded drill, some aren’t able to drill through masonry, and for full effectiveness batteries must be constantly charged. But whether you choose a cordless or corded power drill, always pick it up to make certain it feels right for you. Hold it without support and check its weight. Is its handle comfortable and easy to grip? Is it cumbersome or difficult to handle? All in all, the type of job you have in mind will help you decide which drill is for you.
Drills have evolved into specialized tools and each drill has a different purpose. The angle drill, or right angle drill, can be used for drilling in narrow or small spaces. The angle drill is a popular tool with mechanics. Like most drills today, the angle drill and the other drills mentioned below all come in a corded or cordless model. When you need to change drill bits a lot, a keyless chuck drill is the one to use. Bits can be changed easily with a twist mechanism. If you find that you need the strength of a driver and a drill, a driver drill will give you both functions in one tool. Driver drills are employed when drilling a hole into denser material. Drilling into stone, cement or masonry is best accomplished using the hammer drill. It combines the functions of an electric hammer and a drill, breaking down and chipping at lathe or a denser medium to create a hole. Last but not least, there is the reversible drill. With this power drill you are able to back a screw out when it is misplaced or remove bolts and screws and then flick the switch to forward and continue drilling and screwing.
Things to remember: Cordless drills are portable and great, but don’t forget to buy a second battery pack so that when one is in the drill, one is in the charger being charged. Battery packs are easy to change and can last for a number of years. Also, be certain to purchase a variable speed drill, which means you can run the drill as slow or as fast as you need.
If you want a handy tool, you need a power drill.