Guide to Cordless Drills

Power

• Cordless drills come in a variety of power voltages. The 12-volt is small and is not designed to complete masonry tasks, but its fine for drilling small holes and driving screws. The 14.4-volt is a common choice for do-it-yourself projects because it holds more power than the 12-volt but is not as heavy as the 18-volt. the 18-volt and 24-volt cordless drills are more driven towards the commercial market because they are geared for heavy production and hard-to-manipulate materials.

Chuck Size

• The chuck size of the cordless drill refers to the size of drill bit the drill can accept. The two sizes are 3/8-inch and 1/2-inch. The casual user would rarely find a need for the 1/2-inch shank, so the 3/8-inch drills are the best choice for them. The price is also typically lower for the 3/8-inch chuck.

Torque

• Torque describes the measurement of rotating force the cordless drill provides while in use. A good estimation of the cordless drill's torque can be determined from the voltage of the drill. However, different manufacturers produce drills with identical voltage but varying torque.

Accessories

• Cordless drills available on the market distinguish themselves by offering a variety of accessories. Some of the optional accessories include LED lights, built-in storage, magnetic trays, and a built-in level. These special accessories may not make or break the deal, but they can be an added perk when choosing from several models.