Last Updated on June 8, 2023 by Georgie Smith
For home improvement, power drills are essential. They allow you to bore holes, tighten and loosen screws and sometimes even chisel away some materials. In addition to these factors, they also have a variety of materials that they work therefore making your DIY tasks more manageable.
The increase of power tools on the market is both a good and a bad thing. They significantly compete for the attention of DIYers, handymen, and women. However, they also make it difficult to choose from which one is the best for the money. When we get spoilt for choice, we often end up making the wrong decision.
This article will make it easier for you to choose by giving you the information you need. We also compare three of the best power drills on the market today, thus allowing you to make an informed choice.
DEWALT DCK280C2 vs. DCK240C2 vs. DCK285C2: What Works?
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DEWALT DCK280C2
weight tool construction
Two-speed transmission
Soft grip
3-LED lights
DEWALT DCK240C2
weight tool construction
High-speed variation
Ergonomic handle design
LED Lights
DEWALT DCK285C2
Has no LED lights
Convenient handle design
Two-speed range
weight tool construction
DEWALT DCK280C2 20-Volt Max Li-Ion 1.5 Ah Compact Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit
The DeWalt compact drill and impact driver combo kit is all you need to experience excellence in your workplace. It has a convenient design that makes the kit safe and suitable to handle various jobs within your reach.
This compact drill/impact driver combo has a high variable speed range from 2000 RPM – 2800 RPM respectively. The speed variation guarantees that you can work on any project within a concise period.
It features a lightweight design that makes it suitable and easy to transport it from one job site to the other. The compact, lightweight design also ensures that the kit is convenient and can get stored in any storage space. Additionally, the package comes with two 20-volt 1.5Ah lithium-Ion batteries and a charger.
It ensures that the kit is always ready for use even when there is no reliable electrical supply. When you charge it right, it will only take you around 30 minutes to get the two batteries fully charged.
The design also features durable material that guarantees the kit will serve you for generations to come. With this combo kit at hand, you are sure that you will experience professionalism in your work.
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DEWALT DCK240C2 20v Lithium Drill Driver/Impact Combo Kit (1.3Ah)
DEWALT has been in the construction industry for quite some time. Every tool they produce meets and exceeds the expectations of different workshops. The DCK240C2 lithium drill driver/impact combo kit is not exceptional. This kit is convenient and will automatically improve the way you work as it will bring a sense of professionalism to everything.
It is also suitable for both commercial and home uses, therefore, if you are a DIY enthusiast, the combo kit will do the magic for you. It has an ergonomic handle and design, which ensures you can work extra harder without experiencing fatigue. The ergonomic design and handle also guarantee that the tool is reliable for all-time use.
In the design, it also features three small LED lights that help you to work even through dark hours comfortably. The LED lights eliminate all shadows and give you a clear vision of the place you wish to drill. Therefore, the final product will reflect your professionalism and exhibit your skills in a better way.
Additionally, the combo kit comes with a belt hook, which makes it easy for portability while on the worksite. It runs on high power and has a variable speed to ensure it saves you a lot of working hours. For easy storage, the kit comes with a contractor bag that fits any storage space you have.
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DEWALT DCK285C2 20-Volt MAX Li-Ion Compact 1.5 Ah Hammer Drill and Impact Combo Kit
Having a reliable kit to work with is the dream of every workshop owner. It gives you the confidence you require while working plus it sets your right foot forward. This feature is what you get by investing in this DCK285C2 hammer drill and impact combo kit from DEWALT.
It has a sturdy design that makes it suitable and reliable for any task at hand. The combo kit features excellent material that is strong and durable to ensure it serves you for years. It also has a ready-to-use design straight from the box as it does not require any adjustments.
When you buy this kit, it comes with two belt hooks for easy portability on the worksite, two 20V 1.5 Ah Li-Ion battery packs, a charger, and a kit box for easy storage. It also features lightweight construction and has a compact design. The handle has a soft grip and will feel comfortable on your hands as you work.
It also has a two-finger trigger that enhances its comfort as well as provides you greater control of the tool.
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Which is the Best?
Although all the above combo kits have what it takes to help you get the job done, our reviewers strongly recommend investing in the DEWALT DCK240C2 lithium drill/impact driver combo kit. Apart from its ergonomic handle, the kit runs on a low electric supply as the two 20V batteries are suitable to give continuous service for the day. (more here)
The LED lights will ensure you have a clear vision of the work you are doing. Additionally, this combo kit does not require lots of effort for you to tighten your screws in place. Also, when you compare all three packages, this has a friendly price tag. Therefore you are sure of getting more than what you want for the money.
Features to Focus On
Before you choose the power drill of your dreams, here are a couple of features that should help you select the perfect one.
How will you use the drill?
Are you looking for a drill that you can use for everyday household jobs such as hanging pictures and building shelves? Do you need to use it for a much bigger renovation project where you need to drill larger holes on bricks and concrete? Drills often have multiple functions that are suitable for different scenarios.
However, it is essential for you to find one that suits your needs. Once you know how you will use the drill, you will narrow down your search, and the choice will be more natural. In this category, you also need to think about the length of the tasks you do each day. The weight and the size of the drill will determine how much time you will spend completing your jobs.
If the tool is bulky and heavy, you will quickly get tired when working. Ensure the drill is comfortable especially if you are working on tough materials and for long periods of time. With a comfortable drill, you will work for a more extended period and complete your work faster.
Can you move freely?
Consider how much you want to move when you are working. If you are okay with little to no movement, you can go for the drills that get plugged into the mains. However, if you need to move a lot, consider going for battery-powered drills because they do not have cords and allow you to work anywhere.
These are particularly useful for people who need to work in areas that do not have electricity.
Types of drills:
Of course, before you go out and choose the drills you want, you need to ensure that you know the four main drill types, how they work, and the advantages of each.
Drill drivers:
This option is a versatile one that allows you to cope with all the small jobs in your home. These drills are not just for making holes. They are also drivers. It means that they too can tighten and loosen screws.
They are great because they work on different materials like metal, wood, and masonry. They are also great for assembly and shelving, so pretty much everything a DIYer loves.
Combi drills
These are almost identical to the drill drivers. However, they have a feature that makes them perfect for drilling into harder materials. You will, therefore, drill the rotating drill bit two ribbed metal discs click in and out against each other thus pounding the drill bit forward. For functionality, this feature makes the tool versatile which is great for your home.
You therefore essentially have two tools in one which saves you money on buying two different devices. The tool is also more compact and produces less heat. It is also sturdier and lasts longer.
SDS drills
The self-direct system has a rotary hammer drill that is great for masonry and concrete. It has a hammer function that beats the drill bit as it rotates thus allowing it to work correctly on the dense material. You can also separate the hammer function from the rotation thus enabling you to drill through a lighter material.
Instead of the rotation, you can use a chisel bit to help you chip away at your concrete or brick. It is excellent if you need to hide cables and wires.
On the downside, it is stronger, and it does not work well for DIY projects.
Hammer drills
These are similar to SDS drills in that they are quite powerful and deliver a rapid succession of blows that are great for rock and masonry. Their main difference is that they do all hammers without the rotation function. They are therefore not great at chiseling.
The power sources
You also need to ensure that you know all features that will help you choose correctly. The power source you want will depend on the jobs you do and how long you work with your power tool.
Cordless drills
These are great because you can use them without being near a power source. It is great when you need to work on hard-to-reach areas. On the downside, these tend to be heavier than drills with cords. Their strength is in voltage. The higher it is, the stronger the tool is and the more torque it has to overcome resistance
Battery capacity
The battery is in Amp hour. The more amps, the longer it can work. You must consider the work that you do. If you do tougher jobs, you will need to have more battery energy. Also, if your cordless drill is powerful, it will use more battery power.
Corded drills
Their strength is in watts. They are great for heavy-duty jobs that will need much time to complete. However, if you have a constant supply of power, you can get your work done without having to waste time recharging or changing batteries. However, you need to be extra, careful when you work so you do not trip on the cord and injure yourself.
Of course, the higher the wattage, the stronger the tool and the more robust the material it can drill into as you work.
Torque
Torque is the twisting force of the drill when you are working on different materials. Ensure the machine you buy does not have just one torque setting. A tool that allows you to switch between different settings ensures that you have the freedom to change between different materials without damaging them.
The stricter materials like rock will need to have more torque when compared to materials like wood. Some drills will come with as many as 20 torque settings. You need to consider starting at a lower setting and increasing as you go.
Speed
This speed is also known as load speed and determines how fast the drill will rotate. The rate gets set when the drill gets loaded. It can also reduce anything that comes into contact with your drill. Some drills will give you the option of changing the speed depending on the material you are working on at the time.
The lower speeds are great for softer materials while the higher speeds are perfect for more robust materials.
Impact energy
It defines the amount of force the hammer uses to drill into the wall. The higher the rating, the harder the blow and the more impactful the drilling.
Handle design
Always ensure that the drill design is comfortable. Remember that you will be carrying the tool for most of the day. Get one that is comfortable and allows you to hold on without feeling pain. You also do not want to keep re-adjusting your hand.
Drill bits
Check whether the drill bit is interchangeable. Ensure that the drill you get can work with different sizes of drill bits. It will be convenient because you will have the items you need for each job. You also will not have to buy different drills for the same tasks each time. It also needs to fit with most accessories on the market.
Drill vs. Impact Driver vs. Hammer Drill
| Drill | Impact driver | Hammer drill |
|---|---|---|
| Preferred for its ability to work on specialized functions that cannot get handled by other drills | It is mainly for driving in fasteners like nails and screws | Perfect for hard surfaces like concrete and brick |
| It is less sensitive than the impact drill and is great when the length of the screw will not affect the project | It stays the way it is throughout | They can also turn into old-school hammers |
| Simple and resemble the old fashion drills | It is shorter and stubbier in appearance. It holds a bit that bits adapt | It is large and takes different bit shapes and sizes |
| It works like a hammer drill. However, it does not accept other screw bits. | Works in a rotary fashion and does not have much power | It uses more pressure to work and is often too loud |
Impact drivers vs. Drills: Do you need both?
Yes, you need both drills and impact drivers. Think of it this way, sledgehammers and peen hammers do roughly the same jobs, but they are perfect for different situations. The right answer is that you should start by buying a drill. As you advance, you can get a kit with both.
The impact drill is perfect for tough materials while the hammer drill is excellent where excessive force is not necessary. The reason why is that it will ruin the stuff you are working on presently. If you work on different materials, you will find that you are more effective with both since you can work on different materials and thus you are more effective.
How to Use Them
Now that you have bought that fancy new drill, you are just itching to use it. The convenience of drills around the home gets matched. Here are a few basic tips that will help you work well with your drill without injuries.
- Think Safety Always wear safety gloves and goggles so that nothing chips your hands or goes to your eyes
- Use the correct bit. Always choose the most appropriate bit for the job you are doing. If you are uncertain, use twist bits which are perfect for most materials. Auger and spade bits are strictly for softwoods.
- Set it to forward and reverse appropriately. Always configure the drill to forward (clockwise) and use the forward selector switch. Setting it in the right direction makes it easier for you to drill into the material and take the drill out without widening the hole.
- Set the right speed and torque. When you are uncertain, always start from the lowest setting and move to the highest as you see how each setting affects the material you are using.
Always ensure that you take each project slowly and take the time to learn which methods of operation are best for you. Use the right drill for the right materials to prevent injuries and unnecessary fatigue.
FAQs:
Q: What is a brushless impact driver?
A: The word brushless refers to a type of motor that powers an impact drill. The brushes pass electricity to the spin rotor. Brushless motors are such that they do not need electrical connections to spin parts.
Q: Can you use an impact driver to take off lug nuts?
A: Yes, however, you need a socket attachment to fit. However, remember that most people tend to over-tighten the lugs. Sometimes they seize as a result of dirt, rust, and time.
Q: Can I use it on drywall?
A: Yes, impact drivers are perfect for drywalls because they are lighter and do the job faster.
Conclusion
For all homeowners, a drill is a must-have. It provides powerful rotational movements that work into a piece allowing you to tighten and loosen screws. They are loved because they are versatile, efficient, convenient, and do not leave you feeling fatigued. Some come with LED lights that give you the freedom to work in dark and hidden areas.
Consider the type of project you are working on before you make a final decision. Every home needs a drill. Do your homework to know and understand more about job materials and not just the tools.
Did you enjoy this comparison article? Share this article with others on social media. Whether newbies or experienced, they will love this tool. With time you will learn how to use it and will discover its benefits. Thank you for reading, remember to leave us a comment below.
