Selecting the Right Drill
First and foremost, choose a drill that is comfortable to hold and use. If you have small hands or expect to perform only light tasks, you may not want to purchase the biggest, most powerful drill on the market. Power is an important quality to look for in a drill, but it is possible to have too much of a good thing. Examine the different types of available drills to determine which ones best suit your needs.
Cordless Compact Drills
Cordless compact drills are valued for their convenience and ability to tackle tough jobs. Voltage (V) is the primary indicator of power of a cordless drill, and can range anywhere from 4V to 36V, although models between 12V and 18V are commonly used for general tasks. Low-voltage drills are often used for light jobs such as replacing door hinges or installing handles on cabinets, while more powerful drills, such as cordless hammer drills, can be used for drilling into masonry or steel. Keep in mind that a cordless drill is only as good as its battery. Look for a cordless drill with high-capacity lithium-ion batteries that will hold their charge four times as long as traditional nickel batteries.
Corded Drills
Corded drills can handle a wide variety of tasks, from driving screws to drilling holes into concrete, to mixing paint. Often more powerful than their cordless counterparts, corded drills can be used anywhere there is access to a power outlet. The power of corded drills is measured in amperage (amp), with larger amp values providing greater power. Corded drills have a constant supply of electricity which makes them well-suited for jobs that require constant drilling or drilling into tougher materials, such as concrete or stone. Corded drills are available in a variety of models, from heavy-duty pistol grip drills to drywall screwdrivers, to corded hammer drills.