What to Look For in a Power Drill

If you think that you can just "run out and pick up" a power drill, you may be in for a surprise. The sheer variety of drills on the market is liable to leave you scratching your head in confusion. Not knowing what you need before you head to the hardware store or home improvement store to buy a drill can also leave you very vulnerable to ambitious salesmen who are more concerned with making a commission than in helping you find the right drill for your needs. So what is it that you want to look for in a good power drill? The answer to that question would depend on many factors. There is no "best drill" out there that fits everyone. What you will be using your drill for, what your budget is, and what you will need your drill to do for you has to be taken into consideration. Even knowing these things may not immunize you from the eager salesman. When you're ready to buy your drill, it is best to consult with a knowledgeable friend first, or do some research so that you can make a list of exactly what functions you need your drill to be able to perform. This can save you a lot of time and trouble when you are shopping for your drill.

Will you be using your drill for simple home repairs? Most people who use their drills only for this reason are usually just fine with a drill that has a 3/8 chuck, which is the part where the drill bit goes in. A 3/8 chuck usually works well for most types of home repair jobs. There are drills that come with inch chucks, but these may not be large enough or strong enough for some jobs. There are also models with chucks, and if you are going to be doing more than just simple home repairs you may want to look into buying one of those, but just be aware that they can be slower.

Whether you will be doing simple home repairs or bigger jobs like home remodeling or room additions, you should seriously consider buying a power drill with a reverse function and variable speeds. A reverse function is convenient for backing your drill out of the hole it has created, and for removing screws if you have a screwdriver attachment - which is a good thing to have. Variable speeds means that you can also use other kinds of attachments on your drill, such as a sander attachment or some types of cutters. Though you don't necessarily need all of these functions, most people are glad when they buy a drill that includes them.

If most of your jobs are going to be larger ones, like home remodeling or large furniture building, you might want to consider investing in an industrial grade drill. This will cost you more at first, but will probably save you money in the long run, especially if you will be using the drill quite a bit. With a variable speed drill, however, you don't really need to buy every possible accessory right away. Buy a few basic accessories such as drill bits and screwdriver bits, but buy other accessories as you need them. This will ensure that you are not buying on impulse, and it could save you money.

About The Author:
Alphonso has been working in the home remodeling industry for last 5 years. Take advantage of his experience and written material on power tools at his website at http://www.improve-home.com

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Title:	What to Look For in a Power Drill
Author:	Alphonso Sirtle..
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What to Look For in a Power Drill