A good drill to do more than basic home repair?

9 years ago

I want to do a little more than just drilling holes into easy pieces of wood or using it as a screwdriver into soft pieces of wood. I tried to do some work with some boards and 2x4s and found that my drill can't even penetrate the wood all the way or to get the 3 or 4" screw in (using the screwdriver bit). Even using a pilot hole.

What is a good drill that I can buy to let me get through these kinds of projects? I don't work with wood constantly but I want to be able to do it if the idea comes up and I need something.

Or is the drill bit that I'm using? There seem to be several kinds of bits on the market, but several that I've tried, the drill spins in the bit, thus making the + or - head of the bit just get worn out, and the screw didn't go anywhere.

Thanks!

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Comments (3)

User
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
You did not say what kind of drill you have. Corded 120v electric drill or a cordless type.

Several hints that should make a decision easier/better:

Cordless drills are more controllable than 120v corded drills. The motors stop almost immediately when the trigger is released. That feature alone means much less trouble when using the drill for screws.

Cordless types can be much smaller and easier to control. There is a bigger torque twisting movement when resistance is met, meaning the handle can twist out of your hand if not careful.

That twist with cordless drills is usually less than a half turn while 120v drills will turn up to 6 times when that twist is experienced.

Cordless drills will be more expensive. Prices for a base, no frills(drill, two batteries, and a charger) model can start at about $60, with kits up over $200.

Batteries for the drills do not last well without use and periodic recharging(at least monthly. Non use for 6 months can shorten the life of the batteries.

You will not need an expensive model for the uses you included. An 18v model will do just fine. I have or have had several brands and voltage models. 14.4v and 18v All the different brands sunk 3&1/2" screws in framing lumber(2x4/etc) without pilot holes, 3" screws in PT/cedar/composite decking materials without pilot holes, and in hardwoods with minimal pilot holes.

I stopped using slotted or Phillips head screws with power drills. Just too many of the same problems you mentioned. I now use Robertson(square drive) or Torx(star shaped drive) screws with power drills. I have to order from online dealers(about 10 different sizes/lengths) for the square drive types, but can get the Torx at hardware/home improvement stores.

Forgot, take a trip to a Lowe's/Home Depot/Menards if there are any of those near. They may have a test station to test cordless drills.
klem1
9 years ago
Drills are one of the rare tools that require some degree of forcing into work. To drive screws longer than one inch requires operator "laying into it"with quite a bit of force. A common mistake is failing to keep quility non-worn bits in the drill. If the bit slips in screw head (cam's out) it's difficult to get another grip on screw to finish driving.
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MongoCT
9 years ago
For driving screws, look for an "impact driver". I was driving 4" tapcons (concrete screws) all day with a Dewalt 20v brushless Impact driver.

An impact driver is a tremendous improvement over a drill for driving screws.

You can drill holes with an impact driver in a pinch, but for the most part it's better to drill holes with a drill and drive screws with an impact driver.

I can't recall ever camming out and stripping a screw head with an impact driver, I've been using one regularly for maybe three years.