Drills

About Drills

Drills are among the most essential power tools for any tradesperson or DIY enthusiast, offering versatile solutions for boring holes and driving fasteners across a wide range of materials. Whether you're working with timber, metal, masonry, or concrete, there's a specialist drilling machine designed to tackle your specific application with precision and efficiency. From compact cordless drill drivers perfect for everyday tasks to heavy-duty SDS rotary hammers built for breaking through reinforced concrete, the diversity of drilling equipment available today ensures you can find exactly the right tool for your trade.

Modern drilling technology has evolved significantly, with innovations in battery technology, brushless motors, and electronic controls delivering unprecedented power and runtime from increasingly compact tools. Cordless drills now rival their corded counterparts for performance whilst offering unmatched manoeuvrability on site, making them the go-to choice for most professionals. However, corded models remain invaluable for continuous heavy-duty applications where consistent power delivery is paramount.

At TooledUp.com, our comprehensive drill category encompasses everything from lightweight drill drivers for assembling furniture to specialist magnetic drills for steel fabrication work. We stock leading brands trusted by UK tradespeople, ensuring you have access to reliable, professional-grade equipment backed by manufacturer warranties and our expert customer service team.

Jargon Buster

Brushless Motor

An advanced motor design that eliminates carbon brushes, resulting in greater efficiency, longer runtime, reduced maintenance, and extended tool lifespan. Brushless drills typically deliver up to 50% more work per battery charge.

Ah (Amp-hours)

A measurement of battery capacity indicating how much charge a battery can store. Higher Ah ratings (e.g., 5.0Ah vs 2.0Ah) mean longer runtime between charges, though they also add weight to the tool.

Torque Settings

Adjustable clutch positions that limit the amount of rotational force applied, preventing over-tightening of screws and stripping of fixings. Essential for precision fastening work across different materials.

Chuck Size

The maximum diameter of drill bit shank the chuck can accommodate, typically 10mm or 13mm for standard drills. Keyless chucks allow quick bit changes without additional tools.

Hammer Action/Percussion

A rapid forward hammering motion combined with rotation, enabling efficient drilling through masonry, brick, and concrete. Essential for any work involving solid walls or blockwork.

SDS (Special Direct System)

A professional bit-holding system found on rotary hammers, allowing tool-free bit changes and delivering superior impact energy for drilling large holes in concrete and masonry.

Who Uses Drills?

Drills are universal tools used across virtually every trade and industry:

• Electricians – Installing back boxes, drilling through joists, fixing consumer units and cable management systems
• Plumbers – Boring holes for pipe runs, securing brackets, and fitting bathrooms and heating systems
• Carpenters and Joiners – Assembling timber frames, hanging doors, installing kitchens, and general woodworking applications
• Builders and General Contractors – Wide-ranging applications from foundation work to finishing trades
• Steel Fabricators and Engineers – Drilling precise holes in metal components using mag drills and industrial rotary drills
• Roofers – Securing battens, fixing fascias, and installing roof-mounted equipment
• Shop Fitters and Cabinet Makers – Precision drilling and assembly work requiring accurate hole placement
• Maintenance Engineers – General repair and installation work across commercial and industrial facilities
• DIY Enthusiasts and Homeowners – Home improvements, furniture assembly, decorating, and general repairs
• Fencing Contractors – Post installation and securing fence panels and gates

How to Choose the Right Drills

Selecting the appropriate drill depends on several key factors that should align with your typical applications and working environment:

Material Applications: Consider what you'll be drilling most frequently. For timber and metal only, a standard drill driver or rotary drill suffices. Regular masonry work requires hammer action, whilst extensive concrete drilling demands an SDS rotary hammer. Mixed applications suit a combi drill with switchable modes.

Power Source: Cordless drills offer superior manoeuvrability and eliminate trailing cables, making them ideal for site work, working at height, or moving between locations. Look for 18V systems as the professional standard, with 5.0Ah batteries for all-day runtime. Corded models provide consistent power for workshop environments and continuous heavy-duty applications where battery changes would interrupt workflow.

Power Output: Measured in watts for corded models and voltage for cordless tools. Higher figures generally indicate greater capability. For professional use, consider 18V cordless or 750W+ corded drills. Impact energy (measured in joules) is crucial for SDS drills – 2-3J suits light masonry, whilst 5J+ tackles heavy concrete work.

Build Quality: Professional-grade tools feature metal gearboxes, robust housings, and superior bearings for longevity under daily use. DIY models may suffice for occasional home use but won't withstand the rigours of site work. Check warranty periods as indicators of manufacturer confidence – professional tools typically offer 1-3 years.

Ergonomics and Weight: For prolonged use or overhead work, weight becomes critical. Compact drills reduce fatigue, whilst larger models provide more power. Consider auxiliary handles for larger drills, and ensure triggers feel responsive and comfortable.

Battery Compatibility: If you already own cordless tools, staying within the same battery platform eliminates the need for multiple chargers and spare batteries, offering significant cost savings and convenience.

Popular Accessories

• Drill Bit Sets – HSS bits for metal, wood bits with brad points for precision, masonry bits with carbide tips, and SDS bits for rotary hammers in various diameters
• Screwdriver Bits – Phillips, Pozi, Torx, and specialist security bits in various lengths, plus magnetic bit holders and extensions
• Hole Saws – For cutting large diameter holes in wood, plastic, and thin metal for pipe work, downlighters, and cable access
• Spade Bits and Augers – Rapid boring through timber joists and studwork for cable and pipe installation
• Diamond Core Bits – For drilling through tiles, porcelain, granite, and similar hard materials without cracking
• Spare Batteries and Chargers – Essential for cordless operation, with rapid chargers minimising downtime
• Depth Stops and Guides – Ensuring consistent hole depths and accurate perpendicular drilling
• Chuck Keys and Replacement Chucks – Maintenance items for keyed chucks on older or industrial models
• Right-Angle Attachments – Converting standard drills for use in confined spaces
• Tool Storage Cases and Bags – Protecting your investment and organising accessories for transport

Safety Information

Operating drills safely protects you from injury and ensures compliance with UK health and safety regulations:

Personal Protective Equipment: Always wear safety glasses or goggles to protect against flying debris, particularly when drilling overhead or working with masonry. Hearing protection is essential when using hammer drills or SDS rotary hammers, which can exceed 85dB. Dust masks or respirators rated FFP2 or FFP3 should be worn when drilling materials that produce harmful dust, particularly silica from concrete and masonry, in accordance with HSE guidance on respiratory protective equipment.

Electrical Safety: Corded drills must be PAT tested regularly in commercial environments. Use RCD protection (residual current devices) when working outdoors or in damp conditions, as required by UK electrical safety standards. Inspect cables before each use for damage, and never carry drills by the cable.

Safe Operation: Secure workpieces with clamps rather than holding by hand, preventing rotation or movement during drilling. Check for hidden cables and pipes using a detector before drilling into walls – striking live electrical cables can be fatal. Remove chuck keys before starting the drill. Allow drill bits to cool before touching, as friction generates significant heat. Avoid wearing loose clothing, jewellery, or leaving long hair unsecured, which could become entangled in rotating components.

Tool Maintenance: Keep vents clear of dust accumulation to prevent motor overheating. Regularly inspect chuck jaws for wear and ensure bits are securely tightened. Follow manufacturer guidelines for maintenance and servicing, particularly for professional-grade equipment under warranty.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a combi drill and an impact driver?

A combi drill is a versatile tool combining standard drilling, hammer drilling for masonry, and screwdriving with adjustable torque settings in one unit. An impact driver specialises in driving screws and fasteners with high torque using rotational impacts, making it far more efficient for large fixings but generally unsuitable for drilling holes. Most professionals carry both – the combi drill for drilling applications and the impact driver for heavy-duty fastening work.

Do I need an SDS drill if I already have a combi drill with hammer action?

It depends on the scale of your masonry work. For occasional small holes (up to 10mm) in brick or blockwork, a combi drill's hammer mode suffices. However, for regular work drilling larger holes (12mm+) in concrete, installing multiple fixings, or drilling through reinforced materials, an SDS rotary hammer is substantially faster and less fatiguing. The dedicated hammering mechanism delivers far greater impact energy, often completing tasks 3-4 times faster than a standard hammer drill.

What voltage cordless drill should I buy – 12V or 18V?

For professional tradespeople and serious DIY enthusiasts, 18V has become the industry standard, offering the best balance of power, runtime, and tool availability. 18V drills handle demanding applications and provide compatibility with extensive ranges of other cordless tools. 12V compact drills suit lighter duties where reduced weight matters, such as kitchen fitting or working overhead, but may struggle with larger bits or dense hardwoods. Avoid older 14.4V systems as they're being phased out by manufacturers.

How long should drill batteries last before needing replacement?

Modern lithium-ion batteries typically retain usable capacity for 2-5 years depending on usage intensity and care. Professional tradespeople using batteries daily might see degradation after 500-1000 charge cycles, whilst weekend DIY users could enjoy 5+ years of service. To maximise lifespan, avoid completely depleting batteries before recharging, store them in moderate temperatures (not in freezing vans or hot sheds), and keep them partially charged during long storage periods. Quality branded batteries generally outlast cheap alternatives significantly.

Can I use my drill for mixing paint or plaster?

Whilst technically possible with the right paddle attachment, standard drill drivers and combi drills aren't designed for sustained mixing applications. The side loads generated by mixing can damage their gearboxes, and they lack the power and speed control for efficient mixing of heavy materials like plaster or render. For regular mixing work, invest in a dedicated mixing drill with a robust gearbox, higher torque output, and side handle for control. These specialist tools feature the durability needed for demanding mixing applications and typically include paddle attachments designed for the purpose.