A staple tool in any homeowner’s arsenal, power drills offers an extraordinary range of applications from installing doors and windows and assembling cabinets to timber and metal framework. It's for this reason that almost no home improvement project should be undertaken without one – or even two or three for particularly ambitious jobs. 

Naturally, with such a versatile power tool, your options are wide and varied. With half a dozen types to pick from, not to mention numerous features, power types, drill bits and different maintenance needs. Here, we’ll cut through the complications, taking you step-by-step to ensure your next drill can handle whatever the job needs it to.

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Each and every job has the perfect tool, and drilling is no different. From fitting hinges to installing a new window or drilling holes for wall plugs and anchors, each is made easier by choosing the right type of drill. 

Assembling a kitchen cabinet and fitting its hinges, for example, is a job easily done by a drill driver and one, therefore, you can afford to save a bit of your budget on. Fitting a door, however, especially an external door is something that needs a little more power and precision.  

This means both an SDS Hammer Drill, with its high impact rate, for quickly drilling the fixing holes. After this you may also want to invest in a combi drill for driving in the fixings quickly and accurately, thereby limiting the risk of a misalignment of the screws or damage to the surrounding wood.  

Common applications and their Ideal Drill

Finding the best drill for the job is only one half of the equation. To ensure neat, professional-looking results you will also need to procure the correct type and size of drill bit. Fortunately, they are each clearly categorised, more often than not, simply by the material they are most suited for.

Best Drill Bits for Tiles

Most bathroom and kitchen tiles will have a soft or medium density as well as a smooth surface. This means you’ll need a bit that is not only accurate but also one that won't slip and crack, scratch or otherwise mar the surface of your materials. For this, your best bet is a special tile drill bit with a diamond-ground carbide tip.

Best Drill Bits for Wood

Tapered wood drill bits tend to be the best choice for pretty much all types of wood, including softwood, hardwood and plywood as they are far less likely to rip the materials as you are drilling. 

Best Drill Bits for Metal

Whether it be copper pipes or aluminium sheets, HSS (or high-speed steel) bits are a perfect choice. They are exceptionally strong, essential when working with metal, and many additionally feature cone-shaped tops to help create clean, but free holes. Cone-shaped bits also allow for a wide range of diameters to be drilled without having to keep an exhaustive set.

Best Drill Bits for Stone & Concrete

A simple Masonry or Stone drill bit is the best option here, seeing that the majority are made out of durable carbon steel and feature a carbide tip. They are the most suitable for drilling through the hard surfaces of natural stone and granite.

Best Drill Bits for Plastic

A more versatile drill bit is demanded when working with plastics as well as multi-layered projects such as cabinets, wardrobes and other furniture. Namely, Multi Construction bits which can be used on wood, tiles and even small metal elements and fixtures. An ideal choice for quick fixies or assembly work in smaller, household jobs.

What Size Drill Bit do I Need?

The size your drill bit needs to be will depend entirely on the size of the hole you are looking to drill and the fixings you are looking to use. Most drill bits will range between 1mm and 20mm and you will want your fixing hole to be slightly smaller than the screw you intend to use. This means that for a 2mm screw, you’ll want a 1.5mm drill bit. 

Bear in mind, however, this is only the case for screws. When using wall anchors or plugs you instead want to match your drill bit and fixing as closely as you can. A simple way to double-check this before you start work is to hold the bit up the anchor and match their sizes minus the flange (the section that will protrude from the wall).

Finding the Perfect Drill Speed

It is also worth remembering that the size of your drill bit will affect your optimum drill speed. A larger drill bit for example will not be able to be used as quickly as a smaller one, as it runs the risk of moving in the chuck and leaving uneven results. In addition to the size of your drill bit, the materials you are drilling into will also have an effect. It is important to keep both in mind when working.

Always Keep Your Application in Mind

At all times, both when looking for your drills and the associated bits, it is vitally important that you keep the end use in mind. Meaning both the type of drilling you need to be done and the length of the hole itself. A through-hole for example (meaning a hole that penetrates from one side of the material to the other) will need a bit that is longer than the material itself. 

Depending on the material you are working with, you may also need additional bits for your pilot holes. When working through the edge near the end of a metal sheet, for example, you may want to drill the initial pilot with an HSS bit before moving to a cone-shaped bit which can offer a little more flexibility.

How to Change Your Drill Bits

When using your drill regularly, you’ll find the need to change your bits just as regularly. Thankfully, it is a simple task that will only slightly differ depending on whether or not you have a keyless chuck. Essentially, if you need a tool to open the chuck’s jaw.

Changing bits using a Chuck Key

A chuck is simply a mechanism that holds your bit in place, to remove the bit it first needs to be loosened. Take your key (this should have been supplied but are also cheap to buy) and line up its teeth with the teeth on the chuck. Insert the key and then turn it counterclockwise.

This will open it wide enough for the drill bit to be pulled free. Keep in mind that if the drill is being held upside down, the bit may fall out, so it is best to maintain a safe distance. 

With the jaw already open, simply place the new bit, with the shank facing in, into the chuck. You may find that the chuck is magnetic which will help you to hold it in place whilst you turn the key clockwise again to tighten the chuck’s jaws.

Changing bits on a Keyless Drill

Keyless drill chucks can be loosened simply by twisting them counterclockwise like the lid of a bottle. Once loosened the bit can be easily pulled free and replaced. Again, make sure that the flat part of the bit (the shank) is facing the chuck’s jaws and then carefully insert it.

Make sure to keep a hold of the bit as you re-tighten the chuck. If your drill has an additional ratcheting mechanism, this will also need to be engaged by twisting it next to the chuck in a clockwise motion. Once done, it will provide additional pressure to the shank to keep the bit in place.

How to Drill into Tiles

Drilling into tiles without cracking them takes a fair bit of patience, know-how and, most importantly, the right tools. A combi drill with a diamond-tipped bit is a good place to start but you’ll also need a tape measure, pencil, sponge and masking tape*. 

Once you’ve measured and marked your tile, tape over the area where you want to drill. This will provide some much-needed tension and allow the drill a better grip. A simple trick, but one likely to save you the hassle of scratched or chipped tile. 

When you start drilling, it is best to avoid the temptation to rush. Even with a high-quality drill bit, working at a high speed all but guarantees cracking your tile's surface. Instead, start slow and apply even pressure until you have gotten through the top layer of glazing. Once this is done, you can then gradually increase the speed of your drill as needed. 

*Remember to always wear suitable safety gear when working incl. Googles and gloves

How to Drill into Brick & Concrete

The most important piece of information you need to know before drilling into brick is the size of the rawl plug that you are going to be using. After all, you can’t screw directly into brick. Once you have the plug, you can then source a suitable masonry bit of the same size for use with your hammer or percussion drill (depending on the thickness of the brick). 

With tools in hand, you will then want to take the time to check for any wires and pipes hidden behind your wall. A simple material detector should do the job. Once you’re confident that you won’t run into any problems and have clearly marked the spot to drill, it's time to begin.

Start slowly, whilst keeping the drill level at all times and gradually push into the wall. To make sure you get the depth right, a simple trick is to measure along your bit and mark it with a small piece of masking tape.

Tips & Tricks: Regular drilling can wear out your bits quickly, so if you are undertaking a big job always remember to buy your bits in sets.

How to Drill into Plasterboard

Drilling through plaster is a common home improvement job, whether you're hanging pictures or fixing a shelf. Fortunately, it is a relatively quick and simple task, with the right kit - in this case a combi drill and carbide drill bit. 

First, you will want to use your materials detector to check for any pipes or wiring that might be hiding behind your wall. Once you’ve got the all-clear, stick a piece of masking tape across the area you're drilling and mark it clearly with a cross.  

Set your drill to the lowest speed setting and keep even pressure throughout to avoid the plaster from chipping and cracking. When you’ve reached the desired depth, simply set it to rotate counter-clockwise and carefully back it out of the wall.

How to Drill into Wood

Drilling into wood is necessary for a wide array of different projects, from driving in screws to boring out holes in doors for latches and locks. The specifics for each application may differ but what remains the same (as with all drilling jobs) is to start with the right bit. This may be a wood twist point, a brad point bit (for added accuracy) or even an auger drill bit when working on doors. 

Either way, proper research is key to a good job, so always make sure you have the correct bit for the task at hand. Unlike many other materials, at least when drilling smaller holes, it is best to start at a medium speed and apply pressure whilst moving the bit back and forth. This will help clear waste from the hole. 

When drilling larger holes, you will want to take more time as they are at greater risk of splitting and work at a slower speed. When drilling to the edge of a board or door, we would also recommend clamping down its surfaces to prevent excess splitting. Similarly, when driving screws into the wood we would suggest drilling a pilot hole first to avoid putting too much pressure on the surface.

How to Drill into Metal

When it comes to tough metal, you will need a drill and bit that are equally durable. A combi or percussion drill is the ideal choice, with a metal drill bit OR HSS bits made from chrome vanadium for harder materials like stainless steel. 

As with brick and concrete, the tougher your material the slower your drill speed should be. 800 rpm, for example, is a perfect speed for stainless steel. Much slower than 2500 rpm which would be better for brass.  

More so than any other material, it is important to let the drill do the work when dealing with metal. This means patience and making sure that the drill bit is kept cool using drilling oil or a suitable lubricant. When working with smaller sheets or pipes, also remember to NEVER hold them with your hands. Instead, firmly secure them with a clamp, onto a stable working surface.

In times past, the difference between corded tools and cordless was fairly straightforward. What you sacrificed in power with a cordless drill, you gained in manoeuvrability. However, many cordless drills now boast a performance more than equal to that of their corded counterpart – especially those produced by leading manufacturers. 

Even so, many differences are still clearly present which, more important than anything else, drastically affect what jobs they are best suited for. For those looking for a general-use drill to use around the home the added freedom and ease of storage of a cordless model is essential. On the other hand, for long jobs on-site, you may need a reliable source of constant power. The kind that only corded tools can provide.

Cordless Drills

• Powered by efficient, rechargeable batteries
• Easy to use & manoeuvrable
• Comfortable over long periods of use
• Some lack power of corded alternatives

Corded Drills

• Increased power & permeant operating time
• Cheaper price points than cordless alternatives
• Heavier & less portable

What is a Brushless Motor?

Unlike brushed motors, which require metal brushes working with magnets to spin the drill shaft, brushless motors do the same with just a circuit board and sensor. This makes them far more energy efficient, responsive and, more often than not, more powerful for their size.  

How Do I Drill out a Screw?

Whilst they are several ways to safely remove a screw, the best method using a drill is with left-handed drill bits. Choose one that is slightly smaller than your screw head, make sure your drill is set to reverse and then firmly apply pressure and start to drill at a low speed until the screw is free.

What is the Best Size Drill Bit for Different Colours of Wall Plug?

Looking for more inspiration? Take a look at our wide range of product and project guides - covering an array of subjects from garden renovations to painting and decorating, installing stunning lighting set-ups to building out a kitchen or bathroom from scratch and much, much more. Take the leap today and start your DIY journey right here. For direct help and advice, you can also contact our award-winning customer service team.