Drills and drivers covers cordless drill drivers, impact drivers and wrenches, rotary hammers, corded drills and electric screwdrivers, for home DIYers, tradespeople and workshops. Bosch, Makita, DeWalt and Metabo are among the leading brands in a range of over 2000 products. Drill and driver accessories are listed here too.
How to choose a drill or driver
Tool type. A drill driver handles drilling and screwdriving in wood, metal and plastic, so it is the usual first purchase. An impact driver is better for long screws and bolts, because it adds rotational impacts that reduce wrist strain. A rotary hammer is made for drilling into concrete and masonry.
Cordless or corded. Cordless tools suit work around the house, on site and up ladders. A corded drill gives steady output without a battery to charge, which helps with long drilling sessions in a workshop.
Battery platform. Batteries are normally shared across a brand's tools, so pick a system with the other tools you may want later. Compare voltage (18 V is the most common for serious DIY and trade use) and amp-hour capacity, which decides how long a charge lasts.
Motor and torque. Brushless motors run cooler, are more efficient and need less maintenance than brushed ones. Check the torque rating and whether the tool has two speed settings and an adjustable clutch, which stops screws from being driven too deep.
Material and accessories. Match the tool to what you drill most: SDS chucks on rotary hammers for masonry, keyless chucks on drill drivers for quick bit changes. Good bits and driver sets make a noticeable difference to results.
Brands we carry
- Bosch: sells a blue Professional line for trade use and a green line for home DIY, and has the largest presence in this category.
- Makita: known for its 18 V LXT cordless system, with a large number of tools running on the same batteries.
- DeWalt: offers the 18 V XR cordless line and the higher-voltage FlexVolt batteries, aimed at site work.
- Einhell: its Power X-Change battery system powers both workshop and garden tools, which suits DIY users.
- Metabo: a German manufacturer with a strong record in cordless drills and metalworking tools.
- Fein: the company behind the first electric hand drill, introduced in 1895, and still focused on professional tools.
- Wolfcraft: best known for drilling accessories and workshop aids for DIY users.
- Gedore and C.K Tools: specialists in hand tools, including screwdrivers and ratchets.
Also in our range: KWB, BDS and CIMCO. Subcategories cover cordless drill drivers, impact drivers and wrenches, rotary hammers, corded drills, electric screwdrivers, accessories, and a small selection of hand screwdrivers and ratchets.
Frequently asked questions about drills and drivers
What is the difference between a drill driver and an impact driver?
A drill driver turns smoothly and has an adjustable clutch, so it suits drilling holes and driving small to medium screws. An impact driver adds short rotational impacts, which makes it better for long screws, bolts and heavy fixings. It is less suited to precise drilling.
Do I need a rotary hammer for drilling into concrete?
Yes, for regular work in concrete or brick a rotary hammer is the right tool. It combines rotation with a hammering action that breaks the material, using SDS bits. A standard drill driver may manage a few small holes in soft masonry, but it struggles and wears quickly.
Is an 18 V drill enough for home use?
An 18 V drill driver is enough for most home projects, including furniture assembly, decking and drilling in wood or metal. Heavier tasks such as large masonry holes call for a rotary hammer instead. Lower-voltage models are lighter and fine for occasional light jobs.
Are brushless drills worth it?
Brushless drills are worth the extra cost if you use the tool often. They use battery energy more efficiently, produce less heat and have no carbon brushes to wear out. For occasional use, a brushed model still does the job.
