Recommend a Drill to Someone Who Doesn't Do a Lot of DIY

Hi guys, I don't do a lot of DIY and haven't used a drill before. But I realised its a handy tool to have when I had to recently screw in some under desk cable management to my desk, insert some screws to my outdoor timber lattice etc..

Doing a bit of reading looks like there are basic drills, impact drills, and hammer drills. I don't think I would need a hammer drill but impact drill may be a worthwhile investment - not sure how much more they cost compared to normal drills?

And obviously the drills not much without the right drill bits. It would be good to get some sort of pack with the most common drill bits.

Where would people recommend I start?

Comments

  • -1

    You don't use a drill to screw in a screw. You use a screwdriver. Either manual or powered.

    https://www.bunnings.com.au/search/products?q=screwdriver&so…

    • +6

      You can use a drill though effectively as a powered screwdriver right?

      • +1

        Totally depends, if the speed of the drill can be controlled by the amount you pull the trigger.

        • Fair point!

          • +1

            @Pbm33: I have three drills. Ozito rotary hammer drill bought from Bunnings which I use to drill through brick and stone and to dig through clay. I also have a Bosch drill which also has a hammer function which I have used for over 20 years. Rotary hammer drill has been hammer function but heavier. I also have a cordless which I bought off Ebay - Topex brand for $49 about 2 years ago. I use the cordless for about 95% of my DIY jobs around the house - mainly drilling into wood and through light metal. Used it yesterday to mount a TV wall bracket. The good thing with these drills is you can adjust the torque settings so you don't overtighten screws or snap the screws. You can also buy screwdriver head bits from Bunnings for a few dollars. The Topex also has two speed settings and I think has variable speed trigger but so do a lot of others.

            • @Transient: So the one you are referring to as the cordless drill is just a standard drill i.e. not an impact driver etc?

              • @Pbm33: Yes. Standard drill for light use. No cord, so no messing with a cord and power point.
                According to google:
                Some may ask, what is an impact driver used for? Impact drivers are more commonly used to drive in a large quantity of fasteners, longer screws and lag bolts. Long screws and, with the use of an adapter, lag bolts can be driven in more easily by an impact driver.
                Is impact driver better than drill?
                Image result for impact driver
                The impact driver is much stronger than a drill in terms of the way it can deliver that extra torque to break loose stuck bolts and screws or drive them deeper into the material.

                You will also see that an impact driver usually does not have a chuck, so you need to buy special hexbits with a drill bit attached, which usually costs more. I would use an impact driver to put up a deck or roofing where there is a lot of screws and not predrilling holes but I've never had to do these jobs.

              • @Pbm33: For cordless, higher voltage usually means a stronger torque. So the one I have is 18V but there are higher ones (but then you pay more).

                  • +1

                    @Pbm33: I haven't used this but based on the specs it is similar to mine but has better torque (40nm vs 30nm) and the 5 year Ozito warranty. Torque is the same at 40nm. Battery is separate. If you google batteries for drills, there was a Youtube video which says a higher capacity battery provides more grunt than a smaller one, although I only have a 1.3Ah capacity battery and that is good enough for me. Good thing with Bunnings, if you aren't happy with it you can usually exchange for a better model (at least I have). Keep the receipt. I would get this if I didn't have my existing one.

                    • @Transient:

                      If you google batteries for drills, there was a Yout

                      I Googled and this came up— https://youtu.be/Fbnzhf6adzo
                      Unsure if it's yhe one you're referring ?

                      • @capslock janitor: Wasn't that one.
                        This wasn't the one but came up with similar findings: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ex8I8bGkXdI
                        Couldn't actually find it again. It was a UK video where a guy was putting big screws into wood and comparing different battery capacities. Bigger battery had more grunt.

                        • @Transient: thats funny cozz the one i linked was uk guy too
                          (could search your youtube history for keyword battery or batteries, but otherwise guess we'll never know)
                          good channels in similar finding cheers

                  • +1

                    @Pbm33: It is a, "skin", so it doesn't come with a battery. Batteries are expensive. Probably better off with this: https://www.bunnings.com.au/ozito-pxc-18v-cordless-multi-chu…

    • +1

      Have a look at most drill listings. They refer to them as drill drivers. Because they drive in screws as well as drill.

    • +4

      You don't use a drill to screw in a screw. You use a screwdriver. Either manual or powered.

      What a load of rubbish!

      Any decent modern drill has variable speeds. Some even have a gearbox to assist with different speeds.

    • I've used a drill to screw in screws for years and I'm doing diy most weeks

    • Strange. I have been using cordless drills to drive in screws professionally as well as at home for over 30 years.

  • +12

    just go ozito impact from Bunnings

    • +1

      Something like this: https://www.bunnings.com.au/ozito-pxc-18v-impact-driver-skin…

      Sorry there are a few Ozito impact options I think.

    • Might not even need the impact, just the normal drill if you are only using it on wood/plaster.

      • Doesn't look like much of a cost difference between normal and impact drill - rather get the impact I think.

        • +4

          If you use an impact with soft materials (like plasterboard), it will overdo the driving and the screw will end up spinning without gripping. You would be better with a drill driver.
          If you are driving a lot of screws, into a deck for example, an impact driver is perfect.

        • +4

          an impact driver doesn't drill. It is good for driving screws into hard materials. having something that drill as well as drives is much more useful.

        • +1

          Impact drivers are designed for driving screws. Instead of having a chuck, they normally come with a hex collet that accepts hex shafted screw driving bits. Impact drivers are better for driving screws when high torque is required. You can buy special drills with hex shafts that will fit into an impact driver, but not many people do this and they are not common.

          A drill normally comes with a chuck that accepts circular drill bits and hex shafted screw driving bits. Typically the also have an adjustable torque limiter behind the chuck which lets you set a maximum torque level so screws are not over driven. This is best if you want one tool to do both screw driving and drilling.

          It's now common to have a set of both drill and impact driver which can be used together rather than change the bits frequently.

        • +1

          Get a kit with an impact and drill. You'll eventually need to drill holes and stick screws in them and it's so nice to not have to change the bit back and forth for every hole

  • I don't think I would need a hammer drill

    If you have concrete or brick walls, you would be better getting a hammer drill as if you ever want to hang anything, you’ll need it.

    If you don’t, then a standard one will be fine.

    • Yeh don't expect to work with concrete/brick walls.

      • Then yep you’re all good. Just speaking from experience when I almost didn’t think about my walls and only some smaller projects.

      • Yeh don't expect to work with concrete/brick walls.

        But then again … you didn't expect to need a drill either!

  • +2

    Ozito brushless hammer drill. Future proof your developing DIY skills.

    LINK

    Awesome drill. It's my go to.

    • -1

      Overkill for me .. I'm time poor so won't be developing those DIY skills too much!

      • Yep. Start with a basic battery drill/driver like Ozito or Ryobi. With models with a battery platform like these you can add matching tools later using the same batteries. If your skills were to increase and you need another type of drill you will not regret having the basic model as well to drill small holes without constantly changing bits. My Ryobi One tool kit keeps expanding - garden pruners, weed sprayer, torch, circular saw, chainsaw, line trimmer and hedge trimmer. But only two 10yr old batteries, and a recent new one when there was a special on. Great for grabbing an ad from a Bunnings free magazine and leave it lying around at Christmas, or birthday etc with the thing you want circled!

        • Interested to hear how you like the weed sprayer. Considering getting one.

          • @Euphemistic: Does what it says on the box. Best weed sprayer I’ve owned, doesn’t clog up. Lacks an Owner Motivation module to actually use it often enough. Wife has resorted to half price ready mix spray bottles and just gets it done. Sigh.

        • How about Bosch?Es green&blue..

          Makita?

      • +2

        Concur with Ozito brushless hammer drill. I have all three - standard drill, impact driver, and hammer drill. For the one tool to do everything, the hammer drill is the one. Can drill wood/metal (with standard bits), holes in brickwalls (with masonry bits, but if doing multiple then recommend an SDS drill) or ceramic (e.g. pots using a diamond bit); and screws using the various screw bits.

        The standard drill does not have enough power, and lacks the hammer drill function for the occasional brick drilling (it has come in handy quite often).
        The impact driver only does screws (unless you get expensive specialist impact drill sets), and its great for repetitive screwing (e.g. deck), but overkill for occasional screwing. It also can be too powerful for DIY unless you know how to control, whereas the hammer drill has a clutch function that limits overtightening (example assembling IKEA)

        • Another vote for a hammer drill for these reasons.
          It's not as cheap as a drill/driver but these days pretty close, for a big capability.
          It's not as powerful as an impact driver for driving screws but plenty enough for home DIY. Like unless you're putting together a deck with dozens upon dozens of deck screws …
          It's not as powerful as an SDS hammer but you'll be able to still relatively easily put that hook in a brick wall like in your garage.

    • It's so good, I've got 2!
      Go brushless if budget allows. Brushless tools are lighter, more power efficient and lasts longer

  • https://www.bunnings.com.au/bosch-blue-12v-2-piece-2-x-2-0ah…

    something like this, I have a similar kit. One hammer drill for holes and one driver for screws. Riobi makes similar kits too and cheaper price.

    • +3

      This is only 12v and very limited. Don't get this. Just stick with Ryobi or ozito. Go for the 18v bosch blue if using constantly

  • +2

    for light work pretty much anything will do mate

  • +1

    If you are just putting screws into wood, you don't need am impact driver, in fact it will likely damage the wood (I only use the impact driver for about 10% of the screwing I do). A simple basic drill will be fine

  • +1

    If you are worried about overtightening screws, I sometimes stop the screw a few millimetres above the surface and finish by manual screwdriver. Drilling pilot holes also helps stop the screw splitting the wood and the screw being too hard to screw in or to remove.

  • Ok, now I'm getting confused between getting a standard drill vs impact driver..

    • +6

      I'm all for researching a purchase and congratulate you for doing that.

      You are getting bamboozled by drill buzz words and it's becoming a lot more complex than it needs to be.

      For your use description just get a basic drill and basic drill bit kit.

      What's your budget?

    • +5

      Get a drill driver, not an impact. I've had my drill driver for 9 years and done all kinds of DIY, repair, furniture, home maintenance type work with it and never felt the need to get an impact. Drill drivers are the "jack of all trades, master of none" type drill and the first one anyone should get. Impact drivers are more specialized, great for driving big long screws, but you can still do all that with a drill driver too.

      To be clear, an impact driver isn't a "better" drill, it works differently. Imagine tightening a bolt with a spanner and then you get a hammer and tap on the end of the spanner to tighten it that extra bit harder, that's what an impact driver does. It uses a rotational "hammering" type mechanism which is great for some tasks (driving long screws) but terrible for other tasks (they aren't good for drilling holes in wood).

      TL:DR; Get a drill driver.

    • +3

      A Drill just spins - good for holes in wood and metal, OK for screwing into soft material.

      A Hammer Drill spins and has an action that hammer's the drill bit into the wall - good for drilling hard surfaces like brick.
      You can turn off the hammer action to turn the hammer drill into a normal drill.

      An Impact Driver spins and has an action that hammer's the bit in a circular motion to increase the rotational force (torque) - good for tightening bolts, nuts and screws especially into harder materials. Not commonly used for drilling holes.

      Sounds like a Hammer drill is most suitable for you.
      Note that for drilling into brick/concrete you need special masonry drill bits.

      • +1

        An Impact Driver spins and has an action that hammer's the bit in a circular motion to increase the rotational force (torque) - good for tightening bolts, nuts and screws especially into harder materials.

        Do they also offer the type of variable clutch a drill offers, so it doesn't over-tighten the screw - or strip the hole completely?

        • Not generally. Mine has a variable speed which to a certain extent controls the impact action but it’s pretty much hold the trigger and decide when to stop yourself. Impact drivers are meant to drive screws in with high torque, not (profanity) foot around.

    • Just get the cheapest ozito standard drill either 240v or 18v with battery and charger.it will do most of the jobs you want it to. Simply solved. Don't get involved in all the other variations

  • Some hardware store offer free courses!

  • would this be a good screwdriver ? I am also looking for one, it would be better if it support extension so that can be used in tight places.

    https://www.bunnings.com.au/ryobi-4v-screwdriver_p6210791

  • +3

    @Pbm33
    Am sure this has been flagged earlier but the best fit for your needs is a basic 'Drill driver' - this is a drill that has a variable torque control on it - so you can effectively use it as a 'power screwdriver' - as well as drilling holes.

    You only need basic - ideally part of a larger range thats value priced, incase you want another tool - you'll have the battery charger already.

    I'd advocate this, 5yr warranty, quality is good, and at this price you're effectively getting the separate impact driver (think a VERY STRONG specialist screwdriver) for near free
    https://www.bunnings.com.au/ozito-pxc-18v-compact-drill-and-…

    This is an ADDITION to a good basic manual screwdriver set - which is something every house should have regardless. And if you can only have one have the manual screwdriver set. :-)

  • Stick with Ozito for home DIY. Has the bonus of the unofficial Bunnings exclusive brand warranty - no questions asked exchange ;)

  • different types of drills and drivers can get confusing as this thread has become evident to that.

    For basic DIY stuff, just look at a cheap Ozito or Ryobi cordless 18v drill driver that has variable speed and adjustable clutch. I use mine for everything from fixing screws to Ikea furniture to even driving screws to a deck. If you are going to really get into DIY seriously then you expand into impact drivers and hammer drills

  • Ok, just a drill driver it is (unless some combo drill driver + impact drill works out around the same).

    Will compare the options on the Bunnings site later and report back.

  • +3

    If you are not going to use it much, you'd be better off getting a corded drill. There is slightly more hassle having to plug it it in, but the batteries need to be kept charged in cordless drills. If they are allowed to drain completely then they won't be able to be recharged. Plus corded drill are usually cheaper.

    • +2

      Lithium batteries are pretty good now. Very little self drain. Charge after use and t should be good for a few months. I guess it depends on how often you use it though. Once a year, go corded. Once a month, go battery.

      • +1

        I agree, batteries are pretty good, but if they fall below a certain charge level, then they won't accept a charge. (They can be jump started, but that's beyond the average punter)
        Good call on:

        Once a year, go corded. Once a month, go battery>

        • Once a year you borrow it from someone.

          • @skillet: So just need to charge how often??

            • +1

              @capslock janitor: I'd say approx 2-3 months.
              I have dead robot vacuum + dead stick vaccuum + bunch lithium torch batteries that won't take a charge after approx 3 months not being on charge/drained.
              If they are charged and not being drained (trickle drained) then they will last longer.
              You could get a smart power adapter and set it up to turn on once a month for a day to keep everything topped up.
              I do this with a AGM caravan battery. .But this is an expense that's probably not needed if you are only going to drill something a couple of times a year.

      • my IKEA cordless seems to hold a charge for 6 months or so

        there is a mindset to keeping an eye on things - if you never do, then you pay the price of inattention

        I have two corded drills that I haven't used in maybe 5 years - as the cordless does the job every time.

  • +1

    Any chance you'll ever need to drill into brick? Getting the hammer drill now will save you having to drive to Bunnings to rent one each time later or paying a handyman to come drill for you.

  • Ryobi or ozito droll deivwr will do the job. A hammer drill may be useful for drilling into brick, but will be heavier. I got a Ryobi hammer drill and sold my regular drill.

    Wish I’d kept both as the regular drill was lighter and occasionally it’s handy to have more than one drill (and an impact driver). Eg one to drill hole, one for countersink and an impact driver for the screws! I use mine near weekly and have built a fair bit of stuff.

    • How heavy difference each?

      • Not a lot, but it’s noticeable. Makes very little difference unless you are using it a lot.

  • I have the Ryobi drill (one hammer one not) as well as a Ryobi Impact driver. I like the one+ system so have a few more tools in the range too. For what I do around the house they are more than enough and have been going strong for 10+ years. My only real concern is the batteries are getting one, but for now they still work just fine :)

    • +1

      The batteries are getting.. What?

      • Maybe autocorrect?

        The batteries are getting on a bit in age. They are old. Dated 2012 and 2014 but still charging and working well. They may only last 50% of what they did when they were new, but I wouldn't really know since I have a bunch and just swap in a charged one and stick the dead one on the charger if it dies. I'm also not running around all day doing things.

        Maybe next I want a tool I should not just buy the 'skin only' version and get one with a nice fresh battery.

        • Same here with Ryobi batteries. My original 2 1.3ah batteries from 2013 carked it. The other 6 or so I have are still going but like you maybe some don’t have the full capacity. I don’t measure how long they run for, and switch and charge out when dead. I’ve got several 2.5, 4 and 5ah and do find the bigger capacity batteries run high drain tools (like blower, circular saw) the best.

  • -1

    I rarely use a drill myself so whenever i need one the battery is flat!! So i suggest you just get a cheap kit with a power cord. Fumbling with a power cord is better than not having a working drill!! Make sure it comes with Phillips head bits so you know it will do that for you as well.

  • If you can wait, it's hard to beat this occasional Bunnings deal for price vs quality IMHO: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/689467 (Makita 18V 2 Piece Brushless Cordless Combo Kit (DLX2283ST1) $256).

    Includes a quality brand mid-range hammer drill and impact driver with one of the bigger sized batteries (albeit only one and the basic/slow charger).

    Doesn't come with any drill bits but perhaps avoid the kits if you don't even know what you'll use yet and just pick up the exact size appropriate for the material when you need it. YouTube is your friend for all things DIY including wtf the difference is between a hammer drill and impact driver, and which bits to use when.

  • -2

    Don’t muck around go Milwaukee.

  • Ozito brushless. Cheap, fantastic variety in the ecosystem, great warranty (rarely needed) and easy access.

    It totally depends on your intentions, but unless it’s daily hard work (cutting drilling and driving into hardwood for example). Of course mil/mak feel better, nicer, easier and are a long term investment, if it’s occasional use, I genuinely see nothing wrong with oz. Before the PXC line expanded, I was hardcore against ozito- would only ever buy them intending to use for one job, have them break as expected and return for refund, but they’re damned good enough now so I had to eat my words.

    If you find you need more powerful tools, or better quality, milwaukee and making hands down, BUT for DIY I’ve found that the ozito stuff, especially the brushless gear absolutely is good enough for diy.

    I wouldn’t renovate a house with ozito, but a room? Sure.

    FWIW I have an almost full lineup of milwaukee 18v gear, and a very significant ozito 18 and 2x18v gear. I even use my ozito batteries in the milwaukee tools.

  • Just get a cheap 240v corded drill. If you get a battery powered one, when you need it, the battery will be flat and/or dead. Any cheapy will do - like this one. https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/721246

    • disagree - as I wrote elsewhere, the modern convenience of cordless far outweighs the cheapness of a corded one for $20 - drilling bits of timber or odd jobs in the backyard - needing a 15m extension cord - that adds expense and gets ordinary real quick

      which reminds me - I actually got a long ?25m extension cord (and plastic storage loop) for a basement garage job a year ago - that I just 'haven't got around to' since - so yeah -

      cordless - whip it out, do the job, back in the box
      corded - unh - ima need an extension cord, then look for the closest power point - unh - forget it - later maybe - or never …

  • +1

    Was gifted a ryobi drill.

    Perfect for rare DIYs:

    • Super portable so can grab it and go - 2x swap-out-able batteries that last ages (only have done 2 charges in 5 years).
    • Comes with a double-ended screw bit (flat head and cross/phillips head screwdriver on the other end) that attaches to a neat hook on the drill itself in an so you never have to go searching for those two most common drill bits.
    • Very easy settings to change, no brainer. Just tighten, loosen, and speed slow and fast.
    • the speed that you pull the trigger affects the speed of the drill so its intuitive.
    • it looks good, bright green, hard to lose.
    • comes with a neat carry case that fits batteries charger and drill.
    • have used for:
      • furniture assembly and disassembly
      • drilling holes through ceramics (purchased some diamond tipped drill bits off ebay)
      • drilling small rare diy around the house

    The drill bits I have came from a $5 tool kit from BILO before they shut down. Nothing special, but included:
    - Different size phillips and flat screwsriver heads
    - hex drill bits
    - Drill bits to drill holes before screwing in screws
    - star-shaped drill bits, and square etc.

    Ill see if i can find the exact link for the ryobi.

  • +2
  • Ozito drills are good for DIY, and you get a cheap set of drill bits from Amazon. I purchased the Bosch set for about $30

  • I have a Kmart one. It’s really good. Makita drill bits to use with it.
    The little light on it to see where you are drilling is useful.

    I have the ikea electric screwdriver too but the drill is much better.

  • So I was recently recommended a drill by a friend, and he recommended me a Bosch 12V one. It's been really good so far and gets most the job done but one thing that we didn't know was that our walls were brick. So if you know they're drilling into brick/concrete, recommend an 18v one.

  • -1

    I've been a DIY guy for over 60 years - and I'm happy with this for $69 from IKEA - https://www.ikea.com/au/en/p/fixa-screwdriver-drill-li-ion-6… - 1.3Ah 14.4V battery, up to 10mm bit

    it doesn't say hammer drill like others get hinky about, but I like it for drilling into strata brick walls where hammer drills can be very disturbing as that ratcheting hammer drill sound can travel a long wall through brick and concrete and disturb many people

    the hammerless drill only - with a bit of pressure - I found (with a tungsten tip bit) drills nicely and relatively much quieter for holes in brick and concrete

    and for the occasional screws I deal with that are really long - like some sliding door roller fittings - the power screwdriver saves a lot of time and prevents tired wrists

    go for the higher voltage (this 14V) as the cheaper 7V one won't have the power I want.

    Others recommending Bunnings brand Ozito for $99 - sure if you want to spend the extra - I don't need it - I have two other Bosch professional drills - but they are old wired and the convenience of cordless far outweighs the need for extra power from plug-in drills

    but shoot - reading comments I'd probably go to Bunnings for this for $49 - https://www.bunnings.com.au/xu1-blue-18volt-cordless-drill-d… - 18V 1.5Ah battery - up to 10mm bit

    and as others say - keep your receipt - and if not happy - just return it to Bunnings returns desk - say 'not suitable' - and they credit it to your credit card - sweet !

    • The Bunnings XU1 only has a 1 year warranty. It's worth paying a little more for a Ozito PXC and getting a 5/3 year warranty as well as it being a better tool.

  • I have various drills. I bought the $50 xu1 from bunnings because I didn't have tools with me at the time and wanted something cheap. If all you're doing is putting some screws in or making the odd hole then it's just fine. I wouldn't worry about a warranty on a $50 drill, I doubt you'll break it. And if you wear it out then you used it enough to be happy buying a better drill.

    It's not very fast when I wanted to buff some metal with it, but enough power to drill a hole.

    The ozito pxc is not bad as a next step up, I prefer it than the ryobi gear which I regret buying.

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