How Long Do Cordless Drill Batteries Last

How Long Do Cordless Drill Batteries Last?

Owning a cordless drill is one of the best things you can do if you want to maintain your home. With so much versatility at your fingertips, a cordless drill is your best friend when it comes to renovations and maintenance. The convenience of a cordless drill is balanced by the fact that you do need to recharge your battery when it runs out of juice, and at some point, the charge capacity of your battery will start to deteriorate. Today’s question is, how long do cordless drill batteries last?

Battery Life

The lifespan of a cordless drill battery is somewhere in the range of 3-5 years. This may not sound like a lot, and it is not, but during that time, you can get a lot of use out of your drill. Three to five years sounds like a large range of time, and, again, it is, so there must be something which you can do to ensure that your battery lasts more towards the five years than the three. In fact, with the proper care, you can move your battery beyond those five years and save yourself some money in the process.

A rechargeable battery for your cordless drill is not cheap. If you have purchased a drill with a battery, you want that battery to last as long as possible. Taking the time to properly care for your battery will enhance its life, and when we say, ‘taking the time,’ we literally mean a few seconds here and there. Battery care is easy, and that input of a few moments when you are using your battery will equal years in battery life and more money in your pocket.

What Can I Do To Care For My Battery?

Care For Lithium Ion Batteries

There are many simple things which you can do to care for your battery. Some take no time at all, and some need a little effort on your part. If you take the time, you will improve your battery life. Here is what you can do.

Most cordless drill batteries work best when they are recharged often. We are not saying to recharge your battery as soon as it drops in charge, but if it drops to around 70%, then recharging it will help to improve the lifespan.

If we keep our bodies inactive, it takes a toll. The same is true of batteries. If a battery is not used often, the battery life begins to decrease. You bought that cordless drill for a reason, so start using it.

There are times where you may want to charge your battery a little to get a little more time from it, but to keep your battery in tip-top shape, you should charge it to full capacity each time. Most modern chargers come equipped with a light to tell you when the battery is fully charged, so take advantage of that.

Cool and dry is the way to go!

Store your battery in a cool and dry place, and the life of your battery will be improved.

A damaged battery is a battery with a shorter lifespan. If you allow your battery to become damaged by having something fall on it when in storage, then you are decreasing the battery life. Store it in the case it came in or with some padding. You should also protect it from moisture when in storage as moisture can damage the battery.

Use the battery as it was intended. When inserting it into your drill, make sure to place it into the drill carefully. If you protect it from damage, it will last for a long time.

When you are using your battery, use the drill as it was intended. If you put a lot of pressure on it, then you are going to strain and stress it. If you run the battery down too fast, you will decrease the life of your battery.

What Not To Do

We have talked a lot about the ‘do’s’ of improving battery life, but what things should you not be doing? Here is a list of things to avoid when using your cordless drill battery:

Try not to run the battery until it is empty. This can be hard to do, but if you can get the battery back on charge before it has completely run out, then you can save some of the battery life.

When it comes to charging your battery, you should remove it from the charger when it has fully charged. Leaving your battery on the charger when it is fully charged can decrease the battery life of your battery.

We mentioned storing your battery in a cool, dry place. You should also avoid heating your battery. If your battery gets hot, then stop using it (if you are using it), and place it in a cool and well-ventilated area. Let the battery cool down before using or charging it.

Keep the battery away from moisture. When you are storing your battery, make sure that you store it in a place which is dry. Also, when you are using your battery, try not to use it in wet conditions. If it is raining, do not use your battery outside. If you are working near water, take care to protect your battery from the water.

In Conclusion

Cordless drill batteries are the reason your drill works. Without a battery, your drill is next to useless. Taking care of your battery is key to extending the life of your battery. If you properly care for your battery, then you can extend your battery life beyond the 3-5 years which batteries usually last. In fact, you can take your battery well beyond the five years.

Take the time to use your battery as it is intended to be used. Take the time to store your battery correctly and keep it away from harm and moisture. And be sure to take care of your battery, and your battery will take care of you.

How to Charge a Cordless Drill Battery Without a Charger

How to Charge a Cordless Drill Battery Without a Charger

Your drill runs out of juice, it is annoying, but not the end of the world. You whip out your charger; stick the battery in and the charging begins. Except it does not charge. You play around with the charger for a little bit and try to get it to work. It has saved you countless times over the years but those days are gone. Your charger has finally died. Now you have another problem.

Buying a new charger costs a lot of money.  Money which you do not have to spend. Perhaps your drill was old and you cannot even buy a new charger for it. Your problem now is that you have a dead battery and no way to charge it. Or do you?

A Battery Needs a Battery

There is another way!  But before we begin let’s start by saying that power has to come from somewhere. To charge a battery you need a power source. For us this means using a battery to charge a battery. This may sound like a weird thing to do; redundant almost but there are ways around the redundancy. You can hook your battery up to main power; but there are so many dangers which come along with that, and it is simply not worth it. Take it from us use a battery and not main power.

So what happens when your second batteries die? Should you go out and buy a lifetime supply? Well your drill battery was rechargeable, so why shouldn’t the batteries which are now going to power that one? It may seem like you are taking a long way around, but if you want to keep using your drill, then it is a great way to do so.

Charging From a Battery

The first thing to do is to check your battery. You need to make sure that you have connectors which your new battery is going to be connected to. The next thing to do is to make sure that you have your batteries from which you are going to draw your charge and make sure that they are charged.

Then, check the voltage of your drill battery. You need to ensure that you have enough batteries to charge your drill battery to the correct voltage (erring on the side of caution and going below is recommended). Once you know the voltage, you need to assemble enough batteries to give you that voltage. For example, if your drill battery is 12V, then you will need 8 x AA batteries (1.5V) connected in series. This will give you 8 x 1.5V = 12V. You also need two pieces of wire to connect the new batteries to your drill battery.

Assembling the Batteries

The batteries need to be connected in series. In the above example, we are using 8 AA batteries to charge one 12V battery. Have your 8 batteries ready, along with the two wires and some electronic tape. There is one thing you need to keep in mind when you are connecting the AA batteries – they should be connected positive to negative, but when connecting to the drill battery, they should be connected positive to positive and negative to negative.

Take the first two batteries and place the positive end to the negative end of the other battery. Use the tape to connect the two batteries together by holding them so that they connect and then wrapping the tape around the two batteries to hold them in place. If there is a gap between these two batteries (or any of the others), then the system will not work. Continue to add batteries to the first two, wrapping them with tape each time, until you have a length of 8 batteries.

Next, you need to attach the wires. Find wires with plastic covering and expose both ends on each wire. This will allow you to manipulate the wire without getting hurt (you are under no real threat, but the wires can get hot). Attach a wire to the positive side of your long battery (the end with the positive end of a battery exposed) and one to the negative side (the end with the negative side exposed).

Bringing it all Together

Once you have all of your batteries connected and the wires in place, you can attach the long battery to your drill battery. This is where you need to make sure that you are connecting the positive side to the positive connections and the negative to the negative. Be sure to check for both of these terminals on your drill battery before you connect the wires.

You can hold the wires onto the connectors of your drill battery, or you can tape them there, but you should always be there in case something goes wrong. If you detect any weird smells, then take the battery outside and disconnect it. If anything seems out of the ordinary, then disconnect the battery. The charging will take some time, but if the long battery has the same or less voltage than the drill battery, then you will never overcharge the drill battery.

When you are done, disconnect the batteries and recharge them, ready for next time.

Here is a short video on how to charge a cordless drill battery without a charger in a pinch:

How to Charge a cordless drill battery in a pinch

Conclusion

If you are a bit of a handyman and like to fix things around the home, then you know how important it is to have a drill which works. Having a cordless drill is a lot more convenient than one with a cord, but there is the problem of having to recharge the battery, and after some time, the charger will give up the ghost and cease to work.

When this happens, it can be hard or expensive to find a replacement charger. The great news is that there is another way. As you have seen in our step-by-step guide, you can charge your battery without a charger. Take precautions and follow the guide exactly. Your safety should be your No. 1 priority.

How to Insert a Drill Bit In a Drill

How to Insert a Drill Bit In a Drill

Having a drill is a great way to get things done around your home. A drill gives you the flexibility of having multiple tools at your disposal with the simple change of a drill bit. Within seconds, you can go from drilling a hole to insert an anchor, to screwing a screw into the anchor you inserted. The flexibility gives you multiple options for fixing your home. The power of a drill also cuts down on the time needed to get the job done. Not only does it save you having to carry around multiple tools, but you can also drill and screw faster with a power tool than you can by hand.

Yes, we love drills. They are easy to use and powerful. The only thing you need to know to use your drill effectively is how to change the drill bit. If you do not know what you are doing, you can get lost in moving from one task to the other, but with a little guidance, you can have that drill bit swapped out in no time at all.

Changing Your Drill Bit

When it comes to drills, there are two main types of way to change your drill bit. One way uses a key, and the other does not. The method of changing your drill bit will depend on the type of drill which you have. For a drill with a chuck key (the key used to change the drill bit), you will notice a hole in the part of the drill which holds the drill bit. This is where to put the chuck key. For a drill without a chuck key, there will be no hole.

Changing Drill Bits on a Key-Less Drill

Even though you do not have a chuck key, you still need to loosen the chuck to get the last drill bit out (if there is one already in there) and insert the next one. The chuck is the part which holds the drill bit. To loosen it, grab the chuck with one hand (the part which is holding the drill bit) and the part next to the chuck with the other. Twist the chuck counterclockwise to loosen it. As you turn it, the part which holds the drill bit will begin to open and widen.

Once you have turned the chuck enough, the current drill bit will become loose and may even fall out. Once you have loosened the chuck enough, you will be able to pull the drill bit from the drill. Safely store the drill bit so that it does not become lost or damaged. You can now insert the next drill bit.

Check the Chuck – Safety Tip

Before you insert the next bit, you should make sure that the jaws which will hold it are open wide enough to accept it. You may need to turn the chuck some more to give enough room. When there is enough room, place the new drill bit into the jaws, with the correct part facing out, and ensure that it is in straight. If you do not insert the bit straight, then it will wobble and vibrate when in use and can present a danger to you.

Once the drill bit is in place, turn the chuck clockwise to tighten the jaws of the drill around the new drill bit. Firmly twist the chuck until it is tightened. Check the drill bit to make sure that it is tightly held in the jaws and that it is straight. Give the trigger a couple of squeezes to make sure that the drill bit spins correctly before using the drill for its intended use.

Changing Drill Bits on a Drill with a Chuck Key

A chuck key will look like a key, but with a cog on the end. The cog will have teeth which will interact with the teeth on the chuck of the drill. To loosen the chuck on this type of drill, first, locate your chuck key. Most drills with a chuck key have a place on the drill in which you can safely store the chuck key. Find the chuck key and insert it into the hole on the chuck of the drill. The end of the key should fit into the hole, and the teeth of the cog should fit into the teeth on the chuck.

Turn the chuck key counterclockwise to loosen the drill bit. As you are turning the key, the jaws of the chuck will begin to loosen and the bit will become loose and may fall out. When the jaws are loose enough, you can pull out the drill bit and store it away safely. You can then find the new drill bit which you need to insert and check if the jaws are open wide enough for you to insert it. If the jaws are not wide enough, turn the key some more to open them.

When the jaws are wide enough, place the drill bit in so that it is sitting straight, and turn the key clockwise to tighten the jaws. Tighten the chuck firmly and then remove the chuck key. Check that the drill bit is sitting straight by visually inspecting it and pressing on the trigger a few times to ensure that it turns correctly before putting the chuck key away again.

Wrapping It Up

Having a drill is a convenience, and no part of it should be an inconvenience to you. Changing a drill bit is one of the fundamental parts of using a power drill. If you cannot change a drill bit, you are not going to be able to use your drill. Thankfully, changing a drill bit is a relatively easy thing to do. It does not matter if you have a drill with a chuck key or one without, changing the bit is straightforward.  As you can see it only takes a few seconds to learn how to change the bit and a few seconds more to master it.

How to Choose a Cordless Drill: A Guide for DIY Newbies

A cordless power drill is among the many must-have tools in every DIY enthusiast’s arsenal. However, with the hundreds of makes and models to choose from, it can be quite the challenge to find the perfect one. Thus, before going shopping for one, you must first educate yourself on how to choose a cordless drill.

Then again, you don’t have to worry; we have got you all covered. In here, we will be talking about the basics that every DIY newbie should know when on the hunt for a cordless power drill.

Corded vs. Cordless Power Drills: Knowing the Essentials

Generally, power drills are tools used to bore holes in various types of material on the one hand, and to fasten screws on the other. They accomplish this through the circular motion of the drill tip, which, depending on shape and size, are variously efficient in handling different types of solid material.

This motion is achieved using electricity, and it is under this aspect that the corded/cordless distinction becomes relevant. Simply put, corded drills continuously harness electricity from an external power source, to which they have to be constantly connected in order to work.

On the other hand, cordless drills use electrical energy accumulated in an internal battery and can work independently of an external source for as long as it has sufficient stored energy.

The immediate consequence of the difference between these two energy supply systems is that corded drills can generally harness a greater motor power and torque (while having to be permanently connected to an external source). In contrast, cordless drills are usually less powerful, but are more versatile, and can be easily carried and used in a wider range of situations.

How to Choose a Cordless Drill

So, now that you know how and where cordless and corded power drills differ from one another are you certain that you are going to go for a cordless one? If yes, then here are the factors to consider when buying a cordless power drill:

• In Broad Strokes

The first thing that one would have to take into consideration when purchasing a cordless power drill is its power. The motor’s strength is measured in watts, which will determine how much a punch a cordless drill can pack. Generally, they’re inferior to corded power drills, so be wary of buying something that’s rated at 1000W or 650W as that will, most likely, be false advertising.

Torque is another determinant of how much a power drill can do. Torque is basically the drill’s ability to withstand opposition. Therefore, as with wattage, more is better.

• Battery Life

The second most important factor that one should know in order to learn how to choose a power drill is battery life. Battery life is determined by voltage and amperes. Basically, a battery that has both values higher will translate into more battery life.

The voltage will determine how much power the drill can deliver, while amperes will determine how much juice can be packed in a single charge.

In addition to battery life, more sneaky manufacturers will bundle two batteries. Even if they’re weaker than a bigger, stronger battery, two will be generally better. Keep an eye out for deals and make sure to give battery life the importance it deserves for planning longer projects. The last thing to note is to look out for quick charging devices. These will juice up a battery in a matter of minutes.

• Clutch and Clutch Size

Clutches have different sizes and different gripping mechanisms. Keyless or with a key, make sure that the grip that they provide and the size they’re rated for are a good fit for the project. Bigger sizes will mean that it will accommodate bigger drills.

• RPMs

RPMs or rotations per minute will determine how good the machine is at drilling. Different types of jobs and materials will require the user to adjust the RPM. This means that more options will definitely mean more versatility in terms of project choice.

Overall, one would want at least two or three speeds, but, of course, the more settings there are, the better.

• Brushless vs. Brushed Motors

Brushless motors are the industry standard. They’re more efficient in energy consumption and product conservation than its counterpart. Also, they won’t put much strain on the power tool even if the user is “abusing” it.

On the other hand, brushed motors are less smart than brushless ones when it comes to energy efficiency. They tend to put a lot of strain on the machine, rendering it unable to adjust accordingly to the task.

• Accessories

This isn’t as important for veterans, but newbies will want to look for set deals. Usually, cordless power drills will come in packs, bundled with drill heads, drivers, sanding heads, and more. Extensors are also a great deal, giving the user a big upgrade when it comes to usability.

Moreover, flashlights and indicators are a must when using battery-powered tools, so make sure that the device has one. Otherwise, one might risk being left powerless in a frustrating moment.

• Manufacturer

Always buy from a reputable manufacturer. Buying from a shady source isn’t a smart investment, as these products usually tend to fail and underperform, leaving the user frustrated and looking for a better product.

Usually, Ryobi has great starting-level kits and tools, while Bosch and DeWalt offer a wider array of products, both for amateurs and professionals alike.

• Ergonomics

Ergonomics are important when it comes to a machine that’s going to be used on the regular. Having a soft-grip handle, a pistol grip, and nice finish touches all add up to a good-value purchase.

Find products that are specifically tailored for the working men or women. The manufacturers mentioned above, for example, have a vast experience on what it takes to make a very user-friendly, intuitive product.

• Warranty

Warranties are important for every purchase, but the nature of power drills and power tools, in general, make them a higher value purchase if they come with a long-term warranty. This will also allow the users to feel better about experimenting with different projects, both in terms of variety and difficulty.

Final Thoughts

The basic thing to keep in mind when learning how to choose a cordless drill is not to overbuy something. A Ryobi starter kit is the perfect tool for a newbie that’s just getting into drilling and DIY projects. That being said, an enthusiast will surely know when it’s time to move on to a DeWalt or Bosch mobile powerhouse.

Make sure to have a good hardware store nearby and ask for help with projects and recommendations in terms of accessories. Remember, power drills are incredibly versatile machines, and one will definitely benefit from learning all of the nuances and tricks that come with it, improving his or her DIY game by quite a bit.

Last, but not least, make sure to get a full-featured machine. Fine touches and ergonomics are arguably one of the most important things to have in order to make the hobby or task more pleasant.

What To Do With Old Cordless Drills

Got an old drill that is done serving its purpose? If you are wondering what to do with old cordless drills, allow us to help you out. In reality, there are many things that you can do and make out of this once-useful tool. Are you ready to find out how to give your old drill a new life? Read on!

What To Do With Old Cordless Drill: A List of DIY Projects

Are you looking for ideas for your next DIY projects? Well, we might just have the right solution for you. Below, we listed down our most favorite DIY projects to do with an old cordless drill.

• Make it into a Knot Tier

For this, all you will need is a one-inch nail or bigger, a pair of pliers, vise, and copper wire that you can test the knot tier on. Once you have everything you need, you can now start making the knot tier. Place the nail in the vise and then, using the pliers, bend it to 80 to 85 degrees.

Put this nail into the drill with its pointy part inside the drill. When you put this hook on the wire and start the drill, it will spin and tie the wire up. This project helps save time and effort as it would eliminate the need to twist the wire up manually.

• Clean your Bike

This is perhaps the simplest things you can try, not to mention the most useful. Just stick a brush on the moving end of the grill, and you can use it to clean your bike. In fact, you can also use it to clean other things, especially those that have a lot of crevices.

• Scrape a Coconut

If you have a small coconut scraper head, you can use it with the drill to scrape the meat off of a coconut. Usually, people do it with their hands or using machines, but with this cordless drill, you can get the same results. However, you should be careful and make sure that the head is attached firmly.

• Egg Beater

This is probably a bit unusual for a drill, but you can actually use it as an egg beater. If you connect the egg beater whisk to your drill, it will work the same way as your regular egg beater. In fact, you can try using other attachments as well, such as a wire whisk.

• Cold Beer Ice Roller

Want a beer chilled in just 30 seconds? Your old drill can make that happen. This is the most fun thing you will ever try with your drill. Here are what you would need: pliers, side cutters, coat hanger, and a suction cup.

Remove the plastic hook from the suction cup. Then, cut the coat hanger into two equal lengths. Thread the coat hanger through the suction cup and then twist it. You can use pliers for this if it is too hard. Keep it two inches and cut off the rest.

Finally, attach this setup to the drill and stick the suction cup at the bottom of the beer can. Spin the beer can in ice cubes for about 30 seconds and then enjoy a cold one!

• Kite String Winder

If you like flying a kite, your old cordless drill can be very useful to you. Winding the string back on the winder can be quite a hassle. With a drill, you can attach the winder, and as you trigger it, the winding will happen on its own.

For this, you will need a handful of stuff like a nail or wire, small drill bit, Kleenex, plastic epoxy, a driver bit from the old cordless drill, and a paper plate. You will also need something to cut the plastic spool.

First of all, you need to cut the plastic spool end. You can use whatever method you like. It is hollow from the inside, which is what you want, and throw away the small pieces that you cut.

Measure using the bit as to where to drill the hole. A 3/32-inch hole is fine in most cases. You can insert a small nail. When you do this, insert half of a Kleenex so that it stops any epoxy from spilling in when you, later on, put it.

Mix the epoxy on the plastic plate. Put the spool vertically in a vise so that it stands firmly when you take this next step. Fold the paper plate and pour the epoxy mix into the cavity with the nail and Kleenex. Wait for the epoxy to set up.

Now, insert the driver bit in a vertical fashion. Keep it in a vertical position for about half an hour. Make sure the driver bit is vertical otherwise the spool will not rotate correctly and wobble.

Your spool is ready to be inserted in the drill. Trigger it and test how it winds. It is best to start slowly and then increase speed. However, it is recommended to use slower speeds only as you do not want the string to break.

Other Projects

The internet is full of creative individuals like you who do not want their precious cordless drill to end up in a landfill. Aside from the projects we presented above, you can also come up with an exciting hack that no one has ever figured out before.

Here are some more ideas to get you inspired:

• Emergency light
• Battery charger
• Lawnmower throwers
• Pepper grinder
• Bike battery generator
• Skateboard engine
• Kick bike generator
• Cocktail mixer
• Sanding tool for cut glass
• LED Spotlight

Conclusion

Anything that needs a small motor for rotation can be linked with your small drill. Drills can last for years, but if you use them frequently, you may need to get a new one within three years. Even though they are not very expensive, doing something useful with the old one can really get you your money’s worth.

Safety is very important when working with drills. Make sure the drill and any pointy object are away from your face and skin. Also, ensure that the batteries are out when you are fixing things into the grill. Follow proper instructions for whatever DIY project you undertake and wear gloves to be extra safe, especially when using cutters, glue, epoxy, and electric equipment.

Now, you know what to do with old cordless drills and make it even more useful, we are sure you will keep the old cordless drill with you for years to come.

Corded vs Cordless Drill Debate

Corded vs. Cordless Drill

If you have recently been looking to buy a drill, you might be at a bit of a crossroads with this whole corded vs. cordless drill debate. Yes, both are drills and they are both meant for the same jobs, but they do differ in their power source. Of course, a corded drill is one that uses a power cable that is plugged into an AC outlet to draw its power.

On the other hand, a cordless drill uses a mobile battery pack for power. Now, you might think that one of these is radically better than the other, but the truth is that they both have their advantages and drawbacks to speak of. We personally like both of these tools, but it depends on the specific location, situation, and type of work involved.

The corded vs cordless drill debate is one that we are here to talk about right now. Keep in mind that we probably are not going to end this by saying that neither one is better than the other, because better is subjective here. It really depends on what your needs and preferences are. So, let’s get to it and talk about the main differences between a battery powered drill and a corded drill.

Size

One of the first differences to keep in mind between the corded and cordless drill has to do with size. Generally speaking, a corded drill will be significantly smaller than a cordless one. This can come in quite handy if you are working in a tight area where space needs to be considered. Sometimes a smaller tool is better.

The reason why cordless drills tend to be bigger and bulkier than the corded counterpart is because of the battery. It takes a bigger battery and quite a bit of hardware to accommodate that battery, making the cordless variety a bit bigger and bulkier. This might not make a big difference to you, but for some people it does.

Weight

Another difference between the corded and cordless drill has to do with the weight. The battery in the cordless drill weighs quite a bit and tends to make the cordless drill a little bottom heavy and annoying to hold. The added weight of the battery does make a pretty big difference. The cord does weight a bit on a corded drill, but not very much.

Maneuverability

Based on the weight and size difference between these two types, the corded drill tends to be a bit more maneuverable than the cordless ones. Yes, the cord on a corded drill does limit the distance you can move from the power outlet, but that is different. Here we are talking about maneuverability in terms of being able to fit into tight spaces and being able to us the drill with one hand. The smaller size and lower weight of the corded drill makes it more maneuverable in this sense. However, you might run into problems with cord length and where the cord sits while you drill.

Mobility

Related to the previous point, cordless drills tend to be much more mobile than the corded variety. Simply put, you don’t always have to be beside a power outlet and have an extension cord to use a cordless drill. You have a battery that powers the drill so there is no concern about a power outlet. On the other hand, the battery-powered drill variety does have issues with battery life, but in terms of being able to use it without a power cord, it is much more mobile. Many models come with 2 batteries: one to use, and one to be charging to use when the first battery runs down.

Power and Consistency

One of the biggest differences between these two types of drills has to do with their power and the level of power consistency. The reason for this is because the cordless drill uses a battery runs out of energy and needs recharging. First off, batteries are not going to supply as much power to the drill as a direct power source will. Therefore, a corded drill has a lot more power to begin with. At the same time, as the battery in a cordless drill starts to die, the power goes away as well. Therefore, in terms of power and power consistency, a corded drill is much better and more reliable.

Cost

In terms of the cost, a corded drill is going to be a bit cheaper than a cordless drill. The battery for a cordless drill costs quite a bit, and may even have to be bought separately. At the same time, the hardware in the drill required to support the battery is going to cost something as well. Furthermore, the battery requires a charger which also costs more. All of this said, the corded drill is going to cost less due to not needing any of these things. However, to be honest, when it comes to quality, we never pay attention to cost, because at the end of the day, we want the job do be done well.

Lifespan

Another big difference between the corded and cordless drill has to do with the lifespan. The increased amount of power and consistency of a corded drill, combined with less internal hardware (battery accommodation), plus not having a battery that wears down over time, means that corded drills tend to last a lot longer than cordless ones. Batteries die over time and need to be replaced, and also the connecters for the batteries can degrade. Therefore, a corded drill is going to last longer than a cordless one.

Battery Uses

The other difference to keep in mind is that the batteries for cordless drills can often be used for other cordless tools. This is definitely true if you have several battery-powered power tools from the same brand. Being able to use batteries interchangeably is a bonus.

Corded vs Cordless Drill Conclusion

At the end of the day, we cannot really say that one of these is better than the other. Both the corded and cordless drills have benefits and drawbacks that you need to keep in mind before you make a final purchase.  You can check out reviews on some of the best top rated cordless power drills

How to Convert a Cordless Drill into a Corded One

How to Convert a Cordless Drill into a Corded One

If you have a cordless drill, you are probably well aware of how great these tools are. There is no denying the fact that not needing to always be plugged into a power source is really convenient. Cordless drills are quite convenient and mobile, plus they have a wide variety of jobs that you can use them for. That being said, cordless drills do have certain drawbacks.

One of the biggest drawbacks is that the batteries run out and need to be charged almost every day. However, even worse than that is the fact that the batteries will permanently die after a while. This means that you need to buy a new battery altogether. If you have to keep buying new batteries, it can start getting pretty expensive. Some people actually buy a new drill altogether when the battery on the old one dies.

However, this is not necessarily something that you have to do; you don’t always have to buy new batteries and you certainly do not have to throw the drill out. There is actually a way to convert a cordless drill into a corded drill if needed. It is not that easy, it takes a lot of skill and knowledge, and you need to have the right tools, but it is definitely doable. How to convert a cordless drill into a corded one is the topic of the day.

The Skills You Will Need

First and foremost, this is not a Lego operation; it is not easy, and it is not something that you can just do on a whim. There are actually quite a few skills that you need in order to convert a cordless drill into a corded drill. Let’s talk about the knowledge, skills and tools you need to have in order to get this job done.

Soldering

The number one most important skill you need in order to convert a cordless drill into a corded one is soldering. In other words, you need to be able to use a soldering iron and the necessary tools in order to solder wires together. You will need to solder the wires from a cord to the battery connecters on the cordless drill. If you get this wrong or just don’t do it right, the drill will not work.

Basic Electronics

You will need to know about basic electronics. You are going to be searching for wires, connectors, and you will need to connect the right wires and parts to each other in order to get this to work.

To be quite honest, if you do not feel comfortable with soldering or with wiring, you probably do not want to attempt this. You don’t want to end up causing a fire or frying yourself. Keep in mind that electrical work is dangerous, so always be careful, and if you are not confident in your knowledge and skills, you might want to look into buying a new battery or buying a new drill altogether.

Parts Needed

Before you get started with the conversion, you need to have the right tools and materials on hand. To do this properly, you need the following materials.

• The drill you are to convert
• Wall wart
• Screwdriver
• Sandpaper
• Soldering equipment (butane torch, soldering iron, flux)
• Wire cutter
• Wire stripper

Step-By-Step Conversion

Now that we have discussed the skills, knowledge and equipment you need to do this, you need to know what the proper steps are. Let’s go through a step by step process so you can convert your cordless drill into a corded one. By the way, there are other ways to do this, but we are going to keep it simple. This method of converting your cordless drill into a corded one is the easiest and cheapest way to get the job done. Always remember to turn off all power supplies, or have them unplugged, before you get started.

1. The first thing you need to do is to open the drill. You need to open up the housing so that you can get to the wiring and the battery clips. Beware – this will void your warranty so there is no turning back after you open your drill up. This is where your knowledge of wiring comes in handy because you will need to know which leads are which, both inside of the drill and the power supply.
2. Take your power supply, or in other words, the power cord that you will be using to supply the power to the drill. Cut the end off of the power cord, the end that is going to be connected to the drill. If you have the parts, you can put a jack in the drill, but this is not necessary.
3. Now, you need to strip and tin the ends of the wires on the new power supply so they are ready to solder. At the same time, you will need to sand, tin, and flux the battery connector. Now, that being said, you do not have to connect the wires to the battery connect; you can remove the battery connect and solder the wires right to each other.
4. Now it is time to solder the wires from the new power supply to the battery clips on the inside. If you have removed the battery clips, you can solder the wires from the drill directly to the wires in the new power supply.
5. If your knowledge of all things electrical is limited, chances are that you might solder the wrong wires together. So, if the drill does not work, you might have to take the wires apart and solder them back together the opposite way.

Conclusion

As you can see, it is possible to convert a cordless drill into a corded one. However, you need the right skills and knowledge to do this. Be careful and take your time because while this is not brain surgery, it’s also not child’s play.

What Cordless Drill has the Most Torque?

What cordless drill has the most torque? If you are looking for a powerful cordless drill, then this must be one of the first questions you will ask. Torque is often used as a gauge for how well a cordless drill will perform and whether it’s for low-level DIY projects or serious heavy-duty jobs. In this article, we’ll debunk misconceptions about torque and introduce you to some of the most powerful cordless drills in the market.

What Is Torque and Why Is It Important?

When you’re looking for a drill, one of the important specs is torque. Torque refers to the turning or twisting force—or in this case, the force applied to turn a bit or a screw.

Among power drills, torque is expressed in inch pounds. In the cordless drill department, we have seen brands that have breached the threshold of 1,000, making the common notion that cordless drills are not made for heavy-duty tasks a thing of the past. So, does it follow that the more torque there is, the better? That a high-torque rating readily translates to efficiency or power?

While looking at the torque value when shopping around for powerful cordless drills is a neat shortcut, we hate to break it to you that it doesn’t always work that way. There are cordless drills with lower torque that can outperform the ones with higher torque rating. Thus, torque is in no way a measurement of the speed with which a task can be completed or the amount of work that gets done in a given period.

But torque will at least tell you how much punching power your ‘fist’ has so to speak. As you can imagine, you need not just strength to punch a hole through; you also need speed. That’s why, in some instances, a cordless drill with lower torque can finish faster than the one with higher torque rating.

• The traditional method of measuring torque rating involved:

1. Mounting a drill onto a rig and checking how much it’s able to turn
2. Locking the chuck onto a fixed spindle
3. Putting the drill on full power, and
4. Measuring the drill at 0 rpm.

• A different method of measuring power rating involves the first three of the traditional method plus:

1. Increasingly applying torque and
2. Measuring drill speed and torque with multiple data points. This results in a power rating expressed in units watts out (UWO). The higher the UWO is, the more efficient it is in getting things done.

UWO, however, is a metric not used by all brands. Still, if you’re looking for a powerful cordless drill, then you would want to check out the torque as well as the speed or the RPM (revolutions per minute) of your tool.

What Cordless Drill has the Most Torque?

Since not all brands use UWO metrics, we give you some of the cordless drills in the market in either torque and speed values or UWO figures. Our picks represent different known brands for cordless drills.

Makita XPH07Z 18V 1/2-inch Cordless Hammer Drill

This 18V 1/2-inch hammer drill by Makita boasts of 1,090 inch-pounds of maximum torque and an upper limit of 2,100 rpm. And measuring 6 inches x 15 inches x 11 inches at 5.75 pounds, it is truly designed for heavy-duty use. It is expected to survive harsh job site conditions, taking on demanding wood, masonry, and metal projects. Besides the obvious toughness, this Makita power tool shows thoughtfulness.

It features an ergonomic design that makes wielding its rather bulky and heavy construct more comfortable. It also comes with a side handle when you need an extra hand during operation. All the while, a three-stage LED gauge updates you on the power status of your battery. Moreover, its lithium-ion batteries are also a workhorse that charges fast and lasts long.

The Makita XPH07Z 18V 1/2-inch Hammer Drill is also versatile. Its two-speed operation of 0-550 RPM and 0-2,100 RPM allows it to work not only with tough projects but also delicate tasks.

Milwaukee 2703-20 18V 1/2-inch Hammer Drill

This power drill by Milwaukee is equipped with a whopping 1,200 inch-pounds of peak torque and up to 2,000 RPM of drilling speed. Featuring a two-speed operation of 0-500 RPM and 0-2,000 RPM, it lets you handle not only rough projects but also delicate ones. And with its two-operating mode, it allows you to handle fastening tasks, too.

All that power and capability is packed in its 8 inches by 4 inches by 10 inches body that tips the scale at 4 pounds, making it perfect for tight spots. It also comes with a removable side handle which you’ll find useful to handle all that power, as well as a bit holder and a metal belt hook to facilitate quick and easy operation.

The Milwaukee 2703-20 18V 1/2-inch Hammer Drill is powered by two Red lithium XC5.0 batteries that are heat-, water-, moisture- and freezing-resistant.

DeWalt DCD991P2 20V Brushless 3-Speed Drill

This 20V 1/2-inch hammer drill by DeWalt in its iconic yellow and black color comes with an incredible 820 UWO. Coming in at 4 inches by 11 inches by 17 inches at 11 pounds, it has an imposing presence to match its immense power. And with its nitro-carburized metal chuck, carbide inserts, and coated and sealed switches, this beast is more than ready to tackle tough applications.

This powerful and robust tool is also versatile. Designed with a three-speed operation that ranges from 0-2,000 RPM, it handles rough and delicate projects like a pro.

The DeWalt DCD991P2 20V Brushless 3-Speed Drill is also equipped with a three-mode LED light that lets you work with ease in dark or enclosed areas. Besides a light source, this brushless tool also comes with a helpful 360° side handle, a belt hook, batteries, a charger, and a kit box. It is powered by two DCB205 high-capacity 5.0 Ah Li-Ion batteries that afford it to run with 33% more capacity than standard packs.

Summary

These are but three of the power drills to answer your query on what cordless drill has the most torque. They feature a good combination of high torque and great speed. Expect that in the coming years, powerful cordless drills such as these will become more commonplace. You can look forward as well to more powerful ones.

Hammer Drill vs Impact Driver

Do you need to get some work done around the home? Maybe you need to drill some holes in a brick or concrete wall.  Or maybe you need to hang some pictures or mount something heavy in a hard surface. Or, you need to drill some holes through a hard surface for plumbing or wiring. The point that we are making here is that you need the right tools for the job.  So lets do a hammer drill vs impact driver to compare and see what each power tool is best suited for.

Hammer Drill vs Impact Driver

You can’t use a normal drill to work with brick, concrete, and other such materials. A normal drill would fall to bits, burn out, catch on fire, and just would not be a very good choice to go with. Maybe you already know all of this and you just want to read up on it more. Or maybe you are an aspiring handyman and need to know everything you can about your field of work and the tools you will need to use.

We are here today to talk about two specific tools, those being the impact driver and the hammer drill. These might sound like some kind of fighting moves used in professional wrestling, and while they might very well be just that, they are both useful tools as well. Now, with that being said, both of these tools have very different features and purposes. Today we want to talk about the difference between a hammer drill and an impact driver so you know exactly what each of these tools are for and what their intended purposes are.

The Hammer Drill

The first tool that we want to talk about is the hammer drill. The hammer drill, just as it sounds, is more or less a combination between a hammer and a drill. Drills can be used for drilling holes and screwing screws into softer materials, usually wood. Also, hammers are used to hammer nails through softer materials like wood. However, both the hammer and the regular drill could not deal with harder materials like masonry, brick, concrete, and other really hard materials.

This is where the hammer drill comes into play. It is a tool that is primarily designed for drilling holes in hard surfaces like drywall, sheetrock, brick, concrete, and other forms of masonry. In terms of the motion of it, the hammer drill combines the spinning motion of a drill with the hammering motion of a hammer. This is shown to be the best way to drill holes through masonry. The combination of rotational and impact force really gets the job done.

The Impact Driver

The impact driver is quite different from the hammer drill. Whereas the main purpose of the hammer drill is to drill holes through hard materials, the impact driver’s main purpose is to drive big, thick, and long screws into really tough materials. These materials could be hard wood, studs, brick, concrete, and other forms of masonry. A normal drill simply does not have the power, the engine strength, the rotational capacity, or the durability of an impact driver.

The impact driver is pretty much a drill on steroids, one meant to deal with really hard materials. So, just to recap, the impact driver is all about driving long screws through tough materials, whereas the hammer drill is meant for drilling holes.

The tools are somewhat similar, but they are also quite different, as you can see. Unlike the hammer drill, the impact driver does not use any impact force, which is kind of counterintuitive due to the name of the tool. However, the impact driver only uses rotational force and does not use a hammering impact like the hammer drill. It might sound a bit confusing, but a hammer drill uses both rotational and impact force, whereas an impact driver only uses rotational force to get the job done.

Hammer Drill vs Impact Driver – Other Key Differences

Now that we have covered what the main intended purpose for each of these tools is, plus how they function, let’s talk about some of the other main differences between them right now.

One big difference between both of these tools is that the impact driver and hammer drill use different bits, or at least one of these tools is much more versatile in the type of bits it can accept. Impact drivers are very one faceted and have a locking head that only accepts hexagonal shank bits, but these do just fine for their intended purpose. On the other hand, the hammer drill can also accept round bits, as well as the hex bits, which is thanks to its 3-jaw chuck.

What you might not know is that hammer drills have a button to turn the hammering motion on and off. Therefore, the impact driver is like a hammer drill without the hammering motion, but the hammer drill does come with the option to have the hammering turned on and off. What you should also know is that impact drivers tend to produce a lot less vibration and noise than a hammer drill. The hammering motion from the hammer drill is very loud and the vibration it creates means that you really have to have a good grip on the hammer drill.

The two tools also differ in their shape. The impact driver is usually quite short and stubby, unlike the hammer drill which tends to be a little bigger and more elongated. At the same time, hammer drills have big internal clutches, whereas impact drivers don’t have these, making them a little easier to operate, especially for beginners.

Conclusion

As you can see, both the hammer drill and impact driver have their own specific purposes, both of which are quite different. It is understandable that people confuse these two tools, but they are really not the same at all. Hammer drills are great for drilling holes through hard surfaces whereas impact drivers are meant for getting big screws through those same hard surfaces.  You can find more reviews and advice right here at Home and Work Power Tools

Drill Versus Driver – What is the Difference

Drill Versus Driver – What is the Difference?

Today we are here to talk about drill and a driver. Both of these tools are things that any handyman should have in their arsenal. While they may sound like similar tools, and in some regard, they are similar, they are quite different. This is very true when it comes to their purpose and function.

If you are an aspiring handyman, handywoman, carpenter, repairman, builder, or any other kind of professional where you are drilling and screwing, you will want to know the difference between a drill and a driver. While they both do the same thing in the long run, the real difference is the power they have and what materials they are designed to work with.

This information is important to know even if you just want to fix some things around your own home. Using a driver for something that a drill could do is more or less a waste of energy, whereas using a drill for something a driver should be used for is going to end in disaster, probably the death of your drill. At any rate, let’s get right to it. What the difference is between a drill and a driver is what we are here to clear up right now.

A Difference In Purpose

One of the biggest differences between these two tools that you need to be aware of is what they are used for. A normal drill is used for drilling holes into wood and other softer materials. The drill can also be used for screwing screws into wood, or even into pre-drilled holes. In other words, the drill is meant mainly for smaller purposes and softer materials. Drills just don’t have the power or force to handle thicker, harder, and denser materials.

On the other hand, a driver is used for drilling holes and screwing big screws into very hard materials. The driver uses a slightly different motion and has quite a bit more power, and is therefore easily able to make its way through concrete, brick, and other kinds of masonry. In other words, a driver is pretty much just a beefed-up drill with added power, one that is intended to handle the hard materials that a normal drill just cannot deal with.

Keep in mind that you should not use a drill like a driver, and you should not use a driver like a drill. Using a driver on soft wood will most likely pulverize and ruin the wood, something you obviously don’t want. On the other hand, using a normal drill to try and get through something like concrete is likely to result in a broken drill bit, a burnt out motor, and big headache for you.

A Difference in Motion

Something else that is important to cover here is that both of these tools have a different motion, which is, in part, why they excel at different tasks. To start, a drill uses pure rotational force to get the job done. The pressure that is applied to the wood you are drilling all comes from you. Therefore, you can dictate exactly how much pressure you are applying to the wood. The most important thing to keep in mind here is that drills just turn, but they do not apply pressure, which is what makes them ideal for softer materials.

On the other hand, a driver, while also using rotation force, also uses impact pressure to get the job done. It moves back and forth, as well as front and back, really fast, thus creating lots of small impacts that chip away at masonry. This front-and-back motion combined with the rotational force is what allows drivers to work their way through hard materials like sheetrock, brick, concrete, and other such materials.

Drill vs. Driver – Other Key Differences

• Drills can accept various shapes of bits in the chuck, which makes them versatile and ideal for many jobs. Drivers on the other hand can only accept hex bits
• Drills tend to be a little bigger than drivers, making them harder to fit into tight spaces
• Drivers are usually quite a bit more expensive than drills due to the increased power and hardware needed for them
• Drivers don’t need you to apply pressure unlike drills do, thus decreasing user fatigue. However, on the other side of the coin, the driver’s motion can start to hurt the hands after a while
• Drills are best used for more precise works, whereas drivers are better for bigger jobs where 100% accuracy is not a big concern

Drill vs. Driver – Pros and Cons

Just like with any other tools out there, both the drill and the driver have things they excel at and things they are not so good for. So, let’s quickly talk about the pros and cons of the both the driver and the drill.

Drill – Pros

• Great for precision work
• Good for softer materials
• Always applies constant torque
• Works with a variety of screw heads and drill bits
• Can be used with accessories like sanders, and brushes
• Usually has a clutch for torque adjustment
• Not too expensive to buy
• Energy efficient

Cons

• Cannot handle really hard materials
• Can stall when putting in large fasteners
• Might strip screws
• Bits may come loose in the chuck
• Requires the user to apply a good amount of pressure
• Not all that much power

Driver – Pros

• Combination of rotation and concussive blows
• Can handle really thick and hard materials
• Applies lots of pressure – less user fatigue
• Tons of power
• Can drive big and long screws with minimal effort
• Not likely to stall or strip screws
• Has a smaller body – more maneuverable

Cons

• Fairly expensive to purchase
• Makes a ton of noise
• Can hurt the hands due to vibration
• Can only accept hex shaped bits
• Not ideal for delicate and precise work

Conclusion

As you can see, while both of these tools may look the same, they do work in different ways. All in all, they may be quite similar, but a driver is just way more powerful and adept at working with hard materials.  For further details and reviews on some of the best power drills click here.