Drill Buying Guide: Drill Driver, Impact Driver or SDS?
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The best drill is the one that matches the jobs you actually do. A compact drill driver is brilliant for furniture, pilot holes and fixings, while masonry, heavy fixings and repeated drilling need more power and the right bit system.
Common drill types
- Drill driver: best for pilot holes, screws and everyday timber or plasterboard jobs.
- Combi drill: adds hammer mode for lighter masonry drilling.
- Impact driver: great for driving long screws and fixings, but not a general drilling replacement.
- SDS drill: designed for tougher masonry, concrete and repeated heavy drilling.
What to compare
- Battery platform: buying into one system can save money later.
- Chuck type: standard keyless chucks suit most bits; SDS uses its own bit system.
- Torque settings: useful for controlled screwdriving.
- Weight: heavy tools tire quickly overhead or on ladders.
- Brushless motors: often more efficient and longer-lasting, but usually cost more.
Good starter setup
For most home DIY, a decent combi drill with two batteries is the most flexible starting point. Add an impact driver if you often build timber projects, decking, sheds or storage. Choose SDS only when masonry drilling becomes a regular need.
Bits matter
A good drill with poor bits still performs badly. Keep sharp wood bits, HSS metal bits, masonry bits, countersinks and screwdriver bits organised, and replace worn bits before they chew up fixings or overheat.
When to step up
Use a more suitable tool or a professional if you are drilling near services, into reinforced concrete, through structural masonry, overhead for long periods or into unknown materials.