18v Drills

About 18v Drills

18v cordless drills have established themselves as the industry standard platform, offering an optimal balance between power, portability, and runtime for both professional tradespeople and dedicated DIY enthusiasts. This comprehensive category at MyToolShed.co.uk includes cordless drill drivers for standard drilling and screwdriving, combi drills (hammer drills) that add percussive action for masonry applications, and complete kits pairing drills with impact drivers or wrenches. Whether you're drilling pilot holes in timber, driving screws into joists, or tackling masonry work, an 18v drill delivers the versatility to handle diverse tasks without the constraints of a 240v mains cable.

MyToolShed stocks an extensive range from leading manufacturers including Bosch Professional, Bosch Home and Garden, DeWalt, and Black & Decker. Options span from entry-level models perfect for home improvements through to brushless professional machines engineered for demanding site work. Many tools are available as bare units for those already invested in a battery platform, or as complete kits with batteries, chargers, and carry cases. The 18v ecosystem approach means your battery packs can power multiple cordless tools from the same manufacturer, making it economical to expand your tool collection.

Applications

18v drills serve a broad spectrum of professional trades and applications:

• Electricians: Drilling cable routes through timber frames and fixing consumer units
• Carpenters and joiners: Pilot holes, countersinking, and screw driving in furniture making and first-fix joinery
• Plumbers: Fixing pipework brackets and drilling through joists for pipe runs
• General builders: All-round drilling and fastening across various materials on site
• Kitchen and bathroom fitters: Assembling units and installing fixtures with precision torque control
• Fencing contractors: Outdoor drilling and fixing where mains power isn't available
• Shop fitters: Installing retail fixtures and point-of-sale displays
• DIY enthusiasts: Home improvements, flat-pack assembly, shelving installation, and general maintenance
• Property maintenance teams: Repairs and refurbishments across residential and commercial properties

Choosing The Right 18v Drills

Drill Type: Select a basic drill driver for rotary drilling and screwdriving only, a combi drill with hammer function for masonry work, or a dedicated SDS-plus hammer drill for heavy-duty concrete applications. Most tradespeople favour combi drills for their versatility.

Motor Technology: Brushless motors offer superior runtime, power efficiency, and longevity, justifying the premium for professional users. Traditional brushed motors remain adequate for occasional DIY use.

Battery Capacity: Compact 2.0Ah batteries keep tools lightweight for overhead work, whilst 4.0Ah or 5.0Ah packs provide extended runtime for demanding applications. Consider multiple batteries to maintain productivity.

Torque Output: Professional combi drills typically deliver 50-70Nm, sufficient for most applications. Higher torque enables drilling larger holes and driving longer fixings into dense materials.

Ecosystem Compatibility: If you already own cordless tools from a particular manufacturer, staying within that battery platform maximises value and convenience across your tool collection.

Safety Information

Always wear safety glasses when drilling to protect against flying debris, particularly with masonry or metal. Use a cable and pipe detector before drilling into walls or floors to identify hidden electrical cables and pipes—contact with live cables can be fatal. Secure workpieces with clamps or vices rather than hand-holding them. Remove the battery pack before changing accessories or performing maintenance. Only use genuine or manufacturer-approved batteries and chargers, and ensure drill bits are properly secured in the chuck before operation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a combi drill and a regular drill driver?

A combi drill includes a hammer function that adds percussive action to the rotary motion, making it capable of drilling into masonry, brick, and concrete. A standard drill driver only rotates and is best suited to wood, metal, and plastics. Combi drills offer greater versatility through a mode selector switch.

Are 18v drills powerful enough for professional use?

Absolutely. The 18v platform is the workhorse voltage for professional tradespeople across most applications. Modern 18v brushless drills deliver equivalent performance to older 24v models whilst offering better battery runtime and lighter weight, making them ideal for demanding site work.

Can I use batteries from one 18v brand in another manufacturer's drill?

Unfortunately not. Each manufacturer uses proprietary battery mounting systems that aren't cross-compatible. However, batteries are typically interchangeable across the entire 18v range from the same manufacturer, such as all Bosch Professional 18v tools sharing the same battery platform.