Drills

About Drills

Drills are fundamental power tools for tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts, designed for boring holes and driving fasteners across timber, metal, masonry, and concrete. MyToolShed.co.uk offers a comprehensive range of drilling equipment, from compact cordless drill drivers for everyday tasks to heavy-duty SDS rotary hammers for breaking through reinforced concrete. Our drill category includes specialist tools such as angle drills for confined spaces, magnetic drills for steel fabrication, mixing drills for plaster and paint, and precision bench drills for workshop applications.

Modern drilling technology features brushless motors, advanced battery systems, and electronic controls that deliver exceptional power and runtime. Cordless 18V drills now rival corded models for performance whilst offering superior manoeuvrability on site, though 240v corded drills remain invaluable for continuous heavy-duty work. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks leading brands trusted by UK tradespeople, ensuring professional-grade equipment backed by manufacturer warranties.

Applications

Drills are essential across virtually every trade and industry:

• Electricians – Installing back boxes, drilling through joists, fixing consumer units and cable management systems
• Plumbers – Boring holes for pipe runs, securing brackets, fitting bathrooms and heating systems
• Carpenters and Joiners – Assembling timber frames, hanging doors, installing kitchens, and general woodworking
• Builders and General Contractors – Foundation work, masonry drilling, and finishing trades
• Steel Fabricators and Engineers – Drilling precise holes in metal components using magnetic and rotary drills
• Roofers – Securing battens, fixing fascias, and installing roof-mounted equipment
• Maintenance Engineers – Repair and installation work across commercial and industrial facilities
• DIY Enthusiasts – Home improvements, furniture assembly, decorating, and general repairs

Choosing The Right Drills

Material Applications: Standard drill drivers suit timber and metal work, whilst masonry requires hammer action. Extensive concrete drilling demands SDS rotary hammers with impact energy of 2-3 joules for light masonry or 5J+ for heavy-duty applications.

Power Source: Cordless 18V drills offer superior manoeuvrability for site work, with 5.0Ah batteries providing all-day runtime. Corded 240v models deliver consistent power for workshop environments and continuous heavy-duty tasks.

Specialised Requirements: Angle drills access confined spaces, magnetic drills provide precision on steel structures, mixing drills handle plaster and adhesives, whilst pillar drills and bench drills deliver accuracy for workshop applications.

Build Quality: Professional-grade tools feature metal gearboxes and robust housings for longevity. Check warranty periods—typically 1-3 years for professional equipment—as indicators of durability.

Safety Information

Personal Protection: Always wear safety glasses when drilling. Use hearing protection with hammer drills and SDS tools exceeding 85dB. Wear FFP2 or FFP3 respirators when drilling masonry to protect against silica dust in accordance with HSE guidance.

Electrical Safety: Corded drills require regular PAT testing in commercial environments. Use RCD protection when working outdoors or in damp conditions as required by UK electrical safety standards. Inspect cables before each use.

Safe Operation: Secure workpieces with clamps and check for hidden cables and pipes using a detector before drilling into walls. Allow bits to cool after use and avoid loose clothing that could become entangled.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

A combi drill combines standard drilling, hammer drilling for masonry, and screwdriving with adjustable torque settings. An impact driver specialises in driving screws with high torque using rotational impacts, making it efficient for large fixings but unsuitable for drilling holes. Most professionals use both tools for different applications.

Do I need an SDS drill if I have a combi drill with hammer action?

For occasional small holes up to 10mm in brick, a combi drill's hammer mode suffices. However, for regular work drilling larger holes in concrete or installing multiple fixings, an SDS rotary hammer is substantially faster—often completing tasks 3-4 times quicker—and less fatiguing due to superior impact energy.

What voltage cordless drill should I choose?

For professional tradespeople and serious DIY work, 18V is the industry standard, offering optimal power, runtime, and compatibility with extensive cordless tool ranges. Compact 12V drills suit lighter duties where reduced weight matters, but may struggle with larger bits or dense materials.