Handles for Drills

About Handles for Drills

Auxiliary handles for drills are essential safety components that provide improved control, stability, and operator comfort when using power drills, rotary hammers, and combi drills. These purpose-designed handles attach securely to the drill body, offering a secondary grip point that helps you manage torque reaction, maintain drilling accuracy, and reduce fatigue during extended operations. Whether you're drilling into masonry, metal, or timber, a properly fitted auxiliary handle transforms two-handed operation from difficult to controlled and safe.

MyToolShed.co.uk stocks genuine replacement handles from leading manufacturers including Bosch Professional, Bosch Home and Garden, and Makita. Each handle is engineered for specific drill models—from compact side grips for combi drills like the Makita DHP481 to robust assemblies for heavy-duty machines such as the Bosch GBH series rotary hammers. Most feature 360-degree adjustment mechanisms, allowing you to position the handle at any angle for optimal control when drilling horizontally, overhead, or in confined spaces.

Applications

Auxiliary drill handles are used across numerous trades and applications:

• Construction Workers: Drilling into concrete, brick, and blockwork with powerful rotary hammers requiring maximum control
• Electricians: Installing cable runs, mounting back boxes, and creating fixing points where precision matters
• Plumbers: Boring through walls and joists for pipe runs, often working in awkward positions
• Carpenters and Joiners: Heavy-duty drilling through timber framing and creating large diameter holes
• Maintenance Engineers: Replacing worn or damaged handles to maintain equipment safety standards
• DIY Enthusiasts: Home renovation projects requiring proper tool control and safe operation
• Tool Hire Companies: Maintaining rental equipment by replacing missing or damaged handles to HSE standards

Choosing The Right Handles for Drills

Model Compatibility: The critical factor is ensuring the handle fits your specific drill model. Check your drill's model number against the handle's compatibility information—Bosch and Makita engineer handles to precise specifications, and different model ranges require different handles.

Genuine OEM Parts: Authentic manufacturer handles from brands stocked at MyToolShed.co.uk guarantee proper fit, appropriate material strength, and compatibility with your drill's safety features. This matters particularly for professional tools used in commercial environments.

Drill Power and Type: Heavy-duty rotary hammers operating on 240v mains power require robust handles capable of withstanding significant vibration and torque. Match the handle's build quality to your drill's power output and intended applications.

Adjustment Mechanism: Look for handles with smooth 360-degree rotation and secure locking mechanisms that operate easily whilst wearing work gloves but lock positively to prevent slippage during operation.

Safety Information

Always use the auxiliary handle if your drill is designed to accept one—HSE guidance recognises these as essential safety features that prevent loss of control, particularly when drill bits bind or encounter unexpected resistance. Inspect the handle before each use to ensure it's securely tightened and the adjustment mechanism locks properly. Two-handed operation using both the main handle and auxiliary handle is mandatory for drills over 600W or when using bits larger than 10mm diameter, helping to prevent hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) and maintaining control during demanding operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are drill handles interchangeable between different brands?

No, auxiliary handles are brand and model-specific. A Bosch handle won't fit a Makita drill, and even within the same brand, different model ranges require specific handles. Always verify compatibility with your exact drill model number before purchasing.

Can I use my drill if the auxiliary handle is missing?

If your drill was designed to include an auxiliary handle, operating without one compromises safety and control, particularly with powerful models. For professional use, HSE guidance strongly recommends using all supplied safety features. Replace missing or damaged handles immediately.

How tight should I fasten the auxiliary handle?

Tighten the handle firmly enough that it cannot rotate under normal drilling loads, but avoid over-tightening which could damage the adjustment mechanism. Test by attempting to rotate the handle with firm hand pressure before operating the drill.