When it comes to working on different DIY projects and home repairs, cordless drills reign are without doubt one of the most versatile tools allow you to take on a wide range of tasks. From basic tasks such as assembling furniture to hanging shelves, and more complex projects like making a fence, or a deck, cordless drills have become indispensable for both casual DIYers and professional tradespeople alike.
If you’re among the many UK residents considering buying a cordless drill, this comprehensive guide will serve as your one-stop shop for finding the perfect cordless drill. We’ll examine the intricacies of cordless drill selection, explore the top retailers, compare prices for you, and uncover expert insights to guide your decision-making process.
Working out your exact needs
We strongly recommend really thinking about working out your specific needs and preferences. Take a few minutes to properly consider the types of projects you will want to attempt, what skill level you are at, and how much you are willing to spend.
- For light to medium DIY tasks like assembling furniture or hanging pictures, a compact and lightweight combi drill will be perfectly fine.
- However, if you plan taking on more demanding projects such as drilling into materials like concrete or masonry, a hammer drill with a higher torque will be your ideal companion.
It really does pay to take a bit of time and consider which option will work best for you. We recommend a cordless combi drill with a hammer feature for the best all round choice.
Navigating the Drill Types
The cordless drill market has a number of options, each with its own set of features and capabilities. Here’s a quick overview of the main types:
- Combi drills are the most popular by far. They allow you to drill holes, and also drive in and remove screws. Most of these, but not all of them have a hammer feature, which allows you to drill concrete.
- Hammer drills are designed to do heavier duty concrete drilling
- For big tasks like removing tiles, wall demolition, etc you will need an SDS type drill, with a chisel feature
- Impact Drivers: These are special tools designed for driving larger sized screws efficiently, particularly into dense materials like wood or metal. (Used when building decks or fences)
Top Cordless Drill Retailers in the UK
You can choose from the convenience of online shopping or have a hands-on experience of looking in Retail stores. The good news is that the UK offers a host of options for purchasing cordless drills. Here’s a roundup of the top retailers:
Online Retailers:
- Amazon UK: The e-commerce giant boasts an extensive selection of cordless drills from various brands and price points.
- Screwfix: A go-to destination for DIY enthusiasts, Screwfix offers a wide range of cordless drills, along with expert advice and customer support. They also have various stores in the UK aimed at pick up only. They have around 700 stores across the UK.
- UK Planet Tools – Based in Milton Keynes, with delivery is available in London, Liverpool, Bristol, Manchester and other cities. They sell tools from Makita, DeWalt, Milwaukee, WellCut, and Tough Master.
Brick-and-Mortar Retail Stores:
- Toolstation: Renowned for its extensive range of tools and equipment, Toolstation provides a diverse selection of cordless drills, catering to both DIYers and professionals. They have over 250 stores across the UK that are open seven days a week from 7am to 7pm.
- B&Q: This home improvement retailer offers a user-friendly shopping experience, with a wide range of cordless drills available both online and in-store. They have around 300 stores across the UK.
- Wickes: Like B&Q, they are a home improvement retailer, who stock a good range of drills. They have over 200 stores across the UK.
- Homebase: Another home improvement retailer with 150 retailers across the UK.
- Argos: They offer a range of cordless drills. There are around 580 stores in the UK with around 300 collection points in Sainsburys.
Figuring Out Cordless Drill Prices and Deals
With cordless drills ranging in price from budget-friendly options to high-end professional models, finding the best deal is essential. Here are some tips:
- Use Price Comparison Websites: Online tools like Google Shopping and PriceSpy can help you compare prices across various retailers.
- Subscribe to Retailer Newsletters: Sign up for email alerts from your preferred retailers to stay informed about upcoming sales and promotions. Most of the main retailers and manufacturers will always have special offers and discounted products available periodically.
- Explore Clearance Sales: Keep an eye out for clearance sales and end-of-season discounts, where you might find exceptional deals on cordless drills.
Expert Reviews and Recommendations
Navigating the vast array of cordless drill models can be overwhelming. Expert reviews provide valuable insights to help you make informed decisions.
- Consult Reputable Review Websites: Websites like this one offer in-depth reviews of various cordless drill models, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. There are other review websites available.
- Seek Recommendations from DIY Communities: Check online forums and DIY communities to gather recommendations from experienced users based on their specific needs and preferences. You just need to be careful as all advice there is not from experts.
Additional Resources for Cordless Drill Buying
To further enhance your cordless drill knowledge, explore these additional resources:
- Manufacturer Websites: Visit the websites of leading cordless drill brands like Makita, DeWalt, and Bosch for detailed product information, specifications, and user guides.
- YouTube Tutorials: Watch instructional videos on YouTube to gain insights into cordless drill usage techniques, maintenance tips, and troubleshooting common issues.
- Online Forums: Engage in online forums and DIY communities to exchange knowledge, seek advice