Which Drill Should I Buy?
Part 1: Types of Drill
What’s Out There and What's the Best Drill to buy?
Thinking about buying your first drill, but baffled by all the options? Here’s a friendly, jargon-free guide to the types of drills you’ll find in the shops and what really matters when you’re choosing one—especially if you want something that’s comfortable, practical, and confidence-boosting.
If you’ve ever wandered round the tool aisle at B&Q, feeling like you need a translator just to work out what’s what, you’re not alone. I get asked all the time: “What’s the best drill to buy?” It’s a brilliant question, and the honest answer is: it depends on what you want to do, and what feels comfortable in your hands.
So, let’s break down the types of drills you’re likely to come across, what they’re actually for, and why things like power and weight really matter (especially if, like me, you don’t fancy wrestling with a tool that feels like it’s built for a big strapping bloke).
Cordless vs Corded Drills
Cordless Drills
These are the ones you’ll see most often these days. They run on rechargeable batteries, so you’re not tied to a plug socket (or tripping over cables).
Pros:
Portable, convenient, and often lighter than they used to be. Perfect for most DIY jobs around the house & garden.
No need for extension leads
If you find a make you like, then you can start building a tool collection, and swap the batteries between tools. This will save you money in the long run.
Cons:
You’ll need to keep the battery charged, and the power can run out during a big job (always handy to keep the spare battery charged).
Often not as powerful as a Corded Drill
They can be heavier, because you’re lugging around a drill AND a battery
Cheaper cordless drills tend to be even heavier – cheaper parts are usually larger. Try to avoid going for a budget drill.
Beware, there are different sizes of cordless drills, usually based on battery voltage: 3.6V, 10.8V, 12V, 18V, and even 36V. I’ll cover what these mean, and which one is best for most beginners, in a separate post.
Corded Drills
Plugged into the mains, these feel a bit old school but still have their place.
Pros:
Unlimited power – great for heavy-duty or long jobs, like drilling into hard brick, or stone walls
Generally lighter than many cordless drills. No battery to lug around (or remember to charge)
Cheaper than Cordless Drills – not always the case, but geenrally you’ll get more power for your money
Cons:
Less portable, they need to be plugged in, so, if you have worries about DIY Dave having carried out some dodgy electrical work in your home, this can be a problem.
Cables all over the place – if you need to work down the end of the garden, that’s a long extension lead you’re going to need
My thoughts:
For most DIY Beginners, a good quality cordless drill will do the trick for 90% of jobs. They’re lighter, easier to handle, and you can take them anywhere in the house or garden.
Types of Drill: What’s What?
Here’s where it gets a bit jargon-y, so let’s keep it simple:
Combi Drill
This is the all-rounder. It works as a standard drill and a screwdriver, and usually has a hammer function for drilling into tougher materials like brick/stone
Great for: Most home DIY jobs. If you’re only buying one drill, this is usually the one to go for.
Impact Driver
Looks similar to a drill, but it’s designed for driving screws and bolts with extra oomph (think building raised beds or building a shed).
Great for: Projects with lots of screwing (not so much drilling holes in walls).
SDS Drill
These are the heavy hitters; used for drilling into concrete or really tough brick. They’re more powerful, but also heavier, more expensive, and appear quite daunting. (We introduce you to these in our DIY “Next Steps” Course, so that you understand how useful they can be for certain kinds of project)
Great for:
Big renovation jobs, not everyday DIY.
Living in a house built of stone
Power Drill
This is a bit of a catch-all term, but usually means a basic drill (corded or cordless) that just drills holes and maybe drives screws.
Quick Tip
Most DIY beginners will be happiest with a cordless combi drill. It’s versatile, lighter, and does almost everything you’ll need as you get started.
Power, Weight, and Why Size Matters
Here’s where it gets personal, literally. The “best” drill isn’t just about what it can do, but how it feels in your hand.
Power: More isn’t always better. You want enough power to do the job, but not so much that it feels like it’s going to twist your arm off.
Weight: If you’ve ever tried to hold a heavy drill above your head for more than a minute, you’ll know why this matters. For women (and anyone with smaller hands or less upper body strength, which includes me), a lighter drill can make all the difference.
Grip and balance: Some drills are just plain awkward. If it feels clumsy or you can’t reach the trigger comfortably, keep looking.
What We Use on Our Courses (And Why)
At bePractical DIY, we use drills that are reliable, not too heavy, and comfortable for smaller hands. Brands like DeWalt, Makita & Bosch are favourites, not because they’re flashy, but because they’re well-made and easy to handle. They are also, unfortunately, a bit more expensive. That’s why they have smaller, lighter parts
Be warned, just because a drill has a good name on it, doesn’t make it the right drill for you. There are drills which seem to be targeted at the DIY market, which are just not good DIY Drills. Don’t be tempted by shiny offers in B&Q – they aren’t all that they seem
Pick it up and hold it. If it feels heavy, awkward or unbalanced, it isn’t the right drill for you, however shiny it looks, or cheap it is.
So many people on our courses complain about the drill they have at home, because its heavy or awkward to use. If it isn’t right for you, then its going to stop you doing DIY.
If you want to try before you buy, our courses are the perfect place. You’ll get to handle a range of drills and see what feels right for you—no pressure, no sales pitch, just honest advice.
The Bottom Line
There isn’t one “best drill for women” or “best beginner drill”, It’s all about what feels right for you and suits the jobs you want to tackle. For most people starting out, a cordless combi drill from a trusted brand is a great first choice. It’ll see you through shelves, flat-pack, hanging pictures, and more.
Want to get hands-on before you buy?
That’s exactly what we do on our DIY Courses for Beginners. Try out different drills, ask all your questions, and leave feeling confident (not confused!) about your next big DIY purchase.
Next up: In Part 2, I’ll talk about matching your drill to your project—so you don’t end up buying more than you need (or less than you hoped for). Subscribe to our newsletter or check back soon!
Got a question about drills, tools, or anything DIY? Drop me an email at diy@bepractical.co.uk or give me a ring on 0117 462 4161. I love helping people get started!
Quick recap:
For most beginners, a cordless combi drill is the best all-rounder.
Always pick up and hold a drill before buying; weight and balance matter!
Trusted brands (like DeWalt, Makita, Bosch) are worth the investment for comfort and reliability.
Avoid bargain bin or “too good to be true” deals—they’re often heavy and awkward.
Try before you buy. Join a bePracticalDIY course and get hands-on before you spend your money.
