Buyers Guide: Pistol-Grip Drills

A quality drill is one of the most versatile and convenient power tools to have around the home or on the job site. Pistol-grip drills are a popular choice for homeowners and tradespeople for their practical design and comfortable handling.

Available in a variety of makes and models pistol-grip drills make light work of drilling holes and driving screws and bolts in a variety of materials and situations. Choosing the right drill will save you both time and money and it is a great idea to take a closer look the different options to insure you get the right drill for the job.

Choosing the Right Drill for the Job

Pistol-grip drills are available either as a corded or cordless unit and are an electric rotary drill specifically designed for drilling metal and wood. Versatile and compact they are ideal for both the homeowner and the professional in a variety of applications. Power and durability vary greatly from make to make.

Corded vs. Cordless

Whether you choose a corded or cordless drill greatly depends on your specific needs and specifications. Both have advantages and disadvantages that are worth considering.

Corded Drills – Typically pack more power and are more durable than cordless drills with the added advantage of a reliable continuous power source. They have the obvious disadvantage of requiring access to a power socket and the possible safety and restrictive issues associated with the cord. Ideal for heavy duty tasks where you require reliability and power they are not always the best choice for small scale DIY or the typical homeowner.

Cordless Drills – Offer convenience, versatility and user-friendly design with many new models capable of delivering on power. Battery power means you can have restricted runtime but interchangeable battery packs and “smart” charges can avoid these draw backs. See DrillKings.com cordless drill buyers guide for more detailed information on cordless drills and batteries.

Compare the Features

There are a few standard and non-standard features that vary between make and model. To insure you make the right choice it is a great idea to know what you are looking for when it comes to the specific features of a pistol-grip drill.

Variable Speed Switch - providing greater control and versatility a variable power selection gives you the option to switch between low and high speed giving you better performance on drilling and screw driving. Ideally there should be a wide range between the two speed settings.

Reverse Switch – user-friendly option enabling a backwards motion; a pretty standard feature but some drills offer easier operation than others.

Chuck – the chuck size determines the size of the drill bit that can be used by the drill. Most standard drills come with 3/8” chuck while heavier-duty drills can come with the larger 1/2”. A keyless chuck is a standard feature and should be easily hand operated.

Variable Clutch – Multiple clutch settings protect the motor and allow you to limit or increase the drills torque for better use in different applications. Some makes and models offer more setting than others so consider your options.

Brake – A handy feature of nearly all drills; causes the drill to stop immediately upon realising the trigger.

Heat Shields and Cooling Fans – Designed to eliminate overheating and extend runtime and efficiency.

Choosing the right Brand

There is a variety of brand names and manufactures in the Drill market offering great choice and value. Choosing the right Brand for your budget and needs can save time and get you the right drill and the right price.

For homeowners and DIY your best choices lie with Black & Decker, Ryobi, Skil and Porter-Cable. For serious DIY or professional tradesmen look to Bosch, DeWalt, Hitachi, Makita and Milwaukee. Check out the specific profile pages to compare each brand.

Black & Decker – Ryobi – Skil – Porter-Cable – Bosch – DeWalt – Makita - Milwaukee

Final Recommendations

Consider all the above options to find the best pistol-grip drill for your needs. You want a drill that has the power to perform with the right features for the job at hand.

Decide on a budget that reflects your needs and narrow your options by looking at what, where and how you will be using the drill. By having a clear idea of what you want you can get a quality drill at the right price.

For in depth information on particular makes and models check out the customer ratings and reviews on the pistol-grip drill catalogue.

DrillKings stock a huge range of Pistol-Grip Drills at competitive prices. All our drills are in-stock unless otherwise specified and ready to ship, typically within 24 hours.

Great savings mean you get the Drill you want at a Price you can afford. That’s the DrillKings Advantage.