
Drilling
Here you'll find basic definitions of each kind of drill, pulled from an online source, as well as some companies that make them that are worth checking out. Companies are not listed in any particular order and are not the only options out there. We always encourage you to do your research, but this may give you a place to start. For questions about which one is right for you, or other questions you may have, head over to our Facebook Group and ask away!
Drill Driver

Drill drivers are the most common type of drill because these combination drills are designed with a standard drill function to drill holes and a driver function to tighten or loosen fasteners. The standard drill setting rotates the drill bit at high speed to drill holes through wood, metal, and other materials. The driver setting slows the rate of rotation and increases the torque to drive fasteners like screws and bolts.
This type of drill has corded electric, battery-powered, or pneumatic models so that you can choose the right drill driver based on your needs. (source)
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Drill Driver companies worth checking out:
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Makita
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Festool
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Ryobi
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Porter Cable
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Milwaukee
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Dewalt
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Bosch
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Black and Decker
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Impact Driver

The impact driver is a compact tool that is intended for driving screws and other fasteners. The handle and trigger are essentially the same as a drill driver, but the body is short, allowing the impact driver to fit into areas a typical drill driver might not reach. These often battery-powered tools prioritize torque over speed, which makes them ideal for driving or removing long, thick screws and bolts. They're also available in pneumatic and corded versions. Impact drivers are not best for drilling holes. It's better to rely on a standard drill or drill driver when a drill hole is required. (source)
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Impact Driver companies worth checking out:
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Worx
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Milwaukee
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Ryobi
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Dewalt
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Makita
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Bosch
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Durofix
Electric Screwdriver

Electric screwdrivers fall into the drill category because of the powered rotational force used to drive screws. These portable tools often have a built-in battery that needs to be charged before the screwdriver can be used. Once charged, the screwdriver tip will rotate to drive screws and other suitable fasteners, depending on the bit. You can use an electric screwdriver instead of a regular screwdriver to save time and effort. They are also great options for working in tight spaces where a standard drill driver or impact driver would have difficulty accessing, such as inside the ceiling or behind a wall. (source)
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Electric Screwdriver companies worth checking out:
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Dewalt
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Worx
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Milwaukee
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Ryobi
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Makita
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Vevor
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Black and Decker
Hammer Drill

A hammer drill combines rotational and concussive forces to drill through various masonry materials. The rotational force of a standard drill is not enough to drill through rigid materials like brick and mortar, so hammer drills also have a hammering mechanism that repeatedly drives the head of the drill bit against the target material while the drill bit is rapidly rotating.
Many hammer drills can also be set to standard drill or even driver modes, allowing you to use them for various tasks. However, it's important to mention that you will need a masonry drill bit if you are drilling through masonry materials with a hammer drill. A standard wood drill bit would chip and likely break due to the concussive force. (source)
​Hammer Drill companies worth checking out:
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Milwaukee
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Dewalt
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Ridgid
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Bosch
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Ryobi
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Hercules
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Vevor
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Skil
Drywall Screw Gun

Drywall screw guns are specialized tools for installing drywall panels. These battery-powered or corded tools offer mobility and speed, allowing drywall installers to quickly secure drywall panels by driving drywall screws through the drywall and into the wall studs. Drywall screw guns are narrow, lightweight tools that operate essentially the same as an impact driver. However, they typically have an adjustable depth gauge to keep the screws from penetrating too far into the drywall. Many models come equipped for use with collated drywall screws for even faster installation. (source)
​Drywall Screw Gun companies worth checking out:
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Ryobi
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Senco
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Makita
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Dewalt
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Milwaukee
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Metabo
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Ridgid
Drill Press

A drill press is a stationary power tool common in woodworking and metalworking shops. Its large body hangs over a built-in table where the target material can be clamped to prevent it from moving while you work. The drill bit plunges vertically down through the material to drill highly accurate holes that are difficult to achieve with a handheld drill. Not only are the drill holes accurate, but they are also repeatable. So, you can drill the same hole in the same location on several different pieces of wood or metal without needing to readjust the position of the drill bit. (source)
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Drill Press companies worth checking out:
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Grizzly
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Rikon
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Jet
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Wen
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Powermatic
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Laguna
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Shop Fox
Rotary Hammer Drill

A step up from the hammer drill is the rotary hammer drill, which combines the rotational power of a hammer drill with extreme concussive force, akin to a small jackhammer. These drills are used for various jobs, like running water lines through the foundation of a new home. The average DIYer won't use a rotary hammer drill much, though they are prevalent in several professions. You can often rent a rotary drill hammer from a local home improvement or tool rental depot instead of spending the money to purchase this specialized device. (source)
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Rotary Hammer Drill companies worth checking out:
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Eneacro
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Bosch
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Dewalt
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Makita
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Aoben
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Milwaukee
Right-Angle Drill Driver

Right-angle drill drivers have a long, thin handle that extends to the small, perpendicular head where the bits are held. A right-angle drill driver is an excellent option for working in tight locations like under sinks or inside ceilings. These tools are made for convenience and mobility, so they are typically battery powered. Use a right-angle drill driver to drive fasteners when there isn't enough space for an impact driver, or you can use this tool to drill small holes in wood or thin metal. However, right-angle drill drivers are not designed for power, so if you find the tool lacking, you may need to switch to a more powerful drill to finish the job. (source)
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Right-Angle Drill Driver companies worth checking out:
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Milwaukee
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Bosch
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Porter Cable
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Ridgid
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Dewalt
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Makita