An SDS drill uses a spring-loaded chuck system that lets the bit slide back and forth independently of the rotation, delivering far more impact energy into concrete and masonry. A regular drill simply spins and grips — perfect for wood, metal, drywall, and driving screws, but underpowered for hard masonry. Pick the wrong tool and …
SDS-Plus and SDS-Max are two different rotary hammer chuck systems. According to Bosch, SDS-Plus uses a 10 mm shank and suits generally lighter rotary hammers and smaller masonry holes, whereas SDS-Max uses an 18 mm shank for heavier rotary hammers and demanding work. Impact energy, hole size and chiseling capability depend on the particular tool …
An 18V drill and a 20V drill are essentially the same thing — the difference is how manufacturers measure battery voltage. Both read 18 volts under load (nominal voltage). The “20V MAX” label used by DeWalt and other brands refers to the fully charged open-circuit peak voltage of the battery, not the working voltage. You …
Corded drills give you unlimited runtime and consistent power at the cost of mobility. Cordless drills let you work anywhere with no cord in the way, but you’re limited by battery charge and available voltage. For most homeowners doing weekend projects, a cordless 20V drill is the right choice. For contractors drilling all day through …
A drill driver is a multi-purpose tool built for drilling holes and driving screws with precision control. For an overview of drill types and where each fits, see our complete drill guide. An impact driver uses concussive rotational force to drive fasteners quickly with high torque and minimal wrist strain. For most homeowners, a drill …
Drill bits come in four sizing systems: fractional inch, metric, wire gauge (number), and letter. Most homeowners only ever use fractional inch bits — sizes like 1/8″, 1/4″, 3/8″ — but knowing how the other systems work helps you read charts, match pilot holes to fasteners, and buy the right bit the first time. This …
Milwaukee, DeWalt, and Makita are the three most popular cordless drill brands in the US market, and all three make excellent tools. The honest answer is: the right brand is the one whose battery platform you’re already in — or the one with the best drill for your specific job at your price point. This …
A brushless impact driver uses electronic sensors and a circuit board to control the motor instead of carbon brushes that physically contact a spinning commutator. The result is a tool that runs cooler, lasts longer between charges, produces more torque for its size, and has no wearing parts that need periodic replacement. For anyone who …
If your drill is not working, start with the power source before opening the tool. For a cordless drill, reseat and fully charge the battery, make sure the forward/reverse switch is not centered in the lock position, then test the trigger. If the motor runs but the bit does not turn, move to the chuck …
When a cordless drill battery won’t charge, the problem is one of four things: the battery is over-discharged, the charger is faulty, the battery terminals are dirty or corroded, or the battery’s cells have failed. Most of these can be diagnosed in 10 minutes without tools. This guide walks you through each cause systematically so …