Who can recommend a cheap but useful drill

Discussion in 'Off-Topic Discussion' started by clueless1, Mar 15, 2017.

  1. clueless1

    clueless1 member... yep, that's what I am:)

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    I need to buy a new drill. My current one is OK, but it's not going to last much longer (had it for years, and now I have to whack it sometimes to make it work). Besides it was never very powerful.

    I rarely use my power tools. That's probably why they last so long despite being cheapo. Same for the new drill, but it needs to be strong enough to drill into brick, which my current one isn't.

    Any recommendations?
     
  2. Fat Controller

    Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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    This

    I killed my prior drill shortly after moving in here, so bought one of these and it has been a loyal companion since. With a decent bit in it's chuck, it makes light work of any job thrown its way, and is nicely controllable (variable speed etc). Batter drills have come a long way in recent years, but I still think a good mains powered drill is hard to beat - besides, no need to wait for it to charge, just lift it and get on with the job.
     
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    • rustyroots

      rustyroots Total Gardener

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      Hi Cluless what's your budget? Doctor want battery or mains operated?

      Rusty
       
    • clueless1

      clueless1 member... yep, that's what I am:)

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      Battery would be a plus, but I'm really not that bothered.

      Budget, as close as possible to nil.
       
    • HarryS

      HarryS Eternally Optimistic Gardener

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      Well I have a B and D cordless drill , it is really compact and powerful . If you want to drill into brick you are better with a corded drill or even an SDS drill - can't beat them ! If you don't want to spend much money , then keep an eye on the centre aisles at Lidl and Aldi . You can get some really good tools for silly money.
       
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      • HarryS

        HarryS Eternally Optimistic Gardener

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      • Jiffy

        Jiffy The Match is on Fire

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        Screwfix do a cheap one for £20.99

        https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjurpPMy9rSAhXrAMAKHYPACBEQFggjMAA&url=http://www.screwfix.com/p/energer-enb463drl-710w-percussion-drill-230-240v/99423&usg=AFQjCNHvxXpj7mjBzTvL9pa5iaiLZkA1YA

        Edit
        I did have one of them drills in Harrys post, it was ok for light jobs and when i used it for mixing cement with a mixing paddle it didn't like it and got warm, it finish the job but three day after it when up in smoke so i'm now try the screwfix one :snorky:
         
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          Last edited: Mar 16, 2017
        • rustyroots

          rustyroots Total Gardener

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          I was in Aldi the other day and they have work zone 14.4 v drills I think they were £25.

          I had one of these for about 3 years and it was great (I didn't drill brick/ concrete though). It only gave u when I drop the drill and the battery split. I invested in a dealt after as it came with 2 batteries and I was doing the house up. I have had it about 4 years and is great, but cost over £100.

          Rusty
           
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          • clueless1

            clueless1 member... yep, that's what I am:)

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            I've just ordered that one from screwfix. Going to collect it in a minute after my cuppa. Then it's off to the local independent diy shop where a very knowledgeable man works, who I hope will sell me a suitable drill bits.
             
          • Jiffy

            Jiffy The Match is on Fire

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            Hopefully it will be ok, i've give mine a bit of work (i'm heavy handed) and haven't broken it yet but it's new :)
             
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            • Scrungee

              Scrungee Well known for it

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              I have a corded B&D SDS hammer drill, 2 x Bosch cordless drills (got 2nd with 2 batteries and another charger as it was cheaper than buying just 2 batteries), and one very old Bosch corded drill
              .
              The SDS drill get used for drilling masonry and concrete, the cordless drills get used for virtually everything else (got 7 batteries and 2 chargers, plus compatible cordless reciprocating saw and jigsaw), and the corded drill only gets used with a Pulpmaster device for fine pulping of apple pommace prior to pressing.

              I reckon a corded SDS and a cordless drill is the best combination, and go for cordless tools where you can use the batteries on other tools, such as saws, angle grinders, etc.
               
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              • JWK

                JWK Gardener Staff Member

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                I agree with Scrungee, I have a Bosch cordless drill with a couple of batteries and chargers that are interchangeable with my hedge cutter and strimmer. The cordless drill is only light duty, it has a hammer function but I only use it as a screwdriver and for drilling wood.

                I have a very old cheap corded SDS drill from screwfix, I use this for drilling masonry and also as a small breaker if I need to bash holes in concrete or knock out bricks.
                 
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                • pete

                  pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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                  I've not got involved here because I tend to think you only get what you pay for.
                  And Clue is only looking for something that will be ok for occasional use, and not likely to break the bank.:smile:

                  Presumably to refix that bloody door frame.:biggrin:
                   
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                  • Scrungee

                    Scrungee Well known for it

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                    All my gardening tools run on petrol, but I find a cordless jigsaw and drill indispensable at my plot, and the reciprocating saw for pruning, so much easier than taking my generator, but the Bosch cordless drills don't take drill bits big enough to drill holes for large bolts and I've got a very tired cheapo (Worx) cordless drill that I only bother getting out for that purpose and it'll only drill several holes before it needs recharging.

                    But I may do a little bit more DIY than many. Earlier today I was working in my garden extending my log storage and using 2 cordless drills, cordless jigsaw, cordless reciprocating saw, corded jigsaw and corded angle grinder. Now that's finished I'll get my (petrol) chainsaw out. I find the more tools you have, the more projects you're capable of, many of which were never included in the original cost justification for buying the tool.
                     
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                      Last edited: Mar 18, 2017
                    • pete

                      pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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                      Apart from drills I'm more into hand tools, its no real hardship using a hand saw or a bow saw for pruning, I do have a long handled cordless chainsaw for pruning which I find is ok for stuff I cant reach.
                       
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