Power Drill Guide: Types of Drills & How to Choose One

drills power drills what is a power drill types of power drills corded drills cordless drills impact drivers rotary hammers drill press right angle drills how to choose the right drill chuck size

A corded standard drill drilling a hole into a piece of wood with wood debris flying

Power drills stand tall among the most indispensable tools in any workshop or toolbox. Whether you are a weekend DIYer hanging shelves or a professional drilling through steel all day long, a dependable drill saves time, effort, and frustration. Today’s power drills offer outstanding speed, control, and versatility, giving you the ability to drill holes, drive screws, and take on a wide range of construction, woodworking, maintenance, and remodeling tasks.

This blog takes a closer look at what power drills are, the most common drill types available, and how to select the right tool for your needs. With a practical overview and helpful insight, you will be ready to tackle your next project confidently.

What Is a Power Drill?

A power drill is a handheld or stationary power tool used to bore holes or drive fasteners into different materials such as wood, metal, masonry, and plastic. The drill operates by spinning a bit at high speed, cutting into the material with precision and efficiency.

Most modern drills feature:

Variable speed control
Adjustable torque settings
Forward/reverse controls
Compatibility with multiple drill bit styles

This flexibility allows one tool to perform countless tasks, from framing a deck to assembling furniture. Many models also include convenience features such as built-in LED lights, comfortable grips, or keyless chucks that allow for fast accessory changes.

A red Milwaukee impact drill tightening a bolt

Different Types of Power Drills

Corded Drills

Corded drills plug directly into a power source, providing continuous, reliable power without downtime. They excel on demanding tasks that require high torque output, such as drilling steel, thick hardwood, or masonry. Because they do not rely on batteries, they typically weigh less, run cooler, and last longer during heavy use.

Corded models are favored by professionals and users who spend long hours drilling or require uninterrupted performance.

Cordless Drills

Cordless drills have become the go-to tool for homeowners and contractors thanks to their portability and ease of use. Powered by rechargeable batteries, usually lithium-ion, they deliver impressive runtime and performance without the hassle of a trailing cord.

Battery technology advancements allow many cordless drills to rival corded power, though runtime can vary by voltage and amp-hour rating. If mobility is a priority, or you frequently work on remote jobsites or outdoors, cordless is an excellent choice.

Impact Drivers

At first glance, impact drivers look similar to cordless drills, but their internal mechanics set them apart. Instead of relying solely on rotation, they deliver rapid rotational blows that generate higher torque. This makes them outstanding for driving long screws, lag bolts, and stubborn fasteners without stripping the screw head.

While capable of drilling with the proper bit, impact drivers excel primarily at fastening tasks.

Rotary Hammers

When the job involves concrete, brick, or stone, a rotary hammer is the right tool. These heavy-duty drills combine rotation with a hammering piston that punches through dense materials. Rotary hammers often accept SDS drill bits designed specifically for masonry work and may offer chiseling modes for demolition.

Right-Angle Drills

Right-angle drills feature a low-profile head set at 90 degrees to the handle, allowing users to reach tight spaces where standard drills cannot fit. Electricians, plumbers, mechanics, and cabinet installers frequently rely on these tools when drilling between studs, joists, or inside confined equipment spaces.

Drill Press

A drill press is a stationary machine designed for precise, repeatable drilling. Rather than being hand-held, the material is secured to a work table while the drill bit is lowered into place. These tools offer unparalleled accuracy and are ideal for woodworking, fabrication, and production environments.

While not portable, drill presses provide consistency that handheld tools cannot match.

A Milwaukee rotary hammer power drill drilling a hole into a concrete wall

How to Choose the Right Drill

Selecting a power drill requires considering where, how, and how often you plan to use it. Understanding key features can help you make a confident purchase.

Corded vs. Cordless

Choose cordless for mobility, convenience, and light-to-medium duty use.
Choose corded for heavy workloads, drilling hard materials, or frequent all-day use.

Battery Type & Power (Cordless)

Most modern cordless drills use lithium-ion batteries for long life, light weight, and fast charging. Higher voltage generally means more power, but it also increases tool weight.

Motor & Wattage (Corded)

In corded drills, wattage signals performance. Higher wattage means more power and longer life before overheating. Professionals drilling concrete, steel, or operating attachments often benefit from higher wattage models.

Chuck Size & Type

Chuck size determines what bits you can use:

¼-inch: light fastening work
?-inch: most common size for general projects
½-inch: for larger bits and heavy-duty drilling

Chuck style matters too:

Keyless: fast bit swaps
Keyed: maximum grip, ideal for dense materials
SDS: used on rotary hammers, fast switching with superior holding strength

Speed & Torque

Variable-speed triggers and torque settings provide better control.

High speed works best for softer materials
High torque is needed for drilling dense material or driving large fasteners

Features That Make Work Easier

Modern power drills offer enhancements that increase comfort and performance, including:

Built-in LED work lights
Brushless motors for longer life
Ergonomic handles and balanced weight
Belt clips and side handles
Built-in bubble levels

Power drills have earned their reputation as essential tools for professionals and homeowners alike. From quick repairs to full-scale renovations, there is a drill designed for every task, whether that means a compact cordless drill, a powerful corded driver, a masonry-busting rotary hammer, or a precision drill press.

By understanding the types of drills available and the key features that affect performance, you can confidently choose the right tool for your needs and tackle projects with greater control, accuracy, and efficiency. With the correct drill in hand and the right bit installed, you are ready to take on whatever the job demands.

Explore our available power drills today at Midland Tool & Supply!