This one’s great for bigger projects: it’s versatile, it’s got plenty of welly and it comes with an 81-piece set of bits that should cover just about everything you would need. With a respected brand like Makita, you know you’re not getting poor-quality accessories. It’s a little large for some smaller jobs, though, and a little too fierce for jobs that need finesse, such as PC builds or appliance repairs. When you’re up to something major, though, this is a top tool for the job. Whichever type of drill you opt for, make sure you're using a suitable drill bit for the work you're doing. Charge Times: 2 x 14.4/18V 3.0Ah Batteries in 22 mins 2 x 18V 4.0Ah Batteries in 36 mins 2 x 18V 5.0Ah Batteries in 45 mins Makita’s 7.2V Lithium-Ion Cordless Driver-Drill Kit with Auto-Stop Clutch delivers convenience and precision drilling and driving power to torque-specific assembly applications. The DF012DSE combines the ultra-compact design of a cordless screwdriver with 21 clutch settings and an auto-stop clutch for extra fastening control.

Be careful when drilling hard materials – on hard materials such as concrete, prevent the drill bit from overheating by regularly withdrawing from the hole. Cool the drill – if the motor on your electric drill starts to warm up too much and smell, remove the drill from the hole and run it at full speed with no load. This will draw air into the motor to cool it down. The maximum torque is the maximum rotary turning force of the drill, which can be important if you will be drilling into tough materials such as masonry – for which you should consider a combination drill, with the extra force of a hammer-action function.If you're taking on a DIY project, consult our decorating and DIY advice for details on the best power tool brands, paint, screwdrivers and claw hammers.

As with most drill-drivers, the battery is a separate unit that slides onto the bottom of the handle. It’s charged by its own charger and can take up to six hours to charge. This and the sheer size means it’s not as convenient a tool for basic household DIY, but it’s a brilliant and affordable option when you have something more ambitious in mind. Not all lithium-ion batteries are alike: some will hold a charge better than others, while some will also charge faster, within two or three hours. Accessories While there are specific heavy-duty corded electric drills available, these tend to be more powerful than required for the average household project, so a combination cordless drill is an excellent choice if you need a tool with a little more oomph that will still be useful for everyday tasks. Controls are usually kept simple. The more powerful cordless screwdrivers and drill-drivers will have some form of speed control, but most will have a single speed, forward and reverse gears, and a trigger to squeeze when it’s time to start screwing. Most models now also have some kind of built-in torch function, so you can see what you’re doing in dark corners. How about charging? Choose the right drill bit – this will vary depending on whether you're working with masonry, metal or wood. Don't select the hammer action if the drill bit is rotary and non-hammer.This drill is suitable for hammer drilling and chiseling. It features a brushless motor that aims to reduce the need for regular maintenance. Other features include an electronic clutch, an all-metal gearbox and a claimed charge time of around 50 minutes. How to use a drill: top tips Compact and lightweight battery charger designed to charge slide type lithium-ion batteries BL1011B, BL1021B and BL1016B.

With the larger drill/driver models, you will usually need to remove the battery and slot it into a separate charger. That said, even some of these are now charging through micro-USB. The new Makita 2.0Ah battery with a 30 minute fast charge time with a DC10SB charger or 70 minute standard charge time with a DC10WD charger. If you’re working with extremely hard materials, such as concrete, paving slabs or metal, make sure your drill bit is tipped with tungsten carbide. This is approximately twice as strong as steel, and better able to withstand heavy-duty drilling. Belt clip Charge times: 14.4/18V 3.0Ah battery in 60 mins 18V 4.0Ah battery in 90 mins 18V 5.0Ah battery in 110 mins

However, the WX240 really comes into its own if you’re working in cramped spaces, or doing fiddly jobs where a larger cordless driver with more of a pistol grip might get in the way. I used both the WX240 and the Bosch IXO to assemble a PC inside a new case, and while the Bosch was fine for removing external case screws, the Worx was a lot more usable inside the case and for getting screws into the motherboard. It charges in under 90 minutes over a USB-C cable, and will happily last for around 35 to 45 minutes of work. For bigger screws on DIY jobs, you might want something with a little more power and torque; but if you need something that feels and works more like a manual screwdriver, this is the one to buy. Prevent jamming – when drilling downwards, pull the drill out regularly to clear the dust and prevent the drill bit from jamming. The new Makita 4.0Ah battery with a 60 minute fast charge time with a DC10SB charger or 130 minute standard charge time with a DC10WD charger. The new Makita 1.5Ah battery with a 22 minute fast charge time with a DC10SB charger or 50 minute standard charge time with a DC10WD charger