Every day electricians meet different challenges to passing the wire through the wall and setting an electric board. They need to drill in the various surface. That’s why an electrician should have a reliable and stronger drill in hand to overcome the challenges to complete an electric project efficiently. Getting the best drill for electricians can be a handy solution to such a situation. However, the journey of choosing the right drill for electricians can be trickier. This is the area in which we worked.
An electrician’s responsibilities are varied, as he must deal with a variety of challenges, such as installing various types of boxes, drilling holes, and mounting fasteners to secure conduits on walls or plywood. Therefore, an electrician should collect such power drills that can handle those challenging demands.
Electrician’s pick: Top 5 Best Drill for Electricians
While some drills offer extreme power, some are ideal for flexible tasks. You may even find a drill suitable for a solid surface. Apart from the specific requirements, an electrician should pick a drill that is ergonomic and effortless to use. LED lighting, warranties, and cost-effectiveness are not all avoidable features.
Luckily, we have made a list of power drills that covers all the specifications required for an electrician. Moreover, the reader will have an informed buying guide and step-by-step instructions so the he can drill a hole through the wall properly. So let’s read the guide completely and get close to the best drill as well as a healthy electrician career.
Top Pick Electricians Drill
DEWALT: Best Cordless Drill for Electricians
- It’s a lightweight and compact drill that is suitable for working in tight areas.
- It has a single-sleeve ratcheting chuck that provides a good amount of gripping power.
- A combination of an ergonomic handle and 3 LED lights will deliver comfortable control over the drill and dark spaces.
This DEWALT Cordless Drill is our top pick and is ideal for a professional electrician. in a pack of accessories, This cordless drill combo kit is available at a decent price while being covered with lots of handy features. The electrician will be able to reach the 1500 RPM required for the extreme project by using the 2-speed transmission. high-performance motor, compact and lightweight design, ergonomic handle, and the 3 LED light ring, this power drill has all the qualities needed to be the best cordless drill for electricians.
Though this cordless drill is available at an affordable price, the cost will increase, while the electrician will need to buy the battery separately and it does not offer 20v max power.
- This user-friendly cordless drill is suitable for a wide range of electrical applications while coming with plenty of useful features. With higher RPM, max power motor, durable design, this power drill will offer reliable service. It also comes with a 3-year warranty.
- This drill doesn’t include a battery and doesn’t have a variable speed setting
Best Corded
PORTER-CABLE: Best Corded Drill for Electricians
- With a variable speed trigger ranging from 0 to 2500 RPM, this corded drill is ideal for professional-level drilling and driving.
- It has a lock-on button for added security and easier control over time.
- The high-torque gear design makes this drill suitable for a pilot hole, metal and wood fabrication and drilling in deck building.
An electrician who mostly works on a large project or needs a power drill for drilling consistently with a higher power should buy this PORTER-CABLE Corded Drill. Designed with a 6.5-Amp powerful motor, this tool will be the best-corded drill for electricians for any demanding applications. A 3/8-inch keyless chuck is an impressive feature that will allow for quick and easy bit changes while increasing work speed. Furthermore, it is a low-cost corded drill for electricians with a 3-year warranty and 1-year free service. You can drill straight holes through this drill and you don’t need an expensive drill press for metals.
The downside of this electrician’s drill is that it produces a bit of noise and there is a complaint that its chuck gets lost sometimes.
- This affordable corded drill includes a powerful motor with a keyless, mostly compatible chuck. It is safe and convenient due to its variable speed trigger and lock-on button.
- This power drill produces a bit of noise and the grip is quite low.
Best Overall
TECCPO: Cordless Drill for Electricians
- This best cordless drill for electricians includes a 1/2″ key-less ratcheting chuck that is durable and compatible with a great accessory.
- Design with F/R button and variable speed trigger for convenient and quality drilling and fastening
- This best electrician drill has a rubber over-mold handle as well as a trigger-activated LED light to provide maximum comfort and illumination of the work area.
If you are a busy electrician who needs something more portable, you can try this TECCPO Cordless Drill. It’s a lightweight cordless drill that includes two powerful batteries to ensure a longer run time. So, it will let the electrician handle the different applications on various job sites without worrying about the power source. However, this cordless electrician drill costs a relatively higher price, but its quality features like 1/2″ Metal Keyless Chuck, higher RPM RPM Variable Speed, and 24+1 Torque Setting make it worthy of every penny.
Despite the higher budget, the chuck of this drill doesn’t stay locked. As a result, the bit may remain locked.
- With a two-speed transmission that can reach 1700 RPM, two 20V 2000 mAh Lithium-Ion batteries, a 1/2″ key-less ratcheting chuck, and an ergonomic design, this cordless drill is ideal for handling heavy-duty electric projects.
- This electrician’s drill is pricey, and the chuck is a tad inconvenient.
Best Hammer
Makita: Best Cordless Hammer Drill for Electricians
- Designed with variable 2-speed transmission, this cordless hammer drill will be suitable for a variety of tasks.
- It has a powerful brushless motor for increased power and speed over a longer period.
- This electrician’s hammer drill features a 3-stage LED gauge and an ergonomic design for a comfortable, tough surface drilling season.
An electrician may need to drill into tough metal, concrete, or masonry as part of a variety of tasks, and using a hand tool or a standard power drill can be intimidating. If you find yourself in this situation frequently, use this Makita XPH07Z Cordless Hammer Driver-Drill to get a satisfactory result. This cordless hammer drill has a powerful Brushless motor and can deliver up to 1,090. lbs. of Max Torque, making it ideal for drilling and driving into solid materials.
However, it’s a pretty good quality hammer drill for an electrician, but the user may need to re-tighten the chuck more often. Besides, it doesn’t come with a battery.
- With improved durability and strength, this cordless hammer drill will be a suitable option for drilling on a tough surface for a long time. Besides, it includes a side clip and the L.E.D. the gauge indicates the ease of use.
- The chuck of this hammer drill is of average quality.
Right Angle
BOSCH: Best Right Angle Drill for Electricians
- Design with 3/8-Inch auto-lock chuck for quickest and easiest bit replacement
- It comes with super hard titanium-coated bits for working with the toughest materials.
- This best right-angle drill comes with a 5-position pivoting head for improved versatility in tight areas.
This BOSCH Right Angle Drill will be an effective solution for an electrician when drilling in tight spaces. Designed with a 12V powerful motor, this lightweight right-angle drill will offer 1,300 RPM with 115 in-lbs. max torque, making it the best right angle drill for electricians and HVAC contractors.
An impressive feature includes a 5-position pivoting head that can articulate from 90-degrees to 180-degrees, resulting in being able to handle any tight areas of drilling and driving. The downside of this right-angle drill is that it doesn’t have a torque adjustment.
- It’s a powerful right-angle drill that has higher torque and a greater RPM. Besides, it’s a versatile and convenient drill that is ideal for drilling in tight spaces.
- It is more difficult to install a battery in the drill, and there is no torque adjustment.
Benefits of using Drills for Electricians
Because of this, having a power drill in an electrician’s toolbox may have several advantages. Some of the key benefits are:
Easy to use: The power drill has a lightweight design that makes it simple to use. Different types of drills are available for electric trials that carry certain advantages. While a right-angle electrician’s drill allows him to work in a tight space, a cordless drill is convenient to carry without considering a power outlet. Moreover, a corded drill promises extreme power and a design to deal with a tough job.
Make Things Faster And More Efficient: Apart from the drill, using any type of power tool boosts productivity. The best electrician’s drill includes an ergonomic handle and is designed in such a way that it ensures a faster job without causing fatigue. Plus, some drills include keyless chucks and LED lights to ensure consistent drilling, even in a dark spot.
Worthy investment: Though power drills cost, some are made of quality material with maintaining standard quality. Providing long-lasting comfy service will be a beneficial investment once again ensuring a faster job than a hand tool.
Buying guides to pick the Best Drill for Electrician
Corded vs cordless
While corded drills run through power received from electric outlets, cordless drills use rechargeable batteries. Among these two, the corded one will be suitable for a consistent drilling job and the cordless one will let you drill through a different place without considering the power source.
Power
If you need extreme power to complete the electrical project, then pick a corded drill. A cordless drill, on the other hand, can generate more power for a shorter period, but its flexibility makes it more suitable for an electrician.
Drill size
Considering the drill size while buying it will keep you from experiencing hand fatigue. Choose a compact size drill that will not only let you drill continuously but also store conveniently.
Chuck type
The keyless chuck is the most common type of chuck found in modern drills. While SDS chucks are ideal for hammer drills, hex is can only hold screwdriver bits. Moreover, to use a keyed chuck drill, you will need a key to tighten or loosen the bits, which takes time. Thus, an electrician’s drill with a keyless chuck will be convenient to use.
Speed and torque
The motor speed and torque are among key considerations since they control the drill’s overall performance. A drill with a variable speed setting will allow the electrician to adjust the speed and torque according to the project requirements. Torque is vital for drilling into solid wood and other dense materials, while speed is better for drilling into softer materials.
Clutch
It’s an adjustable dial that helps drill into the desired point comfortably. Moreover, it keeps the motor in good working condition and prevents the drill from stripping the screw.
Design
The best drill for electrician should be designed ergonomically. Its weight, handle and grip should be designed to be user-friendly, so the operator can use the drill comfortably for a long time. Check to see if the drill has a soft or rubberised grip, D-handles and if it is lightweight.
Lights
However, it’s a secondary consideration, but the feature will allow the electrician to work in a tight and dark space.
Extra features
Different drill brands offer different types of accessories depending on the budget. You may find a drill with bit holders, belt clips, or a carrying bag.
How to use a drill machine on the wall?
Drilling into the wall realizing the location of the studs and keep working without hitting any wire is a daunting task. But it can be easier following these steps:
The accessory requires:
- Drill bits
- A pencil,
- A hammer,
- A countersink,
- A drill,
- An anchor,
- And a hook or screw.
- A stud finder with a live wire detector
- And heavy-duty tape.
Choose the right drill bit
Picking the right drill bit for a certain job is essential. A drywall bit is suitable for drilling into plasterboard or sheet rock. But if you need to drill into quarry tiles, brick block stone, or concrete, don’t afraid to use a masonry bit. Besides a spur point bit is perfect for drilling through the wood while a tile bit more appropriate for tile or glass.
Fix the right spot before drilling
Don’t drill above or below any electric outlets including light switches. Moreover, keep the second floor’s electric outlets’ condition in mind while drilling on the first floor to avoid any damages. For example, if there is a light switch on the 2nd floor, don’t drill under it on the 1st floor as there may wiring goes down. To handle such a situation in a better way you can apply a stud finder with a live wire detector
Keep a safe distance from the drilling partition wall
Drill carefully into the bathroom wall or any wall around the bathroom as there is a potential of hitting and damaging the pipe.
Mark the spot
Mark the spot where you will drill using a pencil and use a hammer and countersink to make a notch of the hole. If it is glass or ceramic, make an X over the surface using tape.it will ensure chips and cracks free drilling.
Start drilling gently
Set the drill bit tip into the targeted spot and gently press the drill’s trigger. Don’t forget to keep the drill bit straight.
Slowly increase the speed
gradually raise the bit speed applying pressure. Once having the desired depth, lower the speed but don’t end up. Continue pressing the trigger and carefully pull the bit from the hole.
Complete the task
put an anchor into the hole if you want to and finish the task screwing in your hook. Now you can hang decorations on the wall.
Different types of drill bits for electricians
An electrician should be familiar with the various types of drill bits in addition to power drills. It will help him pick the most suitable drill bit for a certain job.
Twist Bits: A twist bit is the right drill bit for drilling into numerous materials if an electrician needs to drill a 1/2-inch or less diameter hole.
Spade Bits: It’s a budget-friendly drill bit that is also known as a paddle bit among electricians. Because of its shape, the paddle bit throws chips out and keeps the drilling spot clean. It’s the most appropriate drill bit for drilling into wood.
Auger Bits: This drill bit is similar to spade bits in appearance, but it is ideal for drilling deeper holes. Moreover, an electrician who wants to remove most of the chips from the drilling point can use this drill bit as its full-fluted design will let him do so. However, it is only compatible with a stronger drill but a useful tool for drilling over 3/4-inches deeper holes.
Step Bits: If you need something to drill into thinner metal, like sheet metal or breaker boxes, confidently use this step bit. It starts with a short pilot. This drill bit moves through a series of rising thicknesses and includes a flat flute with a bit shrinking at every step, making it ideal for drilling into thin metal. However, it is an expensive drill bit that cannot drill a hole with a diameter of 1/8′′.
Installer Drill Bit: It’s a specialised twist bit that is specially designed to install the wire for the security system. It can go up to 18 inches and can drill on a tough surface. This drill bit will be helpful for an electrician to drill through the wall, floor, or other surfaces.
Countersink Drill Bit: This drill bit is also suitable for drilling into wood and is known as the screw pilot bit. If an electrician needs to fix a plug over the fastener head or drill a pilot’s countersink holes, they can use this drill bit.
FAQs on Best drill for electricians
What is the best cordless drill for electricians?
A lightweight drill that runs through a powerful rechargeable battery, rather than getting power from the outlet, will be ideal for electricians. Furthermore, it should have a powerful motor, the desired RPM, and be compact and ergonomic in design. For example,
What power tools do electricians use?
The toolbox of an electrician can differ considering their project type. These necessary tools make their jobs safer and easier to complete. The following electricians must be on a shortlist of the most commonly used:
Power drill
10.8V Circular Saw
Cross Line Laser
Multi-Functional Tester
Oscillating Multi-Tool
Side Cutters/Pliers
Wire Strippers
Electrical Wall Chaser
Insulated Screwdrivers
Approved Voltage Indicator (AVI) device
Do electricians use hammer drills?
A hammer drill is among the most used power tools often needed by an electrician. Electricians use hammer drills for various tasks, including making holes for installing boxes or wall-mounted devices. Furthermore, they use a hammer to drill pilot holes for securing conduits or routing them to masonry walls. Besides, an electrician may need to use a hammer drill to drill an anchor into concrete, stone, or other tough materials.
When do electricians use right-angle drills?
To complete their project, the electrician had to drill in a variety of locations, including a tight space. Drilling at a tight pace is a nightmare and this is the area where they use the right angle drills. This drill design, in particular, has a 90-degree drilling head, which makes working in such an extreme space much easier. Besides, they come with a shorter handle to allow them to drill into the corner more efficiently.
An electrician should have these drills
In the end, we have reviewed some of the best drills for electricians available on the market. Keeping all the product specifications as well as the informed buying guide in mind, an electrician can end up the journey of choosing the right drill confidently. Furthermore, all of the electricians offer free shipping and dependable customer service, and some offer up to three warranties. So, pick the most desired drill that best meets your specific needs.
