What is a Cordless Combi Drill?
Posted by Katy | Toolstop on 2nd Jan 2021
Combi drills are one of the most popular tools used both on the jobsite and around the home. In this Toolstop Guide, we will look at combi drills and explain what they are, what they do and why you should buy one. We will also talk you through some of the best cordless combi drills and explain how they are different to other drills.
Combi drills are one of the most popular tools used both on the jobsite and around the home. In this Toolstop Guide, we will look at combi drills and explain what they are, what they do and why you should buy one. We will also talk you through some of the best cordless combi drills and explain how they are different to other drills.
Knowing and understanding the differences between cordless combi drills and other types is important as knowing what each will allow you do makes sure you buy the right drill for your line of work.
In this Toolstop Guide, we’ll look at these and explain what they are, what they do and why you should own one.
What Makes a Combi Drill Different from a Drill Driver?
This is an important question to answer as it can be easy to get confused between the two different types.
A drill driver will drive screws and drill holes into hard or soft wood and plastic, laminates, etc. A combi-drill will do all of these applications as well as drill into masonry, concrete and steel.
If you need to drill into masonry or steel, you need a combi.
The reason they work on masonry and steel is due to the hammer function provided by the motor to the chuck. The chuck spins but impacts – or a hammering action – punch the bit backwards and forwards at very high speeds to “punch” into the material being drilled.
Are Hammer Drill Drivers the Same Thing?
This is where the matter can be a little confusing as some manufacturers label their combis with such terms as “drill driver with hammer function”.
But yes, a hammer drill driver is the same thing as a combi. You’re getting 3 modes: drilling, driving, and drilling with hammer action.
However, it isn’t the same thing as an impact driver. Again, this can be a little confusing at first, so we asked Eric from Bosch to explain the key differences, which you can watch below.
Could an impact driver be the right tool for you? Click here to read our guide on the matter.
What is it Used For and Why Should I Buy One?
Given what we’ve outlined above, if you need a drill driver that will also put holes in concrete or brick for 13mm fixings, then yes. If you need to drill holes in metal, yes, you need a combi. But which one is right for you?
As always, this will depend in part on brand loyalty and on the battery platform you’ve already invested in. If you have a stack of batteries from one brand, then opting for a body-only combi-drill will be the most cost effective way of adding one to your kit.
Other factors to consider include the build quality. Is the chuck metal or plastic? Is the motor brushless, ensuring longer runtimes, more power and durability.
What is the best combi drill? Well, click here to read our definitive guide to cordless drills.