As technology has improved, 18 volt combi drills have become the standard for most manufacturers. With the latest low-weight batteries, an 18 volt drills offers the optimal balance of weight and power. However there’s a huge number drills out there so rather than trawling through every one we’d like to give you a heads up on what to look out for…
What’s the typical weight of an 18V combi drill?
The weight range in the 18 volt category is anything between 1.6kg– 2.7kg. The average is around 2.3kg and this applies to drills with Ni-CAD and Li-ion batteries whereas the Ni-MH models tend to be on the heavier side. The lightest 18V combi drill on the market is the impressive 1.5kg Bosch GSB18 18-2-LI a very versatile model that’s ideal for joiners, shopfitters and electricians whio are constantly alternating between drilling and driving. The lightest 18 volt Makita combri drill is the excellent Makita BHP456RFE which weighs just 1.6kg despite packing 50Nm or torque and 0-6000bpm. The lightest DeWalt we’ve reviewed is the DeWalt DCD785L2 at 1.88kg.
How much drilling power should I look for?
The main advantage of an 18 volt drill over a 12 or 14.4 volt machine is that the increased voltage supplied to the motor enables it to go faster and the more torque you apply to the motor, the more current it will draw – hence the stronger performance from the battery.
The drilling capacity of an 18v combi drill can be judged by a number of factors. Firstly, each manufacturer will usually show the diameter size screw holes the drill can put into masonry/concrete (via its hammer drilling function) and steel and wood (in standard mode). A typical performance for a newer, lithium-ion battery combi drill will be around 13mm into concrete, 13mm into steel and 38mm into wood. Another measure of performance is drilling speed (RPM). At the very top end you’ll find RPMs of 0-6000 on high, whilst on average you’ll get 0-1700 RPM.
Similarly, on hammer mode a top drill will deliver up to 29,000 Blows per Minute (BPM) whereas an average drill will deliver only 4000 BPM.
What levels of torque do I need from an 18V drill?
If want a combi drill for screwdriving as much as hard drilling then you can find 18 volt drills with up to 100Nm of torque – like this Metabo SB18LTX . The average for a good li-ion drill is around 40-50Nm and most tradesmen should find this is more than sufficient. To apply varying levels of torque you simply adjust the torque selector on the drill – a good machine will give you 18-22 settings.
Batteries
As we say in our main buyer’s guide http://www.combidrilldeals.co.uk/combi-drill-buyer’s-guide, don’t be fooled into cheap deals that give you the lowest rated batteries i.e. 1.3Ah Ni-CADS, unless you simply need your drill to take care of the less demanding tasks. If you’re paying over £200 expect at least two Lithium-ion batteries ideally 2.6Ah or 3.0Ah. Some of the Ni-MH powered 18V drills offer excellent value and performance but are generally heavier.
What other key features should I look out for?
- If you are paying good money for an 18 volt drill, look out for quality engineering – typically with all metal gearing and ideally a metal chuck.
- Different manufactures offer their own special touches such as Bosch’s Electronic Cell Protection which preserves battery life; Metabo’s impuls function which allows you to apply a gentle ‘pulse’ of torque when finishing sensitive screwdriving applications; and Makita’s Makstar battery charger which recharges batteries in just 22 minutes.
- Other nice-to-have features include bright LED work lights, a side handle, magnetic belt clips, toughened carry cases and, of course, any freebies that are thrown in such as drill bits and accessories sets.
Here are some of the best 18V combi drills out there…
Makita BHP456RFE
A premium option. Few 18 volt combi drills can match this Makita for its power-to-weight ratio. Amazingly compact for a drill that produces 50Nm of torque and can deliver tough hammer drilling.
Expect to pay…£300-£399
Batteries: 2 x 3.0Ah Li-ion
Drilling capacity: 13mm masonry, 13mm steel, 38mm wood
Max torque: 50Nm hard/36Nm soft
Weight: 1.6kg
Buying tip: make sure you choose the package with 2 x 3.0Ah batteries
Panasonic EY7950LR2S
Packed full of technology and built to withstand everything you can throw at it. Top quality batteries and a great spec, make this a powerful drill and driver
Expect to pay…£280-£350
Batteries: 2 x 3.3Ah Li-ion
Drilling capacity: 160-1650 RPM, 2880-29700 Bpm (high)
Max torque: Hard 54.0Nm, Soft 40Nm
Weight: 2.3kg
Buying tip: look out for Panasonic promotions for money off
DeWalt DCD785L2 XRP
For DeWalt fans – a great value, all-round performer
Expect to pay…£269-£330
Batteries: 2 x 2.6Ah Lio-on
Drilling capacity: 13mm concrete, 13mm in metal, 38mm in wood
Max torque: 35Nm hard
Weight: 1.88kg
Buying tip: now available with free 100 piece accessory set from some retailers
DeWalt DC100KA3-GB
Great value budget 18v Ni-CAD combi drill with 3 batteries
Expect to pay…£130-£230
Batteries: 3 x 1.3Ah Ni-CAD
Drilling capacity: 13mm concrete, 13mm in metal, 38mm in wood
Max torque: 44 Nm hard
Weight: 2.16 kg
Buying tip: better value than the DeWalt DC100KA-GB which features only 2 batteries
And finally, one of the best value Bosch drills…
Bosch GSB18VE2-LICP
Lightweight Bosch 18V drill. Compact design that delivers bags of power and torque
Expect to pay…£220-£299
Batteries: 2 x 1.3Ah Li-ion
Drilling capacity: 15mm masonry, 13mm steel, 45mm wood
Max torque: 80 Nm hard/32Nm soft
Weight: 1.9kg
Buying tip: ideal if you need regular bursts of power and torque throughout the day