Know your tools: The electric drill

Getting to know your way around the tools needed for a project is an important part of getting the job done, and every handyman (or woman) should get acquainted with some of the basics that are needed in a variety of DIY garden jobs and home renovation projects.

In this first part of our series on essential DIY tools, we look at the basics of using an electric drill.

An electric drill from Kennards Hire

If you don't know your way around a drill yet, this essential tool should be at the top of your list. It's a versatile tool that can help you frame a garden planter or break through a brick wall - it all depends on how you use it. The huge array of bits you can use, from spade bits to sheet metal and masonry drill bits, means you can tackle almost any job.

Cordless electric drills offer the most utility, as you can take them around with you without needing a power point or extension - but you'll need to keep it charged. They  are also very lightweight and provide excellent performance to weight ratios.

With most cordless models, the traditional chuck is replaced with a quick-grip variety. You hold your bit in place, secure the chuck in your hand, and pull the trigger to let the drill close the chuck using its own power. When you want to remove your drill bit, simply put it in reverse, hold onto the chuck and bit, and give the trigger a squeeze.

If you're securing an anchor into masonry, you can take advantage of the hammer feature available on many Kennards Hire electric drill options. With the appropriate hammer drill bit, you'll be able to fasten your project to thick slabs of concrete or brick facades. In fact, with an appropriate size hammer drill, some light demolition work isn't off the cards either.

If you are wanting more grunt out of your drill, chances are you'll have to hire a drill that plugs into an external battery or power outlet. If you're going whole hog and hiring a breaker for demolition, there are electric or petrol options available.

The most important thing to remember when using an electric drill is that safety is the number one priority. Not only is there a drill bit rotating at thousands of RPM, but there could be chips of brick, wood or steel flying around. Gloves, hearing and eye protection are all recommended, as well as a breathing apparatus or dust mask in some applications.