A drill is the first power tool most workshops buy — but picking the wrong one wastes money and slows you down. This guide breaks down how to choose the right drill for your work, whether you're a carpenter, a contractor, or fitting out a home workshop.
1. Know the main drill types
- Drill / driver — everyday drilling and driving screws in wood, metal and plastic.
- Hammer drill — adds a hammering action for masonry, brick and concrete. See our hammer drills.
- Rotary hammer (SDS) — heavy concrete drilling and light chiselling for construction work.
2. Check the chuck size
The chuck holds the bit. A 10 mm chuck suits light work; 13 mm handles larger bits and tougher materials. Match your drill bits to the chuck and the material.
3. Power, speed and torque
For corded drills, look at wattage (more watts = more sustained power). For cordless, voltage (12V, 18V, 20V) signals power, while torque settings let you drive screws without stripping them. Variable speed gives you control on delicate work.
4. Corded or cordless?
Corded drills give constant power for long jobs; cordless drills win on portability. We compare them in detail in our corded vs cordless guide.
5. Match the drill to your trade
Carpenters and home users do well with an 18–20V cordless drill/driver. Contractors drilling concrete need a hammer drill or SDS rotary hammer. Browse the full range in power tools.
Bottom line: buy for the material you drill most. A quality 13 mm drill with variable speed covers the majority of jobs — and at El Rayes you get genuine tools, warranty, and cash-on-delivery across Egypt.