Drills

Drills are fundamental power tools in industrial settings, engineered for the precise creation of holes and the driving of fasteners. Essential for assembly, fabrication, maintenance, and construction, the modern drill encompasses a diverse range of specialised types, from high-torque cordless models to heavy-duty magnetic and SDS drills.

The proper selection of a drilling solution is critical and must be based on a technical assessment of the material, application, and required performance. This ensures not only operational efficiency and precision but also adherence to safety protocols in demanding professional environments.

Types of Drills

The selection of a drill is dictated by the specific application, material, and required performance characteristics. Each type possesses a unique mechanism and feature set designed to optimise efficiency and precision for a defined range of tasks. Understanding the distinction between these variants is critical for procurement and effective deployment in an industrial environment.

Drill Drivers

Drill drivers are engineered for fundamental hole-drilling and screw-driving tasks. They feature an adjustable clutch that disengages the drive shaft at a preset torque, preventing over-tightening of fasteners and protecting the workpiece from damage. This precise torque control makes them indispensable for delicate assembly work where consistency is critical, particularly in materials like wood, metal, and composites.

Combi Drills

Combi drills, or combination drills, integrate the functions of a drill driver with a hammer action setting. This dual capability allows them to perform standard drilling and driving, as well as light-duty hammer drilling into masonry. The hammer mechanism imparts a series of rapid, short impact blows to the drill bit, enabling efficient penetration of brick and blockwork, making it a versatile tool for multi-trade applications.

Impact Drills and Drivers

Impact drills and drivers are power drills that are designed to deliver high rotational torque with minimal user effort. They employ an internal hammer-and-anvil mechanism that produces powerful, concussive rotational blows (impacts) in the direction of rotation. This design excels at driving long or large-diameter fasteners into dense materials and loosening stubborn bolts that would stall a conventional drill driver.

Hammer Drills

Hammer drills are specialised for drilling into hard, brittle materials like concrete, stone, and masonry. They combine the rotational action of a standard drill with a percussive hammer action that pulverises the material directly in front of the drill bit. Unlike the rotational impacts of an impact driver, this hammer action is linear, delivering force directly into the drilling surface for aggressive material removal.

SDS Drills

SDS (Slotted Drive System) drills represent a more advanced and robust form of hammer drill, featuring a specialised chuck and bit system. The SDS chuck allows the drill bit to move linearly, driven by the tool's piston mechanism, independent of the chuck's rotation. This results in significantly more efficient hammer action, superior energy transfer, and enhanced performance in demanding concrete and masonry applications.

Angle Drills

Angle drills are configured with the chuck mounted at a right angle to the main body of the tool. This specific design grants access to confined spaces where a conventional straight drill cannot fit, such as drilling between floor joists, inside cabinetry, or within complex machinery assemblies. They are essential problem-solvers for installations and maintenance in tight quarters.

Magnetic Drills

Magnetic drills are portable drilling machines equipped with a powerful electromagnetic base. This base secures the drill directly onto a ferrous metal surface, such as structural steel beams or plates, providing a highly stable platform for precise, high-torque drilling. They are indispensable in steel fabrication, bridge construction, and shipbuilding, where drilling accurate, large-diameter holes in situ is required.

Industrial Applications of Drills

The application of drills spans nearly every industrial sector, with specific types being deployed to meet the unique challenges of each environment. Proper tool selection is paramount for achieving specified tolerances, ensuring structural integrity, and maximising operational uptime.

Construction & Masonry

In construction, hammer and SDS drills are critical for creating anchor holes for rebar, setting concrete anchors, and coring for utility pass-throughs. Their high-impact energy and robust design are essential for efficiently penetrating reinforced concrete, brick, and blockwork.

Electrical & Plumbing Installations

Technicians rely on a range of electric drills for conduit and pipe installation. Angle drills are used to bore holes through studs and joists in confined wall and ceiling cavities, while drill drivers are used for mounting junction boxes, brackets, and fixtures with precision.

HVAC & Facility Maintenance

HVAC installations demand powerful drills for securing ductwork hangers, mounting air handling units, and general facility upkeep. Combi drills offer the versatility needed for drilling into mixed materials, from steel trunking to concrete walls, while impact drivers speed up assembly and disassembly tasks.

Metal Fabrication & Welding Shops

Precision is key in metal fabrication, where drills are used to create holes for bolts, rivets, and other fasteners. Magnetic drills provide the stability needed to drill accurate holes in large steel plates and structural components, while high-torque drill drivers are used for tapping threads.

Furniture Manufacturing & Carpentry

In woodworking and furniture production, drill drivers are essential for creating clean pilot holes and driving screws without damaging the material. The fine-tuned clutch control prevents over-driving fasteners and ensures consistent assembly quality for high-end joinery and cabinetry.

Automotive & Aerospace Maintenance

Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) in these sectors require compact, powerful, and precise drilling tools. High-torque cordless drills and impact drivers are used for component disassembly and reassembly, while specialised angle drills provide access to tight engine bays and airframe structures.

How to Choose the Right Drill

No matter if you are selecting an electric drill or cordless drill, keep in mind these key factors:

• Power Source: Corded drills deliver consistent power for heavy-duty tasks, while cordless drills provide portability and convenience. The battery technology (Li-ion preferred) affects runtime and charging speed.
• Torque and Speed: Higher torque is needed for dense materials and large fasteners. Variable speed controls provide precision for delicate tasks.
• Chuck Type and Size: Keyless chucks enable quick bit changes; SDS chucks provide superior hammer action for masonry drilling. Common chuck sizes range from 3/8" to 1/2".
• Ergonomics and Weight: A comfortable grip and balanced weight reduce operator fatigue during extended use.

The Leading Supplier and Distributor of Drills in Singapore

RS is your trusted partner for buying professional-grade drills in Singapore. Our comprehensive inventory features products from globally recognised manufacturers such as DeWalt, Bosch, and FEIN. We provide a vast selection of drill types and power ratings at competitive price points, ensuring you can procure the ideal drill for any industrial requirement.

To fully support your operations, we also supply a wide array of essential power tool accessories, including high-performance drill bit sets, socket head cap screws, and sanding blocks. Order your cordless drill drivers, heavy-duty SDS drills, handheld drills, and other power tools online with confidence today. For complete information on our ordering system and delivery services, please visit our dedicated delivery page.