24V Combi Drills
Torque control
The torque control ring sets the point at which the clutch in the machine disengages from the motor. It is used for screwdriving so that you do not drive your screws too deep. There are usually around 20 settings. The torque ring may also incorporate the hammer and drilling settings, or there may be a separate ring for these. SDS drills do not have this feature, so screwdriving can be more difficult.
Gearbox
There should be at least a two-speed gearbox for maximum versatility. Use the higher speed for smaller diameter bits and softer materials and the slower speed for large bits and screwdriving.
Batteries and chargers
These vary from tool to tool, but you should expect a pair of batteries with a combi drill and a one hour charger.
Side handle
With tools this powerful a side handle is a necessity. You need to keep a firm grip on the tool especially when using large flat bits in timber. Should the bit jam in the timber, the torque produced by the tool can cause it to twist out of your hands possibly causing injury.
Depth Stop
This is often incorporated into the side handle to help you drill to a consistent depth. Particularly useful when masonry drilling for wall plugs.
Chuck
There are various designs of chuck, but generally cordless tools use keyless chucks now. The majority can be tightened with one hand and are strong and reliable. Chucks need to be treated with a certain amount of care, as if they get dir t inside they can jam and are often extremely difficult to release.
As always treat your tools with respect...
• Wear safety glasses when drilling stone or masonry
• Keep chargers dry and never use batteries that are damaged or cracked
• Keep your bits sharp

Power: 24V 2.4Ah NiMH
Max drilling capacities:
Wood: 25mm
Steel: 12mm
Concrete: 16mm
Weight: 3.0kg
Pros: Price
Cons: Performance
Axminster: 0800 371822
www.axminster.co.uk
In use the Axminster was a little disappointing. Under load the battery power dropped significantly, though it did recover. Also the casing is not as robust as it might be and it could be felt twisting in the hand.
Summary: Considering the price, this is quite a lot of drill for the money, however its performance is not really comparable to the other machines here. Okay for the occasional user.


Milwaukee complete with belt clip
Power: 28V 3Ah Li-ion
Max drilling capacities:
Wood: 65mm
Steel: 16mm
Concrete: 20mm
Weight: 3.1kg
Pros: Power, performance, good design, robust
Cons: Price
Milwaukee: 01442 258346
www.milwaukee-et.com

The V28PD is certainly a machine built for the professional. It’s supplied with a case, a pair of batteries, a one hour charger, a side handle and a rather clever belt clip with a quick release attachment. However make sure that your belt is secure, otherwise your trousers might end up round your ankles.
A twenty position torque ring is fitted along with a secondary ring to select the hammer or drilling settings. A Rohm one-handed chuck is supplied and there is a two speed gearbox with an 1800rpm top speed. The main handle is comfortably shaped and rubber padded on both sides. There is storage space for two double-ended screwdriver bits on the body and on the left hand side is the bracket for the belt clip. The battery slides onto the base of the tool and may be inserted from the front or the rear that both alters the balance of the tool and can improve access for certain jobs. There’s an LED charge indicator on the front of the battery.
Summary: A tireless performer. The enormous battery seems to provide limitless power and copes with any job. It’s also a comfortable, though heavy, tool to use. Overall, a spectacular machine.

Power: 24V 2Ah NiCd
Max drilling capacities:
Wood: 40mm
Steel: 13mm
Concrete: 16mm
Weight: 2.72kg
Pros: Price, features
Cons: Nothing major
Screwfix Direct: 0500 414141
www.screwfix.com

In use the Erbauer is impressive. It powers through hard material with little difficulty and is generally comfortable to use, though it has rather a short side handle, which those with large hands might find uncomfortable.
Summary: The whole machine feels robust and reliable. It’s supplied with a two-year guarantee and its price certainly makes it an attractive proposition.


Fitting the keyless chuck
Power: 24V 2Ah NiCd
Max drilling capacities:
Wood: 20mm
Steel: 13mm
Concrete: 20mm
Weight: 4.0kg
Pros: Simple design, comfortable powerful performer, realistic price
Cons: Care needed when screwdriving
Toolbank: 0845 658 0357
www.toolbank.com
Summary: The Ryobi is a pleasure to use. It’s comfortable to hold and powers its way through concrete without pause. Screwdriving performance is good too, though it’s best suited to putting large screws into hard timber.

Power: 24V 3.3Ah NiMH
Max drilling capacities:
Wood: 38mm
Steel: 13mm
Concrete: 16mm
Weight: 3.5kg
Pros: Good all rounder, high build quality
Cons: Nothing major
Makita: 01908 211678
www.makitauk.com
In use the Makita is another tough performer. It doesn’t quite have the power of the Milwaukee, but is still a very competent machine. Personally I prefer it with the rather lighter 2Ah battery, though obviously the larger battery gives more power and greater run time.
Summary: Top quality machine that’s finished to very high standard that should satisfy the most discerning user.

Power: 24V 3.3Ah NiMH
Max drilling capacities:
Wood: 30mm
Steel: 13mm
Concrete: 20mm
Weight: 4.2kg
Power Tools UK: 01355 234 328
www.powertools.co.uk
The DeWalt is a compact and well balanced machine with a rubberised main handle on the rear and the battery pack attached in front of it. Because of its weight and size, the battery slides into place from the front and is securely locked in place. Above it is the selector switch that controls the hammer action. A secondary handle is mounted on the nose and this may be rotated around the body to suit both left and right handed users. A depth stop is also fitted. The large rubber power trigger is mounted in the main handle and controls the variable speed motor. Chargers themselves do not normally need much explanation, however the DeWalt is a somewhat unusual beast. Because batteries charge best between certain temperatures, the charger has a built in fan to cool hot batteries, and can also warm cold batteries. When the desired temperature is reached, charging starts. A battery will be fully charged in about 1hr. After the initial charging the charger switches into ‘refresh’ mode. This helps balance or equalise the charge in all the individual battery cells and consequently ensures that the battery is always working at full capacity.
Summary: Aimed at tradesmen who have to work in locations where power is either limited or inconvenient to use. Would benefit anyone who wants a powerful drill and no cable.
If you’re after a powerful and versatile tool, look no further than the Milwaukee. It does have the largest battery and the highest price however it does deliver the goods. The Makita is also an admirable tool, although not quite as powerful as the Milwaukee it is still an impressive and well made machine. For those on a tight budget, the Erbauer provides excellent value for money.
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