How To Screen A Glaze with a Brush Head

February 16, 2022 Matt M-H

A flat drill brush attachment with a Ryobi bit holder/extender and a Dewalt Corded drill.

If you are mixing ceramic and pottery glazes from scratch, it’s always best to screen your glaze. This helps remove any lumps, granular material, and helps disperse materials that like to clump together.

The Dr. Brush Brill Brush comes with 3 brush heads and an extender.

There are specific tools for screening glaze, such as a manual Talisman Rotary Sieve. The Talisman Sieve is great, but it can be bulky and expensive ($200 or more). If you already own a power drill, another option is to get one or two bucket sieves along with a drill brush head.

But it can be a chore to push all the glaze through with a spatula or brush. That’s where a drill brush attachment can really speed things up.

A drill brush is a simple tool that will fit in just about any electric drill, and with a bit holder / extender, you have plenty of room to use with a bucket sieve.

The three brush heads and extender in the Dr. Brush package.

Dr. Brush Drill Brush Attachment

For this post, I tested a Dr. Brush Drill Brush attachment with an extender, which is available for $10 and also is called the Holikme 4Pack Drill Brush. The brush heads themselves are great—semi-stiff bristles in three sizes: flat small, flat large, and a rounded brush head.

The head of the extender broke immediately upon first use. If ordering the Dr. Brush, you should plan to also get another bit extender.

As good as the brush heads were, unfortunately the extender on this set broke immediately upon first use. I happened to have another bit holder so I popped that on and I was good to go.

Once I had the brush head attached to my drill, it was a speedy process to quickly move the glaze through the screen. I’m not sure why I spent so many years with a spatula, when a drill brush is so much faster.

After use, the drill brush was quick to clean up with water.

In the video below, you can see how fast the drill brush can help process a whole sieve-full of glaze. There’s a how to and more info below as well.

Shop Drill Brush Attachment at Amazon

How to Use a Drill Brush Head

Equipment needed:

Bucket Sieve (80 mesh recommended for glazes, 40 mesh can work as a prescreen. Available at specialty ceramic supply stores)
5 gallon Buckets
Drill (read our review of corded or cordless drills)
Brush Head
Optional: A bit holder / extender

Step 1

Mix your glaze. It’s best to mix all the dry ingredients first before adding to water. Some glaze ingredients (such as bentonite) like to clump together.

Step 2

Stir and mix glaze. A drill head can help

Step 3

Pour glaze into your bucket with the sieve. Put brush head on your drill and run gently against the screen.

Step 4

Repeat until all the glaze is sieved.

Shop Brush Head 4 Pack at Amazon

For more info:

Read our complete guide to mixing a ceramic glaze from scratch

Check out our guide to glaze mixing accessories

The Best Corded Drills for Art Studios and Workshops

June 9, 2020 Matt M-H

The Dewalt DWD 115 corded drill, 8.0 amp 3/8” variable speed with a keyless, metal chuck. Pictured here is a model from 2008 that is still going strong. The newest model, the DWD 115K, is almost exactly the same. It’s a classic.

A corded drill is always worth having in a studio or home workshop. They are powerful, durable, and affordable. The trade off is that you have to deal with a cord. But if you are working near a power source and don’t mind the cord, there is nothing better and more powerful. This post will review a few recommended drills, cover the advantages and disadvantages of a corded drill, and share some tips on how to use drills for mixing glazes and other studio tasks. If you are looking for a cordless drill, check out our review here.

TOP PICK: DeWalt DWD 115K 3/8” Variable Speed Drill

The DeWalt DWD 115K Drill is my top pick for a corded drill. It’s what I use — my DWD 115 from 2008 is still going strong after more than a decade of heavy use. The newest model, the 115K, is virtually unchanged from previous models. Why mess with a classic? The drill is on the heavy side, weighing just over 4 lbs, but it is solid, evenly balanced, has a ton of torque, and will do almost everything you need it to do in a very affordable package. It’s especially great for drilling and using with mixing blades. It’s not a contractor-grade jobsite drill, but for the rest of us, this is the best corded drill. A full review of this drill is below

Shop DeWalt 115K Drill at Amazon

Shop Dewalt Drill at Home Depot

Top Pick: DeWalt DWD 115K 3/8” Drill
Runner Up: Metabo HPT 3/8” Drill
Third Pick: Bosch 3/8” Drill
Other Corded Drill Options
Favorite Mixing Blades and Drill Accessories
Corded vs Cordless Drills: Advantages and Disadvantages
Background and Research
Summary

Top Pick: DeWalt DWD 115K 3/8” Drill

The DeWalt DWD 115K 3/8” Drill with variable speed and keyless chuck.

The DeWalt DWD115k 3/8” Drill is my top pick for a corded drill and it’s far and away the best drill in this category and price among any brand. It is durable, powerful, and affordable. I’ve used a DWD115 model for more than a decade, and it is held up under heavy use. I expect my drill to last for decades longer! The DeWalt 115 model is a classic and the newest model is little changed. The 115K is not a lightweight drill, weighing 4.1 lbs, but it feels evenly balanced and despite the weight is comfortable to use. It has a convenient flip-switch right above the pistol-trigger, to toggle between forward and reverse without moving your hand. It has a well-built keyless metal chuck, but there is a model with a keyed chuck, if that is your preference.

My drill: a DeWalt 115 Drill that is still looking good after more than a decade of use. This model of drill is a classic.

The drill doesn’t come with a very long cord, so you’ll most likely need a quality extension cord to put this into use. You’ll also need to get drill bits and mixer blades, which are covered farther down in this post.

I used to work in a busy academic studio where one of these DeWalt drills was used for mixing glazes. The DeWalt endured all sorts of misuse at the hands of the students (glaze splashes, dirty hands, etc.) and it kept going strong.

If a corded drill is what you need, this is the drill to get. It is tough, powerful, and well-built. If it’s maintained, it might be the only corded drill you ever buy.

Shop DeWalt 115K Drill at Amazon

Shop Dewalt Drill at Home Depot

Second Pick: Metabo HPT 3/8” Drill

The DeWalt DWD115K is such a leader in this category that it’s hard to recommend other drills. But the Metabo HPT 3/8” Drill is a distant second.

Metabo is a rebranded version of Hitachi Power Tools (hence, the HPT in the name) and it has many great features: an all-metal keyless chuck, decent amount of power, good ergonomics, and an affordable price of around $50. You can definitely get a lot more features if you step up to a 1/2” drill and are willing to spend $100 or more, but this drill is a good compromise.

Close up of the variable-speed dial on the trigger. It’s a funky, awkward design.

Hitachi made quality, long-lasting tools and the rebranded Metabo should be the same. But it’s just been since the Fall of 2018 that the Metabo rebrand took place so the jury may still be out on what changes, if any, happened with the name change.

Compared to the top pick, you get a similar all-metal keyless chuck, almost as much power (7.0 amps as opposed to 8.0) and a drill that is 1 pound lighter, at just over 3 lbs. I will happily trade a bit of power for a lighter drill that is comfortable to use over time.

The trade off comes in the trigger. It’s got a variable-speed dial built right into the trigger, which is a very funky design. And flipping between forward and reverse is not as easy with just one hand as the on the DeWalt.

This drill will run you about $15-20 less than the DeWalt and occasionally, Amazon has refurbished or “renewed” versions of this drill for $25. You can’t beat that for a decent drill, and if money is the bottom line, this is a good drill.

Shop Metabo Drill at Amazon

Shop Metabo Drill at Lowes

Third Pick: Bosch 1006VSR 3/8” Drill

The third pick is the Bosch 1006VSR 3/8” variable-speed, corded drill. Bosch makes high-quality, well-respected products and this is a good drill. It’s just not as good as our top pick, but it’s also $10-15 cheaper. Rather than an all-metal chuck, it has a metal chuck with a plastic collar. In my experience, these plastic collars or plastic chucks just don’t stand the test of time but when I make this consideration I’m thinking about heavy use over 5 or 10 years in a communal studio, where the drill is getting used on an hourly basis for mixing glazes. Your use may vary.

Aside from the partially-plastic chuck, this drill has 6.3 amps (as opposed to 8 on the DeWalt), has a large, two-finger trigger, and a button to switch between forward and reverse. The button is not as ergonomic as the DeWalt, but it does stay locked in place.

The drill weighs 4 lbs, about the same as the DeWalt but 1 lb more than the Metabo. Aside from that, it’s a standard, well-built drill that should handle most things needed in a studio or at home.

As stated before, the DeWalt is the clear market leader for this type of drill. But if I was choosing between the second pick and the Bosch, I would evaluate my trust in the Bosch name, how I felt about an all-metal chuck versus this plastic-collar chuck, and the difference in the weight of the drills. The Bosch was almost my second pick but I don’t have as much confidence in the chuck.

Shop Bosch 3/8" Drill on Amazon

Shop Bosch Drill at Home Depot

Other Corded Drill Options

As with any electronic tool or gadget, there’s an innumerable amount of options and designs from both name-brand and generic makers. Hopefully the three drills above will give you a starting point. But there are some other drills to consider, which I’ll cover briefly.

The first drill I ever bought was a Craftsman, and the Craftsman 7 amp 3/8” drill is very similar to the model I had and used for almost 10 years. Generally, I’m a fan of Craftsman products (Must be all those years of hanging out in my grandfather’s woodshop with his Craftsman tools) and this drill is ok. But with a plastic chuck? I don’t know. It does have a toggle forward/reverse switch like the DeWalt, and a “lock on” switch for continuous use. But it’s just not as good as our top picks.

The Porter Cable 6-amp, 3/8” drill looks quite similar to the Craftsman model in make and build, including a plastic chuck and a toggle forward/reverse switch, and the “lock on” button on the handle. It’s another old-school brand that I want to trust, but a drill like this makes me wonder if it is coasting on its history and basically rebranding a generic drill.

The Black and Decker 6 amp 3/8” Drill is in many ways similar to the drills above, but it has a plastic chuck. Online reviewers noted that there was some “play” in the chuck if they didn’t get the bit set just right. I mention this drill here as a comparison. Generally, I don’t ever buy Black and Decker tools as I find that they are cheaply made and do not last over the long haul.

More Powerful / Larger Drills

So far, every drill I’ve mentioned has a 3/8” opening in the chuck. If you want a step up in power or size, there are some great 1/2” models that don’t cost too much more than our top pick.

Dewalt has a 7.8 amp, 1/2” drill with a keyed chuck that runs about $100, or a more powerful 10 amp, 1/2” drill for about $120. These are both great drills with the same level of DeWalt quality throughout.

Milwaukee also has an 8 amp 1/2” drill with a keyed chuck for around $120 that is well built, powerful, and long lasting.

If you are really having a hard time deciding what kind of drill you need, the best thing is to go to a store and handle them and see what feels good to you. If the store will let you try drilling something, then you’ll really know what is the best drill for you.

Mixing Blades and Accessories for Your Drill

With your drill, you’ll need bits, screws, and mixer blades to put it to work. Here’s what I recommend:

DRILL BITS AND SCREWS

Any quality brand of screws and drill bits should get the job done. But just like drills, there are tons of options out there. Your local hardware store might be the easiest way to see what you need in person, but for shopping online, here are some links:

Drill bits: This basic 14-piece set from DeWalt is a great place to start.

Screwdriver set and bits: This set from DeWalt covers all the basics.

Hollow Core Diamond Drill Bits from Neiko

DIAMOND BITS

Diamond bits really help if you are working with glass, tile, hard plastic, or ceramic. For glazed ceramics, diamond bits are your only option for cleanly drilling a hole.

This 5 piece set of diamond-dusted, hollow core bits from Neiko has decent quality despite being less than $10. It will cut holes right through bisqueware (make sure to do it under running water) and it will also work on glazed ware. Just be slow and steady when using these on glazed ware, and use proper protection such as goggles.

Shop Neiko Bits at Amazon

SMALL MIXER BLADE

To mix pint jars and small cups, the Jiffy LM10 Mixer Blade is just the right size. It’s 10 1/4” long with a 1 1/4” head.

Shop Jiffy Small Mixer Blade at Amazon

Helix mixer blade for 1 to 2 gallon buckets

MEDIUM MIXER BLADE

For one to two gallons, I prefer a helix mixer designed for 1 gallon buckets. It’s cheaper than a metal blade but it can really mix. As long as you don’t grind the plastic blades against buckets, these economical blades should last for years and also work well for jobs such as mixing plaster.

Shop Helix Mixer Blade at Amazon

LARGE MIXER BLADE

For 5 or 10 gallon buckets, the Jiffy ES mixer blade is the way to go. It has a 20 1/2” long, 3/8” shaft and the head is 3 3/4” wide.

Shop Jiffy ES Mixer Blade at Amazon

Corded vs. Cordless Drills

A corded and cordless drill each have their advantages and disadvantages. I like to have both but most people get by with just one drill. If you are looking for a cordless drill, check out our cordless drill recommendations here. Here’s some things to consider when choosing a drill:

Advantages of a Corded Drill

Affordable: Cheaper and more powerful than a cordless drill.
More power: You’ll get a stronger motor and heavier build quality on a corded drill than a cordless drill at similar prices.
Instant torque: You don’t have to wait for a corded drill to get up to speed.
No stopping to change or recharge batteries.
No future expense of replacing batteries as they wear out.
Less wasteful: A corded drill won’t result in worn-out batteries that need to be recycled or disposed.

Disadvantages of a Corded Drill

A corded drill limits you to being plugged in to a power source or working with an extension cord.
Usually Heavier: The extra weight may not work for everyone. I’m thinking of shared ceramic studios with students of all ages. A lighter cordless drill is more accommodating for all.
For certain projects, such as drilling screws, corded drills are almost too powerful. Crazy, huh? Cordless drills are generally weaker and you’re not as likely to over-torque or damage screws, etc. A gentle touch on any corded, variable-speed drill should work, but if you have a heavy trigger finger, get a less powerful drill. Or — this is another reason to have both types of drill. A corded drill is great for drilling and using with mixing blades, while a weaker cordless drill is perfect for driving screws.

Considerations for all drills

Keyless or keyed chucks? Generally, a keyed chuck can be locked in super tight, but you’ll need to use (and not lose) the key. Keyless chucks are more convenient but can wear out
How often do you use the drill? If it’s infrequent, you may find that a cordless drill always has a dead battery when you need to use it.

BACKGROUND

I have used tons of different drills over the years, and this review is based on that experience along with looking at many recent reviews of corded drill reviews and every other source I could find, include user reviews on Amazon and checking out models in person. In the studio, I like to use the best tools at the lowest price. What that means in practice is I avoid the super-cheap brands such as Black and Decker, or Ryobi, and will generally choose the base models of top quality brands such as Milwaukee, Bosch, and DeWalt. I totally understand the need for a powerful, $200+ drill for a construction job site. But in my experience, the entry-level drills are powerful enough for most uses. They work for me and I think they’ll work for you too.

Wrap-Up

This post covered top picks for corded drills, as well as some useful tools and accessories. My top pick was the DeWalt DRD115K 3/8” drill. It’s a durable, powerful drill that is versatile, comfortable, and should work for most situations in a studio or home workshop. With this drill, I keep a variety of mixer blades, as well as drill bits, screwdriver bits, and hollow-core diamond bits.

A corded drill is a vital tool in the studio. What type of drill do you like to use? Let us know your favorite models and accessories in the comments.

Shop DeWalt 115K at Amazon

The Best Cordless Drills for Art Studios and Workshops

May 22, 2020 Matt M-H

The Milwaukee M12 3/8” Drill/Driver is our top pick. Pictured here with the complete 2407-22 Kit.

A good cordless drill is a must have in any studio. Between a corded and a cordless drill, I’ll always grab the cordless first. But with numerous options, it can be hard to know where to start in picking a drill. This post will review the best cordless drills for a ceramic or art studio, share my philosophy on how to shop for tools like this, and list a few favorite drill attachments for use in a ceramics studio.

TOP PICK: Milwaukee M12 3/8” Drill/Driver

Before jumping into the complete post, the top pick is the Milwaukee M12 3/8” Drill/Driver. It’s a compact, lightweight, and powerful drill that is not too expensive but has excellent build quality. It also has a comfortable grip and the M12 battery system makes it compatible with a huge variety of Milwaukee tools. It’s what I stock and use in my own studio, but the smaller size and light weight make this a drill that can be used by just about anybody.

Shop Milwaukee M12 At Amazon

Shop Milwaukee M12 Drill at Home Depot

Top Pick: Milwaukee M12 3/8” Drill
Runner up: Dewalt 12V Brushless 3/8” Drill
Third Pick: Bosch PS31 3/8” Drill or Bosch PS32 3/8” Brushless Drill
Other Drill Options
Favorite Mixer Blades and other attachments
Cordless vs. Corded Drills
Background and Research
Wrap-Up

Top Pick: Milwaukee M12 3/8” Drill/Driver

The Milwaukee M12 3/8” Drill/Driver is my top pick for a cordless drill, and it’s the drill that I use and stock in my studio. It’s compact and lightweight, but with enough power to really mix a 5 gallon bucket of glaze and just enough power to mix a 10 gallon bucket. The build quality is excellent, and it includes variable speeds, a battery charge light indicator, and the keyless chuck makes it easy to change bits as needed. I use a variety of mixer blades including an ES Jiffy Blade, and this drill can go slow enough to mix a pint jar and is powerful enough to mix 5 or 10 gallon buckets of glaze.

This is the drill that I have stocked in academic and community studios, which are used by scores of students weekly. This drill holds up under those intense conditions. In educational spaces, these tools get used hard and are often subject to misuse, such as splashes of glazes. So far, this drill has survived everything but if it was damaged beyond repair, the basic drill without a battery is especially affordable and would be easy to replace. You can buy just the bare drill with no battery for around $55. The 2407-22 Kit, which includes a drill, charging station, 2 batteries, and bag, costs around $115 at the time of this review. Without a battery, this drill weighs 2.1 lbs.

Additionally, the M12 battery makes this an attractive option if you wanted to use any of the other 100+ Milwaukee tools in the M12 System, such as a jig saw, circular saw, or compact leaf blower.

For extra batteries, definitely get the official Milwaukee brand batters, such as this extended capacity option. Speaking from experience, the generic batteries I tried were completely dead after about 12 months of use.

The drawbacks of this model would be the relative lack of power. It’s not a super-powerful drill, especially for something like a construction job site, but it has enough juice to mix up to 10 gallon buckets of glaze, which is everything I need and might cover your needs too. For an art studio, whether home or educational, this is a great compact drill that does a lot and will last for years. That it has all of this in one of the cheaper models is also the reason why it’s my top pick.

Milwaukee M12 3/8” Drill/Driver Kit

Shop Milwaukee M12 at Amazon

Shop Milwaukee M12 at home Depot

Runner Up: Dewalt 12V Brushless 3/8” Drill/Driver

The DeWalt DCD701F2 Xtreme 12V Max Brushless 3/8 in. Cordless Drill/Driver

This is a very compact, powerful drill that does cost more than the top pick but comes with a more powerful and responsive brushless motor. Dewalt tools are always great quality and this one is no exception. Other reviewers love this drill, such as the Wirecutter, which named this their top pick for a small household drill. (And if you’d like to read an explainer on brushless motors, check out this article from Popular Mechanics.)

This kit includes the drill, two batteries, charging station, and a bag. Without the battery, this drill weighs 1.9 lbs. The DeWalt 12V Max battery system includes a variety of tools, including other drills, lights, and sensors, but not as many options as the Milwaukee M12 system.

The flat-bottomed battery that comes with this drill also allows it to stand up. With the Milwaukee, you’d have to order the extended capacity battery for that feature.

DeWalt makes some other entry-level drills that are cheaper than this drill and seem suitable for a studio, but they have very mixed reviews. This model does cost more but the brushless motor should provide more torque and hopefully last longer. The compact size of this drill makes it an attractive option for any studio, as space is always at a premium.

In the end, you have to decide if the extra money for this drill is worth it. It’s a great option and one that I heartily recommend.

DeWalt DCD701F2 12V Brushless 3/8” Drill/Driver

Shop DeWalt Drill at Amazon

Shop Dewalt Drill at Home Depot

Third Pick: Bosch PS31 or PS32 3/8” Drill/Drivers

The third pick is two different Bosch drills that match many of the specifications of the top two picks. The cheaper PS31 model is similar to the Milwaukee M12, and the PS32 option has a brushless motor like the DeWalt. Both are great drills that will work well, depending on your needs and price range.

The Bosch PS31 3/8 Drill kit with drill, two batteries, charger, and case.

Bosch PS31 3/8” Drill/Driver

This compact drill is similar in many ways to the top pick with a 3/8” inch chuck, variable speeds, and the kit comes with two small batteries. Without a battery, the drill weighs 2.1 lbs. This drill was picked by the Wirecutter as the runner up for their best household drill, and it generally has favorable reviews on Amazon and other sites. Some complain about the ergonomics, however, and an uneven balance. But Bosch tools are generally high quality and this drill will do everything you need to do. This is a great drill, but I prefer the Milwaukee for the wider variety of tool options that comes with the M12 system.

Bosch PS31 3/8” Drill/Driver Kit

Shop Bosch PS31 at Amazon

Shop Bosch PS31 at Lowes

Bosch PS32 3/8” Drill/Driver with Brushless Motor

The Bosch PS32 3/8 Brushless Drill Driver kit. Note that the motor area is slightly larger than the Bosch PS31 but the two drills have about the same weight.

The PS32 has many of the same specs and design as the PS31 but is a stepped-up model with a brushless motor that should provide more torque and longer battery life. Head to head, it’s a very similar to the DeWalt drill mentioned above, so choosing this comes down to design and other features. Without a battery, the bare drill weighs 2 lbs and the kit comes with two batteries, charging station, and bag. Personally, I would go with the DeWalt for an entry-level brushless drill but many people love Bosch tools. This PS32 drill was named as a top pick recently by Consumer Reports. It’s not my top pick, but it will do the job for you. Bosch doesn’t have as many tools that use the same batteries in their product line, so if you were looking to start an expandable set of studio tools that utilize the same batteries, you’d want to consider other manufacturers such as DeWalt or Milwaukee.

Bosch PS32 3/8” Drill/Driver with Brushless Motor

Shop Bosch PS32 at Amazon

Shop Bosch PS32 at Lowes

Other Drill Options

The main thing I use drills for is mixing glazes. All the drills reviewed above will do a great job mixing 1 to 5 gallons of glaze, and they have enough power for a 10 gallon bucket of glaze. But if your studio is full of lots of 10 gallon buckets, you may want to get a more powerful cordless drill, or think about going with a corded drill. In general, these more powerful drills weigh more and the designs get more awkward. You’ll have to think through who is using your studio and if they are able to handle the size of the larger drills.

DeWalt 20V 1/2” Brushless Drill/Driver

For a more powerful cordless drill, the DeWalt 20V Max 1/2” Drill Driver Kit is really great. It’s a step up in power, and will accommodate larger mixing blades. It is quite a bit larger and heavier, weighing 3.4 lbs. This is 1.5 lbs heavier than the DeWalt model reviewed above, but with the heavier weight you will get a larger motor with more power. There’s even an option with bluetooth connectivity, which is mostly useful if you lose your drill or for jobsite inventory management.

Check DeWalt 20V Drill prices at Amazon

Milwaukee M18 1/2” Brushless Drill Driver

The Milwaukee M18 1/2” model is also another powerful cordless drill. The kit clocks in at a lower price than its competitors, but that’s because the kit has just has one battery! So if you go this route, definitely factor in the cost of an extra battery. Battery aside, you’ll get a great drill that packs a punch in a well-built design. Without a battery, this drill weighs 2.5lbs, which is just a half pound more than the M12 model. Milwaukee has been able to squeeze more torque and power into a drill without much added weight.

Milwaukee M18 1/2” Brushless Drill/Driver

Check Milwaukee M18 prices at Amazon

Mixing Blades and Accessories for Your Drill

With your drill, you’ll need bits, screws, and mixer blades to put it to work. Here’s what I recommend:

DRILL BITS AND SCREWS

Drill bits: This basic 14-piece set from DeWalt is a great place to start.

Screwdriver set and bits: This basic set from DeWalt covers all the basics.

DIAMOND BITS

Diamond bits really help if you are working with glass, tile, hard plastic, or ceramic. For glazed ceramics, diamond bits are your only option for cleanly drilling a hole.

Shop Neiko Bits at Amazon

SMALL MIXER BLADE

To mix pint jars and small cups, the Jiffy LM10 Mixer Blade is just the right size. It’s 10 1/4” long with a 1 1/4” head.

Shop Jiffy LM10 Mixer Blade at Amazon

MEDIUM MIXER BLADE

Shop Helix Mixer Blade at Amazon

LARGE MIXER BLADE

For 5 or 10 gallon buckets, the Jiffy ES mixer blade is the way to go. It has a 20 1/2” long, 3/8” shaft and the head is 3 3/4” wide.

Shop Jiffy ES Mixer Blade at Amazon

Cordless Vs Corded Drills

A corded and cordless drill each have their advantages and disadvantages. I like to have both but most people could get by with just one. If you are looking for a corded drill, check out our recommendations here. Here’s some things to consider when choosing a drill:

Advantages of a Cordless Drill

No cord! You’re free to take the drill anywhere. This is especially good for tight locations, or if it’s not easy to access a power source.
Usually lighter: Cordless drills are designed to be carried around. The models reviewed here are compact and light, which makes these drills more easier to use for everyone.
Good for drilling, but especially good as screwdrivers.

Disadvantages of a Cordless Drill

More expensive: The batteries and charging station add a cost that you don’t have with corded drills.
Less power: Not as much power as a corded drill, and the power may wane as the battery loses charge.
Less torque: This may be good in some cases, such as for use as a screwdriver. But cordless drills are not as good for loosening stuck bolts, or for situations where lots of power or torque are needed.
You will need to stop to change or recharge batteries.
Future expense: batteries wear out and need to be replaced.
More waste: Worn out batteries have to be recycled or disposed.

Considerations for all drills

Keyless or keyed chucks? Generally, a keyed chuck can be locked in super tight, but you’ll need to use (and not lose) the key. Keyless chucks are more convenient but can wear out
How often do you use the drill? If it’s infrequent, you may find that a cordless drill always has a dead battery when you need to use it.

BACKGROUND

I have used tons of different drills over the years, and this review is based on that experience along with looking at many recent reviews of cordless drill reviews and every other source I could find, include user reviews on Amazon and checking out models in person. In the studio, I like to use the best tools at the lowest price. What that means in practice is I avoid the super-cheap brands such as Black and Decker or Ryobi, and will generally choose the base models of top quality brands such as Milwaukee, Bosch, and DeWalt. I totally understand the need for a powerful, $200+ drill for a construction job site. But in my experience, the entry-level drills are powerful enough for most uses, and they are lighter, more compact, and easier for most people to grip. They work for me and I think they’ll work for you too.

Other Considerations when choosing a cordless drill:

Beyond the drill, there are a few other considerations when selecting a cordless drill:

Committing to one company / battery style? Batteries vary by manufacturer, so you may have the option to swap batteries between multiple devices. This can save money, but also locks you in to that brand. Having multiple tools with one model of battery and charger can simplify your life.
Off-brand batteries: These are available for most brands. My advice is to avoid them as they usually wear out faster and don’t hold a charge as long. Be careful of aftermarket kits on Amazon. Many of the cheaper kit options combine brand name drills with cheaper, aftermarket batteries.
Size of the chuck and what attachments you will be using. What kinds of mixer blades and bits will you be using? Make sure they will fit the drill. The drills reviewed above usually have a 3/8” chuck. Only rarely have I needed a 1/2” chuck to accommodate larger shaft sizes.

Wrap-Up

This post covered top picks for cordless drills, as well as some useful tools and accessories. My top pick was the Milwaukee M12 3/8” Drill/Driver. It’s a well-made drill that is versatile, comfortable, lightweight, and is still powerful enough for most uses. With this drill, I keep a variety of mixer blades, as well as drill bits, screwdriver bits, and hollow-core diamond bits.

A cordless drill is a vital tool in the studio. What do you like to use? Let us know your favorite models and accessories in the comments.