Choosing the right tool for a job makes all the difference in your garden. This guide explains all the different types of drills and their specific uses, so you can work smarter, not harder.
From building raised beds to installing trellises, a good drill is a gardener’s best friend. Let’s break down the options so you can pick the perfect one for your projects.
All the Different Types of Drills and Their Specific Uses
At its core, a drill spins a bit to make a hole. But modern drills do much more. The main types you’ll encounter are corded drills, cordless drills, hammer drills, and impact drivers. Each has a special job it’s best at.
Corded Drill
This is the classic, plug-in workhorse. It gets its power directly from an outlet, so it never runs out of battery.
- Best For: Long, continuous tasks like mixing large batches of potting soil, compost, or concrete in a mixing paddle. They’re also great for heavy-duty drilling in thick timber.
- Limitations: The cord limits your range. You’ll always need an extension cord and a nearby outlet, which can be tricky in a large garden or shed.
Cordless Drill/Driver
This is the most versatile and popular choice for gardeners. It runs on a rechargeable battery, offering complete freedom of movement.
- Best For: Almost every general garden task. This includes assembling planters, drilling pilot holes for screws, driving screws into fence posts, and light mixing.
- Key Features: Look for a clutch setting. This allows you to adjust the torque so you don’t over-tighten and strip screws, which is a common mistake.
Hammer Drill
A hammer drill adds a pounding, hammering action to the spinning drill bit. This helps break through tough materials.
- Best For: Drilling into masonry, brick, or concrete. You’ll need this if you’re attaching anything to a stone wall, installing a post anchor into a concrete base, or securing a fence to a brick pillar.
- Important: You must use a masonry bit specifically designed for this type of drill. A regular bit will be ruined instantly.
Impact Driver
This tool is a specialist for driving screws and bolts. It delivers sudden, high-torque bursts of power to tackle stubborn fasteners.
- Best For: Driving long screws into hardwoods (like for building a pergola), lag bolts, or removing rusty, stuck bolts from old tools. It’s not primarily for drilling holes, though some can with a hex-shank adapter.
- Note: They are very powerful and loud. Use with care to avoid snapping screw heads off.
Right-Angle Drill
As the name suggests, the head on this drill is set at a 90-degree angle to the body.
- Best For: Working in tight, confined spaces where a regular drill won’t fit. Think drilling between tight joists in a greenhouse or shed, or in a corner of a planter box.
Choosing the Right Drill Bit
The drill is only half the equation. The bit you choose is equally crucial for a clean, effective hole.
- Twist Bits (for Wood & Plastic): Your go-to for most garden woodwork. Use for building beds, cold frames, or repairing tools handles.
- Masonry Bits (for Brick/Concrete): Have a distinctive carbide tip. Always pair with a hammer drill.
- Spade Bits (for Large Holes in Wood): Perfect for boring holes over 1/2-inch, like for running irrigation tubing through a shed wall.
- Auger Bits (for Deep, Clean Holes): Excellent for drilling deep post holes or when you need a very neat, large-diameter hole in timber.
- Hole Saws (for Perfect Circles): Cuts out a full circle. Use for making holes for downpipes in planter boxes or creating access ports in compost bins.
Step-by-Step: Drilling a Pilot Hole
This simple step prevents wood from splitting and makes driving screws easier.
- Select a drill bit slightly smaller than the core of your screw (not including the threads).
- Mark your drilling spot clearly with a pencil.
- Hold the drill straight and steady. Apply firm, even pressure.
- Drill to a depth slightly shorter than the length of your screw.
- Insert your screw into the pilot hole and drive it in with your drill set to the driving mode.
Garden Projects Matched to the Right Drill
Let’s put this knowledge to work with common garden jobs.
Building a Raised Bed
- Tool: Cordless Drill/Driver.
- Bits: Twist bit for pilot holes, appropriate driver bit for screws.
- Process: Pre-drill all your pilot holes at the joints to prevent the timber from cracking when you screw the boards together.
Installing a Trellis on a Brick Wall
- Tool: Hammer Drill.
- Bits: Masonry bit, plus a screwdriver bit.
- Process: Use the hammer drill with a masonry bit to make holes in the brick. Insert wall plugs, then switch the tool to standard drilling mode (or use your cordless drill) to drive the screws that hold the trellis.
Assembling a Potting Bench
- Tool: Cordless Drill/Driver.
- Bits: Twist bit and driver bit. An impact driver can be helpful for the final tightening of bolts.
- Tip: Follow the clutch setting instructions to avoid damaging the kit parts.
Mixing Garden Amendments
- Tool: Corded Drill (for large volumes) or a powerful Cordless Drill.
- Attachment: A dedicated mixing paddle. Never use a regular drill bit for this; it can damage the drill.
Safety Tips Every Gardener Should Follow
Power tools demand respect. Always prioritize safety.
- Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying debris.
- Use hearing protection, especially with hammer drills and impact drivers.
- Keep cords and loose clothing clear of the drill bit and work area.
- Secure your workpiece with clamps whenever possible. This keeps both hands free to control the tool.
- Check for hidden cables or pipes before drilling into any wall or the ground.
- Let the tool do the work; don’t force it. If it’s struggling, you may need a more powerful tool or a sharper bit.
Drill Maintenance for Longevity
Take care of your tools, and they’ll take care of your garden for years.
- Clean dust and debris from the chuck and vents after each use.
- For cordless tools, follow the battery guidelines. Don’t leave them on the charger constantly or let them drain completely too often.
- Store drills in a dry place. Moisture in a shed can lead to rust and electrical issues.
- Regularly inspect cords on corded models for any fraying or damage.
- Keep your bits organized and sharp. A dull bit makes the drill work harder and creates messy holes.
FAQ
Can I use a regular drill for concrete?
You can try with a masonry bit, but it will be slow and may overheat the drill. For more than one or two small holes in soft brick, a hammer drill is strongly recommended. It’s the right tool for that specific job.
What’s the difference between a drill and an impact driver?
A drill is primarily for making holes. An impact driver is primarily for driving screws and bolts with high torque. Many gardeners end up owning both because they compliment eachother so well.
Is a cordless drill powerful enough for garden projects?
Absolutely. Modern 18V or 20V cordless drills have ample power for 95% of garden tasks. For very heavy-duty, continuous work like mixing yards of concrete, a corded model might be better.
What do the clutch numbers on my drill mean?
The clutch settings control the torque. A lower number is less torque. Start low and increase until the screw drives to the desired depth and stops. This prevents stripping the screw head or damaging your workpiece.
How do I stop my wood from spliting when drilling?
Always drill a pilot hole first, as described above. Also, using sharper bits and avoiding excessive pressure helps. For very near edges, you can also blunt the tip of the screw slightly by tapping it with a hammer, which can help it push through the wood fibers instead of wedging them apart.
With this knowledge, you can confidently select the right drill for any garden project. Remember, matching the tool to the task makes the work easier, safer, and gives you better results. Your next garden build will be a breeze.