Tools might come with some of the same specifications, but one ½-inch drill isn’t necessarily the same as the next. One of the main differences is the size of the motor. Professional, heavy-duty models have large motors and can reduce your drilling time through wood and masonry. Hand tools have their differences as well, usually in the quality of the metal components and the sharpness of the cutting edges. Price is a good determinant here, and you really do get what you pay for. That’s why those 99¢ screwdrivers lose their square edge quickly.
If your framework is exposed and you’re ready to do a lot of drilling at once, you might be better off renting a drill with a large motor. An electrician will use a heavyduty drill regularly and can justify the expense of owning one. The larger the motor, the weightier the drill, so these tools aren’t appropriate for all drilling jobs unless you’re on steroids. As a cost comparison, a Makita 7.5 amp, ½-inch angle drill (a large right-angle drill) runs about $290. Local rental prices vary, but I’d be surprised if it cost more than $20 or so a day to rent one of these. A right-angle drill is convenient for drilling in tight spaces.
Before you rent a tool, handle it and get a feel for it. A heavy tool can be uncomfortable to hold for an extended period of time. You might be better off with a smaller drill that you can handle more safely. When I had nothing else available, I drilled through old, hardened floor joist with a 3/8-inch drill without the sharpest of drill bits, and I still got the job done (not that I recommend this approach—it took time).
No comments:
Post a Comment