Are cheap drills any good?

[Seahorse]

Or a false economy? I have a few minor DIY jobs to do (putting up hanging baskets, fixing door handles, that sort of thing). Are the cheap unbranded drills any good? Or should I pay a bit more for a reputable name? Or is there a best 'own brand' that anyone can recommend?

[SarzWix]

I had a cordless Power Devil which was P.A.N.T.S. ! But then I got a cordless 'McAllister' (sp?) from B&Q which has been really good so far, holds it's charge pretty well etc.

[jacob marley]

If you have a Wickse's near you they do a own brand drill that ain't to bad other keep your eye's open for special offer's good luck Jacob

[terrier]

For the odd DIY job, there's no point in spending a lot of cash for a 'professional' model. It's the actual drill bit that does the drilling, not the power unit behind it, a good power drill is no use without a decent drill bit. If you're drilling brick, don't forget you need a masonery drill bit. Avoid cheap battery tools, they're rarely any good.

[Madasafish]

I bought a JCB one at huge discount via Argos. Very good. Cheap ones are little good for hard drilling in masonry or industrial brick or stone with quartz. They just burn out. (been there, done it)

[smallblueplanet]

We've got a corded hammer drill - easiest for drilling masonry, our walls are very tough concrete blocks, and a cordless JCB two speed drill-driver (screwdriver/hammer drill) with a 12v battery. If you're going for cordless you want to consider how long the battery takes to recharge but most of all - how big and heavy it is. That last is why I didn't get a cheap 18V jobbie, they're often massive! Its okay for most blokes but they are very heavy to hold and use, bearing in mind they tend to be used one-handed and often above head height.

Oh and I agree with terrier get some decent quality drillbits, I've already broken 4 or 5 cheapo/wilko ones pre-drilling the raised beds wood!

[Polly Fouracre]

Probably like garden tools,buy the best you can afford.

[Seahorse]

Thanks folks.

Very good point about the bits (and not one I'd especially thought of ). I'm not too worried about weights because I'm freakishly strong for my diminutive size

Sounds like a discounted 'quality' name will be my best option

[areia]

yes dont buy the challenger drills from agros they break down just got a corded bosch drill in the sale and its wicked, i know some of the named brands do offer replacment parts which the cheap ones do not so it is worth getting the best you can afford in the long run, dewalt drills are good but thats if you have a spare 200 quid or more

[Matt.]

Buy the right drill for the right purpose and you'll be fine. I have bought plenty of basic power tools from B&Q, homebase and Argos and they have and still do work fine. The key thing is that a drill for putting up a handing basket (mains powered corded hammer drill for drilling masonry) is not suitable for fitting a door (low speed drill for driving screws and possibly drilling wood?). The key things is to go steady and if it jams stop immediately and gently start again.

I'd say go for a cheap corded power drill with a masonry bit. Nothing else will drill masonry. You can always try a manula screwdriver for fixing door handles.

Good luck!