Makita DF001DW 3.6V Li-ion Screwdriver Supplied with an 18 Piece Bit Set in a Carry Case

Product Information

As with most drill-drivers, the battery is a separate unit that slides onto the bottom of the handle. It’s charged by its own charger and can take up to six hours to charge. This and the sheer size means it’s not as convenient a tool for basic household DIY, but it’s a brilliant and affordable option when you have something more ambitious in mind. If you're taking on a DIY project, consult our decorating and DIY advice for details on the best power tool brands, paint, screwdrivers and claw hammers.

Charge times: 14.4/18V 3.0Ah battery in 22 mins 18V 4.0Ah battery in 36 mins 18V 5.0Ah battery in 45 minsIdeally, you'd get to see the drill in-store before buying, but if this isn’t possible, find out as much information about it as possible before investing. However, the WX240 really comes into its own if you’re working in cramped spaces, or doing fiddly jobs where a larger cordless driver with more of a pistol grip might get in the way. I used both the WX240 and the Bosch IXO to assemble a PC inside a new case, and while the Bosch was fine for removing external case screws, the Worx was a lot more usable inside the case and for getting screws into the motherboard. It charges in under 90 minutes over a USB-C cable, and will happily last for around 35 to 45 minutes of work. For bigger screws on DIY jobs, you might want something with a little more power and torque; but if you need something that feels and works more like a manual screwdriver, this is the one to buy. Compact and lightweight battery charger designed to charge slide type lithium-ion batteries BL1011B, BL1021B and BL1016B.

If you’re looking to get some serious work done, the Makita DF001DW has you covered. It can switch between pistol-grip and standard barrel screwdriver modes for different situations, and it feels extremely robust in the hand. Even the micro-USB port in the handle has a cover. A two-way switch at the top of the handle drives screws in or out at a single speed. The best drills around will hold their charge over long periods of time. Plus, they're easy to use (even if you're a DIY newbie) and capable of managing a variety of tasks. There are several different types of drill to choose from – drill-driver or combination, corded or cordless – so it can be confusing to know which one is best for you. Key specs – Power: 4V; Speeds: 1; Max speeds: 230rpm; Max torque: 3Nm; Battery: 1,500mAh lithium-ion; Charger: Proprietary 4.2V; Accessories: 6 bits, removable screw holder; Weight: 500gPrevent jamming – when drilling downwards, pull the drill out regularly to clear the dust and prevent the drill bit from jamming. The DF012DSE is powered by a Makita-built motor that delivers 71 in.lbs. of Max Torque in drilling mode. The 2-speed gear selection offers 200 RPM and 650 RPM for low or high speed applications. The 21 clutch settings offer a range of fastening torque, from 32 in. lbs. in clutch setting #1 to 50 in. lbs. in #21. For added precision and control, the auto-stop clutch shuts off the tool when the clutch disengages and helps prevent over-driving on the fastener. For extra versatility, the tool will operate in straight or pistol grip positions. If you're going to be drilling into extremely hard surfaces, such as concrete, you'll need to make sure you use tungsten-carbide drill bits. If you're using the hammer-action function on a combi drill, make sure you use a hammer-action drill bit. How much should you spend on a drill? Keep scrolling as we explain how to choose the best type of drill, find out how much you should expect to spend and discover the best features and accessories to look out for.

The new Makita 4.0Ah battery with a 60 minute fast charge time with a DC10SB charger or 130 minute standard charge time with a DC10WD charger. The maximum torque is the maximum rotary turning force of the drill, which can be important if you will be drilling into tough materials such as masonry – for which you should consider a combination drill, with the extra force of a hammer-action function. Not all lithium-ion batteries are alike: some will hold a charge better than others, while some will also charge faster, within two or three hours. Accessories

Designed to reduce friction and resistance. Benefits include a higher power-to-weight ratio, higher speed, and greater electronic control. Brushless drills are more expensive, though. Gears

If you’re working with extremely hard materials, such as concrete, paving slabs or metal, make sure your drill bit is tipped with tungsten carbide. This is approximately twice as strong as steel, and better able to withstand heavy-duty drilling. Belt clip Key specs – Power: 18V; Speeds: 10; Max speeds: 650rpm; Max torque: 30Nm; Battery: 1,500mAh lithium-ion; Charger: 18Vproprietary; Accessories: 1 bit; Weight: 750g Choose the right drill bit – this will vary depending on whether you're working with masonry, metal or wood. Don't select the hammer action if the drill bit is rotary and non-hammer. Charge Times: 2 x 14.4/18V 3.0Ah Batteries in 22 mins 2 x 18V 4.0Ah Batteries in 36 mins 2 x 18V 5.0Ah Batteries in 45 mins Charge times: 14.4/18V 3.0Ah battery in 60 mins 18V 4.0Ah battery in 90 mins 18V 5.0Ah battery in 110 minsCool the drill – if the motor on your electric drill starts to warm up too much and smell, remove the drill from the hole and run it at full speed with no load. This will draw air into the motor to cool it down.