Which handheld drill should I choose for my application?

Before selecting the handheld drill, it's important to understand the main terminology used and main processes in the drilling world and their meanings. Main terms include:

• Drilling: making a brand new hole in a workpiece
  
• Boring: enlarging the hole
• Reaming: giving a finishing touch to the hole
• Countersinking: cutting a conical (V-shaped) cut into a manufactured object

There are various drilling processes to choose from. The two most common processes to drill high-quality holes are:

• Step drilling 
• One-shot drilling

The step process is the most common in the industry and consists of using a different process until you reach the final hole diameter expected. An example is when a customer wants to drill a 1/2” hole diameter. He starts to drill at 1/4”, drills again in a larger hole diameter, and when it’s closer to the final diameter, it is possible to ream.

Note that this process has several steps (stages) and for each step, the customer usually needs a complete set of drilling machines and cutting tools.

In this process, the customer can combine multiple steps in one and the main benefits include reduced operation time and also less drilling tools and cutting tools inventory.

Which drilling machine I should choose on my application?

Highlighted below are some of the commonly used power tools available in the market, with pros and cons and the main values of each tool.

Pneumatic handheld drill

Pros:

• Lightweight, powerful and easy to install.

Cons:

• One tool per application, safety risk, limited possibilities (such as data reporting). 

Pneumatic controlled feed handheld drill

Pros:

• Lightweight, powerful, hole quality, easy to install

Cons:

• One tool per application, safety risk, limited possibilities (such as data reporting).

Battery handheld drill

Pros:

• Safety, data reporting possible, multiple RPM, cutting tool and service management.

Cons:

• Hole quality

To learn more about this and other Atlas Copco drilling products, discover all Atlas Copco drilling solutions.

Questions? To learn more or schedule a product demonstration, contact Atlas Copco today.