When to Buy a 36V Drill

They say that men love power tools, which is no surprise when you peruse this section of your local hardware store. Thirty years ago, an 18V power drill was considered a luxury for most home owners; they were mostly used for commercial purposes. Today, they have the 36V drill, a cordless wonder manufactured by such companies as DeWalt, Bosch and Milwaukee.

For the most part, professional contractors are the ones who buy 36V drills. They are useful for many commercial purchases, such as masonry, construction and manufacturing. Most handymen who work around the home don't require the power, torque and versatility of a 36V drill, but they do present a few advantages.

For one, the cordless 36V drill can last for up to 2,000 battery charges, making it more practical for those who use drills often around the home or at job sites. As most people know, batteries for cordless drills are typically almost as expensive as the tool itself, which leads many to purchase new drills when the batteries die out. If you use your 36V drill on a daily (or even weekly) basis, it has a longer built-in shelf life.

Most 36V drills, such as the DeWalt DC900KL, come with lithium-ion batteries developed at MIT. They offer more endurance and can be charged in a shorter length of time. If you forget to charge your battery overnight, you can have it ready to go in just half an hour.

Furthermore, a 36V drill has an automatic keyless chuck that tightens as needed during use. You won't have to fumble for a key each time you need to adjust the torque. This leads to fewer accidents and less time wasted on the job. If you need to work with a drill for long periods of time for work or for jobs around the house, the 36V drill can be a practical choice.

Most 36V drills come with three-speed transmissions that make them more versatile for both personal and commercial use. You can employ the drill in cabinet-making one day, then use the same drill for installing a deadbolt the next. The 36V drill is approximately 2.5 times more efficient than the standard 18V drill, allowing you to drill more holes more quickly on the same battery than with a less powerful tool.

You'll also find that with some of these tools, such as the Bosche 36V Litheon drill, the drive train is more precise, giving professional contractors greater control over intricate projects. This would also be beneficial for a woodworker who builds custom furniture. Precision is important when considering the type of drill you want to purchase.

There are two major downsides to buying a 36V drill: 1) They are heavy and, as such, it's easier to fatigue; 2) They are generally expensive. It isn't uncommon to pay up to $500 for a drill and two batteries (usually with a charger and case, as well), so if you don't need the added power and torque, you are better off with an 18V or 22V drill.

As mentioned above, the 36V drill is a pricey choice for someone who needs a drill for projects around the house, but is generally beneficial for a professional. You can find 36V drills online - Amazon and eBay often have major discounts - or at your local hardware store. You can also visit the manufacturer websites for current deals and promotions.