When it comes to drilling or securing materials around the home, choosing between a hand drill and an electric drill can be more challenging than it first appears. Both tools serve the same basic purpose, but they each have their unique strengths and weaknesses.
Whether you’re setting up storage solutions, installing a new door or hanging pictures, understanding the differences can help you make a more worthwhile investment.
Comparing hand drills and electric drills: Pros, cons and use cases
An electric drill is often the go-to tool for most DIYers because of its convenience and speed. They are generally more powerful, which means you can complete tasks quickly and with less effort. Electric drills can handle a variety of materials and their speed settings allow for different levels of control. That said, this speed can work against you if you’re not careful. When drilling into delicate surfaces, such as uPVC, the rapid rotation can easily lead to damage or even cracking if you’re not using the right speed or torque settings.
While the hand drill offers control, it lacks the power needed for larger tasks like driving screws into tough materials. For this purpose, an impact driver might be a better tool. The impact driver delivers high torque with quick bursts, making it ideal for securing screws into materials like wood, metal and especially uPVC, without risking damage or stripping the screws. Unlike regular drills, impact drivers apply more force to the screw, driving it in faster. This makes them a great choice for tasks like installing door hinges or fixing fixtures.
Impact drivers vs standard drills: What’s best for hinges and uPVC frame materials?
If you’re working with uPVC, especially when installing a door, an impact driver is a tool you shouldn’t overlook. While a regular drill might suffice for light tasks, the power and precision of an impact driver can save you time and effort when driving screws into tough materials. The impact driver applies intermittent bursts of power, making it perfect for securing larger screws, such as those used for door hinges. It’s particularly effective when you’re working with materials that need higher torque to drive screws without damaging the material.
However, using an impact driver also comes with its risks. When driving screws into materials like uPVC, there’s a risk of stripping the screw or cracking the frame if you’re not careful with torque control. To avoid this, always drill a pilot hole first to guide the screw and prevent it from slipping or causing damage. Many modern impact drivers come with adjustable torque settings, giving you more control over how much force is applied.
Choosing the right screws, nails or fixings for door hinges, especially on uPVC doors
The screws and nails you choose can significantly impact the strength and durability of the hinges on your uPVC door. For right-hung doors, which bear a specific load stress, selecting the right type of fasteners is essential for secure mounting. Consider the gauge, length and material of your screws. For example, screws made from corrosion-resistant materials, such as stainless steel, will stand up better to the elements, especially when working on exterior doors.
The thread type is equally important. Coarse-threaded screws are better for wood or soft materials, while fine-thread screws are ideal for harder materials like metal or uPVC. Additionally, specialised hinge screws can provide extra security by embedding deeply into the frame or studs, ensuring that the hinges hold strong over time. Always check that the screws are long enough to go deep enough into the frame, without being too long to cause splitting.
Hinge types for uPVC doors and adjustments over time (especially right-hung doors)
If you are installing or upgrading uPVC front doors, choosing the correct drill, screws and hinges is crucial not just for security and durability but also for weather-proofing and smooth operation.
The type of hinge you choose for your uPVC door plays a significant role in its long-term functionality. Common options include flag hinges, butt hinges and T-hinges. Each type has its advantages depending on the weight and design of your door. Flag hinges, for instance, are often used for uPVC doors because they allow for easier adjustment and are highly durable.
For right-hung doors, it’s essential to pay attention to the positioning of the hinges, especially the bottom hinge, as it bears much of the door’s weight. Over time, the door may sag or become misaligned. Fortunately, many modern hinges come with adjustment features that allow for easy realignment without removing the door. These adjustments are especially useful for preventing draughts and improving the overall performance of the door.