A Combi drill is a combination of three actions in the drilling machine. It consists of 3 actions that I have discussed in detail below. Its usage also depends on those actions. So let’s see what is a combi drill?
Combi drill is used for drilling, driving, and hammer drilling. The average price of the combi drill will be varied from £120-£200; the weight is 3-4 Kg and the average torque of 40 – 70Nm. It is a real solution for DIY. But not a good solution for daily usage due to its weight.
Price can depend on the country. Using a combi drill is a solution for drilling, hammering, and driving. So these are based on the mechanism of the combi drill. Let’s see what these mechanisms are and their usage. Let’s read on!
What is a Combi Drill?
A combi drill is a short name of a combination drill. It consists of multiple functions such as rotating and hammering and impact actions. Combi drill can be used as a regular drill for drilling holes in wood and metal, and with a switch of a setting, it can also be used as a hammer drill to drill into masonry.
Combi drills are typically powered by rechargeable (Li-Ion) batteries that commonly range between 12 to 18 volts. The usage and mechanism involve a mechanical clutch that provides various torque settings for screw-driving tasks and a hammer mechanism for challenging masonry drilling.
A major advantage of a combi drill is its high power efficiency. While its power consumption varies based on the model, battery voltage, and task difficulty, its ability to perform several duties reduces the need for multiple tools, consequently saving on overall power usage.
Combi Drill Chuck and Drill Bits
Considering the drilling or driving process, we need bits. Bits are designed to resist torsion. Normally drill bits are with a circular cross-section, and drive bits are with a hexagonal cross-section. More torque is required for driving rather than the drilling process. Therefore the cross-section is different.
When we consider the combi drill, there is a keyless chuck. Normally hexagonal drive bits are well compatible with the hex shank. But when you use the combi drill, you will have to use a hexagonal drive bit with the chuck. So When it is well fixed, there is no problem and easy to use.
But when you are used to drilling and driving, you will need to change the tool many times. Therefore considering the tool changing reason for both tasks every time is not suitable. There are some problems, let’s discuss those.
How Does a Combi Drill Work?
A Combi drill is a combined mechanism of drilling, driving, and hammer drilling. As you are well aware, we need spinning for the drilling, an impact mechanism for driving screws, and the hammer action is needed for the hammer drilling. That means we can use the combi drill for all drilling, driving, and hammering task.
Combi drills are very good for DIY projects.
There is a gauge that can turn and adjust the action of the tool.
01. Impact driving action – Drive screws into wood or brick
02. Drilling action – You can do soft drilling such as wood
03. Hammering action – You can drill concrete, bricks, and stones by using this.
This means you can softly change the desired action that you need by using a combi drill. It is a fully combined tool as its name described.
There are two-speed switches on the top of the tool. You can adjust the rotational speed of the tool.
For driving – Speed 1 (low-speed high torque)
For drilling – Speed 2 (high-speed, low torque)
We need high speed and low torque for soft drilling such as wood.
Low speed and high torque are needed for screw driving and hard material drillings.
How do Torque and Speed act in a Drill?
Power = Angular velocity * Torque
When angular velocity is increased, torque will be reduced, and angular velocity decreased; the torque will be increased
How to Use a Combi Drill?
When you buy a drill, there are ways to use that properly. You can check the steps here. And regarding the combi drill, there are no special ways. You should make sure whether its torque and speed are suitable for your task.
- Setup the Safety – When you are using this, there is a safety handle so you can use it to pressure the tool. Do not cover the ventilation that will cause the overheating of the drill.
- Select the (Drill/Driver) Bit – According to your task (drill/driver), you can select a drill bit or driver bit with the proper material made. For concrete, drilling uses a carbide tip, and for the wood, you can use a high-speed drill bit. According to chuck, you should use the bit. Normally chuck is keyless, and it can be tightened with a hand. Hex bits also can be mounted there. So select the suitable drill bit for your work.
- Set the Speed And Torque – According to the drilling material, you should select the speed. Normally wood and soft materials are used for high-speed cutting and driving, and drilling hard material required a low-speed high torque speed.
What are the Benefits and Drawbacks of Combi Drill?
Benefits of combi drill
- Combi drills are varstitily. Hence it can perform several tasks such as drilling holes, driving screws and hammer drilling, eliminating the need for separate tools.
- Combi drills usually come with variable speed settings, allowing users to adjust the drill according to the task at hand.
- Combi drill can be quite convenient as it saves both space and money. Instead of having to carry multiple tools, you only need one.
- Combi drills are typically more powerful than their counterparts and can handle tougher tasks and materials, from wood to masonry.
- Combi drills generally provide more torque, making jobs like tightening and loosening screws much easier.
- Combi drills come with a keyless chuck system which makes changing bits quick and easy.
- Combi drills are suitable for tough jobs like drilling into concrete and masonry.
Drawbacks of combi drill
- Combi drills are quite expensive compared to normal drills due to their versatile nature and the technology used in them.
- Combi drills are typically heavier than standard drills, which can make them a bit uncomfortable to use for longer periods.
- Combi drills can be complicated to use due to their multi-function nature especially for beginners.
- Combi drills do not provide the same amount of torque as dedicated tools (like specific impact drivers), thus performing less effectively for certain tasks.
Is Mini Drill a Combi Drill?
No, a mini drill is not a combi drill. A mini drill is a compact, lightweight electric drill that is usually used for small tasks like drilling holes in wood or metal, or for driving screws. A combi drill combines a regular drill with a hammer drill function, which can be used for drilling holes in hard materials like brick or concrete. A combi drill will generally be larger and more powerful than a mini drill.
