Combi Drills
Combi drills are the one drill you grab when you do not know what the day is throwing at you.
On a real job you are bouncing between stud, sheet, and the odd bit of masonry, so a cordless combi drill with two gears and hammer mode saves carrying extra kit. Pick a brushless combi drill if it is living in the van, and go 18v combi drill for proper site pace.
What Are Combi Drills Used For?
- Driving screws into timber stud, joists, and fixings all day using clutch settings so you are not snapping heads or stripping out plasterboard.
- Drilling clean holes in wood and metal on first fix and second fix, using the right gear for control on small bits and speed on bigger ones.
- Switching to hammer mode for light masonry drilling like plugs in block and brick, when you need to get brackets and clips up without dragging an SDS out.
- Working in tight spots such as cupboards, loft hatches, and between studs where a compact combi drill keeps your wrist straight and your knuckles off the wall.
- Keeping productivity up on site with a battery combi drill that matches your platform, so you are not stuck waiting for chargers when the fixings are flying in.
Choosing the Right Combi Drill
Sort the right combi drill by matching the work you actually do, not the biggest spec on the box.
1. 18v combi drill vs compact combi drill
If you are drilling bigger holes and driving longer fixings most days, an 18v combi drill is the sensible pick for torque and runtime. If you are fitting, snagging, or working overhead a lot, a compact combi drill is easier on your wrists and still does the daily graft.
2. Brushless combi drill vs brushed
If it is a van tool that earns money, go brushless combi drill because it runs cooler, wastes less battery, and takes more abuse. Brushed is fine for lighter, occasional use, but it is the one you feel bog down sooner when you are pushing it.
3. Hammer mode expectations
If you only need holes for plugs in brick and block now and then, a combi hammer drill does it. If you are into concrete, repeated masonry drilling, or larger diameters, you will want an SDS drill instead of forcing a combo drill to do a job it is not built for.
4. Kit, body, and battery choice
If you are already on a battery platform, buy body only and save the money for decent bits. If you are starting from scratch, a combi drill set with two batteries is the minimum so one is always on charge while you are working.
Who Are Combi Drills For on Site?
- Chippies and joiners use combi drills for first fix and second fix because one tool covers drilling and driving without swapping kit every five minutes.
- Sparks and plumbers keep a cordless combi drill in the bag for board fixing, clips, trunking, and pilot holes, then hammer mode for the odd plug in brick.
- Kitchen fitters and maintenance teams lean on a combination drill for day to day call-outs, where you need a combi driver that is quick, compact, and ready for mixed materials.
The Basics: Understanding Combi Drills
A combi drill is basically a drill driver with two speeds, a clutch, and a hammer setting, so you can swap between driving, drilling, and light masonry without changing tools.
1. Drill mode vs driver mode (clutch)
Use the clutch when you are driving screws so it stops at the set torque instead of burying fixings or chewing heads. Switch to drill mode for clean holes where you want full power through the bit.
2. Two gears for control and speed
Low gear is for controlled driving and bigger bits where you need torque. High gear is for smaller drill bits and faster drilling, so you are not crawling through simple holes.
3. Hammer setting for plugs, not demolition
Hammer mode adds a tapping action to help in brick and block, but it is not an SDS. It is ideal for occasional fixings, not for chasing, concrete, or all day drilling into hard masonry.
Combi Drill Accessories That Save Time on Site
The drill is only half the story, because the right bits and add-ons stop snapped fixings, wandering holes, and constant trips back to the van.
1. Mixed drill bit set for wood, metal, and masonry
A proper mixed set means you can go from timber to steel to brick without bodging it, and you are not burning out the wrong bit when the job changes mid room.
2. Impact rated screwdriver bits
Even if you are using the combi as a driver, decent bits stop cam-out and chewed heads, especially on long screws and awkward angles where you cannot keep perfect pressure.
3. Spare battery and a fast charger
If your combi drill cordless is your main tool, one battery is a false economy because you will hit downtime. Two batteries and a decent charger keeps you drilling and driving right through the day.
4. Magnetic bit holder or right angle attachment
A magnetic holder speeds up screw runs and reduces dropped bits, and a right angle attachment gets fixings in where the chuck will not fit, like inside units or tight stud bays.
Your Combi Drill Range, Ready to Go
Whether you need a cheap combi drill for light jobs, a brushless cordless combi drill for daily site work, or a full brushless combi drill set with batteries, we stock the full spread of combi drills in all the main sizes and setups. It is all held in our own warehouse, in stock and ready for next day delivery so you can get back on the tools without waiting around.
Combi Drill FAQs
What is the difference between a combi drill and a normal drill?
A combi drill is a drill driver with an added hammer setting for light masonry, plus a clutch for controlled screw driving. A normal drill is often just drilling only, or it is a basic driver without hammer mode, so it is less flexible when the job switches between materials.
Can I use a combi drill for brick?
Yes, for light work like drilling plug holes in brick and block, a combi hammer drill is fine with a decent masonry bit. If you are doing lots of holes, larger diameters, or anything into hard concrete, an SDS drill is the right tool because it drills faster and with less strain on the combi.
Is a brushless combi drill worth paying extra for?
If you are using it most days, yes. A brushless combi drill typically runs longer per charge and holds its power better under load, so it is less likely to bog down on bigger fixings and repeated drilling.
Do I need an 18v combi drill or will a smaller one do?
If you are on site doing first fix, driving long screws, or drilling regularly, an 18v combi drill is the sensible baseline for torque and runtime. Smaller, compact models are handy for fitting and tight spaces, but they are not as forgiving when you start pushing big bits and heavy fixings all day.
Can a combi drill replace an impact driver?
For general screw driving, yes, a combi driver will do it using the clutch to avoid overdriving. For repetitive fixing, long structural screws, or stubborn fixings, an impact driver is quicker and easier on the wrist, so a lot of lads run both.
