Best Core Drills – What Are The Best Core Drills 2024?

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Best Core Drills

From ambitious home projects to commercial applications, the versatility and power of the best core drills can make all the difference. With a wide array of shapes, sizes, and capabilities to choose from, finding the ideal core drill for your specific needs may seem daunting. But worry not, we’re here to guide you!

Core drills, known for their impressive power, allow you to bore large holes into various materials, making them a crucial tool for renovations and DIY tasks. Whether you’re creating space for water pipes or wiring in a concrete wall, or working with other materials, the best core drills are up to the task. Dive into our comprehensive guide and discover how the right core drill can elevate your work to new heights!

Best Pick – Dewalt D21570K

Sale
Dewalt D21570K-GB Diamond Drill, 240 V, Yellow/Black, 240 Volt
  • New motor gives improved performance in applications with dry core bits up to 127mmn in bricks or soft masonry
  • Electronics provide e-clutch, power-up and overload protection
  • Two speed gearbox for increased versatility when drilling in wood, metal and concrete with standard drill bits
  • Heavy duty 16mm steel chuck allows quick bit change whilst offering excellent bit retention
  • Innovative mode selection collar allows intuitive control for optimal performance

Last update on 2024-03-29 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

Why Choose A Core Drill?

Some of your out there will be thinking “well I can just create a hole with my normal drill”, which admittedly yes you can, but there are MANY reasons why a core drill which is specifically designed for the job, will be so much better than just a standard drill completing jobs like this.

The main reason is the precision and accuracy of the finished job that you will be left with. A ore drill will cut holes within a mm of accuracy, which is something that would be near impossible for even the greatest professional to achieve with a standard drill. Not only this but it can be done in less than half the time, leaving you to get on with the rest of the job that you are completing (or drill even more holes if you are working on a large scale project).

Not only this, but the general usability of these tools are so much better, because they are completing a job that they are specifically designed to do. This means that you will find reduced fatigue, reduced vibration, reduced noise AND reduced debris and dust (thanks to the core drill removing a solid piece instead of gradually chipping away to create the hole).

Only Got 5 Minutes?

If you are in a rush to purchase the best core drill that you can find then this is the part of the article that you need to be reading! Filled with all the crucial information that you need to know about core drills, plus what you need to look for!

Types of Core Drills

There are two main types of core drills (unless we are including drilling rigs which are huge structures used to dig deep into the ground) annular drills and diamond core drills. Annular drills will be used for drilling metal, whereas diamond core drills are used for drilling materials such as concrete, stone and masonry. So the first thing that you need to consider is the types of material that you are going to be working with, as this will determine the type of core drill that you are going to need.

Core Drill Features

There are always going to be some main features that you need to consider when purchasing a core drill. These features will not only affect the jobs that you can complete but also the ease at which this job is completed and the finish that you achieve!

Dry or Wet Core Drills?

Core drills are split into dry and wet types. As a general rule wet core drills will provide an even better finish than you can already expect to achieve from core drills, plus you have the benefits of the machines being quieter, staying cooler, and eliminating the dust that you are working with (which will not only reduce the clean up at the end of the job but are recommended for anyone that suffers with lung or breathing problems). However, it would be impractical, messy and near impossible to successfully complete an interior job with a wet core drill – which is why you only tend to find these machines used for outdoor work!

For internal jobs you will almost always find yourself using a dry core drill. Yes, you will have the dust and debris to deal with afterwards, but we’re sure that you will agree this is better than water damage! Plus, they are just as capable of getting the job done – the main downside is that the machines themselves take much more wear and heat up a lot quicker!

TOP TIP: There are many core drills that now offer wet and dry drilling, which will allow you to switch between the two depending on the area in which you are working! Although these are slightly more expensive we would massively recommend them if you know that you are going to be doing a lot of core drilling as it will greatly increase the amount of jobs that you can complete.

Fixed or Portable?

Whether you opt for a fixed core drill or a portable core drill really depends on the types of jobs that you are completing but also the locations that you are going to be working in. Fixed core drills will almost always be able to offer more power than portable models, meaning that they can drill bigger holes over 200mm in diameter with ease. A portable model that is able to drill holes of this size will often be harder to use due to the size of machine that you are going to need.

However, sometimes this is necessary if you know that you are going to be working in different places or with fixed materials such as slabs or walls. In these situations it is going to be impossible to move the material to the core drill, so you need to have a portable core drill at the ready that you can move to the material.

Power

The power that you need from your core drill again depends on the size of hole that you are going to be creating. As a general rule, a core drill offering around 2000W will be able to core anything up to 500mm in depth, whereas more powerful models upwards of 4000W will be able to work with much deeper materials.

TOP TIP: Remember that core drills offering upwards of 4000W are often going to need upwards of 380V to power them, which is more than most mains electricity that you will find in the UK. This means that you are going to have to power your core drill using a different power source, such as a generator.

Usability and Design

This encompasses a number of different factors that all come together to decide the experience that you are going to have with your core drill. If you are going to be using your core drill regularly then it is important that it is functionable and easy to use!

  • Handle position – Almost all portable core drills will come with two handles (one combined with the trigger and another for you to stabilise the tool). It is important that these have comfort but also “grippy” grips that are going to allow you to have good control of the machine whilst it is working.
  • Weight – If you have one of the larger fixed core drills then once you have it in place you may not be moving it for quite a while, however most people don’t have this flexibility in their workshop, and will be opting for a portable core drill, or a fixed core drill that can still be moved when it is not being used. This means that you need to consider the weight of your machine as this will affect how quickly you fatigue and need to take a break!
  • Changing bits – Look for a core drill that is going to make light work of switching between the different bits that you are using. One that is cumbersome and difficult to switch is going to massively increase the amount of time it takes to get the job done.

Best of the Rest

Makita 8406/2 240V 13mm Diamond Core and Hammer Drill Supplied in a Carry Case 35 x 14 x 53 cm,Blue
  • Variable speed control
  • Torque limiter
  • Double insulation
  • Maximum capacity in steel 13mm
  • Maximum capacity in wood 30mm

Last update on 2024-03-29 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

Additional Core Drill Features

Now that you know the main things that you need to consider when purchasing a core drill, it is worth looking at these additional features that we noted when looking at some of the best core drills on the market at the moment.

  • Fixing your fixed core drill – Different manufacturers opt for different methods of fixing the core drills to a work surface that you are using. So it is important to check the fixing that comes with your drill. Some use bolts or other fasteners to actually screw into the worktop (which could cause damage if you are not working somewhere permanent), whereas others use suctions or a strut or other more portable frames. This is important to check for if you know that you are going to be working in different locations.
  • Variable speed  – This is a great additional feature as it allows you flexibility in the materials that you are working with. Not only this, but if you are new to working with core drills then it gives you the flexibility of starting slow and working up to a faster speed once you have got some practice in!
  • Soft start – This is one of those features that you will either love or hate! A soft start will begin the coring at a slow speed, which gradually increases. This helps you to achieve the most accurate core possible, but can be annoying if you are on a mission to get the job done!
  • Thermal protected motors – Core drilling is not an easy job, even with the best, specialised machine, so it is well worth looking out for models with thermal protected motors so that your machine shuts down if it overheats. Yes, this is impractical if you are half way through a job, but better this than to completely damage your tool!
  • Safety clutch – Prevents kick back from the machine to improve safety and avoid any accidents when you are working.
  • Bits included? – Most core drills don’t come with the bits (or possibly come with just one), this means that you are going to have to fork out even more money to buy a core drill bit kit, as well as the drill itself! Make sure to consider this when looking at the price of your core drill!

If you are looking for a little more information on how to use a core drill then here is some more information.

Best Core Drill Bits

Last update on 2024-03-29 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

Makita P-74712 Makita P-74712 Diamak 10 Piece Dry Diamond Core Drill Set.
  • Suitable for cutting, Granite, marble, limestone, slate, hard bricks and other dense and non-abraive materials
  • Encompasses the industries most popular core sizes
  • Laser welded diamond cores are designed for fast and easy drilling, in the most demanding of situations
  • Model number: P-74712

Last update on 2024-03-29 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

Frequently Asked Questions

What warranty can you get with a core drill?

Most core drills only come with a one year warranty, however many manufacturers will extend this warranty to three years if you register the product online. This is well worth doing, as takes literally a couple of minutes but will triple the warranty that you get with your product.

Can you core drill on an angle?

There may be times when you need to core drill on an angle, and this can be done! BUT, completing angled core drills requires a good quality machine and a lot of precision when you are working so should not be attempted unless you are experienced in using a core drill. It is easier the smaller the core that you are trying to take out.

What core drill bits are there?

It goes without saying that a core drill is a fantastic tool, however a core drill wouldn’t be anything without the core drill bits that it works with! These drill bits are the parts that determine what materials you can work with and the finish you achieve. Most core bits have a diamond coating, which is what makes them as strong and resistant as they are – you will need one of these if you are working with concrete, stone or asphalt. There are also TCT (Tungsten Carbide Tipped) core drill bits that are to be used when drilling certain metals. All of these will come in different sizes depending on the core you want to create.

Help! My core drill is getting stuck!

If you find that your core drill is getting stuck then you will need to use channel lock pliers and a spanner to loosen the core and the drill shank. By turning it anti-clockwise (and possibly using some WD40) you should be able to solve the problem!

About Thomas Paxton 368 Articles
Hey there, I'm Thomas Paxton, your Tool Guru with a Twist! I've been knee-deep in the world of tools since I was a little tinkerer in my dad's shed. Now, I'm running my own website where I share my passion for tools and gardening products through buyers guides and insightful tips. I've got the knowledge and experience to break down complex concepts into simple, easy-to-understand language. I purchased Tools Review from Mike Jones at the start of 2023, he has done a sterling job of building the site and I hope I can continue in his success! When I'm not writing guides, you'll find me in my garden or garage, putting my skills to work and pushing the boundaries of creativity. So, whether you're a pro or just starting out, join me on this adventure, and let's conquer DIY projects together!

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