A combi drill is one of the most versatile cordless power tools available. It can drive screws, drill holes in wood and metal, and use a hammer function for suitable brick and masonry. But is it the right choice for your jobs, and what should you look for when buying one?
A combi drill is a drill driver with an added hammer mode. It is a strong all-rounder for screwdriving, drilling wood and metal, and making fixing holes in brick and block. For regular work in hard concrete, an SDS rotary hammer is the better tool.
What is a combi drill?
A combi drill (short for combination drill) is essentially a drill driver with an additional hammer-drilling setting. It combines three useful functions: controlled screwdriving, standard rotary drilling and percussion drilling into suitable masonry.
That combination makes it useful for many general maintenance, home improvement and professional installation tasks. It is not, however, a replacement for every specialist drill: regular work in hard concrete is usually better suited to an SDS rotary hammer.
What are the three modes on a combi drill?
Controlled fastening
Wood and metal
Suitable brick and block
1. Screwdriving mode
In screwdriving mode, an adjustable clutch helps limit torque transferred to a fastener. This provides more control for jobs such as fitting brackets, assembling furniture or securing timber components. The available clutch settings vary between models.
2. Drilling mode
Standard drilling mode rotates the bit without the hammer action. It is used for suitable wood, metal and plastic applications with the correct bit and within the manufacturer's stated capacity.
3. Hammer-drilling mode
Hammer mode adds rapid forward impacts while the bit rotates, helping a suitable masonry bit work through materials such as common brick and block. This is a mechanical percussion action and is different from the more powerful hammering system found in an SDS rotary hammer.
What can you use a combi drill for?
Combi drills are useful for a mix of home, workshop and installation jobs. Typical uses include drilling timber for shelves, working with compatible metal brackets, fastening screws and making suitable fixing holes in brickwork.
Suitable wood bit
Suitable metal bit
Suitable masonry bit
For very hard or reinforced concrete, heavy-duty masonry work or repetitive large-diameter holes, an SDS rotary hammer is generally a more appropriate tool. The exact suitability of any drill depends on its specifications and the material.
Combi drill vs drill driver vs impact driver vs SDS drill
Although these tools can look similar, their main purposes differ:
| Tool | Main function | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|
| Drill driver | Drilling and screwdriving | Wood, metal and general assembly |
| Combi drill | Drilling, screwdriving and hammer drilling | Mixed-material work, including suitable brickwork |
| Impact driver | Fastening with rotational impacts | Driving many screws or suitable heavy-duty fasteners |
| SDS rotary hammer | More powerful hammer drilling | Concrete and demanding masonry |
Key distinction: A combi drill's hammer mode delivers forward percussion to a rotating drill bit; an impact driver delivers rotational impacts to help turn fasteners. They are not interchangeable tools.
How to choose the right combi drill
12V or 18V?
Compact 12V models often suit lighter duties or work in confined spaces. The 18V category has a broad range of general-purpose and higher-performance models. However, voltage alone does not determine what a drill can do: check torque, gearing, size, weight and manufacturer-rated capacities.
Torque and speed settings
Maximum torque is measured in newton metres (Nm) and describes rotational force. A higher figure can be useful for more demanding applications, but it does not automatically make a tool better for every buyer. Low-speed and high-speed gearbox options, trigger control and an adjustable clutch also affect how suitable a drill is for everyday tasks.
Brushed or brushless motor?
A brushless motor avoids the carbon brushes used in traditional brushed motor designs. Depending on the model, this can improve efficiency and reduce brush-related maintenance. For frequent work, a brushless combi drill may be attractive; for occasional tasks, overall price, handling and capability still matter.
Chuck and drilling capacity
Many cordless combi drills have a 10mm or 13mm keyless chuck. Check the exact chuck range and the manufacturer's stated capacities for wood, metal and masonry. A 13mm chuck does not mean a drill is suitable for every large-diameter hole.
Battery system: body only or kit?
Body only usually means the drill is supplied without a battery or charger. That can be convenient if you already own compatible cordless tools. A kit normally includes the drill with specified batteries and a charger, sometimes in a case. Batteries are not universally interchangeable between brands or between all platforms within one brand.
Two DeWalt combi drills to consider at DBR Tools
If you already use the DeWalt 18V XR battery platform, these two body-only models make a useful comparison. Check current stock, price and exact package contents on the product page before ordering.
DeWalt DCD796N: compact all-round option
The DCD796N has a brushless motor, a two-speed gearbox, a 13mm chuck and a maximum rated hard torque of 70Nm. It is worth comparing if you want a compact 18V XR combi drill for varied drilling and fastening.
View DeWalt DCD796N
DeWalt DCD996N: higher-torque option
The DCD996N has a brushless motor, three-speed gearbox, 13mm chuck and a maximum rated hard torque of 95Nm. It may suit buyers who need a broader speed range and greater available torque.
View DeWalt DCD996NBuying tip: Both models are listed as body only, so allow for the cost of compatible batteries and a charger if you do not already own them. A complete kit may make more sense for someone starting from scratch.
Compare available models, battery systems and package options before choosing a tool for your work.
Shop cordless combi drillsSafety considerations before drilling
Power drills can cause injury if the wrong tool, bit or technique is used. Always follow the specific manufacturer's instructions, use appropriate protective equipment and ensure the person operating the tool is trained and competent.
When drilling into walls, the UK Health and Safety Executive recommends checking for hidden electrical wiring and other services. Consider whether the material could contain hazardous substances, and seek qualified advice if concealed services or the structure are uncertain. High-torque drills may also react suddenly if a bit jams.
Frequently asked questions
Can a combi drill be used as a screwdriver?
Yes. With a suitable bit and clutch setting, a combi drill can drive screws in many common fastening applications.
Can a combi drill drill into brick?
Yes, when the model has a hammer mode and the material is within the manufacturer's stated drilling capacity. A suitable masonry bit is also required.
Can a combi drill drill into concrete?
Some combi drills can handle limited work in suitable concrete, but dense concrete and repeated demanding holes are generally better handled by an SDS rotary hammer.
Is a combi drill better than a normal drill?
It is more versatile than a standard drill driver because it adds hammer drilling. If you mainly work in wood or metal and drive screws, a lighter drill driver may be sufficient.
What does body only mean?
It generally means the bare tool is supplied without a battery or charger. Always check the package contents and battery compatibility.
Is a brushless combi drill worth it?
Brushless technology can offer efficiency and maintenance advantages. Whether it is worth the extra cost depends on your usage, budget and the individual models being compared.
Final thoughts
A combi drill is a strong all-rounder choice for buyers who want one cordless tool for screwdriving, ordinary drilling and suitable masonry work. Focus on the materials you actually work with, the tool's rated capacities, comfortable handling and the battery system you already own.
Ready to compare models? Browse the cordless combi drills at DBR Tools and check current stock and package details before buying.