DRAPER 20V STORM FORCE REVIEW BY PETER BRETT


Draper 20V Storm Force - one battery system and three tools


SOME readers might already be familiar with the Draper 10.8v Storm Force Range reviewed in these pages a while back.


The launch of three 20v tools to add to these will be welcomed by those users who need a bit more power and capability – think enthusiastic amateurs and light trades.


There are lots of features to note in the range, but dealers and end users alike will appreciate the keen pricing and multiple battery options that are fl exible enough to satisfy most users, and also allow options to upgrade and change as conditions change.


The tools reviewed below are a combi drill, an impact driver, and an SDS drill/ hammer. Other tools available in the range are a palm sander, angle grinder, oscillating multi tool, jigsaw, circular saw and reciprocating saw. All have the now familiar and unmistakeable Dark Blue and Black Draper livery with the up-to-date features that most users need these days.


Time to look at these tools in more detail. Combi Drill


This is the only tool in the range that comes in a custom fi tted plastic case, and it comes with everything you need to get started – drill, two 2Ah battery packs, a charger, auxiliary handle, belt hook and driver bit.


The tool is well made and has an abundance of grippy rubber around the


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handle and trigger area to allow for easy handling, as well as rubber protection ‘bumpers’ on the back of the casing and behind the chuck.


The 20 torque settings, along with hammer and drilling modes are selected via the usual collar behind the 13mm capacity keyless chuck. These are easy to select with a positive click stop on each.


The auxiliary handle screws are under the chuck collar in either left or right- handed positions, and the handle itself has grippy rubber too. A steel belt hook can also be mounted on left or right to suit user preferences, and the LED light on the handle base is aimed straight at the work area.


The 2Ah Li-Ion batteries take an hour each to charge. Drills don’t usually use a lot of power in drilling and screwdriving modes, so a couple of 2Ah batteries will be enough for most users - there is always the option to purchase a 4Ah battery if needed (one of the advantages of the Storm Force 20v system).


In use, the drill performs well on a range of basic drilling tasks. It has 50Nm of torque available and has a drilling capacity of 35mm diameter in wood, and 13mm in masonry or steel – enough to cover a range big enough for most users.


With two speeds selected via a sliding switch on top of the body, and a speed sensitive trigger, it is possible to control drilling speeds very accurately.


With a price point of £89.99 inc VAT, it is clear the Storm Force 20v combi is very well priced and designed to appeal – and it does.


Storm Force 20v SDS+ Rotary Hammer Drill


I rarely use hammer mode on any combi drills these days – not since SDS technology has become cheap enough to be widely available. SDS is just so much quicker and easier, that we are into no-brainer territory.


The Storm Force SDS+ rotary hammer drill is available as a kit with the combi drill and a capacious Draper Storage bag for £215.94, or as a bare tool for £59.95. In


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