Pillar Drills & Accessories

For precision drilling in metal, wood, or plastics, a high-quality pillar drill is an indispensable piece of workshop equipment. At Toolden, we stock a robust selection of pillar drills and accessories designed for both serious DIYers and professional metalworkers or carpenters. Whether you need a compact bench-mounted pillar drill for a small home garage or a heavy-duty floor-standing model for a busy fabrication shop, we have the perfect machine to deliver accurate, repeatable holes every single time.

With over 60,000 products available on Toolden.co.uk, we proudly serve professionals, tradespeople, and DIY enthusiasts across the UK and Europe. Upgrade your workshop today and join thousands of 5-star rated customers who trust Toolden for reliable equipment, expert advice, and free UK mainland delivery on orders over £100.

Key Features of Our Pillar Drills

  • Unmatched Precision: Unlike standard handheld power drills, a pillar drill provides absolute stability. The rigid column and secure chuck ensure your drill bits enter the material at a perfect 90-degree angle, eliminating bit wander and ruined workpieces.

  • Adjustable Speeds: Versatility is key in the workshop. Most of our pillar drills feature multiple belt pulleys or variable speed settings, allowing you to easily adjust the RPM to suit delicate timber work or heavy-duty metal fabrication.

  • Work-Holding & Accessories: Maximise the safety and efficiency of your pillar drill with our range of high-quality accessories. We supply everything from heavy-duty machine vices to clamp sets, ensuring your materials are secured firmly in place before you begin cutting.

Pillar Drill FAQs

What is the difference between a pillar drill and a bench drill?

The terms are highly similar and often used interchangeably. However, a bench drill is specifically a smaller, more compact pillar drill designed to be bolted securely onto a workbench. A traditional floor-standing pillar drill is a taller, heavier machine that stands directly on the workshop floor, offering greater power and a larger capacity for bigger workpieces.

Can I drill metal with a pillar drill?

Yes, absolutely. A pillar drill is exceptional for metalworking because it allows you to apply consistent, even downward pressure. To get the best results, ensure you use the correct HSS or cobalt drill bits, secure the metal firmly in a machine vice, apply a suitable cutting fluid, and run the machine at a lower speed to prevent overheating.

How do I choose the right size pillar drill?

The capability of a pillar drill is usually determined by its "swing" (the distance from the central pillar to the spindle, multiplied by two) and its maximum chuck travel. If you work on small crafts or general DIY, a compact benchtop model with a 13 mm chuck is usually ideal. For large-scale professional fabrication, opt for a heavy-duty, floor-standing model with a larger swing and a more powerful motor.