Can I hire a drill?
TRA-pa-no — stress the first syllable; the 'r' is lightly trilled.
Use this when you need a drill for a one-time job and do not own one. Some Italian ferramenta and most Brico stores offer tool hire (noleggio). Alternatively, ask a neighbour — sharing tools is common practice in Italian apartment buildings.
Noleggio attrezzi (tool hire) is available at larger ferramenta and DIY chains. A trapano (drill) can be a trapano elettrico (corded drill), trapano a batteria (cordless drill), or trapano a percussione (hammer drill, for masonry). For most Italian walls — solid brick or concrete — a hammer drill (also called martello perforatore or SDS drill) is necessary.
Avete un trapano a percussione da noleggiare?
Do you have a hammer drill for hire?
Percussione (percussion) refers to the hammering action for drilling into masonry.
Vorrei comprare un trapano a batteria.
I would like to buy a cordless drill.
A batteria (battery/cordless) is ideal for general household use.
Qual è il miglior trapano per un uso domestico?
What is the best drill for home use?
Open question inviting the staff's recommendation.
In Italy, the legal quiet hours for drilling and construction work are typically 08:00-13:00 and 16:00-20:00 on weekdays, and mornings only on Saturdays. Sunday drilling is socially unacceptable and sometimes legally restricted. Drilling during lunch (13:00-16:00) or in the evening is considered extremely antisocial and will result in complaints from neighbours.