For most home projects, a 12V or 18/20V brushless drill/driver with two batteries is the best buy. 12V tools are lighter and great for furniture assembly and small repairs; 18/20V tools have more power for drilling into wood, masonry and driving long screws. Add an impact driver if you drive a lot of screws. Choosing one battery platform lets you add more tools later.
A cordless drill is the first power tool most people buy. Here is how to choose one.
Voltage
| Voltage | Best for |
|---|---|
| 12V | Furniture assembly, hanging pictures, small repairs; compact and light |
| 18V / 20V max | General DIY, drilling into wood and masonry, larger screws |
(18V and 20V max describe the same class of battery.)
Drill/driver vs hammer drill vs impact driver
- Drill/driver: drills holes and drives screws. Has a clutch to set torque.
- Hammer drill: adds a hammering action for brick and concrete.
- Impact driver: drives screws and bolts with high torque; uses hex bits.
Features to compare
- Brushless motor: more runtime and efficiency.
- Torque and speed settings: two-speed gearboxes cover drilling and driving.
- Chuck size: 1/2 inch takes larger bits; 3/8 inch on compact drills.
- LED light and a comfortable grip.
- Weight with the battery attached.
Batteries
- Kits with two batteries avoid downtime.
- Higher amp-hour (Ah) batteries run longer but weigh more.
- Pick a battery platform with the other tools you’ll want (saws, sanders, lights).
Starter kit checklist
- Drill/driver (and impact driver if you’ll drive many screws)
- Two batteries and a charger
- Drill bit set (wood, metal, masonry)
- Driver bit set with hex shanks
- Safety glasses
Common questions
What's the difference between a drill and an impact driver?
A drill/driver drills holes and drives screws with a clutch to prevent overdriving. An impact driver adds rotational blows for driving long screws and lag bolts with less effort, using hex-shank bits.
Is brushless worth it?
Usually, yes. Brushless motors are more efficient, run cooler and get more work from each battery charge.
12V or 20V drill?
12V for light-duty work and tight spaces; 18/20V for heavier drilling and frequent DIY projects. Many homeowners own both.