Cordless Drill Buying Guide: What DIYers Need to Know

## Every Project Starts with a Drill Whether you're hanging shelves, building furniture, or tackling a full renovation, a cordless drill is the first tool you should own. But with dozens of options from DeWalt, Milwaukee, Makita, Ryobi, and Bosch, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. Here's what actually matters. ## Key Specs Explained ### Voltage (Power) - **12V**: Light-duty work — hanging pictures, assembling furniture, small screws - **18V/20V**: Most popular for DIYers — handles 90% of home projects - **Higher voltage (40V+)**: Overkill for most homeowners; meant for contractors Note: DeWalt's "20V Max" and Milwaukee's "M18" are both 18V nominal — the marketing numbers are inflated. ### Torque Measured in inch-pounds (in-lbs). Higher torque = more driving power. - **300-400 in-lbs**: Basic household tasks - **500-700 in-lbs**: Most DIY projects including deck screws and lag bolts - **1,000+ in-lbs**: Heavy-duty construction ### Chuck Size - **3/8"**: Fits smaller drill bits — fine for light work - **1/2"**: Standard size — accepts larger bits and is more versatile ### Brushless vs. Brushed Motors - **Brushless**: More efficient, longer-lasting, better battery life, more expensive - **Brushed**: Cheaper upfront but wears out faster For any serious use, go brushless. ## Top Picks for DIYers ### Best Overall: DeWalt DCD999B 20V Max Brushless Flexvolt advantage technology, 3-speed transmission, 1,025 in-lbs of torque. This drill handles anything a homeowner could throw at it. ### Best Value: Ryobi ONE+ HP Brushless Part of Ryobi's massive ONE+ battery system (200+ tools use the same battery). Excellent performance at a fraction of premium brand prices. ### Best Compact: Milwaukee M12 Fuel 12V power in a tiny package. Perfect for tight spaces and light-duty work. Surprisingly powerful for its size. ### Best Kit: Makita XT288T 18V LXT Combo Includes drill/driver, impact driver, two 5.0Ah batteries, and a charger. Everything you need in one box. ## Battery Tips - **Buy extra batteries** — nothing kills momentum like waiting for a charge - **Match your ecosystem** — once you pick a brand, all their tools use the same batteries - **Higher Ah = longer runtime** — 4.0Ah and 5.0Ah batteries are worth the upgrade - **Store batteries at room temperature** — extreme cold and heat reduce lifespan ## Rent to Own Power Tools Building your tool collection doesn't have to break the bank. Rent-to-own and lease-to-own programs let you get professional-grade tools with weekly payments and no credit check. Browse [power tools](/category/power-tools) or learn [how it works](/how-it-works).