How to Choose the Right Drill: Cordless Drill Buyer's Guide

## Three Drills, Three Different Jobs Walk into any tool section and you'll see three types of cordless drills that look similar but serve very different purposes. Buying the wrong one means either paying too much or not having enough power for the job. ## The Three Types Explained ### 1. Drill/Driver (The Essential) A drill/driver does two things: drills holes and drives screws. It has a clutch that prevents over-tightening and accepts standard drill bits and screwdriver bits. **Use it for:** - Drilling holes in wood, plastic, and soft metals - Driving screws into wood and drywall - Assembling furniture and shelving - Hanging curtain rods, TVs, and shelves **This is the one tool every homeowner needs.** ### 2. Impact Driver (The Power Player) An impact driver uses rotational force (concussive blows) to drive fasteners with significantly more torque than a drill/driver. It accepts 1/4" hex bits only — no standard drill chucks. **Use it for:** - Driving long screws into hardwood or deck boards - Removing stubborn bolts and lag screws - Building decks, fences, and framing - Any job where a drill/driver bogs down ### 3. Hammer Drill (The Concrete Specialist) A hammer drill adds a percussive hammering action while rotating, designed specifically for drilling into concrete, brick, and masonry. **Use it for:** - Drilling into concrete, brick, and stone - Installing anchors in masonry walls - Mounting TVs on concrete or brick - Any hole in hard masonry material [This Old House](https://www.thisoldhouse.com/tools/21245795/types-of-drills) has an excellent visual guide comparing all three drill types side by side. ## Which Drill Should You Buy First? ### For Homeowners: Drill/Driver If you're hanging pictures, assembling IKEA furniture, and doing basic home maintenance, a drill/driver is all you need. Get one with at least 400 in-lbs of torque and a brushless motor. ### For DIY Enthusiasts: Combo Kit (Drill + Impact) A drill/driver + impact driver combo kit is the best value in power tools. You'll use both constantly. DeWalt, Milwaukee, and Makita all offer combo kits for $150–$250. ### For Concrete Work: Add a Hammer Drill If you're working with masonry, a hammer drill is worth adding later. Most people don't need one regularly. ## Best Brands in 2026 | Brand | Strength | Battery Platform | Combo Kit Price | |-------|----------|-----------------|----------------| | DeWalt 20V MAX | Best variety, great value | 20V MAX | $199–$299 | | Milwaukee M18 | Most powerful, best for pros | M18/M12 | $229–$349 | | Makita 18V LXT | Smoothest, most refined | 18V LXT | $199–$279 | | Bosch 18V | Best ergonomics | 18V | $179–$249 | According to [Pro Tool Reviews](https://www.protoolreviews.com/), Milwaukee and DeWalt trade the top spot depending on the specific tool category, while Makita excels in build quality and battery life. ### Q: Brushed or brushless motor? Always brushless if your budget allows. Brushless motors are 30–50% more efficient, produce more torque, generate less heat, and last 3–5x longer. The price premium is typically $20–$50 — well worth it. ### Q: How much do I need to spend on a good cordless drill? A quality drill/driver starts around $80–$100. A combo kit (drill + impact) runs $150–$250. Don't spend less than $60 — cheap drills use inferior motors and batteries that die quickly. Browse our [power tools collection](/category/power-tools) for drills, combo kits, and accessories from all major brands. Check out our [DIY guides on the blog](/blog) for more project ideas and tool recommendations.