Cordless Drills
A cordless drill/driver is usually the first power tool people buy, and for good reason — it handles everything from hanging shelves to assembling furniture to drilling pilot holes.
The right pick depends less on brand loyalty and more on the battery platform you want to build around, plus how much torque and runtime you actually need.
What to look for
Brushless motors last longer
They run cooler and more efficiently than brushed motors, which means better runtime and a longer tool lifespan. Worth the extra cost if you'll use the drill regularly.
Pick your battery platform first
Once you own batteries and a charger from one brand, it's cheaper to keep buying bare tools on that platform. Decide on a brand ecosystem before your first purchase.
Two-speed gearboxes cover more jobs
Low gear gives you torque for driving screws, high gear gives you speed for drilling. Most quality drills include both.