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A cordless drill is the first power tool most people buy, and the one they use most. With so many voltages, chucks and kits on the shelf, a few simple questions will point you to the right one.

Drill/driver or impact driver?

A drill/driver has an adjustable clutch and a keyless chuck, so it handles drilling holes and driving screws with control. An impact driver adds rotational hammering for long lag screws and stubborn fasteners, but it only accepts 1/4 in. hex bits. Most homeowners start with a drill/driver; pros usually own both.

Voltage and battery platform

• 12V: compact and light, ideal for cabinets, furniture and tight spaces.
• 18V/20V class: the all-round choice for framing, decking and masonry drilling.
• Platform: batteries usually work only within one brand, so choose a platform with the other tools you will want later.

Brushless motors and kits

Brushless motors run cooler, last longer and get more work from each charge. If this is your first tool on a platform, buy a kit with two batteries and a charger; afterwards, “tool only” versions save money.

Browse our power tools to compare drills, drivers and kits.

Accurate layout is the difference between a joint that closes and one that gaps. You don’t need a truckload of gear — just a few reliable tools used well.

The essential kit

• Tape measure: a 25 ft. tape with a wide, stiff blade covers nearly every job.
• Speed square: marks square and angled cuts and doubles as a saw guide.
• Spirit levels: a 24 in. level for general work plus a torpedo level for tight spots.
• Laser measure: takes room dimensions in seconds and calculates area and volume.

Keep your tools accurate

Check a level by reading it, flipping it end for end and reading it again — the bubble should sit in the same place. Store squares and levels where they can’t be knocked, and replace any tape whose hook has bent.

Find tapes, squares, levels and lasers in our measuring & layout collection.