When starting any DIY or home improvement project, having the right tools for the job is essential. Power tools, in particular, allow you to work quickly and efficiently on a variety of tasks. But with the huge range of power tools available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start when assembling your toolkit. So what is one of the first power tools that every home DIYer should have? Let’s take a look at some of the most versatile, useful and common power tools to consider acquiring first.
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Key Considerations When Choosing Your First Power Tool
When deciding on your first power tool purchase, there are a few key factors to consider:
- Versatility – Look for tools that can perform multiple functions or accept different attachments to maximize usefulness
- Common tasks – Consider what projects you will use the tool for most often (cutting, drilling, sanding, etc)
- Safety features – Look for tools with guards, switches, and other features to prevent accidents
- Power source – Corded, cordless, gas or battery operated. Each has pros and cons
- Brand reputation – Stick with reputable brands known for safety and reliability
- Budget – An expensive high-end tool may not be necessary for DIY use
- Ergonomics – Ensure the tool is comfortable and easy for you to handle and control
Keeping these factors in mind will help you select a power tool that is suited to your needs as a home DIYer.
Why a Drill/Driver Should Be Your First Power Tool
Taking the key considerations into account, a drill/driver is one of the most versatile, useful and commonly used power tools for several reasons:
- It can perform multiple functions – drilling holes, driving screws, and sometimes hammering
- It works for many common DIY projects – installing hardware, assembling furniture, hanging items on walls/ceilings
- Cordless models provide portability and convenience without having to stay near an outlet
- Good safety features are standard – variable speed triggers, slip clutches, keyless chucks
- Reasonably priced models are available from top brands like DeWalt, Makita, Bosch, etc
- It’s an easy tool to handle for most DIYers due to its smaller size and intuitive operation
Having both drilling and driving capabilities means a high utility factor – being able to make holes for screws as well as drive them in. This dual-purpose use across many common tasks makes a drill/driver one of the best first power tool purchases for any home DIY toolkit.
Drill/Driver Features to Look For
When selecting your first drill/driver, keep an eye out for these key features:
Power Source
- Cordless – Rechargeable lithium-ion battery provides portability and convenience without cord. Batteries vary based on voltage/amp hours for longer run times.
- Corded – Unlimited runtime when plugged in but mobility is limited by cord length. Good for high usage tasks.
Chuck
- Keyed – Tightened by key which can be lost. Not recommended for first drill.
- Keyless – Easy tightening by hand. Better for quick and easy bit changes.
Clutch Settings
- Adjustable clutch prevents screw driving bit from over-tightening and stripping screw heads.
- Higher clutch settings for larger screws and materials, lower settings for smaller screws.
Variable Speed Trigger
- Allows precise control over drill speed for different materials and tasks.
- Slow speeds prevent damage when starting hole or screw.
Hammer Function
- Hammer drill setting allows masonry drilling in brick/concrete.
- Useful add-on but not essential for basic DIY use.
Prioritizing these key features will help you select a versatile drill/driver that can handle most DIY tasks around the home.
Best Drill/Driver Brands
These top tool brands provide high performance and reliability:
DeWalt
- Trusted brand with wide range of models.
- Powerful and long-lasting brushless motors.
- Sturdy, durable construction.
- Good balance and ergonomics.
Makita
- Known for battery efficiency and life.
- Wide range of drill options.
- Effective brushless motors.
- Sturdy metal chucks and gearing.
Milwaukee
- Industry leading brushless motors.
- REDLITHIUM batteries with fuel gauge.
- Emphasis on preventing overheating.
- Excellent torque and power output.
Bosch
- German engineering provides precision and efficiency.
- Kickback control andrestart protection.
- Lightweight but durable housings.
- Variable speed triggers and easy bit changes.
Sticking with these major brands means you can expect reliable performance from your first drill/driver for years of DIY projects.
Cordless or Corded Drill? Pros and Cons
Deciding between a cordless or corded drill depends on weighing the pros and cons:
Cordless Drill/Driver
Pros
- Portability and mobility to use anywhere
- No cord tripping hazards or tangles
- Convenience of not staying near outlet
Cons
- Battery charge doesn’t last forever
- Lower torque and power vs corded
- Higher initial cost over corded
Corded Drill/Driver
Pros
- Unlimited runtime when plugged into AC power
- Higher sustained torque for heavy duty tasks
- Lower initial purchase cost
Cons
- Limited mobility due to cord length
- Cord risks tripping or tangled accidents
- Finding conveniently located outlets
For most home DIYers, the mobility and convenience of cordless models outweighs the unlimited power of corded drills. But corded models can work well for high usage tasks in a workshop or if cost is a concern.
Key Drill/Driver Features Summary
| Feature | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Power Source | Cordless or Corded depending on portability needs |
| Chuck | Keyless chuck for quick bit changes |
| Clutch | Adjustable clutch to prevent over-tightening |
| Variable Speed | Trigger control over drill RPM speed |
| Brand | Reputable brands like DeWalt, Makita, Milwaukee, Bosch |
Prioritizing these features will ensure you select a quality drill/driver that can tackle most DIY tasks and serve as an essential component of your power tool collection.
Cordless Drill/Driver Recommendations
Based on the criteria outlined above, here are some top cordless drill/driver options to consider for your first purchase:
DeWalt DCD771C2 20V MAX Li-ion Drill/Driver Kit
- Compact and lightweight at only 3.6 lbs
- 340 Watts Out power with 2-speed settings
- High performance brushless motor
- Keyless 1/2″ ratcheting chuck
- Includes 2 20V MAX batteries, charger, and carrying case
Makita XPH12Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 1/2″ Hammer Driver-Drill Kit
- Delivers 480 in/lbs max torque
- Brushless motor provides longer run time
- Variable 2-speed transmission (0-550 & 0-2,000 RPM)
- Mechanical 2-speed transmission
- Kit includes two 18V LXT Lithium-Ion batteries
Milwaukee 2804-20 M18 Fuel 1/2″ Hammer Drill/Driver
- REDLINK PLUSTM intelligence prevents overheating
- POWERSTATETM brushless motor delivers up to 60% more power
- REDLITHIUMTM battery pack provides superior pack construction
- 1/2″ all metal ratcheting chuck for bit retention
- Onboard fuel gauge and LED light
Bosch PS32-02 12-Volt Max Brushless Hammer Drill/Driver Kit
- Brushless motor for longer life and runtime
- 265 max inch pounds of torque
- Vari-speed trigger and 20+1 clutch settings
- LED light illuminates work area
- Weighs only 2.14 lbs for reduced fatigue
All of these models from trusted brands deliver an excellent combination of performance, reliability and value. Choosing among them comes down to your preferred brand and specific feature needs.
Summary
In summary, a drill/driver is one of the most useful first power tools to start your home DIY toolkit. It provides drilling and fastening versatility across countless projects. Focus on key features like cordless convenience, brushless motors, a keyless chuck, variable speeds and a reputable brand. Models like the DeWalt DCD771C2, Makita XPH12Z, Milwaukee 2804-20 and Bosch PS32-02 deliver an ideal blend of power, ergonomics and reliability for the DIYer. Investing in a quality drill/driver means gaining an essential power tool ally for home projects both now and for years to come.