Cordless drills and power tools buying guide

For home use, battery platform and comfort matter more than maximum torque.

1. A brand's batteries often fit many of its tools, so buying into one platform makes later tools cheaper.
2. 18 or 20 V is plenty for household tasks; a 2 Ah battery is light, and 4 Ah lasts longer.
3. A clutch and variable speed let you drive screws without stripping them.
4. Brushless motors run cooler and last longer than brushed ones at a higher price.
5. Check that a case, charger and at least one spare battery are included.

Common mistake: Buying a big kit of low-quality bits: a small set of good bits does more.