Not all drills are the same. In fact, choosing the wrong one can make your project harder than it needs to be. Whether you’re putting up shelves, building furniture, or tackling a home renovation, the drill you use makes a difference.
So, what should you actually look for? Here’s how to pick the right drill that suits your DIY goals, without wasting money or getting overwhelmed by too many options.
First, What Will You Be Using It For?
You don’t need the most expensive drill in the store. But you do need one that’s right for the type of work you’re planning. A few quick examples:
Hanging curtains? You need something lightweight and easy to control.
Building a table from scratch? You’ll need more torque.
Drilling into brick or concrete? That requires a hammer function.
Once you know the kind of work you’ll be doing most often, it’s easier to filter through the choices.
Three Main Drill Types Worth Knowing
Drills come in many variations, but most DIYers only need to understand three core types. Each has its own use case and strength.
Drill/Driver (Standard Drill)
This is the most common type of drill. It drills holes, drives screws, and is useful for most everyday home tasks. If you’re just starting out, this is probably what you need.
It works well with wood, drywall, and even light metals. It’s also typically cordless, so it’s easy to move around with. Look for one with adjustable torque settings, which gives you better control depending on the job.
Hammer Drill
A step up from the standard drill. It adds a pounding motion that helps push through tough materials like brick, cement, or stone.
This isn’t something most DIYers need unless you’re doing structural work, drilling into exterior walls, or planning to mount heavy items onto masonry. It’s heavier than a drill/driver, and it’s louder too.
Impact Driver
While not technically a drill, it’s worth knowing about. Impact drivers are designed to drive screws and bolts, not drill holes.
They’re extremely powerful for their size and great if you’re working with longer screws or thicker materials. That said, they aren’t great for precision or hole-making. Think of them as a good companion to your main drill, not a replacement.
Cordless vs Corded: Which Should You Pick?
There’s a simple way to think about this: if you value convenience, go cordless. If you need consistent power, consider corded.
Cordless drills are portable, easier to handle, and more common for home use. Most run on lithium-ion batteries and offer decent power. Just make sure you have an extra battery or a fast charger, especially if you’ll be working for long periods.
Corded drills, on the other hand, offer constant power without the worry of battery life. They’re often more powerful too. The downside? You’ll need to work near an outlet or use an extension cord, and mobility becomes limited.
For most DIYers, a cordless drill with 18V or 20V power is more than enough. Unless you’re drilling all day or working on a full renovation, the convenience is worth it.
Key Features That Actually Matter
Most drills come loaded with features, but only a few are truly important when you’re deciding what to buy. Here are the ones to pay attention to:
- Voltage – Affects power. For cordless drills, 18V or 20V is the sweet spot for DIY.
- Chuck size – Determines what size bits you can use. 3/8-inch fits most bits. 1/2-inch gives you more flexibility.
- Clutch settings – A clutch prevents overdriving screws or damaging materials. Look for a drill with multiple clutch settings.
- Speed control – Variable speed is essential for different materials. Drilling into soft wood doesn’t need the same speed as metal or masonry.
- Weight and grip – If the drill is too heavy or awkward, it’s going to feel like a chore. Try holding a few to see what feels comfortable.
The Must-Have Accessories
It’s not just about the drill. You’ll also want the right accessories to go with it. Here’s what’s worth adding to your toolkit:
- High-quality drill bit set – Choose sets that include wood, metal, and masonry bits
- Multiple screwdriver bits – Phillips, flathead, Torx, square, and others you might need for furniture or electronics
- Second battery (for cordless drills) – Keeps your workflow smooth and uninterrupted
- Magnetic bit holder – Speeds up bit changes and reduces drops
- Flexible shaft extension – Helpful for reaching tight spaces or awkward angles
- Clamps or vice – Not an attachment, but still useful for keeping your material steady while you drill
Matching the Right Drill to Your Project
Some drills are overkill. Others leave you stuck halfway through a task because they aren’t powerful enough. Here’s a comparison to help match your project with the drill type:
- Light home repairs and decoration: Go for a cordless drill/driver
- Furniture builds and moderate DIY: Still a drill/driver, but look for adjustable torque and multiple clutch settings
- Decking, fencing, or heavier construction: You may need a corded drill or higher-voltage cordless model
- Mounting into brick or concrete: Definitely a hammer drill
- Long screws and bolts: An impact driver helps drive them in without stripping
If you’re someone who plans to tackle a bit of everything, it might be worth owning two types, such as a drill/driver and a hammer drill, or pairing a drill with an impact driver.
The Bottom Line on Buying the Right Drill
There’s no need to spend hours researching every model or getting caught up in feature overload. For most DIYers, a mid-range cordless drill/driver with adjustable torque and a decent battery will be the right fit.
Don’t overbuy based on power you won’t use. But don’t underbuy either. A weak drill that can’t finish the job is more frustrating than helpful.
If you plan your projects, pick based on use, and pay attention to the features that matter, you’ll end up with a drill you actually enjoy using. And once you’ve got the right tool in hand, the work doesn’t just get easier — it gets a whole lot more satisfying.
Tools That Make You Want to Keep Building
The right drill isn’t just a purchase, it’s part of your workflow. It should feel good in your hand, power through your projects, and last long enough to see you through many weekends of repairs, builds, and fixes.
Get one that suits your pace and project style. Not the biggest, not the cheapest, but the one that helps you keep going without hesitation. That’s the kind of tool that belongs in your DIY kit.
