A lightweight drill/driver should be the first power tool that anyone owns.
From hanging photos to assembling flat-pack IKEA furniture, the need for a drill/driver is obvious.
This clutch is what separates a standard drill from a cordless drill/driver.
There is also a drill setting which is identified as a drill icon.
Use this setting when using the drill/driver as a drill for maximum torque and RPM.
If your drill/driver has a hi-lo speed option, select low for driving screws and high for drilling.
Start with lower resistance and gradually adjust up if needed.
Located just in front of the clutch is the chuck which holds the drill bits.
You want a keyless chuck which can be turned by hand.
Turn it clockwise to constrict and tighten around the bit and turn it counter-clockwise to release the bit.
Beyond chuck size, cordless drill/drivers are available in a variety of power options.
From12-volt to 18-voltand Lithium-Ion to Ni-Cad batteries.
Lithium-Ion powered tools are powerful and lighter but more costly than Ni-Cad options.
12-volt drill/drivers will offer the most compact tool but will have the least amount of runtime and power.
These are all tradeoffs that come down to personal preference.
Choose a drill/driver that fits comfortably in your hand.
Take note of the tools weight, handle size, and grip surface.
Top rated drill/drivers for DIYers include models fromBosch,DeWALT,Black & Decker, andRYOBI.
Photos courtesy ofTool Crave.
