Drills and drivers cover most fastening and hole-making tasks in home projects. The key is choosing the right type for the material and workload. Most people overbuy specs and underbuy the right tool type.
This page breaks down the main drill and driver categories, where each one fits, and the practical factors that matter for real use.
Tool Types
Drill
General-purpose drilling and light fastening. Best starting point for most home toolkits.
Impact Driver
Fastening with high torque. Best for long screws, deck work, framing connectors, and repetitive driving.
Hammer Drill
Drilling into masonry and concrete. Useful for anchors, tapcons, and harder materials.
Right Angle Drill
Access tool for tight framing bays and awkward angles where standard drills do not fit.
Rotary Hammer
Heavier-duty masonry drilling and chipping. Not the same as a hammer drill.
Bit Sets
Driver bits and drill bits. Often the cheapest upgrade that improves results immediately.
Best Picks & Buying Guides
Best Drills and Drivers for Home Projects
Tested and compared picks for homeowners and DIY users. Includes quick picks, detailed reviews, pros and cons, and real-use buying advice.
What Matters When Choosing
- Battery platform compatibility and runtime
- Torque and control for the materials you actually work with
- Chuck type and bit retention
- Speed ranges and clutch settings for consistent fastening
- Weight and ergonomics for overhead or long sessions