Checklist · 13 picks · 4 categories
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Ready to graduate from the tiny screwdriver that came with your bookshelf? Start with a drill.
It makes the holes and handles most small jobs around the home. An impact driver is the optional second tool, built for driving fasteners with way more torque. Every power tool pick here comes from Bob Vila's published roundups of cordless drills and impact drivers, and the bits come from its drill bit guide. Check what's in the box: runtime and included batteries vary, and some bit sets are made for specific materials. Each card shows the drawback the reviewer actually called out, so you can pick with open eyes. Speaking of eyes, grab a pair of safety glasses before your first hole.
Who this is not for. Skip this if you just need to hang a frame and build a bookshelf; the First Toolkit and Furniture Assembly Kit lists are the better fit.
Tell me what you can spend. I pick a tier for every item, essentials first, and show what is left. The first amount covers everything you need at the cheapest tier.
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Estimates based on typical prices, checked Nov 2, 2026. Prices change; see the store for today's price.
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| Pick | Tier | Price | Best for | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black+Decker LDX120C 20V MAX Cordless Drill/Driver | budget | $50-100 | basic home drilling on a small budget | 1 outlet |
| Bosch GSB18V-65B12 18V 1/2-Inch Hammer Drill Driver | mid | $100-150 | one drill that can do nearly everything | 1 outlet |
| Milwaukee 2407-22 M12 12V 3/8-Inch Cordless Drill/Driver | splurge | $150-200 | light drilling where weight matters | 1 outlet |
| DeWalt DCF885C1 20V MAX 1/4-Inch Impact Driver Kit | mid | $100-150 | the everything-included impact driver | 1 outlet |
| Black+Decker 20V MAX Powerconnect Impact Driver Kit | budget | $50-100 | a first impact driver for mixed home jobs | 1 outlet |
| Milwaukee 2853-22 M18 Fuel Hex Impact Driver Kit | splurge | $300-500 | big fasteners in cramped spaces | 1 outlet |
budget pick · 3.3 lb
Best for basic home drilling on a small budget
Bob Vila's best bang for the buck drill: a simple, affordable pick for basic drilling and driving at home.
Heads up. A light- to medium-duty drill that isn't suited to heavy drilling
1 outlet. Bob Vila best Bang for the Buck cordless drill.
$50-100
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mid pick · Standard
Best for one drill that can do nearly everything
Bob Vila's best overall drill: a versatile 1/2-inch hammer drill that stays light and portable.
Heads up. Battery capacity is low, though you can upgrade it separately
1 outlet. Bob Vila best Overall cordless drill.
$100-150
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splurge pick · 2.4 lb
Best for light drilling where weight matters
Bob Vila's best light-duty drill: light and comfortable, and it drills smaller holes in tough materials.
Heads up. Slower than the 18-volt drill/drivers
1 outlet. Bob Vila best Light-Duty cordless drill.
$150-200
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mid pick · 2.8 lb
Best for the everything-included impact driver
Bob Vila's best overall impact driver: high torque for its light weight, with the case, charger and battery in the box.
Heads up. Limited runtime from the 1.5 Ah battery
1 outlet. Bob Vila best Overall impact driver.
$100-150
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budget pick · 3.6 lb
Best for a first impact driver for mixed home jobs
Bob Vila's best all-purpose impact driver: strong torque and speed with a nonslip padded grip.
Heads up. The included 1.5 Ah battery is relatively low capacity
1 outlet. Bob Vila best All-Purpose impact driver.
$50-100
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splurge pick · 2.2 lb
Best for big fasteners in cramped spaces
Bob Vila's best compact impact driver: the most torque of this trio in a small, light body.
Heads up. The body materials feel thinner and less robust than some competing models
1 outlet. Bob Vila best Compact impact driver.
$300-500
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| Pick | Tier | Price | Best for | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diablo 4-Pc Tile & Stone Carbide Tipped Drill Bit Set | budget | $15-25 | mounting a towel bar or shelf on tile | 1 outlet |
| DeWalt 21-Pc Titanium Nitride Coated Drill Bit Set | mid | $25-50 | a solid everyday set for wood, metal and plastic | 1 outlet |
| Milwaukee 29-Pc Shockwave Red Helix Titanium Bit Set | splurge | $50-100 | using one bit set in your drill and impact driver | 1 outlet |
budget pick · 4 bits
Best for mounting a towel bar or shelf on tile
Bob Vila's best for tile: carbide tips that drill hard, brittle tile in four common hardware sizes.
Heads up. A narrow range of uses, and short shafts limit deep holes
1 outlet. Bob Vila best for Tile drill bits.
$15-25
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mid pick · 21 bits
Best for a solid everyday set for wood, metal and plastic
Bob Vila's also-consider set: fast, accurate pilot starts, a 3-flat shank and an affordable titanium finish.
Heads up. Fewer sizes limit precision work, and the coating wears off after sharpening
1 outlet. Bob Vila also Consider drill bits.
$25-50
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splurge pick · 29 bits
Best for using one bit set in your drill and impact driver
Bob Vila's best overall bit set: precise and durable on wood, plastic and soft metals, and it works in both drills and impact drivers.
Heads up. Premium price, and the tight case makes storage difficult
1 outlet. Bob Vila best Overall drill bits.
$50-100
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budget pick · 15.75 x 8.66 x 9.84 in
Best for carrying your own hand tools to class or the jobsite
Bob Vila's best bang for the buck tool bag: a waterproof bottom, a padded shoulder strap and easy-access outside pockets.
Heads up. Flimsy pull tabs, and the inside pockets are oddly shaped for some tools, per Bob Vila
1 outlet. Bob Vila best Bang for the Buck tool bag.
$25-50
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mid pick · 18 x 7 x 14 in
Best for a growing tool collection that needs a home
Bob Vila's best overall tool bag: very high-quality nylon, a huge amount of storage and the best shoulder strap in its group.
Heads up. May be overkill for a small tool collection, and the bottom isn't waterproof, per Bob Vila
1 outlet. Bob Vila best Overall tool bag.
$50-100
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budget pick · One size
Best for dusty jobs like sanding and sawing
Bob Vila's best overall safety glasses: a snug fit with a removable foam gasket that keeps out fine particles, light enough for long wear.
Heads up. Clear, non-polarized lenses are less helpful outdoors
1 outlet. Bob Vila best overall safety glasses.
under $15
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budget pick · One size
Best for glasses that stay clear while you sand
Bob Vila's best anti-fog safety glasses: the best fog resistance in its tests, at a budget-friendly price.
Heads up. Fine dust can slip in below and at the sides
1 outlet. Bob Vila best anti-fog safety glasses.
$15-25
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means three independent outlets recommend a pick, means one, and limited evidence means none has yet. I research these picks. I have not tested them myself. How I pick · Spot a mistake? A broken link, a wrong price range or an outdated pick: tell me at hello@allsetlist.com and I'll fix it.
Start with a drill if you're only buying one. It handles basic drilling and driving, which is why it's marked essential here. Add an impact driver when you keep hitting stubborn fasteners; Bob Vila's picks deliver 1,375 to 2,000 in-lbs of torque.
No. Check the shank first. Bob Vila notes the Milwaukee Shockwave Red Helix set works with both drill/drivers and impact drivers, while bits with smooth shanks don't fit impact drivers.
Regular bits are not the move. Bob Vila's tile pick is the Diablo 4-piece set, with carbide tips made for hard, brittle tile. It's a specialty set, so pair it with an everyday one for wood and metal.
