When cordless drills first came on the market, they didn't have much to offer. They were heavier, yet less powerful than corded drills. They were also expensive, and the batteries were constantly wearing out. All that has changed, and now a cordless drill is one of the essentials for a home tool kit. Some of top brands for cordless drills include DEWALT, Craftsman, Black & Decker, and Makita.

There are several different types of cordless drills. If a tool is simply labeled a drill, it is intended for spinning a drill bit. If it is called a hammerdrill, it will also tap on the drill bit to help it penetrate concrete, tile, or other hard surfaces. A drill/driver can be used for driving screws, and the bit will disengage at a selected resistance level.

You should choose the voltage of your drill according to its intended use. If all you plan to do with it is drive occasional screws and drill pilot holes in wood or other soft materials, a small 3.8-volt engine will give you all the power you need. If you're going to be drilling in denser materials or using it for longer periods of time, a 12- or 14.4-volt drill will stay charged longer. For heavy use, you'll need 18 volts.

Some models can be set at a right angle, and others have three positions. This makes it a whole lot easier to drill in tight or awkward spots. When buying a cordless drill, check out those that come in kits. Kits often include drill bits, extra batteries and/or a carrying case. Before purchasing, you will also want to compare the charge times, charger input, and chuck type. Options you may want to look for include a keyless chuck, torque setting, and trigger lock (to prevent accidental starts).