Best Power Tool Starter Kit
Your first power tool purchase locks you into a battery platform that'll probably grow with you for years, so it's worth choosing carefully. The major cordless platforms -- DeWalt 20V MAX, Milwaukee M18, Makita 18V LXT, and Ryobi ONE+ 18V -- each have dozens of tools sharing the same batteries. It's kind of like choosing between iPhone and Android. We compared starter kits on power, build quality, battery value, and how deep each platform goes. For most DIY homeowners, a cordless drill/driver is the essential first buy. The BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX kit is the budget entry point -- perfectly fine for hanging shelves, assembling furniture, and basic repairs. The DeWalt 20V MAX drill kit steps up to contractor-grade with a brushless motor that delivers more torque and longer battery life. If you know you'll be expanding, a two-tool combo with a drill and impact driver is the best value. The Milwaukee M12 FUEL combo is our pick for serious DIYers who want professional-grade tools without the bulk of full-size 18V platforms. The 12V tools handle 90% of home tasks and they're noticeably easier to use overhead or in tight spaces. Pair any drill with a quality tape measure and a set of driver bits and you're ready for most household projects.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | Key Pros | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Drill/Driver Kit | Drill | Two batteries included | Buy on Amazon |
| DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Drill Driver DCD771C2 | Cordless-Drill | Compact 7.9-inch length fits tight spaces | Buy on Amazon |
| Milwaukee M12 FUEL 12V Cordless Combo Kit (2-Tool) | Drill | Brushless motors for power and efficiency | Buy on Amazon |
| DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Drill Combo Kit | Drill | Two tools cover drilling and driving for most DIY projects | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Look at Each Product
DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Drill/Driver Kit
Compact lightweight drill with 300 UWO of power handles drilling and fastening for home projects. Two-speed transmission with 15 clutch settings gives precise control for different materials. Includes two 20V MAX batteries, charger, and bit.
- Two batteries included
- Compact and lightweight
- 15 clutch settings
- Trusted DEWALT brand
- Not for heavy-duty construction
- LED light placement could be better
DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Drill Driver DCD771C2
The DEWALT DCD771C2 20V MAX drill driver delivers 300 unit watts out of power in a compact 7.9-inch length that fits in tight spaces where larger drills cannot operate. Two included 1.3Ah lithium batteries charge fully in 60 minutes and maintain charge during storage, while the 15-position clutch prevents overdriving screws. High-speed transmission provides two speed ranges — 0-450 RPM and 0-1,500 RPM — for drilling and driving versatility.
- Compact 7.9-inch length fits tight spaces
- Two batteries included
- 60-minute fast charging
- 1.3Ah batteries smaller than premium kit options
- No LED work light
Milwaukee M12 FUEL 12V Cordless Combo Kit (2-Tool)
Compact drill driver and impact driver combo kit powered by M12 FUEL brushless motors for professional performance in a sub-compact size. Includes two batteries, charger, and contractor bag. POWERSTATE brushless motors deliver more power than standard tools.
- Brushless motors for power and efficiency
- Sub-compact size fits tight spaces
- Two batteries included
- Professional-grade quality
- 12V less powerful than 18V for heavy jobs
- Battery compatibility limited to M12 line
DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Drill Combo Kit
The DEWALT 20V MAX combo kit includes a drill/driver and an impact driver with two 1.3Ah batteries, a charger, and a carrying bag. The drill delivers 300 UWO of power across 15 clutch settings, while the impact driver generates 1,825 in-lbs of torque for fastening tasks. Both tools weigh under 3.4 lbs for comfortable overhead use.
- Two tools cover drilling and driving for most DIY projects
- 20V MAX batteries are compatible across the DEWALT ecosystem
- Compact and lightweight for overhead and confined-space work
- 1.3Ah batteries run down quickly on large projects
- Carrying bag is basic and shows wear quickly
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best first power tool to buy?
A cordless drill/driver. It handles the widest range of home tasks: drilling holes, driving screws, assembling furniture, minor repairs. The DeWalt 20V MAX kit comes with a drill, two batteries, and a charger. If budget's tight, the BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX costs less and covers the basics.
What is the difference between a drill and an impact driver?
A drill rotates continuously -- best for drilling holes and driving small screws. An impact driver delivers rotational bursts that drive large screws and lag bolts with way less wrist strain. If you can only buy one, get the drill. But a combo kit with both costs only a little more and covers everything.
Which power tool brand should I invest in?
For DIY homeowners, DeWalt 20V MAX hits the sweet spot of quality and price with a huge tool lineup. Milwaukee M18 is what the pros use -- built tougher with more advanced features. Ryobi ONE+ 18V is the budget winner with over 300 tools in the platform. All three are at Home Depot.
Do I need brushless power tools?
Brushless motors last longer, run cooler, and get you 20-50% more runtime per charge. They cost $20-50 more. For tools you'll use a lot -- drill, impact driver -- brushless is worth it. For stuff you only pull out once in a while, like a reciprocating saw, brushed saves you money without any real sacrifice.