Best Power Tool Starter Kit
Your first power tool purchase locks you into a battery platform that will likely grow with you for years, so choosing wisely matters. The major cordless platforms (DeWalt 20V MAX, Milwaukee M18, Makita 18V LXT, and Ryobi ONE+ 18V) each offer dozens of tools that share batteries, creating an ecosystem similar to choosing between iPhone and Android. We compared starter kits on power, build quality, battery value, and platform depth. For most DIY homeowners, a cordless drill/driver is the essential first purchase. The BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX kit is the budget entry point, perfectly adequate for hanging shelves, assembling furniture, and basic repairs. The DeWalt 20V MAX drill kit steps up to contractor-grade quality with a brushless motor that delivers more torque and longer battery life. If you know you will expand, a two-tool combo kit with a drill and impact driver offers the best value. The Milwaukee M12 FUEL combo kit is our pick for serious DIYers who want compact, professional-grade tools without the bulk and weight of full-size 18V platforms. The 12V tools handle 90% of home tasks while being noticeably easier to use overhead or in tight spaces. Pair any drill with a quality tape measure and a set of driver bits to handle most household projects immediately.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | Key Pros | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Drill/Driver Kit | Drill | Two batteries included | Amazon |
| DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Drill Driver DCD771C2 | Cordless-Drill | Compact 7.9-inch length fits tight spaces | Amazon |
| DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Drill Driver Kit | Cordless-Drill | Two-battery kit ensures continuous uninterrupted operation | Amazon |
| Milwaukee M12 FUEL 12V Cordless Combo Kit (2-Tool) | Drill | Brushless motors for power and efficiency | Amazon |
| DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Drill Combo Kit | Drill | Two tools cover drilling and driving for most DIY projects | Amazon |
| BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Drill/Driver Kit | Drill | Great starter drill | 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
DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Drill Driver Kit
The DEWALT DCD771C2 cordless drill delivers 300 unit watts of power in a compact, lightweight body with a 2-speed transmission providing optimal speed and torque for a wide range of drilling and driving applications. The included two-battery kit means one is always charged and ready, and the 1-hour charger minimizes downtime on larger projects. A built-in LED work light illuminates the work area in dark spaces under cabinets and in crawl spaces.
- Two-battery kit ensures continuous uninterrupted operation
- Compact lightweight design reduces fatigue on overhead work
- DEWALT reliability and extensive ecosystem compatibility
- 20V MAX batteries not interchangeable with 12V tools
- Bit chuck can occasionally slip on high-torque applications
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
BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Drill/Driver Kit
Cordless drill and driver with 20V MAX lithium battery. 11-position clutch prevents overdriving and stripping screws. LED work light illuminates dark areas. 24-position clutch. Includes 30-piece accessory kit with bits and driver heads.
- Great starter drill
- 30-piece accessory kit included
- LED work light
- Very affordable
- Not for heavy-duty jobs
- Battery could be larger
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best first power tool to buy?
A cordless drill/driver handles the widest range of home tasks: drilling holes, driving screws, assembling furniture, and minor repairs. The DeWalt 20V MAX kit includes a drill, two batteries, and a charger. If budget is tight, the BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX kit costs less and covers basic needs.
What is the difference between a drill and an impact driver?
A drill rotates continuously and is best for drilling holes and driving small screws. An impact driver delivers rotational bursts (impacts) that drive large screws and lag bolts with far less wrist strain. If you can only buy one, get a drill. A combo kit with both costs only slightly more and covers all fastening needs.
Which power tool brand should I invest in?
For DIY homeowners, DeWalt 20V MAX offers the best balance of quality and price with a huge tool selection. Milwaukee M18 is preferred by professionals for its durability and advanced features. Ryobi ONE+ 18V is the budget winner with over 300 tools in the platform. All three have tools available at Home Depot.
Do I need brushless power tools?
Brushless motors last longer, run cooler, and deliver 20-50% more runtime per charge. They cost $20-50 more than brushed equivalents. For tools you will use frequently like a drill or impact driver, brushless is worth the upgrade. For occasional-use tools like a reciprocating saw, brushed saves money without a meaningful sacrifice.