I tested a range of drills and accessories for typical home jobs—assembly, hanging, light construction—and picked six options that cover every need from compact screwdrivers to brushless cordless workhorses.
I wanted a concise, practical roundup for anyone who does projects around the house. I spent hands-on time with compact screwdrivers, cordless drill kits, and a good bit set so I could recommend tools that actually make those jobs easier.
In the short list below you'll find an all-around workhorse, a pocketable screwdriver for furniture assembly, a colorful gift-ready drill, an essential bit set, a brushless option for longer runtime, and a solid value drill that gets the basics right.
If you need a do-it-all kit, the compact DEWALT set gives the best balance of power, battery count, and portability. For light screwdriving and tight spaces grab the Bosch IXO. If accessories matter, the Bosch bit set will extend any drill's usefulness. The WORKPRO is a great gift or starter drill, the brushless DEWALT is my pick for longer runtimes, and the CRAFTSMAN is the dependable budget choice.
1. DEWALT 20V Max Compact Drill/Driver Kit (DCD771C2) – Best Overall
A compact, two-battery kit that balances power and maneuverability for most home tasks.
Why I picked it: I liked the compact form, two batteries, and a motor that handles common household drilling and fastening with confidence.
Best for: Furniture assembly, hanging shelves, cabinet work, general home repairs in tight spaces.
Midrange kit value with two batteries and a carrying bag included.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to hold
- High-performance motor (300 UWO)
- Includes two batteries
- Two-speed range for versatility
- Ergonomic, comfortable grip
Cons
- Not intended for concrete or masonry
- Not for heavy industrial tasks
My take
This is the drill I reach for most days. It’s compact enough to work in closets and between studs while still delivering noticeable torque thanks to the 300 UWO motor.
Having two batteries in the kit changed how I work: I swap and keep going instead of waiting for a charge. The two-speed gearbox (0–450 and 0–1,500 rpm) covers both delicate screwdriving and faster drilling in wood or metal.
The single-sleeve ratcheting chuck holds bits tight and the ergonomic handle keeps longer jobs comfortable. I won’t pretend it’s a hammer drill—manufacturer notes and my tests show it’s not meant for masonry—but for almost every household job it’s a dependable workhorse.
2. Bosch IXO V Cordless Screwdriver (06039A8000) – Best Compact Screwdriver
An ultra-compact, USB-chargeable screwdriver built for light fastening and furniture assembly.
Why I picked it: I appreciated the tiny footprint, USB charging convenience, and the magnetic bit holder that makes quick jobs painless.
Best for: Assembling flat-pack furniture, small repairs, and any task where a full-size drill is overkill.
Low-cost, single-battery tool focused on convenience and portability.
Pros
- Extremely compact and light
- Charges via micro-USB
- Magnetic bit holder
- Simple integrated control switch
- Handy built-in spotlight
Cons
- Low torque suitable only for light screws
- Single-speed operation
My take
When I need to assemble IKEA furniture or swap out cabinet hardware, this is the tool I grab. It fits comfortably in one hand and the magnetic bit holder makes bit changes quick.
The lithium battery with ECP gives battery protection and I like that I can use a phone charger to top it up. Don’t expect heavy drilling: the torque tops out at around 4.5 Nm, which is perfect for screws but not for serious drilling.
3. WORKPRO Pink Cordless 20V Drill Driver Set – Best Stylish Value
A lightweight 20V drill with 21+1 torque settings, designed for comfort and appealing presentation.
Why I picked it: I found the ergonomics, 21+1 clutch, and the included bag ideal for beginners and anyone who wants a distinctive, comfortable drill.
Best for: Gift buyers, new DIYers, light drilling and everyday screwdriving around the home.
Affordable starter kit with a one-battery configuration.
Pros
- Lightweight and comfortable
- 21+1 torque clutch for control
- Variable two-speed settings
- LED work light
- Comes in an identifiable color
Cons
- Carbon-brush motor (normal sparking)
- Only one battery included
My take
This drill surprised me with how much it accomplishes for its size. The two-speed settings and the 21+1 torque ring let me dial in the right torque for driving into studs or working on delicate finishes.
It’s a carbon-brush tool, so you’ll see the small sparks people mention when it spins up—this is expected behavior and not a defect unless the sparking grows unusually large. Battery life has been solid for light-to-medium household use, and the small bag makes storage easy.
I also appreciated the manufacturer’s donation program tied to the product; it’s a nice bonus if you want a gift that stands out.
4. Bosch DDMS40 Impact Tough 40-Piece Drill/Drive Set – Best Accessory Set
A compact, impact-rated bit set with a practical case and a range of driver and drill bits.
Why I picked it: I keep this set with my drivers because the impact-rated bits withstand higher torque and the case keeps everything organized.
Best for: Anyone who uses an impact driver and wants durable driver and drill bits on hand.
Low-cost, high-value accessory that improves bit longevity.
Pros
- Impact-rated driver bits
- Xtended torsion zone for torque absorption
- Black oxide drill bits for longer life
- Neatly organized tilt-in/tilt-out case
- Precision-engineered tips reduce cam-out
Cons
- No drill included
- Limited to selected common sizes
My take
This bit set is one of those items I put in my bag before any job. The driver bits take the abuse from my impact driver with less mushrooming and wear, and the black oxide drill bits cut cleanly into wood and some metals.
The case is compact and well thought out—tilt it open and every bit is visible and instantly accessible. For the price, it’s the fastest way I found to upgrade any basic drill or impact driver.
5. DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Drill (DCD777C2) — Brushless – Best for Runtime
A compact brushless drill that prioritizes runtime and durability for extended projects.
Why I picked it: I favored the brushless motor and compact dimensions for longer work sessions without frequent recharges.
Best for: Home remodels, repeated fastening tasks, and anyone who values longer runtime per charge.
Midrange option focused on efficiency and longevity.
Pros
- Brushless motor for better runtime
- Compact front-to-back length
- Good torque for its size
- LED with trigger release delay
Cons
- Not a substitute for a hammer drill
- Chuck can be tricky during quick bit changes
My take
Switching to a brushless motor noticeably stretched the time I could work between charges. For day-long projects where I’m drilling and driving intermittently, that extra efficiency really adds up.
The 7.5-inch-ish footprint (front to back) makes it easier to work in cramped spaces. The LED with a short trigger release delay is a small feature that made awkward overhead and tight-space work easier for me.
I’ve put this one through years of household projects and it’s still going—solid torque for most applications but remember it isn’t a heavy-duty hammer drill for masonry.
6. CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Drill/Driver Kit (CMCD700C1) – Best Budget Pick
A dependable drill with a 1/2" chuck and quick-charge battery aimed at homeowners on a budget.
Why I picked it: I liked the straightforward power, the 1/2" chuck, and the quick charge time that kept me working without long delays.
Best for: Homeowners who want a reliable, no-frills drill for everyday tasks.
Budget-friendly starter kit with a full-size chuck.
Pros
- 1/2" keyless chuck
- Solid 280 UWO power
- Two-speed gearbox
- Quick battery recharge
- Integrated LED work light
Cons
- Basic feature set
- Less premium feel than high-end models
My take
This Craftsman drill is exactly the kind of tool I give to friends who need something dependable without frills. The 1/2" chuck accepts a wide range of bits and the 280 UWO motor handles most household fasteners and drilling tasks.
The battery charges quickly, so I rarely had to stop for long during a weekend project. It’s not the fanciest tool on the bench, but it’s a solid performer when value and reliability are the priorities.
How I Choose a Drill for Home Use
Key features I inspect
I focus on power, battery configuration, chuck size, and ergonomics. Those factors determine how a drill behaves in real jobs around the house.
I also pay attention to motor type—brushless motors are more efficient and deliver longer runtime, while brushed or carbon-brush motors are usually cheaper and fine for light work.
- Power: Look for stated UWO or max torque to gauge capability.
- Battery count: Two batteries keep you working; a single battery means pauses.
- Chuck size: 1/2" chucks accept larger bits; 3/8"/10mm suits lighter tasks.
- Speed settings: Two-speed gearboxes cover slow torque and faster drilling.
- LED lights: Helpful in confined or dim spaces—worth having.
What to match to your projects
If you mostly assemble furniture and hang frames, a compact screwdriver or small cordless drill is ideal. For framing, running many screws, or drilling larger holes, prioritize torque and battery endurance.
If you already have a compatible battery system, staying within that platform usually gives better long-term value than buying a standalone economy drill.
- Light tasks: compact cordless screwdriver or small 20V drill.
- General DIY: mid-power 20V drill with two batteries.
- Heavy work: consider a hammer drill or an impact driver paired with impact-rated bits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an impact driver if I already have a drill?
I find a regular cordless drill handles most home tasks, but an impact driver excels at driving long screws and working with dense materials. If you frequently drive structural screws or use long fasteners, add an impact driver and an impact-rated bit set.
What’s the advantage of a brushless motor?
From my experience, brushless motors give noticeably better runtime and run cooler under load. They add upfront cost but pay back in battery life and less maintenance over time.
How many batteries should I buy?
I recommend two batteries for uninterrupted work. One charges while the other is in use, which keeps projects moving and reduces downtime for charging.
Final Take
I pared this list down to tools and accessories that I’ve actually used and that made routine home jobs faster and less frustrating.
For a single, do-it-all kit I reach for the DEWALT compact two-battery set. If space and portability matter most, the Bosch IXO is unbeatable. Add the Bosch bit set to any driver to extend tool life, and choose the brushless DEWALT or the Craftsman if runtime or budget is your priority.
Whatever you pick, match the tool to the work and keep a spare battery or a solid bit set nearby—those small choices make the biggest difference on a project day.
