Power tools: corded or cordless, and which drill

Corded or cordless

Corded tools run all day at full power and cost less. Best for long jobs at one bench: grinding, cutting, mixing. Cordless tools go anywhere, which is worth a lot on site and for quick jobs.

If you go cordless, pick one brand’s battery system and stay with it: the same battery then fits your drill, grinder and saw.

• Volts (V): 12 V is light and handy; 18 V (also sold as 20 V) is the usual all-round choice.
• Amp-hours (Ah): how long a battery lasts. 2 Ah is light; 4–5 Ah for heavy work.
• Brushless: runs cooler, lasts longer and gets more out of each charge. Worth it on tools you use every day.

Which drill

• Drill/driver: holes in wood and metal, and screws.
• Hammer drill: adds a light hammering for brick and light concrete.
• Rotary hammer (SDS-plus): for real concrete. Much faster than a hammer drill, and uses SDS bits.
• Impact driver: for driving many long screws and bolts, not for drilling.

Original, and who repairs it

Ask if the tool comes through the official representative. Grey imports and fakes are common, and a cheaper price often means no warranty and no spare parts. A good tool from a brand with a repair shop in your city is worth more than a slightly better tool with none.