Which Power Tool Do I Buy First?

If you are keen to get into the world of DIY or woodwork then investing in power tools is an obvious next step but if on a budget, which tool will give the most benefit and therefore the first to invest in?
Amazon links to the tools used in this video...
UK links:
► Budget Drill Driver: amzn.to/3An3uC2
► Good Mid Range Bosch Drill Driver: amzn.to/3iIFfbl
► My Dewalt Drill: amzn.to/3k0GEeX
US Links:
► Budget Drill Driver: amzn.to/3oJJlDO
► Good Mid Range Drill: amzn.to/3FvsTx9
►My Dewalt Drill: amzn.to/3qWFgLy
The Amazon links above are affiliate links. It doesn't cost you anything to click on them but I do earn a small commission if you do. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

[@polluxtroy69]

I've had my DeWalt cordless combi drill for about 8 years now. It's been very reliable. Recently invested in a Dewalt impact driver after being annoyed by changing bits all the time. Both work well to speed things up even more. And these days you can pick them up for quite cheap. There's always sales on at the trade shops. Great video.

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks!. You are right there - I did exactly the same and recently bought my Dewalt impact driver for £50 form Screwfix on a special - excellent duo albeit really loud!

[@TheJVCMan]

The First tools I bought was a dewalt drill and impact driver set. Best thing I did. Use it for almost all my DIY jobs.

[@David-xc4us]

As a very average DIYer I would say it’s worth investing in a good make for your power tools….I’ve been using a 24v DeWalt (SDS) drill for well over 10 years and it’s still going strong

[@d.e.b.b5788]

My Black & Decker commercial 1/2" corded drill is now on 35 years. Still just as good as new. I kind of feel like Stanley 'demoted' the Black & Decker brand to handyman home tools, and had to purchase the DeWalt brand name for their commercial line of power tools.

[@iancovid19hamilton69]

@@d.e.b.b5788 Ive got one the same age. Its at the bottom of the shed somewhere,so Ive just bought a Meterk one for £23.

[@bobmcnair7075]

It's also woth thinking about getting a pair, one ordinary driver and one impact driver. They are sold as such by a lot of companies. Keep up the good work, interesting and well presentes videos.

[@mrporridge2304]

Thanks again Stuart, I have just (this minute!) taken your advice and finally ordered a replacement for my trusty OLD Bosch drill/driver. It has done sterling work for over 15 years with only one replacement battery needed in all that time. Over the last few weeks said battery has not been holding it's charge and I had been meaning to look into a replacement so pretty chuffed I watched this vid and followed your recommendations. Turning up tomorrow (gotta love Prime!!!) so the child will be pushed to the other end of the sofa while I cuddle my shiny new toy in front of the rugby! 🤣🤣🤣

[@ProperDIY]

Nice one!

[@nigelbarratt9807]

I didn't realise you could make a hand drill so interesting, but you did!! I totally agree that this should be the first on the list, it has got me out of trouble numerous times. 😃

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you

[@paultay23]

Great video for the beginners...although i do find the 12v Dewalt range more than adequate and a nice size to handle in my workshop.

[@cartyharley]

Yellow for me! - I bought a dewalt drill 10 years ago and still in use. I find i use my impact driver for more tasks but you need to control that more. Sorry to say my little used Black and Decker corded mouse sander let out a blue flash and smell of burning yesterday and believe it or not all my wife said was that it was good i was holding it not her :-) Thanks Stuart great content

[@TheWacoKid1963]

Both brands are the same company, Stanley Black & Decker

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks

[@edwardbroomhead4463]

Definitely recommend going for dewalt like you showed there and combining it with one of their impact drivers, I can’t fault them 👍

[@ProperDIY]

Totally agree

[@SeRaPh-2]

Thts very handy tool if people's can effort buy brushless drill it's bit high price but very last long on every part battery also motor friction, if I'm wrong plz correct me

[@dannymurphy1779]

Nice demo Stuart! I have found a Trend Snappy bit a good addition, makes it like when putting bits into the impact driver.

[@ZanderKaneUK]

Agreed I got some 8'' long driver bits that are so useful for some DIY situations like hanging curtain rails when you need to get into recessed brackets screw holes.

[@joe123452]

Question!... Anyone else ever find that just as you're finishing drilling a screw into something, the drill sometimes whips your wrist around into a painful sprain? it's just happened me a few times and always felt like it could've gone way worse, so been making me kinda nervous lately. I realise i'm probably doing something stupid like just holding the button down a second too long, and need to time it better when letting go of the button or something , but if anyone has any pointers or Do's&Don'ts I might be overlooking would be great please And great video , thanks!

[@Gilberto90]

Make sure that you are decreasing the speed as the screw gets close to the end. You can also get kickback when your drill doesn't have the power to drive the screw further or you're using a worn bit. I'd either make sure the battery is fully charged and use a fresh bit/driver (also make sure you are using gear 1 of the drill) or consider a more powerful or suitable tool. You could also try drilling a smaller pilot hole to reduce the resistance on the screw as it goes in. An impact driver will not kickback when the torque needed to drive the screw further as the impact mechinism stops the drill from rotating and kicking back as it hammers the bit around instead. Just make sure that you are using impact rated bits and be careful with fibreboard or mdf as the hammer action can thread the screw's cuts in the material if you're not careful.

[@joe123452]

@@Gilberto90 Hey thanks a lot for this great reply! Really helpful thankyou

[@somewhereelse3813]

Brilliant, would love one of these recommendations/reviews on a circular saw (selfishly) as its my next purchase being considered. Great video as always, thank you

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you - maybe coming

[@abscomm]

Great video Stuart. It is also worth thinking about investing in a "brand" so that you don't end up with lots of different batteries and chargers which are not necessarily interchangeable.

[@dougsaunders8109]

💯 spot on. Also if you buy a brand, eg DeWalt, Milwaukee etc you wil be able to get batteries in the future when the old ones die

[@d.e.b.b5788]

I solved that problem, by buying corded tools. They all plug into the same 120 volt outlets. Cheaper, stronger than battery powered tools, and the 'batteries' never run down. One good extension cord, runs multiple power tools, of all different brands!

[@abscomm]

@@d.e.b.b5788 😂

[@ProperDIY]

Good point

[@davidtyers4903]

I totally agree. My "brand" is Bosch Blue but with the cunning use of an adaptor, I can use the same Bosch batteries in the couple of Ryobi 18v nailers I use.

[@Bluemart856]

have you got an Autumn checklist you go through to prepare the house for the winter?

[@JohnCarr43]

Another excellent video thanks Stuart, I agree with the comments below about going for a specific brand. I own several 18V Bosch tools that used the same batteries.

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks. Bosch tools are really good

[@Jules_Pew]

My 12v is fine for most jobs. If I need more power, that's when I take out the corded.

[@Stu1982]

Hi Stuart. I really know your a dewalt kinder guy, I’m afraid I only have room for a Bosch man me self 😂 great video for the first timers

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks. I started down the Dewalt route after getting a good deal from Screwfix then you tend to get stuck because of the batteries

[@TonyCRoe]

Hi Stuart - great video. I have the same DeWALT drill. At around 4:58 on your video you show a drill bit set. Do you have a name or product number for this set please?

[@MrSmid888]

My tuppence worth…… I never use the fastest speed setting, anyone that does get out of my office 😂 slow setting for all scenarios Unless screwing plasterboard, I never use the depth gauges either. Always have the setting on “drill” for “screwing”, I want ALL the torque 🌪🌪🌪 I never use a driver on flat pack, cheap soft screws. Bolt threads easily stripped etc. Take your time, just go slow using hand tools, better safe than sorry. Nearly all instructions state not to use a driver 🚫 And the one you see the most, screwing with the trigger fully engaged, always ends in disaster. Safer to pump the trigger especially if hard material or removing a screw particularly one for example that’s on a door hinge with 20 layers of old gloss over the top. And two hands are better than 1. Time to charge the battery

[@alanpervin]

Got a look from the Mrs when she asked what I was watching, just a guy explaining about screwing around the house at different speeds 🙄

[@seagreenspiral]

Hi have Makita. They are the best.

[@ProperDIY]

Nice one!

[@Levantine68]

Ha ha 8” 😂

[@TheWacoKid1963]

DeWalt, over-rated crap by Black & Decker, My crap B&D 18v cordless is now branded as a DeWalt, Those days of DeWalt been a good brand are long gone.

[@Mjk10957]

If you looking for your first power tools just go dewalt they are good tools at a resonable price , a lot of Builders use dewalt , dont go for cheapest option like a amazon special or a black & decker , I have always bought decent car tools as i enjoy working on cars but i did at first buy cheap power tools for DIY like black & decker i have upgraded most off them to dewalt now , For any car guys dewalt high torque impact wrench are Fantastic i have the DCF 899 its awsome . If dewalt a little bit out off your price range , from what i have seen from the guys i know who own parkside tools seem half decent at a very good price , be aware though once you bought a battery powered power tool you are kind stuck using that brand as the batterys them self and chargers can cost a pretty penny. But if you look about you can find good deals i got a dewalt DCD 796 with two 4AM batterys charger and case for £120 last year as its a older model however for around the house i dont need the latest model it does 70NM and has a metal chuck and brushless seems like a really good power tool.

[@MrSmid888]

When her parents return home early mid flow 4:01 😂

[@mudmucks]

Obviously a man speaking from experience 🙄😅

[@FreqyBiker]

What do you think of MacAlister ? I know you're normally a fan of the Deawalt but they're pricey at the moment and I've managed to find a combi drill and impact driver (with some batteries) for a decent price.

[@sightlinedesigns571]

Hi Stuart, l am a very first time diy just getting tools together at moment . l have purchase the dewalt from video but it came with no drill bits etc, the set you showed is this the 100 bit set from amazon? Does any dewalt accessory bits fit different drill models? Can you advise. L

[@iancovid19hamilton69]

I would not use my cordless for drilling into stone,unless theres no mains available. Plus I remember a Sky guy couldnt drill through my wall with his 24v Bosch £400 jobby,but my £80 mains Titan £80 did. Since the Titan is very heavy,I just bought a Meterk 850w mains for drilling.

[@samrix5793]

Great video always informative content! As it's getting cold I was wondering if you could do a vid/q&a on garage workshops like any issue with painting walls? Can you pva concrete floor? Best way to insulate flat roof? Is it worth it? How to protect cast iron tables from damp etc

[@polluxtroy69]

I'd love a paint video. I'm having issues with water streaks (brown lines) on my yard walls that O painted white in the summer. I've no idea how to stop them 😡

[@ch1proy60]

I have 2 dewalt 18v drills like the one you are using and they are both the same, I drill a couple of holes and the bit drops out, chuck won't stay tight on either of them. Anyone know why please?

[@johncolquhoun6416]

Hire a person in to do it proper.

[@hanrealistic]

Did anyone tell you " You are good at this?"

[@markbailey286]

Great video, the clutch settings were particularly useful, thanks.

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks- no problem

[@AccountantDoesDIY]

I’m fully bought into the dewalt ecosystem now. Great mid range brand. I’ve become somewhat addicted over the lockdowns….orbital sander, multitool, impact driver, combi drill, sds hammer drill, angle grinder. Next up is the palm router if I can sneak it past the mrs! Great illustration of the clutch in the vid Stuart - I found it particularly useful when screwing in plasterboard into my ceiling of the garden gym I built during lockdown. I found the special bit that came with the black plasterboard screws not very good, but the clutch on setting 6 was perfect every time and fully protected the plasterboard which is so easy to overscrew into!

[@EM-fh2tx]

Power tools are a game changer when you don't have the upper body strength for manual hand tools.

[@worstuserever]

Even more gained in speed and accuracy. Trouble is there's always one more you "need"!

[@davidstevensasidewayslook8831]

Spot on, an electric drill has been the No1 goto DIYer tool for the last 60 years. I still have a B&D and Bosch electric drill I bought 40/50 years ago but they now reside firmly in the dusty reaches of my workshop with plenty of cobwebs on them no doubt. By comparison my Dewalt cordless brushless drill now rarely goes back in its box! Its so good I've bought another one AND an Impact Driver (wonderful bit of kit) Its always worthwhile buying the best. Cheap tools are expensive as you are always replacing them…..

[@d.e.b.b5788]

One of the best reasons for using corded tools, is that you don't have to lay out more money for new ones nor pay for extra batteries. Buying a whole new set of cordless power tools can cost a whole lot of money, especially when you already own the very same tool that runs off of a wall socket. I grew up with corded tools; I've never considered having to plug something in to be more than a ten second chore, and never worry about batteries running down, or needing to be replaced. Even with the dramatic improvement in batteries since lithium packs have come to dominate the market, a corded tool is often more powerful and reliable than the cordless ones. One you get used to using them, using the cord is just second nature, like walking.

[@davidstevensasidewayslook8831]

@@d.e.b.b5788 your right upto a point but my plugin drills use a chuck key and they are heavy…… I used corded drills etc.. for decades but technology has moved on for me. If you are happy with what you are using carry on, its a free world!

[@garvielloken3929]

"keep screwing!" 🤓

[@onlythetruth883]

Garviel Give that same advice to Dave Zeraschi in the main comment section. I know he really would appreciate that.

[@garvielloken3929]

@@onlythetruth883 🙊

[@ice4142]

This is a really good video for newbies to DIY like you said. I think it's great that you remember that not everyone has lots of experience in these things so even if I didn't really learn anything from this video I think it's great to make good entry level content. I would have appreciated it a few years ago. I've had a lot of luck with Screwfix/B&Q's Erbauer tools in the UK. Well priced a good range of basic tools. They even do a cordless mitre saw which I think is crazy for a DIY store brand. My new favourite tool is a Bosch 12v drill. It has enough power for most jobs and compared to my 18V drill is so light weight. I couldn't find it the other day because it was so light in my tool belt I couldn't feel it.

[@ProperDIY]

Yes I get a lot of comments from those new to DIY and you would be surprised how basic some of their questions/video requests are.

[@hugheffo]

After watching this I went my own way. The biggest issue is the batteries. We all know that 3rd party batteries do not last as long as original ones, but if you a basic DIY’er you don’t need a battery that’s going to last a few hours. Most people it’s maybe 10-15mins. I went with Makita tools, as the bare units are reasonably priced, and you can pick up 3rd party batteries for about a third of the price of a genuine one. This way you get the build and quality of a good brand, along with the reasonable price. I picked up a Makita brushless combi drill, with all metal gearbox, third party 5ah battery and genuine Makita fast charger for under £100

[@EireFirst2024]

Only thing I'll say is wild horses couldn't drag me back from hex chucks now, although I am a chippy & not a diyer, so I GET the logic 👍👍

[@barrywhittingham6154]

There are certain tasks that necessitate the use of power tools. Most especially, anything to do with concrete. Don't bother with a cheap drill driver or combi drill for stonework, you'll be far better served with a proper SDS drill. And don't skimp on the quality of your bits either.

[@brianjohnson2033]

Car boot sales can be a good source of cheap tools. I bought a MacAllister cordless drill, a corded plane and a corded jigsaw for 20 euros here if France.

[@redhornet07]

Excellent video on the overall benefits and workings of modern drill/drivers! I’ve been using a corded drill for over 20 years & just bought my first cordless 5 months ago. This video taught me about the clutch on it, total game changer! I noticed the license/number plate on the wall above your workbench, did you live in the Middle East? I ask because I lived in Saudi Arabia for 11 years. Please keep making fantastic videos!

[@robharrison1252]

What SDS plus drill bits would you recommend I use sabrecut drill bits and there don't last to long and there are not cheap too

[@lesthiele4921]

Hi Stuart, that was a great video, I have a couple of Bosch battery drills and love using them, I also have powered drill, and powered and battery skill saws, in fact I love tools, one of my favourite would be my 1980 (purchsed) black and decker workmate, take care and keep safe, bext regards from a Kiwi living in Australia.

[@Farmerh01]

Hi stu I got a worxz drill driver from Argos still going strong think I paid in the region of £70 but that's with a drill and screwdriver set aswell

[@ProperDIY]

Nice one!

[@dailysleaze]

We need to know the story behind that Qatar number plate...

[@garvielloken3929]

Just thinking that myself

[@ProperDIY]

I spent many years living and working in Qatar building and extending the new airport there. This licence plate came off of my motorbike.

[@dailysleaze]

@@ProperDIY oh nice. I flew through whilst it was being built. Like an oven!

[@antman3525]

First tool to get, Make sure Brain turned on.

[@philhode5104]

None unless your confident

[@valborchardt3596]

Thanks Stuart, great video, i must say your advice is much appreciated. Take care

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks

[@gurdevbrar]

Parkside from Lidl is a good cheap option. Been using from last 2 years, drill, impact driver, grass trimmer. All on same batteries 4 ah.

[@ProperDIY]

Good value!

[@frankblack1481]

I welcome your videos as I do those from Peter Millard and Scott Brown. Can’t say higher than that. Tall Carpenter is snapping at their heels.

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you

[@jimlepeu577]

The last 10 - 15 years I have used Ryobi Oneplus and they have served me very well. My latest addition being a chain saw running on the same batteries, but for that I splurged on a 5amp hr battery.

[@ProperDIY]

Nice one! Cordless chainsaw nice

[@StephenWestrip]

I would have liked to have seen a recommendation from you about which screwdriver and drill bits to get in terms of what to look for and what to avoid. A drill/driver without bits is an ornament!!

[@iancovid19hamilton69]

Makita - one with 2 x batteries,although you get batteries on eBay for £20 nowadays, All them cheapo ones arent up to much.

[@ZanderKaneUK]

Great video as usual PD, only thing I wish you had touched on a little more, which could be a good short mid cycle video, why the AH of a battery matters or more over in which situations.

[@AccountantDoesDIY]

Up to 2Ah and even the 1.3Ah are ok for small minor jobs around the house like screwing ikea furniture or putting screws into plasterboard. But if you’re doing a heavier duty project that say requires dozens of 100mm wood screw joining 4b2 studs together etc you really need a 5Ah or even 9Ah else you’ll be changing battery every 20 screws of impact driving or so. I say this based on bitter experience recently ! I now have two 5Ah batteries and a 9Ah on order.

[@marksmith7147]

Come on Stuart, you know as well as I do, the battery will only last till the penultimate screw 🤣

[@ProperDIY]

You are dead right there!

[@johncolquhoun6416]

Mite open a can of worm's but what about an impact driver.

[@ProperDIY]

Good piece of kit but for the more experienced DIY'er

[@Alfred_Pennyworth]

Great video as usual. Any chance you could link the ikea video you referred to please I cannot find it anywhere. Please.

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks. kzbin.info/www/bejne/n37dpnltbL-bq8U

[@Alfred_Pennyworth]

Thanks for that it’ great. I have those shelves to build for a friend so was good to get the tip from it. Look forward to seeing more from you.

[@SM_TheTraveller]

Great video

[@davezeraschi7936]

I really don’t know why my wife’s ears kept perking up every time you mentioned power tools. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@onlythetruth883]

Dave 😂🤣 Hope you were able to supply.

[@davezeraschi7936]

@@onlythetruth883 yeah she was miffed about the ones that plug in 😏🤣

[@ruaraidhmcdonald-walker9524]

Easy Stuart! You buy all the yellow ones!😉😂

[@ProperDIY]

Exactly - just go for yellow!

[@darrenhayward4340]

What's the best purchase to do very accurate straight cuts from 12mm mdf. Got a hand circular saw but it's not great.

[@ProperDIY]

A circular saw is the cheapest you can use but is only as straight as the guide it runs down. You can easily make a guide ...kzbin.info/www/bejne/fn3Wf4yaaqugpbs If not then the next alternative is to buy a track saw which should work very well.

[@darrenhayward4340]

@@ProperDIY can you recommend a track saw. Would a table saw be accurate

[@ProperDIY]

@@darrenhayward4340 I would go for the Erbauer 185mm from Screwfix. With a good track set up this will be as accurate as a table saw. A table saw would also be a good option but not at the very budget end so will cost quiet a bit more

[@iant535]

Your videos are like my own timeline through life - really like watching them. One other tool I have always found so many uses for is the multi tool - I have had 3 over the years and for the first time now a cordless - this added even more flexibility to an already faithful tool. Cheers to Friday 🍻

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks. I have a multi tool but it's not come out of the box yet

[@sandman2651]

Great vid for people new to diy, i really need you to send me your address because i know i will need to send you a box of tissues for when you talk about table saws

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks. I'm not even mentioning table saws until some tool manufacturer has the decency to give me one for free. So far, no one seems to want to do this but I live in hope. As soon as they do all my vids will feature it I'm sure. (I could be waiting some time!)

[@worstuserever]

@@ProperDIY Surprised you don't have one already considering the advantages and all the groovy projects you do. If you cave and buy one, cover up any branding and distinctive appearance to spite them!

[@stevenfromleicester2529]

After my previous drill/driver died on me, the battery 🔋 jut wouldn't charger. I purchased a 20v JCB drill for about £100. It's never let me down and hasn't had alot of use. Not sure how well JCB are considered in the power tools world but it's been fantastic for me and hopefully will be for years to come. Great video as always Stu 👌

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks. I don't know about JCB - I see them in B&Q

[@stevenfromleicester2529]

@@ProperDIY that's where I got it.

[@iancovid19hamilton69]

@@stevenfromleicester2529 They make good diggers. Id say Makita are great mid range tools.

[@daveadams4128]

bought the same model, love mine

[@ProperDIY]

Nice one!

[@awantamta]

Great advice and I agree completely

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks

[@Russ1007]

Great information Stuart 👍

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks

[@mungrus]

Why have dewalt such a bad reputation with trades people

[@abscomm]

That's not true, there are very many "trades people" who would only ever buy DeWalt.

[@markw7997]

Dewalt all the way for me , never let me down

[@garthqueen]

Why lie with such nonsense? Your comment has no basis in reality

[@oldstock]

Hi there Stuart. Reached here by way of recommendation from Ragnbone Brown. This is exactly the video I've been searching for. I already have a corded B&D drill given to me by my brother which I've been using for many years. I've been wanting to get a cordless drill driver for some time now and your explanation about the torque and clutch settings have certainly convinced me to take the plunge. And yes, I'll go for 18V. Thanks for this great video. I'm now subbed.

[@ProperDIY]

Excellent - I'm glad it helped. You will be using it for years!