Controls are usually kept simple. The more powerful cordless screwdrivers and drill-drivers will have some form of speed control, but most will have a single speed, forward and reverse gears, and a trigger to squeeze when it’s time to start screwing. Most models now also have some kind of built-in torch function, so you can see what you’re doing in dark corners. How about charging? Charge times: 14.4/18V 3.0Ah battery in 22 mins 18V 4.0Ah battery in 36 mins 18V 5.0Ah battery in 45 mins The maximum torque is the maximum rotary turning force of the drill, which can be important if you will be drilling into tough materials such as masonry – for which you should consider a combination drill, with the extra force of a hammer-action function. With the larger drill/driver models, you will usually need to remove the battery and slot it into a separate charger. That said, even some of these are now charging through micro-USB.

The new Makita 4.0Ah battery with a 60 minute fast charge time with a DC10SB charger or 130 minute standard charge time with a DC10WD charger. The new Makita 2.0Ah battery with a 30 minute fast charge time with a DC10SB charger or 70 minute standard charge time with a DC10WD charger. Key specs – Power: 4V; Speeds: 1; Max speeds: 230rpm; Max torque: 3Nm; Battery: 1,500mAh lithium-ion; Charger: Proprietary 4.2V; Accessories: 6 bits, removable screw holder; Weight: 500g If you're planning a larger home improvement project and need professional help, head to Which? Trusted Traders . This drill is suitable for hammer drilling and chiseling. It features a brushless motor that aims to reduce the need for regular maintenance. Other features include an electronic clutch, an all-metal gearbox and a claimed charge time of around 50 minutes. How to use a drill: top tips

Makita HR2630/2 SDS+ 800W Hammer Drill

Compact and lightweight battery charger designed to charge slide type lithium-ion batteries BL1011B, BL1021B and BL1016B. Ideally, you'd get to see the drill in-store before buying, but if this isn’t possible, find out as much information about it as possible before investing. Dark, compact spaces can be difficult to work in, but an LED light will help shine light on the task at hand – allowing you to work more precisely and confidently. Where to buy a drill While there are specific heavy-duty corded electric drills available, these tend to be more powerful than required for the average household project, so a combination cordless drill is an excellent choice if you need a tool with a little more oomph that will still be useful for everyday tasks. Cool the drill – if the motor on your electric drill starts to warm up too much and smell, remove the drill from the hole and run it at full speed with no load. This will draw air into the motor to cool it down.

Whichever type of drill you opt for, make sure you're using a suitable drill bit for the work you're doing. Choose the right drill bit – this will vary depending on whether you're working with masonry, metal or wood. Don't select the hammer action if the drill bit is rotary and non-hammer. As with most drill-drivers, the battery is a separate unit that slides onto the bottom of the handle. It’s charged by its own charger and can take up to six hours to charge. This and the sheer size means it’s not as convenient a tool for basic household DIY, but it’s a brilliant and affordable option when you have something more ambitious in mind. Charge Times: 2 x 14.4/18V 3.0Ah Batteries in 22 mins 2 x 18V 4.0Ah Batteries in 36 mins 2 x 18V 5.0Ah Batteries in 45 mins

DMR115 Hybrid Power Bluetooth DAB/FM Site Radio

Key specs – Power: 18V; Speeds: 10; Max speeds: 650rpm; Max torque: 30Nm; Battery: 1,500mAh lithium-ion; Charger: 18Vproprietary; Accessories: 1 bit; Weight: 750g

This one’s great for bigger projects: it’s versatile, it’s got plenty of welly and it comes with an 81-piece set of bits that should cover just about everything you would need. With a respected brand like Makita, you know you’re not getting poor-quality accessories. It’s a little large for some smaller jobs, though, and a little too fierce for jobs that need finesse, such as PC builds or appliance repairs. When you’re up to something major, though, this is a top tool for the job. Most of the models with built-in batteries charge from a standard wall charger, or even in many cases via a micro-USB port. This is convenient if you’re travelling around and also means you can keep using your screwdriver even if you lose the charger supplied. A few still use some form of charging cradle, where the tool slots into place. Keep scrolling as we explain how to choose the best type of drill, find out how much you should expect to spend and discover the best features and accessories to look out for. Not all lithium-ion batteries are alike: some will hold a charge better than others, while some will also charge faster, within two or three hours. Accessories

If you're taking on a DIY project, consult our decorating and DIY advice for details on the best power tool brands, paint, screwdrivers and claw hammers. Designed to reduce friction and resistance. Benefits include a higher power-to-weight ratio, higher speed, and greater electronic control. Brushless drills are more expensive, though. Gears DC18RD is a two port fast charger that is able to charge two Makita Li-ion batteries (14.4V-18V) at the same time, as fast as DC18RC charges one battery. However, the WX240 really comes into its own if you’re working in cramped spaces, or doing fiddly jobs where a larger cordless driver with more of a pistol grip might get in the way. I used both the WX240 and the Bosch IXO to assemble a PC inside a new case, and while the Bosch was fine for removing external case screws, the Worx was a lot more usable inside the case and for getting screws into the motherboard. It charges in under 90 minutes over a USB-C cable, and will happily last for around 35 to 45 minutes of work. For bigger screws on DIY jobs, you might want something with a little more power and torque; but if you need something that feels and works more like a manual screwdriver, this is the one to buy. Be careful when drilling hard materials – on hard materials such as concrete, prevent the drill bit from overheating by regularly withdrawing from the hole.

The DF012DSE is powered by a Makita-built motor that delivers 71 in.lbs. of Max Torque in drilling mode. The 2-speed gear selection offers 200 RPM and 650 RPM for low or high speed applications. The 21 clutch settings offer a range of fastening torque, from 32 in. lbs. in clutch setting #1 to 50 in. lbs. in #21. For added precision and control, the auto-stop clutch shuts off the tool when the clutch disengages and helps prevent over-driving on the fastener. For extra versatility, the tool will operate in straight or pistol grip positions. The new Makita 1.5Ah battery with a 22 minute fast charge time with a DC10SB charger or 50 minute standard charge time with a DC10WD charger If you’re looking to get some serious work done, the Makita DF001DW has you covered. It can switch between pistol-grip and standard barrel screwdriver modes for different situations, and it feels extremely robust in the hand. Even the micro-USB port in the handle has a cover. A two-way switch at the top of the handle drives screws in or out at a single speed.If you're going to be drilling into extremely hard surfaces, such as concrete, you'll need to make sure you use tungsten-carbide drill bits. If you're using the hammer-action function on a combi drill, make sure you use a hammer-action drill bit. How much should you spend on a drill? Prevent jamming – when drilling downwards, pull the drill out regularly to clear the dust and prevent the drill bit from jamming.