I live in a creaky old house that’s in constant need of repair. The electric drill that came with the place, ah, looks like it was used to build the place. It has a power cord that’s just barely holding together through a combination of duct tape and anxiety. Two electrical shocks, a blown fuse and several delightful new curse words into my first home improvement project, I was convinced to get with the 21st century and purchase a cordless drill. Way too many YouTube tool-review rabbit holes, three trips to my local Ace Hardware and one exhaustive excel spreadsheet after that, I’d found the drill I would buy.

Now, DIYers have more choice than ever when it comes to battery-powered electric tools. Makita, Ryobi, Bosch, Black and Decker, Milwaukee, Kobalt, and Rigid all make solid products but I opted for the DeWalt 20V 1/2-inch cordless drill. Let me tell you why.

First off, the price was right. The DCD771C2 comes bundled with a pair of 1.3Ah 20V batteries, charging base and storage case for $160 MSRP, though since April when I first started looking, I have yet to not see it on sale for under $100. I bought mine during Home Depot’s Memorial Day sale along with a 16-piece screwdriver bit set for $120 out the door. You can also find them at Lowes, Ace stores and on Amazon.

Second, it offered the features I needed with a 20V power level I could handle. Sure I could have opted for the heavy-duty DCD991P2 — probably even eventually convinced myself I had need for a commercial-duty DCH614X2. But in reality, I’m mostly installing banisters, building trellises and doing light handiwork, not installing siding or anchoring things into concrete, so a 60V rotary hammer would be overkill.

My DCC771C2 weighs a little under four pounds, with most of the mass at the bottom of the unit where the battery sits. It outputs 300W (530 in-lbs torque), the two-speed transmission switches between 0 - 450 and 1,500 RPM while the 16-stop clutch lets me fine tune the amount of torque the drill exerts. With it, I can just as easily screw a fire alarm bracket into drywall as I can bore holes through a pressure-treated 4x4.

Third, I really like DeWalt’s 20/60 FlexVolt battery system and it’s a big part of why I went with that brand. DeWalt makes a variety of power tools that largely work off 20V for light duty stuff like string trimmers, drills, circular saws and routers, and 60V for medium-duty gear like chainsaws, lawnmowers, grinders and impact drivers. If I own a 20V drill and buy a 60V lawn mower, I’d normally be stuck buying separate 20V and 60V batteries, separate 20V and 60V chargers — basically doubling up because the two systems have incompatible power units. With FlexVolt, all of the batteries are 60V max but their output can be stepped down to accommodate a 20V system. This way, I just need one set of batteries and a single charger. And even if I stick with just 20V tools, the FlexVolt batteries can reportedly deliver longer runtimes in 20V than the regular 20V Max batteries can.

Of course, a pair of DeWalt’s non-FlexVolt 1.3Ah “20V Max” batteries came with my drill, and I can go buy larger capacity batteries (up to 12Ah) if I need them — but they won’t work on a 60V tool, just as a 60V battery won’t work in my 20V drill. All of which means I’ll have to eventually spring for a FlexVolt charger once I expand my power tool menagerie.

IFA 2022 (Europe's answer to CES) starts tomorrow, so you know what that means — some wacky new appliances and home products.

The 6,400-square-foot residence in Pacific Heights has a sports court, garden, and many outdoor seating areas.

Take advantage of major sales this weekend and get everything you need for the school year and holidays.

This massive Victorian in Old Louisville boasts a one-of-a-kind unique style that brings a modern touch to a vintage space. Take a look inside.

Living room furniture can be pricey, with sofas and couches costing upwards of $1,000. But you can switch up the look of your room without having to replace the staple pieces. Explore: Your Biggest...

Don’t let a long list of chores get you down. Work smarter, not harder with these inexpensive products that practically clean your house for you.

Remove clutter and free up space around the house with these organizational products.

During Lowe's Labor Day sale, take up to 50% off patio furniture, grills, smart home devices and more. Plus, save on top appliance brands like Samsung and GE.

You've undoubtedly heard the saying: "Kitchens and bathrooms sell houses." And it's true. Nothing will appeal to buyers more than clean, fresh, modern kitchens and baths. If you're about to embark on...

You've likely spent a lot of time in your home over the last two years -- and it's starting to show. Certain fixtures and décor elements are looking more shabby than chic, so you want to make...

Hanging closet organizers should be sturdy and roomy. This affordable Amazon’s Choice product delivers on both counts.

By Pang-Chieh HoThis week, I’m sharing advice from experts on how to not wake up stiff and sore in the morning. Also in this issue: How to get stains out of shirt collars, and why a 0-degree nozz...

This portable air conditioner has three speeds and a quiet fan to help keep you comfortable and cool.

Check out these amazing deals on five-star gadgets that will revolutionize your kitchen.

Tackle that hidden grime ASAP with these affordable Amazon cleaning hacks starting at $4

We did our research and found the best cordless leaf blowers. Get the job done by snagging one of these highly-rated electric leaf blowers for your backyard.

This month brings big savings on large appliances and outdoor tools, as well as grills and home goodsBy Samantha B. GordonSeptember is a great time to save on a variety of items across multiple c...

From chic, sleek models to no-frills analog stalwarts, these options are sure to please.

From lighting to home fragrances, upgrade your home for as little as $5!

Need a fresh set of kitchen tools? You can get this 33-piece set for 21% off.