Building a 12x16 Deck – What Drill Should I Use?

Hey everyone! I'm planning to build a 12x16 deck this spring. I need to drill pilot holes for the framing and deck boards, plus drive some lag screws for the ledger. I have a cheap corded drill that's dying. Should I get a cordless drill or an impact driver? Budget is around $150. Any recommendations?

Congrats on the deck build! For your budget, I'd grab a combo kit with a drill and impact driver. I love my Ryobi set, but DeWalt has a deal on their atomic series right now. The impact driver will save your wrists for driving lags, and the drill for pilot holes. Make sure to get at least a 4Ah battery!

If you want precision, stick with a good drill. Impact drivers can overtorque and snap smaller screws. For decking, I use a DeWalt DCD791 drill with a clutch to avoid stripping. Pair it with a nice set of brad-point bits for pilot holes. It's a bit over your budget but worth it for accuracy.

I'm a Milwaukee guy through and through. My M18 Fuel drill/hammer drill has built 3 decks without a hiccup. The key is the battery – get the High Output 6.0. Also, get a separate impact driver for lag bolts – trust me, you'll thank me later. It's a bit pricier but you'll have it for life.

Listen, for a deck you'll want an impact driver for the big stuff and a drill for precision. I've used Makita XFD131 for years – variable speed and nice chuck. But your budget is tight. Maybe grab a DeWalt DCF887 impact and a cheap corded hammer drill for pilot holes. The corded drill will last forever and save money.