Building a Deck: Need Drill Advice

Hey everyone, I'm planning to build a 12x16 deck this spring. I have a cheap cordless drill from Harbor Freight, but it struggled with some pilot holes and driving lags. Should I upgrade to a hammer drill or just get a better regular drill? I'm on a budget but want something that'll last.

For deck work, you don't necessarily need a hammer drill unless you're drilling into concrete. A good 18V brushless drill/driver combo will handle lags and pilot holes fine. I'd recommend the Makita XFD131 - it's got torque and a nice chuck. Pair it with some impact-rated bits and you're golden.

If you're doing a whole deck, consider getting an impact driver too. It makes driving long screws a breeze. I've got like 10 drills, but my go-to for decks is my DeWalt DCD996 with a 6Ah battery. Handles anything. But if you want bang for the buck, check out the Ryobi HP+ series. Not pro-grade but reliable for DIY.

I second the impact driver idea. Also, don't forget a good set of spade bits if you're running wiring later. And make sure you get a drill with a metal chuck - the plastic ones strip out fast. I'm a Milwaukee guy myself but the new Hart stuff at Walmart is surprisingly decent for the price if you're on a tight budget.

As a pro, I'll say invest in quality. A brushless drill and impact combo from DeWalt or Makita will last you years. My daily carry is a DeWalt DCD999 with a PowerStack battery - lightweight and powerful. For budget, the SKIL 12V line is surprisingly good for light deck work. Whatever you get, use quality screws (like GRK) and predrill to avoid splitting.