Your first cordless drill: what to buy and what to skip

Short answer: for shelves, curtain rails, flat-pack furniture and cupboard handles, get a light cordless drill that also drives screws, comes with two batteries, and has a numbered ring that stops screws stripping. You don't need the biggest number on the box.

What you'll actually use it for

Most first drills do the same few jobs: putting furniture together, hanging shelves and curtain rails, fitting cupboard doors and handles, and the odd picture frame. That's mostly screws and small holes in wood, plastic and metal.

Four things that matter

1. Two batteries. When one goes flat, swap in the other and keep working while the first one charges. With one battery, the job stops.
2. Light enough for one hand. You'll hold it above your head for curtain rails. A heavy drill gets tiring fast.
3. The numbered ring behind the bit (the clutch). Set it low and the drill stops turning once the screw is in, so you don't strip the screw or split the wood. Turn it higher for bigger screws.
4. Two speeds. Slow for screws, fast for drilling holes.

What to skip

• Buying on the volts. The number on the box doesn't tell you if it does your jobs. Decide what the jobs are, then read reviews from people doing those jobs.
• A giant box of bits you'll never use. A few drill bits, screwdriver bits and a case are enough to start. Buy good bits later, for the job in front of you.
• A plain drill for brick or concrete. A normal drill is made for wood, metal, plastic and screws. If most of your holes go into brick walls, read the next part first.

The brick wall question

Most South African walls are brick. For holes in brick you want a drill with an impact (hammer) setting and a masonry bit. For concrete, or lots of holes, use a rotary hammer drill. Here's our step-by-step for hanging a shelf on a brick wall.

Our first-drill pick, honestly

The Al&Afa 26-piece drill set is R480. It drills holes and drives screws, and it's light enough for one hand and small enough to use inside a cupboard. In the case: the drill, two batteries, a charger, 6 drill bits, 6 screwdriver bits, 9 sockets, an extension and an adapter.

"I'm new in the DIY department and the product is beginner friendly. I am happy with my purchase."
Chwayita, 4-star Takealot review, word for word

"I used it to assemble furniture and install shelves – it’s powerful, comfortable to hold, and the two batteries lasted all day."
Obie, 5-star Takealot review, word for word

And the honest part. It's a home tool, not for drilling brick, concrete or thick hardwood all day. One buyer found it better for screws than for driving long screws deep:

"The drill is more for screw driving and just making pilot holes."
Peter, 3-star Takealot review, word for word

Several buyers say the drill bits in the set are basic, so buy good masonry bits when you need them. Two said the chuck (the part that grips the bit) loosened, so tighten it firmly and check it as you go.

If you want to cut wood too

The Beginner kit is the drill set plus our cordless jigsaw (it cuts curves and shapes in wood) for R1,329. That's R150 less than buying the two on their own.

Quick questions

Do I need a hammer drill? Only for holes in brick or concrete. For screws, furniture and wood, a normal drill is lighter and easier.

Why two batteries? So the job doesn't stop. One works while the other charges, and you're not stuck waiting for the power to come back.

What should I buy with it? A spirit level, wall plugs and screws for your job, and good masonry bits if you're going into brick.

Every Al&Afa tool comes with two batteries. Free delivery in South Africa from R750 (3 to 5 working days), 30 days to change your mind, a 6-month warranty on faults, and a real person on WhatsApp: 081 593 4239.