BUYING BASICS for Drills

Check out drills in home centers, noting their weight and balance.

Try out vertical and horizontal drilling positions to see how comfortable you feel. Contoured grips and rubber cushioning on some models make them very comfortable, even when you're applying direct palm pressure.

While you're at it, see how easy it is to change clutch settings and operate the keyless chuck.

Home centers often discount hand tools, so be on the lookout for promotions.

If you know the model you want, check out prices over the phone.

Mail-order suppliers with sizable drill offerings.

If you purchase a drill online or through mail order, be sure to account for the shipping charges when comparing prices against those at a home center.