Best drill for building a deck? Need to drive 3" screws all day.

Hey everyone! I'm building a 12x16 deck this spring and need to drive a ton of 3" deck screws. I have an old corded drill that just can't handle it. Should I get a 20V brushless hammer drill or a dedicated impact driver? My budget is around $150. Also, any bits you recommend?

For deck screws, an impact driver is hands down the way to go. Get a brushless one like the DeWalt DCF887 or Milwaukee M18 Fuel. They'll zip those screws in without stripping. You can get a combo kit with a drill and driver within budget if you shop sales. Also, grab some #2 square drive bits, they cam out less than Phillips.

^^ What he said. I built my shed with a brushed impact and regretted it. Brushless is quieter and longer lasting. Plus, you'll want a drill for pilot holes. The Makita XT269M kit is a good value. And don't cheap out on batteries!

I'd go with the Ryobi brushless set if you're on a budget. They have a huge line of tools and the batteries are cheap. Not pro-grade but plenty fine for a deck. I've built two decks with mine. Just predrill near edges to avoid splitting.

Safety first! Make sure you got a good grip on the impact driver cause they have torque. Wear eye pro and ear plugs. Also, check for buried utilities before you start! And if you're drilling near the edge, use a countersink bit to prevent splits. Good luck!