Building a deck - what drill/driver combo should I get?

Hey guys, I'm about to build a 12x16 pressure-treated deck. I need to sink a ton of 3" deck screws and maybe some lag bolts for the ledger. My old cordless drill is dead. Looking at a deal on a 20V brushless set with an impact driver. Is that enough or do I need a hammer drill for concrete anchors? Budget is around $200.

Frank, for a deck you definitely want an impact driver for those screws. The hammer drill is only if you're drilling into concrete for the posts or ledger. If you have a concrete foundation, you might need a rotary hammer. But for the decking itself, an impact driver with a good bit set will save your wrists. Just make sure the kit has a clutch on the drill so you don't strip screws.

I agree with Bob. That 20V brushless combo should work fine. I built my shed with a similar setup. One tip: get some torx or square drive screws, they strip less than phillips. Also, pre-drill if you're near the ends of boards to avoid splitting. And don't cheap out on batteries - get at least 2 so you can swap while one charges.

Frank, been building decks for 15 years. That combo is good. But for the ledger, use lags or structural screws, not deck screws. And rent a hammer drill or use a SDS if you're going into concrete - a regular hammer drill will smoke. For the price, check out the Ryobi or Ridgid sets if you're on a budget. They have lifetime battery warranties sometimes.

Way to go Frank! I restored an old porch last year. If you go with the impact driver, get a set of hex shank drill bits too - saves switching tools. And a quick tip: keep a magnet tray for screws, you'll drop a ton. Also, wear ear plugs if you're using the impact all day. Trust me, tinnitus sucks.