BOSCH
BOSCH PS31-2A 12V Max Drill/Driver Kit
In: Best Power Tools for Home Improvement 2026
- Compact and light
- Two batteries included
Category guide
Power Tools: Drills, Saws and Battery Platforms for Home Workshops
When you buy cordless tools, you're really choosing a battery platform. Pick one brand that covers the tools you'll need.
- 4 roundups · 1 reviews · 1 comparisons · 2 guides
- Updated
- No paid placements
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Top power tools we recommend
Standout picks from our best-of lists. Tap any product for features, pros and cons.
Best by need
Best power tools for every buyer
Ranked shortlists for specific budgets and use cases. Start with the one that matches yours.
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Know before you buy
About Power Tools
Cordless batteries are expensive, so most people stick with one brand once they own a few. Before buying a drill, look at the range of tools on that platform and the price of extra batteries.
Brushless motors run cooler and longer per charge than brushed ones and are worth paying for on tools you'll use often.
How to choose power tools
Battery platform
Major platforms each cover hundreds of tools. Choose one with the specialty tools you may need later.
Brushless vs brushed
Brushless motors are more efficient and durable. Brushed tools are fine for occasional light use.
Kits vs bare tools
Kits include batteries and a charger. Once you own batteries, bare tools are much cheaper.
Voltage
12V tools are compact for light work. 18V or 20V max tools handle most home projects. Higher-voltage platforms suit heavy cutting.
Warranty
Check tool and battery warranty lengths and whether registration is required.
Research-based picks from specs, independent reviews and owner feedback.
No paid placements, ever.
Our methodologyQuick buying tips
What matters most in power tools
- Major platforms each cover hundreds of tools. Choose one with the specialty tools you may need later.
- Brushless motors are more efficient and durable. Brushed tools are fine for occasional light use.
- Kits include batteries and a charger. Once you own batteries, bare tools are much cheaper.
- 12V tools are compact for light work. 18V or 20V max tools handle most home projects. Higher-voltage platforms suit heavy cutting.
- Check tool and battery warranty lengths and whether registration is required.
Deep dives
In-depth reviews
Learn first
Buying guides & how-tos
- Buying guideDeWALT vs Milwaukee vs Ryobi: How to Choose a Battery PlatformChoosing a power tool battery platform is the most important decision before buying your first cordless tool. DeWALT 20V MAX, Milwaukee M18,Read
- Buying guidePower Tool Buying Guide 2026: Battery Platforms, Brushless Motors, and What Specs MatterUnderstand brushless vs brushed motors, battery platform compatibility, and tool specs before buying. This guide explains what each specificRead
- Buying guidePower Tool Not Working: 6 Fixes for Battery, Motor, and Trigger IssuesFix a power tool that won't start, starts and stops, or runs slowly. Covers battery connections, trigger switches, motor brushes, and warranRead
Answers
Power Tools: common questions
What is the best power tool to buy?
One of our strongest picks is the BOSCH PS31-2A 12V Max Drill/Driver Kit, a standout in our Best Power Tools for Home Improvement 2026 list.
How do I choose the right power tools?
Start with your main use and budget, then compare our shortlists: Best Battery-Powered Impact Wrench 2026, Best Drill Bits for Hardened Steel 2026, Best Paint Sprayer for Exterior House 2026.
What should I look for when buying power tools?
Major platforms each cover hundreds of tools. Choose one with the specialty tools you may need later.
Which drill is more powerful, DeWALT or Milwaukee?
At comparable price tiers, Milwaukee M18 FUEL brushless drills are more powerful than DeWALT XR brushless. At budget tiers (brushed motors), the difference is smaller. For drilling through concrete and hardwood repeatedly, Milwaukee FUEL has the edge. For standard home use (drywall, softwood framing, assembly), the difference is imperceptible.
If I already have DeWALT batteries, should I switch to Milwaukee?
The battery platform transition cost makes switching rarely worthwhile. If you have DeWALT batteries, buy DeWALT tools. The performance difference between professional-tier DeWALT XR and Milwaukee FUEL is real but small, not worth replacing a battery library over.
Can I use Milwaukee batteries in DeWALT tools?
DeWALT, Milwaukee, Ryobi, and other brands use proprietary battery connections. A Milwaukee M18 battery will not physically attach to a DeWALT 20V tool and vice versa. Each platform requires its own batteries and chargers. This is why platform choice matters before buying your first tool, switching platforms later means replacing all batteries.
Is DeWALT or Milwaukee better?
For professional tradespeople: Milwaukee M18 FUEL has a slight edge in professional-grade tool selection and FUEL brushless performance. For DIY homeowners and contractors who need wide availability and starter kits with batteries included: DeWALT 20V MAX is more commonly found in budget-friendly kits. Both are excellent platforms, the choice often comes down to which brand the people you work with use, since battery sharing is only possible within a platform.
Can I start with Ryobi and upgrade to DeWALT later?
Batteries do not transfer. Starting with Ryobi means your Ryobi battery investment stays with Ryobi tools. Upgrading to DeWALT means buying new batteries. The transition cost is real, factor it into the decision. Ryobi is the correct choice if budget is the priority; DeWALT or Milwaukee are correct if you expect to buy many tools over time.