Hilti, $459.99
A favorite of construction workers, this is best for big industrial jobs (it runs 1,950 rpms; most others here are under 500), but too bulky for household touch-ups. (At Home Depot, 40 W. 23rd St., nr. Fifth Ave.; 212-929-9571.)

Bosch, $181
For the drill poseur. The Brute Tough looks rugged, with a steel-reinforced collar and Dura-Shield coating that supposedly can withstand a ten-foot drop. But it’s not powerful enough for heavy-duty work. (At boschappliances.com.)

DeWalt, $169.99
You’ll be ready for Trading Spaces: This heavy drill has three gears and bores through metal. Best of all, there’s no chuck to lose: Just spin the collar to tighten. (At Tarzian Hardware, 193 Seventh Ave., at 2nd St., Park Slope, Brooklyn; 718-788-4120.)

Makita, $79.99
The My First Drill of power tools. With no special features or extra bits, this cute basic number is easy to operate, but not recommended for anything more complicated than shelves. (At S. Feldman Housewares, 1304 Madison Ave., nr. 92nd St.; 212-289-7367.)

Black & Decker, $69.99
Five-position head rotates 180 degrees, allowing you to work in those hard-to-reach places and difficult positions. Three-finger trigger makes for an easy grip, too. (At S. Feldman Housewares.)

Dremel, $69.99
The Lithium Ion is the lightest of the bunch at fourteen ounces, and good value for your money, too—it comes with bits for grinding, sanding, carving, cutting, and polishing. (At Lowe’s, 118 Second Ave., nr. 9th St., Park Slope, Brooklyn; 718-249-1151.)

Barbara K!, $49.99
A simple drill designed by a single working mother for the independent woman. There are only five bits, but the drilling is easy. (At Gracious Home, 1220 Third Ave., at 70th St.; 212-517-6300.)

Durabuilt, $39.99
The built-in bit holder is convenient—but most of the bits are small, so you spend too much time trying to dig them out. (At Target , 139 Flatbush Ave., at Atlantic Ave., Downtown Brooklyn; 718-290-1109.)

(Photo: Davies + Starr)

Ryobi, $29.97
Bargain-priced drill offers most of the same features as more expensive models, with the added bonus of a built-in bubble level to help you drill straight. (At Home Depot.)

Related:

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