Cordless Drills/Drivers are best for drilling holes, driving and removing screws, and other around-the-house projects. None require hearing protection.

But some models aren't powerful enough to effectively turn stuck screws and large bolts in dense wood. Models with the most twisting power also tend to twist awkwardly in your hands.

Cordless Impact Drivers are best for driving and removing long screws and bolts. Most can handle car-wheel nuts and other tougher tasks and they don't twist in your hands.

But these tools are loud enough to cause hearing damage without protection. They drill more slowly than comparable drills/drivers and require special hex-shank bits or a $20 adapter.