Plain-English guide
Tool words, explained simply.
No jargon walls. Here is everything on our spec tables, in a sentence or two.
- Torque (in-lb)
- Twisting strength, measured in inch-pounds. ~300 in-lb handles furniture and shelves; 700+ handles big holes and long screws. Impact-driver torque is measured differently (short hammer bursts), so don't compare it directly to drill torque.
- Brushless motor
- A motor without carbon brushes. It runs cooler, lasts longer and gets more work from each charge. Worth it if the price gap is small.
- Volts (12V vs 18V / 20V MAX)
- Roughly, the size class. 12V tools are smaller and lighter; 18V tools are stronger. '20V MAX' is the same as 18V — it's just measured at peak.
- Ah (amp-hours)
- The battery's fuel tank. A 2.0Ah battery is light; a 5.0Ah battery runs much longer but adds weight. For comfort, smaller is nicer.
- Weight with battery
- What you actually hold. Many brands publish 'tool only' weight, which looks lighter. We label which is which.
- Clutch
- The numbered ring behind the chuck. It makes the drill stop twisting at a set force so you don't strip screws or crack wood. More settings = finer control.
- Chuck (3/8" or 1/2")
- The jaws that hold the bit. 1/2" fits bigger bits; 3/8" is lighter and plenty for most home jobs.
- Impact driver
- A screw-driving specialist that hammers in short bursts. Less twist comes back into your wrist, so long screws feel easier. It takes 1/4" hex bits only.
- IPM / RPM
- RPM is how fast it spins. IPM (impacts per minute) is how many hammer blows an impact driver delivers.
- Kickback / bind-up
- When a bit jams, a drill can twist in your hand. Use low speed and the side handle for big bits; some drills (like Milwaukee's AutoStop) cut power automatically.
- Battery family (platform)
- Batteries only fit tools from the same brand family. Pick a family you like, and every future tool can share the same batteries.
- Noise (dB(A))
- Some makers declare noise levels. Impact drivers are loud (often ~88 dB(A) or more) — wear hearing protection.
- Cut depth at 90° / 45°
- How thick a board the saw can cut straight down, and when tilted. A 2x4 is 1-1/2" thick, so you need at least that at 90°.
- Bevel
- How far the saw base tilts for angled cuts.
- Electric brake
- Stops the blade quickly after you let go of the trigger — a real safety and confidence boost.
- Blade left / right
- Which side the blade sits on. Many right-handed users find a left-blade saw easier to see along the line.