Even before I'd laid eyes on this cordless drill I was impressed. Its case, you see, has proper hinges, a proper handle and real metal catches. This is a case that even Sherlock Holmes couldn't crack.

Inside was more good stuff. The drill resembles some kind of intergalactic laser gun, with rubber protection areas and a seductively soft handle. At only 1.6kg it's one of the lightest in its class, and the balance is excellent. My friend Dell, an expert carpenter, approved of the keyless chuck and the locking spindle, both of which made it easy to change the drill bits. Its compact length allows it into tight spaces and it offers a hammer action - pretty rare on cordless drills.

There are two speeds, plus reverse, and the 16 adjustable torque settings were great for assembling flatpack furniture. Don't worry about splitting the thin pieces of wood: just fix the torque setting and when the screws are tight the drill stops. The hammer action wasn't in the Tommy-gun class, but it was fine for fixing a set of shelves to a wall. You even get three batteries, and their 30-minute charge time is remarkably fast (Dell's partner, Pam, had the smart notion of numbering them from 1 to 3, so that you know which you've used). It's expensive but good. Full marks.

Hero's verdict: Four stars

Makita 8271DWPE3 cordless drill: £160. With 3 batteries and a charger. 01908 211678, www.makitauk.com

Explore Property

• Buying & Selling

• New Homes

• Overseas

• Interiors

• Investment

• Gardens

• Cool In Your Code

• Specials

• First-time buyer

Times recommends

• Second homes: credit crunch casualty or money-spinner?
• How I built my own sliding house
• Top 10 incentives for house buyers