Steve - you’ve got a pretty tall order there. You don’t say what capacities you need. I’ll assume it’s modest given you’re on 9.6 NiCad now.
DeWalt drivers are pretty good , especially given SBD’s penchant for flogging brands. While they are “assembled” in the USA, it’s my understanding most of the components are from China.
I disagree on part with the impact lovers for screws. If you’re driving 2 1/2” to 4” screws -or -hundreds of 1 1/2”s all day - then sure. In the shop for routine assembly or field on punch out. NO WAY. They’re loud and you stand a good chance overdriving the fastener. No clutch or depth control. No finesse.
One thing you should be aware of on these small 10.8 - 12v drills is the speed. Most don’t rotate fast enough to be good at buffing /polishing.
This meets your criteria, and there’s a t handle version for same price. It’s quite capable, but long in the tooth, not brushless, and you cannot expand your collection with the battery platform because they don’t offer anything else. Not made in P.R.C or the USA........or Mexico.
https://www.festoolusa.com/products/dril...s#Overview
The brands that do have expandable platforms are going to be made in Asia. You should also get your hands on models your considering because feel is important with these. Bosch and Milwaukee’s 12v drills are kissin cousins , but their handles are polar opposites. Bosch is fat , Milwaukee is slim. Makita’s in between. Balance is also to be considered.
