How much torque do I actually need in a cordless drill?

For furniture assembly, drywall work, and light DIY, anything in the 300–400 in-lb range is plenty. For deck building, lag bolts, or self-feeding bits in framing lumber, reviewers across r/Tools and specialist publications point toward 500+ in-lb drills or a dedicated impact driver paired with a drill, which is why combo kits are popular.