ORIGINAL: Red B.
Most cordless drill doesn't provide enough RPMs to start a glow engine reliably.
For a beginner, a 12V starter motor is a nice gadget.
My preferred starting method is hand flipping. If one knows how to prime the engine properly and have a good flipping technique, 1-2 flips should get the engine running. A chicken stick is a good thing, especially if you are dealing with 4-stroke engines.
/Red B.
I've seen folks use a leather glove as well. Just mind that back edge of the APC props if you don't sand it down when new when you're hand starting - sharp as a knife if not dulled a little. I was hand flipping my prop and it bounced off the compression and rotated backwards and the edge stopped in the edge of my index finger. Cut about 1/3 in to the tip of my finger and nail. [:@]
somegeek