A corded power drill is one of the most important pieces of equipment used for home remodeling and renovation purposes. A high quality corded drill is necessary for handling these tasks efficiently and quickly. These tools generally run with high torque, which makes them perfect for drill a holes in glass, metal or lumber.
As these run with a consistent power supply, these drills have complete power for dealing with any type of job, as compared to cordless drills. The drills even come with fast rotational speeds that let them be used with buffers, metal brushes, and other attachments as well as small drill bits for aluminum, and other. These are extremely versatile in use and have many benefits for users who like to use them.
It is important to know about the best corded drills equipment available on the market, and the top factors to look at while choosing the best ones among them.
What is Corded Drill?
A corded drill is a power tool that has an electric motor and transmission system. It works by turning the chuck, which then turns the drill bit into whatever you are drilling. The electric motor provides the power to rotate the chuck through gears, belts or chains. Cordless drills have no cords connecting them to an electrical outlet so they can be used anywhere there’s electricity nearby. They work because batteries provide temporary voltage for your drill to operate on until it runs out of juice and needs recharging before use again. All cordless drills come with their own charger so you don’t need one unless you lose yours or prefer using another one instead of theirs.
A corded drill is different than an impact driver or screwdriver because it does not have any accessories like bits that you put into its chuck to complete your project faster with less effort. The most common type of corded drill is a standard corded drill. A hammer drill does the same thing as an impact driver but with more torque to make drilling into harder surfaces easier.
Different Types of Corded Drills
Corded drills are available in many types depending on the power source, design and user-friendliness. They are also different when it comes to price. However, they all have a common functionality and perform the same function.
Drill/Driver
It is used by most laborers and homeowners. This T-handle or pistol grip drill happens to be the commonest power equipment for commercial and residential applications. These look like a gun, with users needing to pull a trigger on its handle. It is good enough for light operations, like boring screws into the hinge of a cabinet. Occasionally, it is used for heavy-duty projects.
Hammer Drill
These exert additional force through pulsing the bit while rotating a screw into position. The tools are used most often while setting up electrical boxes, shelves, and various other units to rock or concrete. The user can choose from hammering plus rotation, hammering only or rotation only methods.
Rotary Hammer Drill
The tools have a more pulverizing effect and less vibration when compared to their cam-style counterparts. These are perfect for inserting concrete anchors or lag bolts. Due to their unique design, this type of equipment can drill holes more than 1 ½ inch and are perfect for handling heavy-duty tasks in construction sites. These are sold as rotary hammers, roto hammer drills or masonry drills. Rotary hammer drills use spline shank or SDS shank bits that are less prone to breaking or falling out at the time of operation.
Angle Drill
These are also referred to as a 90-degree drill or right-angle drill and offer the best drilling solution in tight spaces. The drills are often used by electricians and plumbers while drilling in small bays within floor joists, to work around corners or for hole-boring in cabinets.
Top Five Best Corded Drill Reviews
Look at some of the Best Corded Power Drill equipment below, each one with its own strengths and weaknesses. Each review is written to give you the most accurate information possible. Corded drills are capable of drilling holes in practically any material, which makes them a versatile tool to own.
1. Makita HR2475 1-Inch D-Handle SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer
This rotary hammer drill comes from Makita and is designed to offer more productive and solid performance with less vibration. It has more energy transfer efficiency, higher copper commutator bars, dual ball bearing armature and field core interlocking steel laminations and higher longevity.
There is continuous speed control that automatically provides the motor with more power, for speed maintenance under load for fulfilling the toughest jobs. There is 50% quicker drilling due to sequential impact timing that offers timed hammering for reducing overlapping bit impacts during rotation.
Its Torque limiting clutch is specially designed to minimize damage to gear, by disengaging gears automatically in case the chipping bit bends. This corded drill with clutch has longer life brushes that make it possible to do more work and minimizes downtime. It can work in any of the 3 drill mode, “Hammering only”, “Hammering with Rotation” or “Rotation only”.
Pros:
- In its segment, it is a lightweight corded drill. It weighs just 6.6 pounds.
- It can be used for a long time and is user-friendly in operations.
- It has D handle design. Its grip is soft and rubberized, which allows more comfort during operations.
- You can place your chipping bits in as many as 40 varied positions, which offers more convenience while working.
- As it works with a constant speed, you can drill easily even through concrete.
- The on-board torque limiter keeps the gears protected while your chipping bit binds up as well as safeguards your body parts – such as the wrist – in case the hammer accidentally spins out of your control.
Cons:
- It does not have anything too negative. However, it works slightly slower than its competitors.
- Also, as it is lighter in weight, it might be mistaken as a cheap drill.
2. Makita DS4011 1/2-Inch Drill
This corded drill runs on electric power and consists of a robust 8.5 AMP motor. It has been designed especially for better mixing and drilling performance. You can operate it in many positions. It works with 600 RPM that offers a higher torque and speed to drill larger sized holes. It weighs just 6.3 pounds and reduces fatigue for users. The D-handle has 24 stops at varied positions and rotates at 360 ° angle. It comes with a rubberized handle that lets you work with a comfortable and steady grip.
The tool has a longer lifespan and offers seamless operations for an all ball bearing design. The power drill is heavy duty in design and operations and has a ½-inch drill chuck that has been designed especially for retention of positive bits. Its built-in chuck key storage lets you change the bits easily and quickly, making it among the best Corded Drill.
Pros:
- It has a rocker switch feature that lets you shift easily between reversing and forwarding operations. The unit is double insulated and has a side handle, drill chuck, and chuck key.
- The drill is reversible and can switch to an anticlockwise direction from a clockwise direction. Thus, it is perfect for driving screws and for drilling holes in concrete, s, steel and various other materials. It is the right choice for drilling and driving.
- The tool has a sizeable chuck diameter and is compatible with various types of bits and tools. The long cable length of the equipment offers you more freedom of motion. It is available in dual styles, a non-variable speed, and a variable speed.
- The drill is well-balanced and is easily compatible with many tools and bits. It has a perfect weight, which offers an enjoyable and user-friendly experience.
Cons:
- The tool comes without any storage space or case for bits.
3. DEWALT DW130V 9 Amp 1/2-Inch Drill with Spade Handle
The Corded Drill equipment this high-torque power drill is perfect for tough operations that generally burn the motors of smaller drills that run on battery power. This tool is able to mix liquid concrete or easily drill through steel.
It runs with a 120V, 9 amp motor that can run continuously, and lets you mix highly viscous liquids easily. It comes with adjustable spade handles and side handles. You can maintain the grip easily while drilling from any angle.
The torque and speed of the drill match the job requirements. This drill has high-torque and can drill easily through metal and other materials. It consists of a locking chuck that can accommodate ½-inch drill bits and is perfect for high-torque purposes.
Pros:
- The drill offers a secure grip, and you can use it for drilling in various directions. If you are unable to securely hold a drill, it can easily swing out of your hand due to the torque. This drill has a side, spade and pistol grip. You may also adjust the spade and side grips to match your own preferences.
- The drill is light in weight, at only 3.8 pounds. Its safety feature lets you work for a longer time before you feel fatigued.
- It can be used for drilling through steel surfaces up to 3 inches and solid wooden surfaces up to 5 inches in thickness.
- You can use it easily for mixing drywall, paint, mud, concrete and mortar. The high-torque drill and low-speed makes it perfect for mixing purposes.
- The tool is perfect for drilling joists and studs and for right angle drilling as well. It can easily be configured for various types of jobs.
Cons:
- As the chuck needs a key for releasing drill bits, it can be slightly slower to change bits than with a few other drills.
4. Bosch RH328VC 1-1/8-Inch SDS Rotary Hammer
This multi-mode equipment is high on performance and power. It can work in any of 3 modes – Rotation Only, Hammer Only and Rotary Hammer. The multi-function selector lets you easily choose the mode of your choice to work with.
It comes with the best power to weight ratio and can offer 2.6 feet per pound impact energy. There is a clutch that can be used for reducing the reaction due to torque as much as possible.
The high amount of power lets you quickly complete the drilling and chiseling works. It has a rating of 8 Amp at present. There is a trigger based mechanism that offers higher operator control, and can easily be accessed with 3 fingers. This system also lets you achieve precise bit control.
It comes with an auxiliary handle that can let you use the equipment easily. It has a long cable that measures about 8 feet and lets you maneuver the unit with ease.
As any best Corded hammer drill review would tell you, the tool is only 7.7 pounds in weight and can be handled and used with ease. It is easily transportable.
Pros:
- The power to weight ratio of the unit is amazing.
- It has the most capable rotary hammer in its segment. The unit lets you control vibration without any reduction in its overall performance.
- When compared to other similar rotary hammers in its class, it allows utmost comfort at the time of use.
- It has high performance of 900 rpm and 4000 bpm and allows easy completion of the work.
- The unit has an auxiliary handle that makes 360-degree operation possible and can allow higher flexibility.
Cons:
- There is the risk of breaking of the chuck, which means that it is not ideal for long hours of constant usage.
- It is slightly costlier than other rotary hammers available in its segment.
5. Dewalt DWE1014 3/8-Inch 0-2800 RPM VS Drill with Keyed Chuck
The drill has variable speed and has 0 – 2800 RPM speed range. You can choose the speed depending on your preference. You can regulate the speed as per the type of application you would want to use it for, which makes work simpler.
It can be used conveniently and comfortably, and it comes with clear and easy to understand instructions. This dewalt drill can be easily operated, and without any hassles if the directions and properly followed.
It can be used for heavy-duty operations. It is able to penetrate nails on hardwood surfaces as well. You can use it easily for commercial purposes, just as for residential uses.
Pros:
- With 0-2800 RPM, the unit has a powerful performance capacity. The tool offers a very effective performance.
- It is powered by a robust 7 amp motor and consists of a variable speed trigger.
- The unit is heavy-duty in operations and can be used to handle bigger operations with ease. Any type of individual, irrespective of body size or weight, can use it without any difficulties.
- It has the right lock-on switch and comprises of a keyed chuck.
- It can be used and cleaned easily. Its handles can easily be gripped, and you can conveniently use the whole drill. It comes with a pistol design, which makes it effective to work with.
- It is inexpensive, and the Best corded drill under 100.
Cons:
- The drill comes without a case, and you need to purchase one separately.
- It is slightly costlier than other similar models in its segment.
Buying Guide of the Best Corded Drill
If you want to deal with tough projects, then buy a corded drill that gives you enough power and can be used for various purposes. While looking for a corded drill, consider how you would like to use it. It is important to look at the following factors in order to make the best choice.
Size
Drills are available in ½ inch, 3/8 inch or ¼ inch bit size. Of these, the one with 3/8 inch size is the commonest and can serve the needs of most hobbyists and homeowners the best. A ½ inch drill is suitable for heavier jobs and can offer you more power and the chance to drill bigger holes.
Power
The power capacity is an important thing to look for while buying a corded drill. You will also need to look for a product that perfectly suits the purpose you would want to use the drill machine for. For instance, a high-powered drill might be needed for dealing with heavy remodeling or repair work.
Weight
Make sure that the corded drill that you choose has the right weight. It should neither be too light nor too heavy.
Grip
The drill should also offer you the right kind of grip. With a corded drill having proper grip and weight, you can reduce arm and hand fatigue. This will allow you to handle more work.
Chuck Size
The corded drills are available in three types of chucks. There is the keyless chuck, fixed chuck and electromagnetic type of chuck. The keyless chuck is the most common and suitable for most of the jobs. However, if you want to put on some heavy duty work then fixed chuck would be a good choice. For masonry drilling, electromagnetic type of chuck will meet your needs best.
Price
A corded drill is not the cheapest power tool. Therefore, you have to pay more for it. However, you can find corded drills that meet the needs of your job well and are less expensive.
Warranty
Find out whether the drill that you choose comes with a warranty or not. A warranty can save you some money if your drill malfunctions. Warranty also indicates that the manufacturer trusts its product and has faith in its durability and reliability.
Durability
Corded drills are tough tools and can work for a long time. Even though they cost more than other types of power tools, these last longer than the other power tools.
Mobility
If you want to work in awkward places or inside tight spots where there is no enough space for huge power tools, go for the corded drill that is compact and easy to handle. This will let you work with ease and save your time as well as energy.
Rotation Speed
Some corded drills are capable of producing two types of rotation speed. They are the high speed and slow rotations. If you need to drill holes in lighter materials or wood, then it will be suitable for you to opt for a higher speed powerful drill. The slow rotation type is good for drilling metals, plastics and harder woods.
Torque
This is an indication of the turning force that a power tool has and it measures the ability of a drill to handle tough jobs well. The higher the rotational torque, the better would be its ability to meet tough jobs.
Cord Length
If you cannot find a suitable place in your home or garage to keep your corded drill, you should opt for one with a long cord so that you can work within certain distance from an electric supply source.
Safety
Corded drills are very powerful tools. Therefore, you need to handle these with care when working with them. If the cord is not long enough, you might end up tripping over it. The drill should also have a useful cord or wire management system that can keep the cable out of the way to avoid any mishaps.
Advantages of a Corded Drill
Power: A corded drill will always have more power than a cordless one because it is not limited by battery life.
Versatility: Corded drills can be used for almost any project and application, while the range of projects and applications available to cordless varieties may be greatly reduced due to their lower voltage.
Specifically: A standard home owner’s corded drill kit will be able to handle a wide variety of tasks, from basic household repairs and improvements around the house all the way up to medium-duty construction work.
Motor: A corded drill will always have at least twice the power of a cordless drill due to its much larger motor.
Cord Length: Cord length is another factor that many people overlook when comparing different drills, but you should take it into consideration when purchasing your next model. The longer the cord, the less likely you are to run out of reach while working on a project.
Weight: While cordless drills are often very light, corded models tend to be heavy and unwieldy because of their large motors. For this reason, many people prefer the lighter weight of cordless varieties when doing overhead work or precision drilling that requires holding the drill in one position for an extended period of time.
Portability: Cordless drills are much more portable than corded models. If you need to carry your drill around with you as you work, a cordless model will be lighter and easier to manage.
Price: Corded varieties tend to cost less up front due to their lower price tags and ease of use (no charging or changing batteries). A regular home owner’s corded drill kit will cost much less than a comparable cordless model.
In addition: Frequently used tools such as cordless drills are often operated by rechargeable batteries that can wear out after repeated use. If you choose a corded drill, you will never have to worry about dead batteries or unexpected downtime.
Disadvantages of a Corded Drill
Maneuverability: In comparison to cordless drills, corded drills have limited mobility. The wire can get in the way while drilling and limit your ability to drill on certain angles or positions.
Heavy: The drill itself is much heavier than a cordless model which requires additional effort when drilling or driving screws. You also have the added weight of an electrical wire that increases mobility challenges even further.
Limited Battery Life: A typical battery life for a cordless drill can range from 20-40 minutes. Corded drills only have a battery life of around 20 minutes before the charge is depleted and you must wait for it to power back up, which can take several hours if not overnight.
How to use Corded Drill
How you can use a corded drill in various ways to reach areas that are inaccessible. You could use the drill with a screwdriver attachment to tighten screws or bolts, or with a cutting blade attachment to cut through materials without having to make incisions. Corded drills are perfect for home improvement projects!
- Make sure the drill is set to “Off”. If it’s not, switch it off before inserting your bit or driving your screws.
- Insert a fastener into the chuck of your corded drill and tighten until secure. Many drills have keyless chucks that are tightened simply by turning them counterclockwise until you hear a click.
- Adjust the torque settings on your drill to control how much power it delivers. The lowest setting is often referred as “drilling”, with higher numbers used for driving screws and other fasteners into both wood and metal.
- With your bit or drive secured in place, hold your drill with both hands, making sure that the base is resting firmly on a stable surface.
- For most drill operations you should stand to one side of where you’re working and position yourself so most of your weight falls on the leg opposite from the arm holding the drill. This will help prevent accidents by keeping muscles relaxed throughout the process.
- Most corded drills have a trigger mechanism that, when pressed, delivers power to the bit or drive in your drill’s chuck until you release it.
- Different speed settings allow for variable control of how fast and at what torque (turning force) drilling into different materials takes place. Follow manufacturer’s recommendations for safe drilling.
- Make sure the drill is set to “Off” beforehand and that you have tightened your bit or drive securely in place before pressing the trigger mechanism.
- Always keep both feet on solid ground, while keeping your body at a 90 degree angle from where you are working (with the opposite leg forward).
- Make sure to take breaks in between extended periods of drilling.
- For all corded drills, check that it is unplugged before inserting your bit or drive into the chuck and tightening until secure.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQ’s)
Do people still use corded drills?
People can still use corded drills. They are typically used for outdoor projects or in areas where electricity is not available, such as a work site. It may be more expensive to purchase and maintain than an electric drill but it’s also dependable and long lasting. Many people like the fact that it doesn’t require batteries and has unlimited power.
Is cordless drill better than corded?
The corded drill is more powerful but the battery life of a cordless drill might be better if you are not using it all day long. There are also other advantages to both types so people have different preferences depending on their needs. You can find out about them below.
What Type of Grip Does the Drill Have?
Most corded drills have two different grips that you can choose from. You will find either a pistol grip or an inline grip depending on the model and manufacturer of your drill. The pistol grip is easier to use and offers more mobility while the inline model has a straight shaft for more balance and control.
What Voltage Does it Use?
A corded drill uses either 110 volts or 220 volts depending on the model you choose. Many people prefer using 220 volts because they can be used almost anywhere without needing an extension cord to make them work. The 110 volt drills are more portable but not as strong or powerful.
How long is the Cord?
Most corded drills have cords that are 6 feet long which can give you enough room to maneuver while drilling. If your project requires that the drill be closer to an outlet then you might need a longer or shorter cord depending on its location. You also need to check if it has a grounded or underground power cord to make sure you know how it needs to be plugged in.
What is the Handle Made of?
Handle material on a corded drill can vary and it mostly depends on the model you choose. Some models have rubber overmolds while others have just hard plastic or metal handles. You should look for a handle made of high quality materials that add to the durability and comfort of your corded drill.
What is the RPM of the Drill?
The speed on a corded drill can range from 500-2000 rpm depending on its power output. A higher rpm means that it’s able to create more torque but also requires more power which may not be available through an extension cord. You also need to look at how many gears are included with your corded drill because this can affect the speed of the unit depending on its application.
What is the Drill’s Chuck Size?
A drill’s chuck size varies depending on its size or model. You can find 3/8 inch chucks and 1/2 inch chucks with a corded drill which can affect how it works with different bits. You should look at the type of bits your corded drill needs to determine its chuck size before making a purchase.
Can the corded drill be used for light duty?
The most important thing about corded drills is its power, current and voltage. If you go to a store and purchase a corded drill make sure it can provide sufficient power, which means anything from 500 watts to 2000 watts should do the trick. Anything less would not last long.
Can they be used for metal drilling?
Corded drills are ideal for drilling metals but you need to look at their power output before making a purchase. Most corded drills have 0-2 hp which is great for creating torque in heavy duty applications that require more power. You also need to find one that has a built in regulator to make sure it can be used for drilling metal at the correct speed.
How should they be stored?
Corded drills should be stored in an upright position away from other tools and objects that may fall on it or scratch its surface over time. You also need to keep them away from moisture and excessive heat to extend their life and keep them in working condition for a longer time.
Can they be used outdoors?
Power outlets for corded drills are not always available outdoors which is why you should look at their power output before making a purchase. Most corded drills have 0-2 hp which is great for creating torque in heavy power applications that require more power. You also need to make sure the corded drill you buy has a heavy duty exterior and materials that can withstand outdoor elements and challenges.
Can they be used with an extension cord?
Corded drills can be used with an extension cord, but you should check their power output before making a purchase. If you are using an extension cord make sure the drill is not exceeding its wattage range because this can damage the cord due to excess heat that’s created. You also need to look at the type of material used in your corded drill because some materials can lead to sparks which would create a fire hazard if used with an extension cord.
Can they be used with a variable speed trigger?
Variable speed triggers are great on corded drills because it allows you to put them into different modes that make them more versatile and useful for various applications. This feature also allows you to decrease the torque of your drill when it needs to be, which is great for safety purposes.
How do I know if it will have enough power?
Power is the most important thing to look at when finding a corded drill because you can use anything from 500 watts to 2000 watts in your application. If your corded drill has less than 500 watts then it may not be powerful enough for heavy duty applications so you should consider looking at other options first. If your corded drill has less than 2000 watts then it may not have enough power for heavy duty metal drilling which means you need to look at other options as well.
What is the difference between a corded drill and an impact driver?
Corded drills are great for applications that require the power of torque, which you cannot get with an impact driver. Some corded drills also have 0-2 hp which makes them ideal for heavy duty applications like metal drilling. An impact driver on the other hand can be used for different applications but it does not have the power output of a corded drill which means you cannot use them for metal drilling and other heavy duty tasks.
How can I make sure my corded drill will last a long time?
You need to look at the material used in your corded drill and choose one with a heavy duty exterior and materials that can withstand outdoor elements and challenges. It’s also important for you to buy one that is powerful enough for your applications, has a built in regulator, and a variable speed trigger feature that allows you to put it in different modes.
Conclusion
Having the Best Corded Drill for home use can make a lot of difference in the quality of your work, whether you are a skilled journeyman or a novice homeowner. Corded drills come with the versatility, power, and stability that are needed for handling all types of projects, whether it comes to cabinet remodeling, furniture-making, plumbing installation or deck-building.
You have to buy a drill that is right for your purposes and can offer the amount of convenience and comfort necessary during usage.
Smart buyers look for a drill that can exactly match their intended purpose and come with the best deals. Consider whether you want a drill for home use or professional use, and the frequency of usage as well.
When you decide the primary purpose you would need a corded drill for, you can find it easier to choose the best drill according to drill bits, features, brand, chuck type, and size, handle style and drill type.
