They are well known for their speed, power, longer working hours, cost-effective, and lighter than their portable cordless counterparts. Before investing in this corded drill, we recommend you consider the following key factors to grab the best one. Power – Corded drills are plugged straight into the electrical socket for its working. The motor power is measured in amps, in which a drill with a higher amp’s motor is more powerful and can drill a hole precisely in less time. Based on the project you’re dealing with, you have to pick the drill motor power. Use a corded drill with a 5-amp motor for drilling lighter material, while drilling into hard materials, use a corded drill with an 8 to 10-amp motor. Chuck Size – Usually, chuck holds drill bits in its place and it comes in various sizes to suit different corded drill bits. There are three main types of chuck sizes we use for the corded drills. The larger the chuck size, the more powerful the drilling is.
1/2-inch chuck size for heavy-duty drill bits. 3/4-inch chuck size for home improvement projects. 1/4-inch chuck size for light-duty drill bits.
Rotation Speed – It is defined as the number of full revolutions a drill bit do in a minute (RPM). The speed range of corded drills will be 200 – 2000 rpm. A drill with a speed range of 500 – 1000 rpm is enough for doing DIY tasks around the home. Most of the lower-end drill models offer single speed settings, whereas higher-end models offer variable speed settings. We are here with a list of some top-rated best-corded drill options out there and a detailed “Buying Guide” to help you in selecting the right corded drill as per your requirement from our list of corded drills.
Top Corded Drills 2023: List
Best Corded Drills 2023: Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER Corded Drill
Best cordless drill Best hammer drills Best right angle drills Best rotary hammer drills Best Step Drill Bit Types of Drills
Black Decker is quite a popular brand of power tools that is known for making value for money products. This is also true for the corded drill from Black Decker mentioned in this article. The Black Decker DR260C corded drill is present in the 1st position in this article as it is the cheapest option here. Despite its highly affordable price tag, it can offer a 2-year warranty. You also get a decently powerful 5.2 amp motor in this corded drill that is quite powerful for the given price. It powers its ⅜ inch chuck with a speed of 1500 RPM. Despite its affordable price tag, it comes with various accessories that can be quite handy and make it an excellent value for money option. You can easily store your drill bits within the corded drill for easy access. And it comes with a variable speed trigger that allows you to drill in different surfaces and objects precisely. Best Features:
⅜ inch chuck size 2 amp motor Up to 1500 RPM rotation speed 2-year warranty Inbuilt drill bit storage Variable speed trigger Value for money
Components:
Double-ended screwdriver bit Corded drill User manual Warranty card
2. DEWALT Corded Drill
Dewalt is one of the most reliable and reputable power tools brands out there. And it offers a great option if you are looking for a corded drill. Dewalt’s DWD115K corded drill is present in the 3rd position in this article as it offers great performance while being highly reliable. You get an 8 amp motor in this corded drill that is covered by a long 3-year warranty. And since this is a Dewalt product, you can also expect a great build quality while being quite compact with a ⅜ inch size chuck. This chuck can spin at a rotation speed of up to 2500 RPM. And you can easily change the rotation speed since it comes with a variable speed trigger. The soft grip mid handle of this corded drill makes it quite ergonomic while performing drilling operations. You also get various accessories with this corded drill that can be quite useful. Best Features:
⅜ inch chuck size 8 amp motor 0 to 2500 RPM rotation speed 3-year warranty Soft grip mid handle Variable speed trigger Great build quality
Components:
Carrying case Kit box Corded drill User manual Warranty card
3. PORTER-CABLE Corded Drill
Porter Cable is quite a great option if you are looking for value for money power tools out there. Even though this corded drill from Porter Cable is one of the cheapest options in this article, it offers a great build quality. And since it has a 3-year warranty, it is quite reliable when compared with other budget options. It provides a decently powerful 6 amp motor that powers its ⅜ inch chuck. This chuck can spin at a maximum rotation speed of 2500 RPM. You can easily use and control this corded drill due to its simple controls, including the lock-on button. The keyless chuck allows you to quickly and easily change different drill bits while using this corded drill. And it comes with a belt clip on the side that can be quite handy for easily carrying this drill on your waist. Best Features:
⅜ inch chuck size 6 amp motor 0 to 1500 RPM rotation speed 3-year warranty Inbuilt belt clip Lock-on button for ease of use Keyless chuck
Components:
Corded drill User manual Warranty card
4. SKIL 6335-02 7.0 Amp Corded Drill
Skil is a highly rated brand of power tools that offers various options out there. It also provides a great option if you are looking for corded drills for home or industrial usage. This Skil 6335-02 corded drill offers a 7 amp motor that provides a great performance. You get a ½ inch keyed chuck in this drill that is much safer than non keyed chucks. And it able to offer a rotation speed of 950 RPM. Unfortunately, you only get a 1-year warranty with this corded drill which might be an issue for some users. Thankfully, the build quality of this corded drill is quite decent for its given price. You also get a side handle in this drill for controlled and precise operation. And its variable speed trigger is quite useful for drilling in different surfaces and objects. Best Features:
½ inch chuck size 7 amp motor Up to 950 RPM rotation speed 1-year warranty Inbuilt side handle Variable speed trigger Comes with a keyed chuck
Components:
Corded drill User manual Warranty card
5. Craftsman Corded Drill
From compact hand tools to heavy outdoor equipment Craftsman brand has all kinds of power tools in-store. The brand has everything you need to make your handyman work and DIY projects easier. This corded drill comes with a powerful 7 amp motor that runs at a maximum speed of 2,500 RPM that makes this drill an ideal tool for all your household repairs. It also comes with a variable speed trigger that lets you control the speed even better. Moreover, the drill has a lock-on feature that halts the tool when not in use. It comes with a keyless chuck with a shaft diameter of ⅜-inch that lets you conveniently tighten or loosen a lot of tools and change the bits quickly. However, you can’t use this drill if you are planning to make large holes on a hard surface, for which you will need keyed chuck. Measuring 10.3 x 2.15 x 9.75 inches and weighing 4.13 pounds, you can handle this user-friendly tool with ease. The brand is offering a 3-years limited warranty on the product from the date of purchase. Best Features:
Keyless chuck ⅜-inch shaft diameter 2,500 RPM maximum speed 7 amp motor Variable speed trigger 3-year limited warranty
Components:
CMED731 drill User manual Warranty card
6. Metabo HPT D10VH2 7-Amp 3/8-Inch Corded Drill
Metabo is a brand of power tools that is owned by Hitachi and offers a wide range of options. Since it is owned by Hitachi Power Tools, it offers highly reliable options, including this corded drill. And the corded drill option from Metabo is the most reliable option present in this article. This is due to the reason that it offers a great build quality along with a 5-year warranty. As a result, you can use it for a long time without any issues. You get 7 amp motor in this corded drill that powers its ⅜ inch chuck for easily drilling in most surfaces. It can offer a rotation speed of 2700 RPM that is quite high for its given price. This corded drill also provides various other useful features like a dial variable speed trigger for high precision. You also get a forward and reverse direction function in this drill that can be quite handy for removing stuck drill bits without damaging them. Best Features:
⅜ inch chuck size 7 amp motor Up to 2700 RPM rotation speed 5-year warranty Belt clip on the side Variable speed trigger with dial Forward and reverse direction function
Components:
Corded drill User manual Warranty card
7. Ryobi D43K Corded Power Drill
Last product from our list is from a famous brand called Ryobi which provides reliable and durable products. Their D43K corded drill is suitable for DIY projects or quick replacement for rugged tasks at professional jobsite. It can produce up to 1,600 RPM by consuming just 5.5 amps of power. The speed of this power drill can be controlled through variable speed trigger. The grip of this power drill comes with a rubber molding which provides proper grip, even in slipper conditions. It comes with a 3/8” chuck which helps in changing the bits faster than usual. The lock-on feature helps to drill without having to hold trigger continuously. Best Features:
Variable speed trigger Optimal control Proper grip Lock-on button Reliable and durable Fast bit changes
Components:
Corded drill User manual Bag included
Buying Guide for the Best Corded Drills:
In this buyer’s guide, we have listed everything that is required to choose your perfect option. Although, its selection is based on your purpose and how you plan to use this power tool, but never choose a corded drill that is bulky or heavy, having unnecessary features, is made of cheap materials, and won’t have sufficient torque. First, let’s get into the details of what factors to look for while shopping for the best corded drills.
1. Power:
One of the main reasons most people prefer to choose the corded model over the cordless is its power. Usually, the corded drills run by plugging directly into the worksite or home’s electric socket of 110V electrical supply. Thus, it allows you to work continuously till you finished the task. The power of a drill’s motor is measured in amps. The higher amps will make the drill more powerful, and thereby it takes less time to drill a hole accurately. Also, a high amp motor is stronger and generates more torque (force required to rotate the drill bit). This is quite useful while drilling into heavy materials. If you drill constantly into hard materials such as masonry or steel, then look for a corded drill having 8 – 10 amp motor, while for drilling into lightweight materials such as wood, then check for drill with a 5-amp motor. Keep in mind that less torque will offer more precision and greater control over its operation.
2. Chuck Size:
Chuck is a clamp at the front of the drill used to hold the bit in its place. However, they come in different sizes and make sure to select bits of the same size or smaller than the drill’s chuck. There are three most common chuck sizes available.
1/4-inch chuck size suitable for light-duty drill. 3/8-inch chuck size suitable for general purpose drills, like home improvement projects. 1/2-inch chuck size suitable for heavy-duty drill and industrial applications.
The chuck size of a corded drill will let you know the supported bit size of a given corded drill. Usually, a larger chuck size delivers better drilling performance than smaller ones, why because the drill can accommodate a sturdy drill bit. After selecting the right chuck size, one has to check out whether the chuck is keyless or keyed. Here, keyed chunks require a special tool to loosen or tighten the chuck to change the drill bit. Whereas, keyless chucks let you rotate them by using your hands to tighten or loosen the chuck. A keyed chuck will keep the bit in place to do the task, while a keyless chuck is a better choice if you want to switch between drill bits frequently. However, it entirely depends on one’s preference to pick a drill with either a keyed or keyless chuck. Yet most people prefer to tighten the chuck with a key tool.
3. Rotation Speed:
The number of full revolutions a drill bit performs per minute (RPM) is defined as rotation speed. The rotation speed range of corded drills will be 200 – 2000 rpm. A drill with 500 – 1000 rpm is enough to carry out DIY tasks in and around the home. Never assume that a faster drill is a powerful one to complete the task. Since it depends on the amount of torque but not on speed, which determines how a drill penetrates properly into hard materials. Most of the lower-end drills come with a maximum single speed, while higher-end drills offer variable speed settings, which allow you to choose from 2 or more speeds. Generally, lower speeds are perfect to drill into harder materials, whereas faster speeds suits to drill into softer materials. Lower/slow speeds are useful when you start the hole initially, why because it offers more precision, and control that results in making a clean hole.
4. Reverse Function:
Almost all corded drill models come with this reverse function. It let you reverse the drill bit out of the hole with more ease. Most corded drills have this feature in the form of a button located either on the handle or top of the drill. It is quite useful whenever the drill bit may get stuck (or) looking to drill anti-clockwise instead of clockwise based on the job/task you are handling. So, this handy feature is quite essential while choosing a corded drill, as it will make the drill more versatile to use. This reverse function will let you remove the tightly bedded screws.
5. Weight:
Usually, corded drills are lighter in weight when compared to their cordless cousins. The reason is that they won’t have any batteries (as a drill’s part). Most corded drills can weigh from 4 – 5 pounds, whereas higher-end drills weigh around 6 pounds. So, it is essential to consider while using the power drill for a longer period, to know whether you can handle the weight easily or not. Due to this reason, various heavier corded drills come with an auxiliary handle, which let you hold the drill with two hands and thus evenly distribute the weight.
6. Torque:
It is measured in newton meters (Nm), which relates to the tightening force. It is essential to know how the drill performs on robust materials. Generally, corded drills will have higher torque compared to cordless drills.
7. Hammer Function:
A corded drill with this feature offers more power that makes it easy to drill into hard materials. The hammer addition to the drill will potentially increase the drill’s torque. Hammer drills let you drive in longer screws and provides the added torque for easy drilling into hard materials like masonry, concrete, and steel/metals.
8. Grip:
Corded drills having soft-grip handles will reduce fatigue and remove the probability of blisters. Since the corded drill is one of the frequently used tools from the tool kit, you need to ensure that it offers the best possible control and comfort while operating.
9. Mobility:
With its limited cord length, a corded drill is quite less mobile or portable than cordless drills. In case, if the electrical outlet is too far from the worksite, then an extension cord will help to extend the reach of a drill. Ensure that not to use a standard/regular indoor extension cord for this drilling work, why because they are not powerful or durable to support this power tool.
11. Durability:
It is essential to check a power tool to ensure it is durable and reliable before buying. The reason is that a reliable power tool will let you use it for a long time without running into any issues. So, look out for corded drills that use high-quality metal casings and strong plastics for their construction. Apart from that, check the warranty duration offered by the manufacturer on their product. Some models offer a 3-year warranty, while some even come with a 5-year warranty. As you expect, the drill with 5-year is more desirable than a corded drill offering a 2- or 3-years warranty.
12. Other Features:
Apart from these essential features, some add-on features help you to use the drill with ease. They include trigger locks and spirit levels that will allow you to operate the drill by removing your fingers from the trigger. Other common built-in features for drills include LED light that helps to see and work effectively even in poorly illuminated areas, a belt clip for a hands-free operation, and a level for a precise installation of fasteners.
13. Comfort:
One should be comfortable operating/use the power tool, especially while working daily for long hours. So, for comfortable usage, you have to pick the corded drill with ergonomically designed soft rubber handles. This helps a lot in limiting hand fatigue and thus promotes its usage for an extended time.
14. Ease of Operation:
Most experts suggest all the carpenters and woodworkers use corded drills that offer easy to operate features. These days most of the power tools have unnecessary buttons, which make the tool heavier, and difficult to operate (includes a lot of confusion) as well.
15. Reliable Materials:
If you are spending most of the day drilling on wood, then choose a corded drill that comes with reliable components. They can withstand vibrations and aids in heavy usage of doing the work for several hours or days.
16. Brand:
Choosing a product from a well-known reputable brand will ensure that you get the best quality products/power tools for the money you spend on them. They manufacture the product with the best quality construction materials that aid in durability and offer better control. So, check for the branded drill models for heavy-duty usage.
Advantages and Disadvantages of a Corded Drill:
It is essential to know about the benefits/pros and drawbacks/cons of corded drills before making its purchase, which allows you to use them effectively and efficiently.
Pros:
Heavy-Duty Applications – The corded drill is connected directly to an electrical outlet, in which it has more power to feed the motor. Thus, it delivers more torque that is perfect to do heavy-duty applications. Motor Power – Corded drills have beefier motors that offer more power to easily and quickly complete the work compared to their cordless counterparts. Portability – These are slim, compact, and lightweight (won’t exceed 10 lbs). It makes them easy to carry to your worksite and also fits in a small work back. Ease of Use – Alike cordless models, there is no need to recharge or replace the batteries in a corded drill. All you need is to simply plug in the tool and start using it, which is quite easy to use/operate. Cost-Effective – Corded drills are affordable and can be purchased for 40% – 50% less cost than cordless drills.
Cons:
Maneuverability – The corded drill is not as maneuverable as cordless models due to its limited cord length. Here, its wire gets in the way when used in awkward positions. Requires Electrical Outlet – It won’t work in remote areas where there is no electrical outlet/power supply.
Operating Tips and Maintenance of Corded Power Drill:
It is a must to take proper care and maintenance for any power tool to enhance its durability, reliability, and longevity. Here are some operating and maintenance tips to be followed while using the corded drill.
Make sure to wear goggles, earplugs, and hand gloves while operating the corded drills as a protective aid. Lubricate the metal and bit with oil while drilling through metal for easy and quick drilling. If you notice the drill getting hot, then immediately stop the work and allow some time to cool the drill. To confirm that the fasteners are drilled straight, you have to drive at an angle perpendicular to the drilling surface. Use bits smaller than screws to prevent the creation of too large a hole. Always prefer to use lower torque to prevent screws stripping. If smoke rising from the hole while drilling, which is a sign of either drilling too hard or bit is dull. Check it out and take necessary action. Avoid using drill bits after you noticed the first sign of wear & tear for your safety and effectiveness. To clear chips, you have to pull the drill bit out of the hole regularly. It is especially useful while drilling hard materials such as wet wood or maple. Use an extension cord to get sufficient power to the drill without any drop in its power and thereby getting damage to its motor while working away from the electrical outlet. It’s always better to stock up on spare bits before starting any project, where it needs repeated usage of the same bits.
Conclusion:
Corded drills are one of the most essential power tools out there as they can be quite useful in different kinds of projects. Whether you are working at your home or want one for industrial uses, there are a lot of corded drill options out there. Therefore, we have mentioned some of the best ones in this article. But if you are still not able to choose the perfect one for you, here are some of our recommendations:
If you are on a budget, then you can go with the Porter Cable PC6000D corded drill. Even though it is one of the cheapest options present in this article, it offers a 3-year warranty. This also provides a ⅜ inch chuck that allows you to easily find drill bits for this drill. And the 6 amp motor offers decent performance for the given price of this value for money corded drill. Although if you want one of the most reliable corded drill options out there, you can go with the Metabo HPT D10VH2. This Hitachi own brand offers a 5-year warranty with this corded drill that makes it quite reliable. You also get a 7 amp motor in this corded drill that powers its ⅜ inch chuck for a rotation speed of 2700 RPM at a very justified price tag. The Ryobi D43K Corded Power Drill is the most powerful option present in this article. It comes with a highly powerful 5.5amp motor and a ⅜ inch chuck for even fitting large-sized bits. And this makes it an excellent option for heavy-duty tasks, just like its name.
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