Best Corded Drill Reviews 2018

Drills are essential tools to have around the house. They can be used for drilling metal, wood, and even concrete, and can be used for driving screws. However, the eternal question stands—should you pick a cordless or a corded drill? Well, did the chicken come first, or the egg? Both have their strong and weak sides, so, we decided to pick one type and present it. And, as the title said, this time we picked corded drills, and will be reviewing products from some of the best corded drill brands. So, if you need one (or just looking to learn a thing or two about them), have a look at our product reviews and the guide. Undecided? We also have reviews for cordless , as well as many other kinds of drills!

Overview

PROS

CONS

SPECS

Design

Power

Size

Voltage

Speed

Our Top Choice

DeWalt Pistol-Grip Drill

DeWalt is one of the best-known brands of power tools on the market. The brand was founded 93 years ago and became a subsidiary of Black and Decker some 57 years ago.

Powerful 10-amp motor. Grip on the front allows for greater accuracy when drilling. Comfortable. Great for drilling wood and steel.

The drill starts with a bit of a jerk, beginning at 20% speed.

Keyless chuck, secondary handle

10 amps

13.13 x 10.25 x 3.25 in, 4.9 lbs

120 V

1200 rpm

Best Value

Bosch Keyless Chuck Drill

One of the largest power tool manufacturers is Bosch. Founded 130 years ago, Bosch rose to prominence quickly and now holds 440 subsidiary companies.

Solid 6.3-amp motor drills through wood and steel. Service-minder brushes, most useful for changing brushes. Affordable. Switch locks on.

Experiences speed spike when first turning on.

Keyless chuck

6.3 amps

10.1 x 9 x 2.3 in, 3.4 lbs

120 V

2600 rpm

Makita Spade Handle Drill

One of the oldest brands is Makita. Makita’s been with us since 1915, and was the first one to design a rechargeable power drill.

The motor is very malleable and starts without jerking when you squeeze the trigger. Low-speed powerful drill. Two additional handles.

Can achieve only 600 rpm, so it will have a problem with thicker sheets.

Spade handle

8.5 amps

14 x 13 x 4 in, 7.4 lbs

110 V

600 rpm

Milwaukee Magnum Drill

Milwaukee is a domestic power tool company. The company is a subsidiary of Tectronic Industries, and produces a wide array of hand tools, power or otherwise.

Quite compact but extremely powerful. Offers great speed control. 8-amp motor. Goes up to 850 rpm. Trigger is comfortable.

Its chuck is not that tight, so it may not be able to drill thicker materials despite its power.

Keyed chuck

8 amps

12.9 x 9.6 x 3 in, 5.4 lbs

120 V

850 rpm

Black & Decker Drill/Driver

Black & Decker is a world-renown tool maker. Founded in 1910, it has a longstanding tradition of excellence in the tool-making industry, and has merged with Stanley Works.

Powerful but controllable. Reaches 1500 rpm in a flash. Features a 5.2-amp motor. Intuitive trigger. Adaptable. Variable speed.

The chuck seems to be a little loose, so take care. The drill also blows a lot of air out, lifting the dust right into your face.

Two-cylinder

5.2 amps

3.6 x 10.75 x 10.25 in, 3.5 lbs

120 V

1500 rpm

(Updated September 20, 2017)

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Watch Our Corded Drill Review

How Do I Choose the Best Corded Drill?

So, like we said, we’ll be looking at corded drills primarily in this article. The main difference between corded and cordless drills (and hammer drills) is, obviously, the presence of a cord in one type and the absence with the other. However, there are other differences between the two types of drills. Corded drills deliver a steadier output and don't have to be recharged. They're also lighter, and often more powerful. But, what should you consider when buying a corded drill?

A major consideration you need to keep in mind is the type of chuck on your drill. Chucks hold the drill bits and are of great importance for a drill. If a chuck is loose, it will make the drill move, and decrease the penetrative potential of the drill. Chucks usually come in two types: keyed and keyless.

Keyless - The chucks allow for faster changing of bits and are usually operated by hand.
Keyed - The chucks are slower and require a specialized key to be tightened. However, keyed chucks allow a much firmer grip on the bit. We're not saying that the keyless chucks can't be tightened well, but, if you're going to use your drill for drilling into hard materials, such as bricks, mortar, or stone, then it's perhaps better to go with a high-powered high-rpm keyed chuck drill.

Let's now go into details and look at some of the factors to consider.

Price

The price of corded drills varies greatly. Depending on the brand, size, motor power, rpm, and additional features, as well as inclusion of drill bit kits and cases, influence the price point of any particular product. So, you can find drills that cost as little as $20, and as much as $300. However, these are industrial-grade.

The drills you’re most likely to use around the house and for your projects will cost you up to some $130, rarely more. On the same note, we suggest staying away from cheap corded drills, because these likely sacrificed features and performance in an effort to lower price. Spending a little more for a better drill is always a good choice.

Features

Power drills, corded as well as cordless, come with a wide range of additional features. Some drills feature very neat brushless motors; these drills are extremely quiet and efficient, but their motors aren’t that common among corded drills. Drills sometimes have a light included, such as a small torch attached that will let you see better where you're drilling in low-light environments.

Onboard bit storages are also frequent, and they let you store your most-often-used drill bits when you're drilling. Drills also come with side and secondary handles that can usually be rotated and adjusted, giving you a better grip on the drill and better accuracy when drilling. Some drills feature hammer motion which allows for better drilling into hard surfaces.

To sum up all the features, here is a short list:

Brushless Motors
Built-in Light
Flywheels and Rods
Onboard Storage
Secondary Handles
Hammer Motion
Key for Keyed Chucks

Construction and Design

Drills are usually made of hard plastic with metal chucks, and typically take on a pistol-like shape, with an additional handle to facilitate easier handling. Usually, they also have rubberized grips for better control of the drill and more comfortable handling. They come in different sizes, proportional to the motor—the bigger the drill, the bigger and more powerful the motor will be. However, there exist right angle drills and air drills; these are usually contractor-grade items, and not very common in regular homes.

There are also the size and weight considerations. Naturally, you want your drill to feel comfortable in your hand, and you want the drill to be fairly light if you’re planning to use it for longer periods of time. A heavy drill will tire your hand, as will a drill with a less-than-ergonomic handle. Luckily, corded drills are fairly light by default, so you won’t have to worry about it all that much. Still, it’s a good idea to try the drill out before you buy it.

Performance and Ease of Use

Well, the first thing is the amperage. Whereas cordless drills' power is displayed in volts, because of the battery they use, corded drills' power, or, rather, their motor's power, is displayed in amps. Having a high amperage will give the drill the ability to penetrate deep and with ease into harder materials. Note that the amperage doesn't have anything to do with revolutions per minute, as a drill's motor can have very high amperage, but still achieve rather low rpm.

With that being said, the second consideration you need to make is the rpm your drill can achieve. High rpm gives the drill penetrative potential. The more revolutions per minute the drill can achieve, the easier it will be for the drill to penetrate a surface. Whereas the drill’s power will keep the drill moving even if you’ve drilled deep into a work piece, and despite the hardness of the material, the rpm will decrease the time you need to drill all the way through the material.

However, be careful—drills with high rpm are prone to over-penetration and overdriving. This is a problem if you’re planning on working on, say, furniture, as you might have the drill overdrive the screw and damage the wood, or force the screw through to the other side.

Furthermore, you need to look for products that have variable speeds. This allows you to gauge the speed according to the conditions. Drills that have high rpm will most probably be prone to start at higher speeds, leading to problems we described above. So, the key is finding the balance between power and rpm.

What is the Best Corded Drill?

Of course, there are many drills on the market, and the ones on our list aren’t the only ones by far. The brands we presented have whole hosts of machines that are equally good or even better than the ones on our list. This is where you come in. After you’ve read the guide, you'll know enough about corded drills to make an informed decision. However, more importantly, you have to take a look at your own needs and decide why you need the drill, and what you’re going to use it for. As we've stated in the guide, drills have different speeds and amperages and have their limitations due to those things. So, planning ahead on your part is key toward selecting the right drill.

Our Top Choice

A good drill from a trusted brand, the DEWALT 10-Amp 1/2-Inch Pistol-Grip Drill is one of the most powerful (and accurate) drills around. And if you’re intimidated by its price, you can always go with the Dewalt 3\/8-Inch VSR Pistol-Grip Drill. It comes with an 8.0 Amp motor!

DeWalt 10-Amp 1/2-Inch Pistol-Grip Corded Drill

DeWalt Corded Drill DWD210G

Features

One of the best-known brands in the power tools industry is DeWalt. DeWalt was founded some 93 years ago, but became a subsidiary of Black & Decker in 1960. Combined with Black & Decker, the brand rose to new heights, becoming one of the most frequently bought brands. It produces over 200 hand tools, power and otherwise, and is responsible for designing over 800 accessories.

Speaking of its Pistol-Grip Corded Drill, we have to say this is an amazing item—powerful, controllable, comfortable, and easy to use. It features a very nice 10-amp motor and is able to achieve speeds from 0 to 1200 rpm. The drill features a convenient two-finger grip that does a great job of allowing you to accurately control the drill's speed. The drill also features an overload protection, preventing your drill's motor from giving you nasty surprises.

One of the best things about this product is its versatility. The drill can work with wood and metal all the same, and can take on a 1 ½-inch bit, as well as 2 - 9/16, and can take on a ½-inch twist bit when you’re looking to drill steel. The chuck clamps down on the bit tightly and doesn’t allow slipping, while the drill itself also features a movable front grip for better control when you’re working.

Here are the product’s most prominent features:

Front Grip
Two-finger Trigger
1/2-inch Chuck
Can be Used for Wood and Metal Drilling
10-amp Motor
Achieves Speeds of 0-1200 RPM
Overload Protection

All in all, the DeWalt Pistol-Grip Corded Drill is a splendid drill. It’s very versatile, and quite powerful and comfortable to use. The drill is of excellent quality, but it has its flaws too—namely, the drill jerks when you press the trigger, starting at 20% of its max speed right away. Aside from that, this is a drill we think you’ll love to have on hand.

If that one did not impress, DeWalt has even more options to offer you. Check them out!

Best Value

When it doubt, always choose Bosch. Namely, the Bosch 3/8-Inch Keyless Chuck Drill, featuring a 6.-amp motor and service-minder brushes. And if you want something heavier and outfitted with a grip, go for the Bosch Two-Speed Hammer Drill.

Bosch 3/8-Inch Keyless Chuck Drill

Bosch Corded Drill 1006VSR

Features

There is not a person on this good earth who's picked up power tools, who doesn’t know about Bosch GmbH. Founded some 130 years ago, Bosch is a worldwide German conglomerate that excels in the making of automotive parts, security systems, appliances, and power tools. It has a long-standing tradition of excellence, so it's almost a guarantee that its products are top-notch. The company is composed of about 440 subsidiary companies that Bosch acquired over the years.

Today, we’re presenting one of its more affordable power drills, the Bosch Keyless Chuck Drill. This is a 3/8-inch chuck drill, which means it’s a little smaller than the DeWalt. It’s also less powerful, featuring a 6.3-amp electric motor. The product, however, has an amazing power-to-weight ratio at this point, so you shouldn’t underestimate this little drill. It will easily chew through wood, as it can hit up to 2600 rpm, twice as fast as the DeWalt.

The drill also features a sensitive 2-finger trigger which allows you to gauge the speed precisely, and a neat little belt clip so you can wear the drill on your belt while working on your project. Bosch also features service-minder brushes that will stop the drill immediately if the brush needs to be changed. This serves to prolong the product's service life, as it will prevent any damages to the brush caused by overexertion.

As usual, here are the product’s features:

6.3-amp Motor
3/8-inch Keyless Chuck
2-finger Trigger
Reaches up to 2600 RPM
Belt Clip
Service-minder Brushes
Rubber Grip

As we said, Bosch is one of the biggest companies in this industry. Buying from Bosch is always a good idea, as it boasts the most powerful and the most reliable products, such as this Keyless Chuck Drill.

If that’s not enough for you, go ahead and see what else Bosch has for you.

A controllable drill is a good drill. If you’re after one, go with the Makita ½-inch Spade Handle Drill, which features two handles and an easy startup. And if you want a light, low-power drill with a case, check out the Makita 4.9 Amp 3\/8-Inch Drill.

Makita ½-inch Spade Handle Drill – Available With or Without Variable Speed

Makita Corded Drill DS4012 – Variable Speed

Features

One of our more unusual-looking products comes from Makita. Makita is a Japanese company, founded in 1915. It’s one of the first power tool manufacturers to produce a rechargeable drill, back in 1969. With more than a hundred years’ experience, one can say with certainty that these guys know what they’re doing. The company has factories operating all over the world, including Canada, Brazil, Romania, the UK, Germany, the US, and Mexico.

Now, onto the product. The Makita Spade Handle Drill is, as we said, a very peculiar product. It's a drill, like any other, and it features a handle for your second hand, but, instead of being placed underneath, with the ability to rotate, the handle is placed on top of the drill. The handle lines up with the pistol grip, giving you a very satisfying hold on the drill. On top of that, it features a spade handle on the back that has a 360-degree turning radius with 24 stops along the way.

Speaking about specs, the drill features a very solid 8.5-amp motor. The motor is able to reach speeds of up to 600 rpm. This makes the product a little slower than most on our list, but it also gives you the ability to control the drill better, and start it off at a slow speed without the drill jerking. The drill features the same two-finger trigger as the other drills on our list.

Here are the product’s features:

Secondary Handle and Spade Handle
Spade Handle has 360-degree Rotation and 24 Stops
8.5-amp Motor
0-600 RPM
Very Good Speed Control
Two-finger Trigger

In the end, the Makita Spade Handle Drill is one of the slowest but most controllable drills on the market and on our list. It starts without jerking, which makes it’s very neat for driving screws when building furniture.

Makita’s got more drills, just waiting for you to check them out!

Compactness, power, control—that’s what the Milwaukee Magnum 8 Amp 1/2-Inch Drill is all about. And if power is all you crave, then check out the Milwaukee 3\/8-Inch Drill.

Milwaukee Magnum 8 Amp 1/2-Inch Drill with Variable Speed Control

Milwaukee Corded Drill 0299-20

Features

So far, we've had Germans and the Japanese, so it's time we bring you one homegrown company. Milwaukee is a subsidiary brand of Tectronic Industries and was founded in 1924. Sold in 2005, the company employs about 1450 highly-trained workers who produce a wide variety of hand saws, cordless and corded power tools, tool combo kits, screwdrivers, and knives. Its products are top-notch and widely praised by customers worldwide.

Today, we’re talking about its Magnum Drill. This is a very solid, very powerful drill with a heavy-duty keyed chuck, and an 8-amp motor. The drill is capable of hitting up to 850 rpm, which makes it much easier to control than other high-powered, high-speed drills. This Magnum is more than capable of drilling into wood and steel, and its soft controls enable you to use the drill for driving screws into soft wood and furniture.

The softness of the controls is owed to the drill's excellent two-finger trigger. The drill also features a secondary handle that you can rotate into any position. This will give you a surer grip when working with the drill, and allow for better control when drilling. Magnum also comes in a metal case where you can store the drill and all its accessories, and a nice little diaphragm.

Here are the drill’s most prominent features:

8-amp Motor
Soft Two-finger Trigger
Hits up to 850 RPM
Secondary Handle Included
Metal Case Included
Diaphragm Included

All in all, Milwaukee knows what it’s doing, and what the customers want. Its Magnum Drill is a perfect blend of power, speed, ergonomics, and control, and it will be a joy to work with.

Want more Milwaukee products? Well, go on ahead, have a gander!

If you're looking for a product from a trusted brand, you need the Black & Decker 5.2-Amp 3/8-Inch Drill/Driver with Storage Bag. If you’re looking for absolute control, then check out the Black & Decker Matrix AC Drill\/Driver with its 11 clutch positions.

Black & Decker 5.2-Amp 3/8-Inch Drill/Driver with Storage Bag

Black & Decker Corded Drill DR260C

Features

Of course, no list of tools is complete without at least one Black & Decker product. Black & Decker was founded in 1910, making it the second oldest company on the list (right after Bosch). The company has always been known for its excellence and is one of the most famous tool manufacturers alongside Bosch and Makita. The company merged with Stanley Works and has been relabeled as Stanley Black & Decker.

Today, we’re presenting its Drill/Driver. The drill offers reasonable power, sporting a 5.2-amp motor. This makes the drill very suitable for driving screws, as it’s gentle enough not to overdrive the screw and damage the work piece. The product also offers a great deal of control, thanks to its very soft and very intuitive two-finger trigger. The drill also features a small onboard drill storage for drill bits.

Besides being very powerful, the drill is also very fast. It can easily hit 1500 rpm. The drill can effortlessly drill wood, steel, and plastic, and can even handle some thicker pieces. The product also comes with a nice little storage bag so you can put it away safely when you're done with it. On top of that, the product is protected by a 2-year limited warranty against defects.

And now, the product’s features:

5.2-amp Motor
Hits Speeds of up to 1500 RPM
Excellent Speed Control
Two-finger Trigger
Onboard Bit Storage
2-year Limited Warranty
Comes with a Pouch

In the end, choosing a Black & Decker product is always a good idea. Its Drill/Driver is an amazing drill, both powerful and controllable. A perfect addition to any carpenter’s tool belt.

If that's not enough for you, get a load of some other Black & Decker drills!

Get the Best Corded Drill of 2018!

Well, that's all for us, folks. As you've seen, corded drills are quite powerful, and very versatile, with the only general downside being the fact that they have a cord, reducing your mobility. We made sure you're presented with the best products, so we picked products from the most prominent brands, such as Makita, DeWalt, and Black and Decker. Now, the choice is entirely yours, and we sure hope you'll come out with the product that will fit your needs the most.

Our Top Choice

DeWalt Pistol-Grip Drill

Best Value

Bosch Keyless Chuck Drill

Makita Spade Handle Drill

Milwaukee Magnum Drill

Black & Decker Drill/Driver