Looking for the best corded drill?
Great stuff! You are in the right place.
In this ToolsGaloreHQ.com guide you will learn:
- What makes a corded drill great
- Top 10 options to choose from
- Key technical considerations
- And so much more!
Image | Product | |||
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Top Pick | Top Pick | DEWALT Corded Drill, 7.8-Amp, 1/2-Inch, Variable Speed Reversible (DW235G)
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| View on Amazon |
BLACK+DECKER Corded Drill, 5.2-Amp, 3/8-Inch (DR260C)
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| View on Amazon | ||
Close 2nd | Close 2nd | Makita Electric Drill, 3/8 In, 0 to 2500 rpm, 4.9A
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| View on Amazon |
GALAX PRO Hammer Drill
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| View on Amazon | ||
Milwaukee 5378-21 7.5 Amp 1/2-Inch Hammer Drill with Pistol Grip
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| View on Amazon | ||
Ryobi 1/2" Inch Corded 5 Amp Variable Speed Hammer Drill HD420
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| View on Amazon | ||
Best Budget | Best Budget | Metabo HPT Drill 1/2 inch Corded Drill
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| View on Amazon |
PORTER-CABLE Corded Drill, Variable Speed, 6-Amp, 3/8-Inch (PC600D)
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| View on Amazon | ||
SKIL 7.5-Amp 1/2-Inch Corded Hammer Drill - HD182001
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| View on Amazon | ||
Bosch 1006VSR 3/8-Inch Keyless Chuck Drill
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| View on Amazon |
Overall #1 Rated Pick
Updated On September 13, 2024
DEWALT Corded Drill, 7.8-Amp, 1/2-Inch, Variable Speed Reversible (DW235G)
The Dewalt corded drill is one of the best value for money drills in the market.
It is made up of a helix cut steel & heat treated steel gears. This feature is really incredible because it gives the drill additional durability and reliability over multiple uses.
Dewalt are so confident that their drill is one of the best. They even will provide you with a three-year limited warranty, one-year free service, 90-day money-back guarantee.
This is incredible in the corded drill world and speaks large magnitude for the quality of the product.
It is a pretty decent tool to have as well, technically it has a 360 degree handle, making it very easy to apply straight line (direct) force to the drill bit.
Making this seriously one of the best corded drills in the market.
The Dewalt corded drill also has the ability to handle a wide array of drill bits.
It offers 1-1/2 inch capacity when working with a spade in wood. It can furthermore handle 1-1/8 inch bit with an auger bit in wood.
That is not all Dewalt corded drill can also handle a 2-1/8 inch self feed bit and a 3-1/2 inch hole saw in wood.
When using a twist bit it can handle everything up to ½ an inch. Or even a 2 inch hole saw in steel.
When looking for the best corded drill, the Dewalt corded drill is definitely one of the top contenders, especially when we factor in the industry leading limited warranties that they provide.
Quick Summary: Top 10 Best Corded Drills
Are you in a rush, no need to worry, I have summarized the best corded drills here below.
- DEWALT Corded Drill, 7.8-Amp, 1/2-Inch, Variable Speed Reversible (DW235G)
- BLACK+DECKER Corded Drill, 5.2-Amp, 3/8-Inch (DR260C)
- Makita Electric Drill, 3/8 In, 0 to 2500 rpm, 4.9A
- GALAX PRO Hammer Drill
- Milwaukee 5378-21 7.5 Amp 1/2-Inch Hammer Drill with Pistol Grip
- Ryobi 1/2" Inch Corded 5 Amp Variable Speed Hammer Drill HD420
- Metabo HPT Drill 1/2 inch Corded Drill
- PORTER-CABLE Corded Drill, Variable Speed, 6-Amp, 3/8-Inch (PC600D)
- SKIL 7.5-Amp 1/2-Inch Corded Hammer Drill - HD182001
- Bosch 1006VSR 3/8-Inch Keyless Chuck Drill
I fully if you do not have the time to be reading long blog posts, however, if you want more information on each of the above, please keep reading.
Why this guide for the best corded drill
Corded drills are a must have in your tool box arsenal.
They are typically very good for providing the necessary rotary torque for all your DIY needs and specifically for your typical weekend warrior.
Corded drills provide more power than your typical cordless drill.
However due to always needing to be connected to a mains power supply, they have very specific criteria such as motor amperage, ergonomics of handling and variable motor speed that make them unique.
Looking for the best corded drill can often leave one very confused. How do you choose? How do you compare them? Which corded drill is actually the best?
All of the questions above are fantastic questions. Hence why I have created this guide to help you determine for yourself the best corded drill.
I have literally spent multiple hours going through datasheets, product information and testimonials.
Read More: >> 5 of the best Right Angle Drills
This coupled with my own experience has led me to compile this guide to help you make an informed purchasing choice.
I also keep this post update on a very regular basis. So you are sure that at anytime of reading this you are getting the most up to date information on the best corded drill.
What are the important features of the best corded drill
Wide application use
You will use your drill for a wide range of applications, everything from drilling holes in concrete, to attaching brushes to scrub floors for carpentry applications.
Usually I would always recommend you buy one drill that can be used very easily for all of the applications above.
The best corded drill manufacturers are fully aware of this and cater for the markets needs by providing corded drills that are not only robust but can handle different operational environments.
At the minimum your corded drill should be able to work seamlessly within specifications on wood and steel. The better options can work quite well on masonry and cement applications.
All the drills in this guide have been pre vetted to ensure that they are not only applicable and usable for one single application.
Read More:>>> learn more about corded hammer drill
Great user manual
You will not believe how many experienced manufacturers cannot even provide great information with their drills.
Especially if you are purchasing a drill that has a pistol handle combined with a 2 finger trigger switch that provides variable speed applications.
What I recommend at the minimum is that the manufacturer should ensure that you have at least:
- Parts manual (This shows you how all the tools interconnect together. It is typically about 8 pages long).
- Instruction manual (This gives you a detailed breakdown of everything from safety to how to use your corded drill)
Do not waste your time with a manufacturer that does not take the time to make sure you can easily use their product.
In this guide, I made sure to only include the best corded drills with sufficient user manuals, so no need to worry about that.
Read More:>> Drill Bits - Split Point Drill bit explained
Good General reviews
The best corded drills also generally have a lot of positive reviews. What I generally look for is a total minimum of at least 60 to 100 reviews with a 4 to 4.5 star minimum value.
This will generally provide me with a good indication of the various strengths of the power drill, and more importantly areas of improvement.
Bonus tip that has really helped me, before making a purchase always check the 4 star ratings. These are usually the most balanced and they can give you insight into the products weakness.
Warranty Period
In the corded power drill industry, whereby the likes of Hitachi (Metabo), Bosch, Makita, Ryobi or Skil operate there is a lot of competition.
One of the key things I always consider, is their warranty information.
Think about it this way – you will be using your drill in very strenuous situations. The last thing that you want or need is for it to break down during a very important job.
For weekend warriors or DIYers you generally have limited time and money.
So a warranty period protects you so that you can claim under certain circumstances from the manufacturer for defects on their product that were not caused by yourself.
Industry standard is 1 to 2 years limited warranty.
I have done the hard work of vetting all the best suppliers in this guide so you do not have to. So you can rest assured that they all have good warranties.
Great Safety Measures
General safety when working with corded drills and power tools in general is very important. Always make sure you wear ear protection, safety glasses and workman gloves.
There are a couple of horror stories that literally could have been prevented had people taken it upon themselves to be careful.
The user manual also provides information as to how to use the corded drill of your choice carefully.
My review of the Top 10 Best corded drill
Option #1: GALAX Pro Hammer Drill
Specification | Value |
---|---|
Best Used for | Wood, Steel, Masonry, Wood, Cement, Concrete |
Weight | 4.84 pounds |
Motor Current | 4.5A |
RPM | 3000 |
Warranty Period | 2 years |
Switch Style | Trigger Switch |
Pros
- Great depth control for impact drill
- Great with split point + standard drill bit
- Efficient motor
- Compact and easy to use
- Good overload protection for drilling
Cons
- Some buyers complain that it does not allow for speed control
More information
The GALAX PRO drill is surprisingly a good value for money drill. It is reasonable quality for the price you are paying.
We all know that generally cheaper means less quality, and less quality means you will probably be buying a new drill soon.
However this drill is not like all the other cheaper options.
It can be used with various materials, namely wood, steel and concrete. It should be noted however that on their datasheet they mention that it has a maximum drilling capability of 25 mm for wood, 13 mm for steel and 13 mm for concrete.
It is important for this drill that you do not drill beyond the maximum capabilities or else you will risk overheating it.
Another great feature about this drill is that it hold its power very well. This is impressive for a drill in this price range.
The after sale support and warranties for this drill are also very good. Especially given the price range, making it a very impressive option.
Lastly the GALAX Pro corded drill is able to toggle between drilling and hammer mode.
Making it easy to drill comfortably on wooden palettes, concrete or steel plates.
It should be further be noted that this drill is not designed for reinforced concrete walls.
It is definitely one of the best corded drills on the cheaper end of the spectrum, very adapt for light duty DIY work.
Option #2: BLACK+DECKER Corded Drill, 5.2-Amp, 3/8-Inch (DR260C)
Specification | Value |
---|---|
Best Used for | All different materials (no limitations) |
Weight | No info provided (but comparatively light weight) |
Motor Current | 5.2A |
RPM | 1500 |
Warranty Period | 2 year limited warranty |
Switch Style | Trigger Switch |
Pros
- Keyless chuck
- 5.2 Amp (great for drilling any through any material)
- Lightweight and comfortable handle
- Powerful tool made from quality material
Cons
- Some buyers complain that the chuck is quite tight to unscrew
More information
Black + Decker produce really great corded drills. This is no exception.
This corded drill is good for all household applications. Also the black and decker corded drill has a very tight fit with its bits, as on many other prominent corded drill manufacturers they can get a bit loose.
Secondly this drill can often struggle with unscrewing extremely tight screws. So it would be recommended if you ever face such a situation please use a screw driver to loosen the attached screw before proceeding with this drill.
The keyless chuck has a wide range of diameters allowing you to connect various different sized drill bits with ease.
One con about this black and decker corded drill is that it has a very short cord. So for applications were the mains power supply is far from the drilling area, I would recommend the use of an extension cord to eliminate this issue.
It is fairly light weight but at the same time has 5.2 Amps which makes it a powerful drill for household and DIY use.
It can comfortably drill through 5/8 inch steel without it jamming. The packaging however is not that great and it does not do justice to the final product.
It also overheats slightly, but this issue can be mitigated if you let it cool for a couple of seconds in between drills.
This drill is worth a mention on the list of best corded drills.
Option #3: Milwaukee 5378-21 7.5 Amp 1/2-Inch Hammer Drill with Pistol Grip
Specification | Value |
---|---|
Best Used for | Wood, Steel, Masonry, Brick |
Weight | 1 pound |
Motor Current | 7.5 A |
RPM | 2500 |
Warranty Period | 12 - 24 month |
Switch Style | Pistol grip with trigger |
Pros
- ½ inch capacity
- 7.5 amp motor
- Variable speed trigger with two speed ranges
- Self stop brush system
Cons
- Some buyers complain that this hammer corded drill is only good for light to medium duty work.
More information
This Milwaukee corded drill is a great tool, it is mostly suited for light to medium duty work however.
It has a powerful motor that produces a 7.5 Amp of current.
This makes this tool suitable for many weekend warriors. It must be noted that at the maximum drill but for this drill, is up to ¾ inches anything bigger and it tends to struggle.
One thing I did observe is that the Milwaukee corded drill does not specifically operate very well outside of its specifications.
So when using this corded drill, be sure to check the operation manual and datasheet so that you do not overheat and burn out the motor.
It is especially fantastic for wood working applications – such as performing wood decking application or any form of carpentry.
The Milwaukee corded drill however can be quite loud. Please use earmuffs when using this drill.
It is fantastic for drilling holes in concrete and it is also quite adept to making holes in steel and wood as well.
It has a very interesting feature in which you can set the side handles, and the rod depth for times when you are seeking a preset drill depth for your hole.
The dual trigger speed control mechanism is another good feature of this corded drill.
Option #4: DEWALT Corded Drill, 7.8-Amp, 1/2-Inch, Variable Speed Reversible (DW235G)
Specification | Value |
---|---|
Best Used for | Masonry, Wood and Brick |
Weight | 5.3 pounds |
Motor Current | 7.8A |
RPM | 850 |
Warranty Period | 3 year limited warranty |
Switch Style | Pistol grip with two finger trigger |
Pros
- Great for a wide variety of drill bit sizes
- 1 year maintenance free contract
- Helix cut steel for durability
- 360 degree handle
- Powerful 7.8 amp motor
Cons
- Some buyers complain that the tool is a bit heavy and bulky
More information on Dewalt
The Dewalt corded drill is one of the best value for money drills in the market.
It is made up of a helix cut steel & heat treated steel gears. This feature is really incredible because it gives the drill additional durability and reliability over multiple uses.
Dewalt are so confident that their drill is one of the best corded drills that they will provide you with a Three-year limited warranty, one-year free service, 90-day money-back guarantee.
This is incredible in the corded drill world and speaks large magnitude for the quality of the product.
It is a pretty decent tool to have as well, technically it has a 360 degree handle, making it very easy to apply straight line (direct) force to the drill bit.
This 360 degree handle also makes it incredibly easy to handle the Dewalt corded drill.
Making this seriously one of the best corded drills in the market.
The Dewalt corded drill also has the ability to handle a wide array of drill bits.
It offers 1-1/2 inch capacity when working with a spade in wood. It can furthermore handle 1-1/8 inch bit with an auger bit in wood.
That is not all - Dewalt corded drill can also handle a 2-1/8 inch self feed bit and a 3-1/2 inch hole saw in wood.
When using a twist bit it can handle everything up to ½ an inch. Or even a 2 inch hole saw in steel.
When looking for the best corded drill, the Dewalt corded drill is definitely one of the top contenders, especially when we factor in the industry leading limited warranties that they provide.
Option #5: Ryobi 1/2" Inch Corded 5 Amp Variable Speed Hammer Drill HD420
Specification | Value |
---|---|
Best Used for | wood, steel, cement |
Weight | 5.1 pounds |
Motor Current | 5 A |
RPM | Not shown |
Warranty Period | 3 year limited warranty |
Switch Style | Trigger switch |
Pros
- Wide variety of applications
- Dual action hammer and drill options
- Ergonomically designed
- Strong metal gears for increased durability
- Heavy duty drill
Cons
- Some buyers say they are not comfortable with the old styled chuck, as most drill use keyless chucks.
More information about Ryobi
The Ryobi corded drill is another one of the best corded drills.
It has a variable speed dial which is great to use when you want to change the torque settings of your corded drill.
One of the key features of this drill, is that it uses the traditional heavy duty keyed chuck, as opposed to the keyless chuck.
From my experience, this just boils down to personal preference. Both Keyless and keyed chucks work as well.
The Ryobi corded drill has a surprisingly long cord which is approximately 6 feet long (~1.8 metres). This is a fantastic addition and one of the primary reasons I added it to the list of best corded drills.
The Ryobi corded drill also works really well across multiple different applications due to it’s robust motor.
In terms of handling, it has a huge button that you would use to toggle between hammer and drill options.
It’s surprisingly quite reliable, largely in part due to it's metal gear and ball bearing construction.
The Ryobi corded drill is definitely one of the best corded drills. It is worth a look.
Option #6: Makita Electric Drill, 3/8 In, 0 to 2500 rpm, 4.9A
Specification | Value |
---|---|
Best Used for | wood and metal |
Weight | 3.1 pounds |
Motor Current | 4.9 A |
RPM | 2500 |
Warranty Period | 1 year limited warranty |
Switch Style | Pistol |
Pros
- Quiet motor of 79 dB
- Powerful 4.9 A motor
- Variable speed control
- Ergonomic in-handle design & trigger switch
- Large lock on button
- Complete ball bearing construction
Cons
- Some buyers do not like the keyed chuck and prefer a keyless chuck drill.
More information about Makita
The Makita corded drill is a real gem. It has the the capacity to drill 3/8 inch on steel and 1 inch on wood.
It is very well designed in terms of overall weight, with a combined shipping weight of 4 lbs. (1.8 kg) and an overall weight of 3.1 lbs. (1.4 kg).
What I really like about this corded drill and what makes the Makita corded drill one of the best is that it comes with incredible resource and instructor manuals.
The website is also extremely user friendly. It even contains information as to the parts breakdown and the instruction manual.
The best corded drill should also have great versatility, and the Makita corded drill provides that.
Above this it allows for reverse switching. Which means that you can, at the toggle of a switch choose to drill your hole in a clockwise or counter clockwise direction.
Furthermore, I can give you additional advice when using the Makita corded drill, always make sure when drilling into wood, you use some form of a guide.
This will help you create much straighter and cleaner holes.
If you are going to be drilling into steel. Make an indentation before commencing with your drilling.
The reason for this is quite simple – some drill bits especially those that are of the split point drill type have shallow tips and require some form of pre-emptive penetration before you drill.
Some thing worth noting is that this drill uses a chuck, with a 3 point key system. Some people are not a fan of this and they feel it makes the process of using your corded drill cumbersome.
Option #7: Metabo HPT Drill 1/2-Inch Corded Drill
Specification | Value |
---|---|
Best Used for | multipurpose |
Weight | 4 pounds |
Motor Current | 6.3 A |
RPM | 2600 |
Warranty Period | 1 year limited warranty |
Switch Style | Switch Trigger |
Pros
- Good torque 416.6 in/lbs
- Firm palm grip
- A-Grad alimunium gear housing
- 9 amp variable speed trigger
- Gear housing (efficiently dissipating heat)
Cons
- The handle only has 90 degrees of movement, some buyers say this creates strenuous situations for continuous work
More information about Metabo
The Metabo corded drill, which used to be called the Hitachi corded drill is in my opinion one of the best corded drills you will find in the market.
It has a fantastic trigger and speed control mechanism which provides you with fantastic torque up to 416 in/lbs.
This drill is fantastic because it can be used for a multitude of different application, including mixing concrete and thin set mortar.
It can also be used effectively as a drill that together with a brush attachment can help with wood sanding and refinishing of wooden floors.
Just like any other typical corded drill it has the features, it has a gear cover, drill chuck, push button and a stopper.
This drill is powerful, and has all the amenities that make for the best corded drill.
The Hitachi corded drill is also very competitively priced for all the features it provides.
I am a big fan of their 5 year warranty. In an industry that struggles to provide their customers with anything greater than 3 years – this is absolutely incredible.
The Hitachi corded drill is one of the best.
It is a bit heavy though, but all of that weight is found in the motor. This mean that all that weight is effectively used to generate the additional power.
the actual casing is extremely lightweight.
For medium to heavy duty applications, the Hitachi corded drill is one of the best corded drills in the marketplace hands down.
Option #8: PORTER-CABLE Corded Drill (PC600D)
Specification | Value |
---|---|
Best Used for | wood and steel |
Weight | 4 pounds |
Motor Current | 6.5 A |
RPM | 2500 |
Warranty Period | 3 year limited, 1 year service free, 90 day money back |
Switch Style | Switch Trigger |
Pros
- Lock on button for maintaining high torque applications
- Has battery to help maintain power½ inch keyless chuck
- Small, compatible drill
- Added LED light for dark spaces
- Belt clip (making it easy to handle)
Cons
- Some buyers say the speed variability is not as great as they expected
More information about Porter Cable
The porter cable corded drill is another of the drills to make the ultimate list of best corded drill.
This drill is very high performing. It allows for variable speed, which gives great torque and speed variations.
It is furthermore well suited for metal and wooden applications.
I must say that one of the greater features that I see with regard to this drill is that it allows for an extended run time. This feature alone helps the porter cable corded drill make the list of the best corded drills.
It has incredible operational performance. For a corded drill with 6 amp motor operating at an RPM range of 0 – 2500 RPM, it is very versatile.
It has a 2 sleeve keyless chuck. Making for quick bit changes.
It is accompanied by a great user manual, with very good operating instructions.
Making the porter cable corded drill a real winner when looking for the best corded drill.
Option #9: SKIL 7.5-Amp 1/2-Inch Corded Hammer Drill - HD182001
Specification | Value |
---|---|
Best Used for | Concrete, Wood, Masonry and Steel |
Weight | 5.96 pounds |
Motor Current | 7.5 A |
RPM | 3000 |
Warranty Period | 1 year warranty |
Switch Style | Switch Trigger |
Pros
- Easily switch between drill and hammer mode
- Great side assist handle
- ½ inch keyed chuck
- Wide range of speeds
- Lock on button (extended operation at full load)
Cons
- Some buyers say the instruction pack is not clear.
More info about the Skil
The SKIL corded drill is a great option when searching for the best corded drill.
It works amazing well on concrete due to the high torque 7.5A motor.
It also has a 2 finger variable speed trigger to allow for various torque and speed settings. Giving you more options and variability.
This corded drill is really impressive. Also more so you can place it in lock in mode. This will allow you to drill for longer and at a more comfortable pace.
It is also surprisingly very compact coming in with product measurements of 14.57x5.31x13.39 inches.
Like many of the best corded drills it has the ability to provide a reverse drilling capability, allowing you to move and interchange between clockwise and counterclockwise drilling operations.
One thing though I want you to know is that this drill does struggle to mix cement, mortar and heavy duty mixtures such as drywall mud. The motor tends to overheat a lot.
This is a great motor when used correctly, and it is best suited for light duty applications.
The Skil corded drill however works very well on concrete walls.
There are many examples whereby people have drilled over 250 holes using the same drill on ½ inch diameter holes with a depth of 1.5 inches and the Skil corded drill is still operating perfectly.
This drill is extremely powerful for DIYers and home weekend warriors.
It definitely is worth considering and is definitely one of the best corded drills in the light duty work category.
Option #10: Bosch 1006VSR 3/8-Inch Keyless Chuck Drill
Specification | Value |
---|---|
Best Used for | All purpose |
Weight | 4 pounds |
Motor Current | 6.3 A |
RPM | 2600 |
Warranty Period | 2 year limited warranty |
Switch Style | Switch Trigger |
Pros
- Top class power to weight ratio
- Great 2 finger trigger
- Very sturdy ad strong belt clip
- 3/8 inch keyless chuck (very little slipping)
Cons
- Some buyers that the drill is great, however they would like an LED to illumate working area.
More information on the Bosch
Bosch power tools, is an established brand worldwide, and their corded drill option is not an exception.
It has a great power to weight ratio. The 2 finger trigger system helps provide flexibility to maintain torque and speed requirement (which are often application depend).
It has a very good and sturdy belt and the entire casing of the drill is very ergonomically done.
Furthermore beyond that the 3/8 inch keyless chuck is great because it allows for the Bosch corded drill to provide a firm grip and avoid slippage.
Very interestingly though, one of the key complaints about this drill is that because of the keyless structure there are often times when the chuck does not fully fasten.
Anyway this corded drill is still amongst the best.
In my opinion it is a great choice from an establish power tool manufacturer in Bosch.
My Overall #1 Top Pick: DEWALT Corded Drill, 7.8-Amp, 1/2-Inch, Variable Speed Reversible (DW235G)
I must say that all of the drills in this guide a fantastic picks and options.
The Dewalt corded drill takes the top spot because overall it is in my opinion the most complete value for money drill.
the 360 degree handle makes it easy to operate.
The heat treated helical cut steel gears make the tool robust and long lasting.
The pistol grip and variable speed two finger trigger gives you control over the speed and torque throughout the drilling range.
Check out the price on Amazon here.
Final Thoughts on the best corded drill
I hope this guide has been helpful to you before making your next corded drill purchase.
It does not matter whether you are a seasoned construction worker, semi pro, weekend warrior or part time DIYer.
There is definitely a corded drill specifically for you.