Alexandra Ramirez
1. Dewalt 130
Best Overall Corded Drill
5/5 Product Rating
It is the perfect drill for those who are doing projects where downward pressure is required.
This corded drill has a three-position side and two position rear handles that are adjustable so you can position them the best for the project you are working on. The DW130v provides the user with up to 550 RPM of torque which makes it a great drill for mixing paint and drywall mud.
Users who get this corded drill from DEWALT will be able to:
- Drill with the spade bit in wood that is up to 1 and ½”
- Use the Self feed bit in wood that is 2 and 9/16”
- Perform hole saw drilling in wood that is up to 5” thick
- Perform Auger bit drilling in wood that is up to 1 ½” thick.
- Perform Twist bit drilling in wood that is up to ½” thick.
- Perform Hole saw drilling in steel that is up to 3” thick
The 9amp of power makes the DEWALT DW130v a good choice for any project on the job site. It has a variable speed reversible switch that reduces the air bubbles in drywall mud or paint, mixing it much smoother and thoroughly. The ergonomic, soft grip handle is comfortable to hold and work with which is beneficial when a lot of drilling needs to be done.
– Darius Spieth
2. Makita 6302
Best Overall Corded Drill – Runner Up
4.9/5 Product Rating
This Makita 6302H ½ drill has variable speed of up to 550 RPM which means it is capable of drilling in a multitude of materials.
The reversible switch is large and convenient to operate when needed. The industrial strength gear housing is all metal, making it long lasting and durable even for the heavy duty drilling jobs.
It has 6 ½ amp of power, a recessed lock on button, belt clip attachment, side handle that can be attached on either side of the corded drill making it great for users regardless of which is their dominant hand. It is double insulated and has a drill chuck and chuck key.
Unlike some other types of corded drills, the Makita 6302H ½” corded drill is not as heavy as some of the others are making it much more compact and easier to carry. It only weighs 4.8 lbs. The convenient belt clip makes it easy to carry around on your belt so it is ready when you need it for different drilling projects you may encounter on the work site.
The Makita brand is known for quality and long lasting performance and this corded drill will definitely give users that. It is a great gift for anyone who does hand work around their home or for someone you know who works construction.
– Darius Spieth
3. Milwaukee 299
Best Budget Corded Drill
4.7/5 Product Rating
It has an appealing all metal gear case and diaphragm which gives it that solid “tool” feel that people love.
The performance is second to none, making this model the perfect corded drill for the worksite.
The ergonomic grip sits well in the user’s hand and is very comfortable to use even when a lot of drilling has to be done.
The reverse switch is easy to reach and convenient, and is right there at your trigger fingertip. The chuck is 100% all metal- keyed, making it ready for a long work like.
The side handle is the perfect addition if you have a lot of drilling to do at one time since it IS so heavy. The 8amp motor provides the user with up to 850 RPM of pure power in a variable speed control. There is an 8’, 3 wire rubber cord along with a 360 degree locking side handle for maximum performance.
The removable brush cartridge system allows users to change out the brushes in less than a minute so no time is wasted struggling with it. If you are looking for a powerful drill that can handle a multitude of drilling projects, you don’t have to look any further than Milwaukee 0299-20 Magnum.
With its all increased support for the shaft provided by the aluminum gear case and diaphragm, you will not feel like this heavy weight tool is going to break apart in your hands with the tough drilling jobs.
– Darius Spieth
Corded Drill Buying Guide
What is a Corded Drill?
Corded drills are used by many different people; from the occasional person who has a home improvement project to the workman who uses a corded drill every day with his job. Even in this day of wireless and cordless, many people prefer corded drills due to their power and performance. They often outperform cordless drills because they receive constant steady power from an electrical source.
Things to Think About When You Start Shopping
There are a few things that you will need to determine before you start shopping for your corded drill. The answers to these questions will help you choose the right corded drill for your personal needs and preferences.
- What kind of materials will you be working with? – The materials you will be drilling play a part in the type of corded drill you choose. Think about the types of materials you have projects with; drywall, cements, wood, metal, etc. And what you will be doing with them.
- How often will you be using the drill? – A drill that is only used occasionally will not need to have the same power that a drill used every day will. If you use your drill regularly, you will need to get a heavier duty model that can handle that kind of use.
- What projects will you be doing? – Will you be using your drill for assembly projects or putting up drywall? Will you be building or using it for repairs? The kinds of projects you use your drill for play a part in the kind of drill you will need.
- What types of bits will you need? – There are many different kinds of bits on the market, so depending on the kind of projects you’re doing and the materials you’re working with, you will need several different kinds of bits.
- What features do you want to have? – What kind of features are you interested in? Do you want ergonomic handles? Reversible buttons that are easy to use? A certain amp or RPM? Think about the kinds of features that interest you when you begin the process of shopping.
Types of Projects/Jobs that Corded Drills are Used For
One of the considerations that users need to think about is what you will be doing with your corded drill. Some of the more common jobs that corded drills are used for include:
- Drilling holes in different types of wood
- Driving screws into different kinds of metals including steel
- Drilling through different surfaces including glass and ceramic
- Boring into stone surfaces like concrete, brick, stone and plaster
- Drilling starter holes for various things like hooks, brackets, etc
- Countersinking screws so they are flush with the surface
- Mixing paint or stirring drywall compound
- Removing rust
- Making circular cuts for cables and piping
Corded drills can be used as other tools also, with the addition of certain accessories. They can be used as hole saws, files, polishers, and even sanders.
Types of Corded Drills
There are several different types of corded drills. They are used for anything from home projects to major building projects from a construction company. We have outlined the more common types of drills below.
- Drill Driver – Every laborer and almost every homeowner owns some type of drill or driver. It has a pistol grip or T handle most often and it is considered a very popular and common power tool for both residential and commercial projects. They are simple to operate; just pull the trigger on the handle and it will start drilling. Drill drivers are good for light duty projects such as screwing in cabinet hinges and fixing door knobs. They can be used for heavy duty projects as long as it is only occasional.
- Hammer Drill – This type of drill gives the user additional force by using a pulsing action on the bit while it rotates the screw into place. They are most often used to handle such projects as installing shelves onto concrete or rock. Some models offer a feature that allows the user to shut off the hammer action making this a very versatile model. Concrete hammer drills are able to handle a masonry bit of up to ½” in diameter.
- Rotary Hammer Drill – This is the perfect drill for construction workers that have a lot of heavy duty projects. They are also called roto hammer drills, masonry drills and rotary hammers. There is a lot less vibration with a rotary hammer drill which means less fatigue on the user. They are also able to be used for drilling starter holes for lag bolts or anchors.
- Angle Drill – These are sometimes called 90 degree drills or right angle drills. They are terrific for using in tight cramped spaces where space is a luxury or hard to come by. Angle drills are often used in the plumbing and electrician fields. Due to the design of the angle drill, they have many different uses.
Different Types of Corded Drill Handles
Where the handle is positioned and the design of the handle affects corded drill safety so it is important to understand the different handle styles and what they mean. Certain handle designs can also make the corded drills much more comfortable to use.
- Pistol Grip – The pistol grip style features a handle that drops directly behind the motor of the drill. It looks just like the name indicates.
- T-Handle Grip – These are more often seen on cordless varieties but some corded drills have them. A T-handle is designed in a way that the handle and trigger come from the center of the motor shaft forming the letter “T”. The T handle grip is good for reducing wrist strain from extended use and also gives the user more equal weight distribution.
- D-Handle Grip – This design features a handle and trigger that are in a direct line with the motor of the Corded Drill. The D Handle Grip is a good type to drill through studs and other similar applications. The name comes from the fact that the handle forms the letter D.
- Spade Handle Grip – The spade handle drill looks just like a T handle grip drill but there is an extra handle that is located behind the motor. This design gives the user the needed leverage for drilling larger holes, mixing drywall mud and also stirring paint.
Features to Look For
There are many different features that a corded drill can have. Some features are standard on drills but others will depend on the manufacturer and other factors. We have listed some of the common features that corded drills offer.
- Variable Speed – A variable speed feature means that the user controls the speed of the drill rotation to either be slow or fast. In general you will need a slower rotation for hard materials and a faster speed for softer materials. Additional speed related features include speed locks or speed stops.
- Reverse Function – The reverse function is good for backing screws out of a piece of furniture, appliances, etc. It is also a good feature when a screw encounters density inside wood that is being drilled and needed to be backed out.
- Length of Cord – The length of the cord will provide a lot of flexibility for the user. Long cords provide much more flexibility but they can be tripped over and pose other safety issues as well. Most corded drills are between 6-25’ in length.
There are many other features that your corded drill may offer as well including:
- Torque
- Power
- Clutch Settings
- Side Handle
- Power Drill Weigh
Conclusion
There are many things that go into choosing the right corded drill for your home or workplace. The information that we have provided for you here will help you sort through the choices and brands available and choose the one that is perfect for your needs and preferences.
The three top rated corded drills that we reviewed have a lot to offer a consumer. Their popular name and attention help reassure people that they are getting a high quality power tool that they will have for a long time when treated with proper care.
Choosing the right power tool is serious business because they are not typically inexpensive items. They do involve an investment of your money and trust, as well as helping you obtain an excellent piece of equipment that will allow you to handle any sized project.
