A Complete Guide to Find the Best Corded Drill in 2023

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Every DIYer knows that a power drill is necessary for their tool kit. When you have the right attachment options, you can easily drill holes, drive nails and screws, pull screws out, sand and buff materials, mix paint, and so much more.

9.5
Bosch RH328VC Rotary Hammer Drill 3 - A Complete Guide to Find the Best Corded Drill in 2023 - HandyMan.Guide - Corded Drill

Bosch RH328VC Rotary Hammer Drill Professional's Choice

You get a 1-1/8-inch chuck to hold the biggest bits and get the most drilling power.
9
Genesis GHD1275 1-2-inch Variable Speed Trigger Hammer Drill

Genesis GHD1275 1/2-inch Variable Speed Trigger Hammer Drill HIGH IN-DEMAND

Buy Genesis corded drill because of the spade handle and variable speed trigger
8.5
Porter-Cable PC600D 3-8-inch Corded Drill

Porter-Cable PC600D 3/8-inch Corded Drill PORTER Drill

The Porter-Cable corded drill features an excellent build quality.
8.5
Dewalt DWD115K 3-8-inch Corded Drill

Dewalt DWD115K 3/8-inch Corded Drill Durability

This drill has a reversing option and variable speed, so the tool handles different projects with ease.
8
Dewalt DW505K 1-2-inch Corded Hammer Drill

Dewalt DW505K 1/2-inch Corded Hammer Drill Greater control

Regardless of the drilling job, this tool can handle it. There’s a 1/2-inch chuck on this corded drill!
7.5
0299-20-Milwaukee-1-2-in-0-850-RPM-MAGNUM-DRILL

Milwaukee 0299-20 1/2-inch Corded Magnum Drill Long lasting

The clutch limits the amount of torque you get while drilling
7
Dewalt DW130V 1/2-inch Corded Drill

Dewalt DW130V 1/2-inch Corded Drill Strong durable

ContentDewalt drill also offers an ergonomic and soft handle.

It’s true that cordless counterparts are considered more portable. However, they often can’t compete with corded drills when it comes to speed, power, and the ability to keep working as long as necessary without having to recharge the batteries or get a replacement.

When you are handling heavy-duty tasks, you know you need a good corded drill to get the job done. Plus, corded drills are often less in weight because they don’t have that heavy battery. This is a huge factor because you want a drill comfortable to hold for long periods.

Along with the better power over cordless drills, you should focus on the rotational speed when picking a corded drill. This is measured in RPMs, but you must also think about the chuck size of the drill.

Sometimes, they also have other accessories, such as a belt clip, which can be great for extended or heavy-duty projects.

If you’re wondering, now is the time to learn what the best-corded drills are and how to find them:

Black+Decker DR260C Corded Drill

Values for money
The Black+Decker corded drill offers a powerful punch with variable speeds. Plus, the 5.2-amp motor offers more juice, and the constant power button ensures quick powering for any job around the home.
10Expert Score
Compact Drill

This drill is excellent for DIYers who want a high-performance tool to handle light projects or heavy-duty

POWERFUL
9
VARIABLE SPEED
9
Pros
  • Variable speed
  • Matrix quick connect system included
  • Screwdriver bit included
  • Powerful motor
  • Compact size
Cons
  • Onboard storage could poke hand

Don’t let the compact size of this electric drill fool you. The Black+Decker corded drill offers a powerful punch with variable speeds. Plus, the 5.2-amp motor offers more juice, and the constant power button ensures quick powering for any job around the home. Whether you plan to mix mud or are focused on drilling holes, you need this heavy-duty corded drill.

BlackDecker DR260C Corded Drill 1 - A Complete Guide to Find the Best Corded Drill in 2023 - HandyMan.Guide - Corded Drill

It weighs just 3.5 pounds and has a hollow handle to hold the bits. Plus, there’s a variable speed switch and a one-handed reverse slider for accurately drilling wood and almost anything else.

You can put it on slow for metal to get precision holes or pump it up to get through masonry quickly. Plus, these drills have various tool attachments, making it easier to get going.

This drill is excellent for DIYers who want a high-performance tool to handle light projects or heavy-duty applications. You get better control, and the Black+Decker brand works with any extension cord to drive screws effortlessly.

Features:

  • Power – 5.2 Amp Motor
  • Max Speed – 1,500 RPM
  • Chuck Size – 3/8-inch
  • Keyless Chuck – Yes
9.5Expert Score
The handle provides additional user control

The rapid hammering motion can fasten railings to concrete and takedown steel fixtures on the foundation.

User Comfort
9.5
Great Control
8.5
Pros
  • Vibration control
  • Ergonomic design
  • Three modes
  • Very powerful at full speed
Cons
  • Overkill if a basic drill is all that's needed
  • Expensive

A good rotary hammer drill must be heavy-duty and have a decent build quality. These tools require the rotating movement that all drills have, but it gives a hammering burst of energy that increases the power of the electric drill.

The rapid hammering motion can fasten railings to concrete and takedown steel fixtures on the foundation.

Bosch RH328VC Rotary Hammer Drill

You’re sure to appreciate the Bosch hammer drill because it drives screws quickly into concrete and can get drywall and tile out easily. It’s considered a lightweight corded drill, even though it weighs 7.7 pounds. However, it doesn’t put a lot of strain on the hands while drilling because of its design. In fact, you can get into tight spaces with these drills and have no issues.

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With that, you get a 1-1/8-inch chuck to hold the biggest bits and get the most drilling power. There are also professional settings and three operation modes, so the Bosch drill is versatile and powerful.

Features:

  • Power – 8 Amp Motor
  • Max Speed – 900 RPM
  • Chuck Size – 1 1/8-inch
  • Keyless Chuck – Yes
9Expert Score
Great for drilling through concrete

Everyone appreciates the variable speed settings of this drill, which means you can go at lower speeds and tackle hard materials.

Compact Design
9
Auxilary Side Handle
8.5
Pros
  • Reasonable price
  • Side/back handle for extra control
  • Very powerful
  • Spade handle
Cons
  • No tool-free change option
  • Noisy

You’re sure to appreciate the Genesis corded drill because of the spade handle and variable speed trigger. It works like other drills and can handle just about any task. Plus, the 9-amp motor is quite powerful and does everything you want.

Genesis GHD1275 1/2-inch Variable Speed Trigger Hammer Drill

The hardworking and heavy-duty electric drill offers a 1/2-inch chuck that works well with bigger bits so that you can mix drywall putty. Plus, the variable speed power gets delivered through the gearbox, which is in a protective die-cast aluminum housing.

Everyone appreciates the variable speed settings of this drill, which means you can go at lower speeds and tackle hard materials. Drilling has never been easier, and it has 120 volts, so the motor can get through almost anything. With that, there’s a lock-on button, which means you use less effort for long jobs and reduce hand fatigue because of the spade handle.

Features:

  • Power – 9 Amp Motor
  • Max Speed – 850 RPMs
  • Chuck Size – 1/2-inch
  • Keyless Chuck – No

Porter-Cable PC600D 3/8-inch Corded Drill

PORTER Drill
The powerful drill offers a variable speed trigger from the 6.5-amp motor. Ultimately, this is a heavy-duty electric drill and has a lock-on button for more control. It’s designed for continuous use, but you can use the drill for whatever you require and still get a great performance.
8.5Expert Score
PORTER-CABLE Corded Drill

Plus, the 3/8-inch chuck ensures that you can take care of bit changes quickly.

Easier Control
9
Durability
8.5
Pros
  • LED light included
  • Pistol grip
  • Lock-on button for prolonged use
  • Long cord
Cons
  • Lock-on only available for high speed
  • Noisy

The Porter-Cable corded drill features an excellent build quality. In fact, it’s a popular brand for drills and other tools.

Porter Cable PC600D 3 8 inch Corded Drill 1 - A Complete Guide to Find the Best Corded Drill in 2023 - HandyMan.Guide - Corded Drill

You’re sure to appreciate the comfort that the pistol grip gives you. If you’ve got a repetitive and long job coming up that requires an easy bit of change, you are sure to like this model. Plus, the 3/8-inch chuck ensures that you can take care of bit changes quickly.

If that weren’t enough, the pistol grip makes drilling harder materials effortless, and the high torque keeps you running.

The powerful drill offers a variable speed trigger from the 6.5-amp motor. Ultimately, this is a heavy-duty electric drill and has a lock-on button for more control. It’s designed for continuous use, but you can use the drill for whatever you require and still get a great performance!

Features:

  • Power – 6.5 Amp Motor
  • Max Speed – 2,500 RPM
  • Chuck Size – 3/8-inch
  • Keyless Chuck – Yes

Dewalt DWD115K 3/8-inch Corded Drill

Durability
The all-metal construction of the Dewalt drill makes it powerful and tough enough to handle any big job. It doesn’t give up until the work is done. You’re sure to appreciate the 8-amp motor in this electric drill, which is primed for heavy-duty tasks.
8.5Expert Score
Variable Speed Reversible

Plus, it features a ratcheting keyless chuck, so it’s rugged and more powerful than other options.

High performance
9
Heavy-duty applications
9
Pros
  • Sensitive to changes in speed for the drill
  • Comfortable drill grip
  • Great power
  • Soft-grip handle
Cons
  • Wobbly chuck

The all-metal construction of the Dewalt drill makes it powerful and tough enough to handle any big job. It doesn’t give up until the work is done. You’re sure to appreciate the 8-amp motor in this electric drill, which is primed for heavy-duty tasks.

Dewalt DWD115K 3/8-inch Corded Drill

It can grind steel all day and never misses a beat. Ultimately, the soft grip of the lightweight corded drill and the 3/8-inch chuck makes it work well on slippery steel sheets. Plus, it features a ratcheting keyless chuck, so it’s rugged and more powerful than other options. With that, this drill has a reversing option and variable speed, so the tool handles different projects with ease.

There’s even a bonus with this drill! You get the all-ball-bearing construction, which means the drill has a long life and can get through any project you might have.

Features:

  • Power – 8 Amp Motor
  • Max Speed – 2,500 RPM
  • Chuck Size – 3/8-inch
  • Keyless Chuck – Yes

Dewalt DW505K 1/2-inch Corded Hammer Drill

Greater control
At only 4 pounds, you’re sure to appreciate the 360-degree side handle and the depth rod. Both of them offer more accuracy and greater control. Ultimately, you get the desired depth and high torque with little work on your part.
Dewalt DW505K 1/2-inch Corded Hammer Drill

Dewalt offers a hefty hammer function on its 505 drill, which belies the lightweight capabilities of the hammer drill. At only 4 pounds, you’re sure to appreciate the 360-degree side handle and the depth rod. Both of them offer more accuracy and greater control. Ultimately, you get the desired depth and high torque with little work on your part.

Regardless of the drilling job, this tool can handle it. There’s a 1/2-inch chuck on this corded drill!

Plus, you get a precise hole placement for the work surface because the drill offers variable speeds. Plus, the soft grip ensures that you can hold the electric drill for a long period. When drilling for a while, the motor features overload protection to protect it from damage.

Features:

  • Power – 7.8 Amp Motor
  • Max Speed – 2,700 RPMs
  • Chuck Size – 1/2-inch
  • Keyless Chuck – No

Milwaukee 0299-20 1/2-inch Corded Magnum Drill

Long-lasting
Even though it’s got a hugely powerful motor, the electric drill from Milwaukee hums from the quiet rotation of the helical-cut steel gears. With a 1/2-inch chuck and an 8-amp motor, it can handle almost any bit you put in. Just remember that this corded drill features a keyed chuck. If you’re changing bits frequently, you may have to take longer to get it set up for various materials, such as steel, metal, concrete, and wood.
7.5Expert Score
Variable speed control

Though you can’t bump up the drill for higher torque, that’s often not what you need. Instead, control is the name of the game, and this drill has it all.

Comfort
9.5
Great Balance
9
Pros
  • Powerful
  • Side handle to give more control
  • Clutch prevents over-tightening
Cons
  • Expensive
Milwaukee 0299-20 1-2-inch Corded Magnum Drill

Even though it’s got a hugely powerful motor, the electric drill from Milwaukee hums from the quiet rotation of the helical-cut steel gears. With a 1/2-inch chuck and an 8-amp motor, it can handle almost any bit you put in. Just remember that this corded drill features a keyed chuck. If you’re changing bits frequently, you may have to take longer to get it set up for various materials, such as steel, metal, concrete, and wood.

Still, the clutch limits the amount of torque you get while drilling, which means you have a consistent depth throughout the project. Though you can’t bump up the drill for higher torque, that’s often not what you need. Instead, control is the name of the game, and this drill has it all.

Features:

  • Power – 8 Amp Motor
  • Max Speed – 850 RPMs
  • Chuck Size – 1/2-inch
  • Keyless Chuck – No

Dewalt DW130V 1/2-inch Corded Drill

Strong durable
Those who want the most powerful drills are sure to appreciate the 130V corded drill from Dewalt. It features a 9-amp motor and a variable speed range from 0 to 550 RPM. With that, the drill offers great torque for big drilling jobs and can handle mud mixing and all the rest.
7Expert Score
Greater control when drilling

Dewalt drill Plus, it’s lightweight at just 7.5 pounds and lets you work with less arm exhaustion.

Ergonomics
9.5
Superior comfort
9
Pros
  • Powerful enough for driving screws
  • Great for mixing mortar and concrete
  • Side and rear handle to give more control
Cons
  • Expensive

Those who want the most powerful drills are sure to appreciate the 130V corded drill from Dewalt. It features a 9-amp motor and a variable speed range from 0 to 550 RPM. With that, the drill offers great torque for big drilling jobs and can handle mud mixing and all the rest.

Dewalt DW130V 1/2-inch Corded Drill

You’re sure to appreciate that you get more power for driving screws with this Dewalt drill. Plus, it’s lightweight at just 7.5 pounds and lets you work with less arm exhaustion.

With that, you get a second handle to make it easier to control everything. The rear handle offers two positions, and the side one has three.

Plus, the Dewalt drill also offers an ergonomic and soft handle. In fact, it’s a superior machine for hole creation in steel and can handle wood and all the rest.

Features:

  • Power – 9 Amp Motor
  • Max Speed – 550 RPMs
  • Chuck Size – 1/2-inch
  • Keyless Chuck – No

Buying Guide for the Best Corded Drill

When choosing the best-corded drills, there are plenty of other factors to consider than just the motor size and how long the cord is. You want something lightweight from your corded drill.

Though cordless drills are convenient, they don’t stand up to the corded drill when it comes to the clutch, decent grip, power, and the ability to get through tons of materials, such as metal or wood. Check out this helpful buying guide to get more information on what you require:

Power

Though you may focus more on the extra features, you need to consider the power of your machine. A corded drill often has more power than the cordless version. Plus, the best-corded drills run when you plug them into an electrical outlet, so you get a constant supply of power. You can work continuously on heavy-duty tasks until the job is done with these tools.

The power of the motor is measured using amps. With higher amps, the drill is more powerful and takes less time to work. Plus, a high-amp motor generates more torque, which is the force necessary to rotate the drill bit. Ultimately, torque is useful when you’re drilling into heavy materials.

When drilling constantly into hard materials, you want a corded drill with between 8 and 10 amps. However, a 7-amp motor works well for other materials.

Chuck

The chuck is the clamp at the front of your tool and holds the bit in place. There are various sizes, so you need to ensure that the bit is the same size or a bit smaller than the chuck of the drill. There are three sizes available:

  • 1/2-inch chuck size – good for light-duty needs
  • 3/8-inch chuck – good for general purpose needs
  • 1/2-inch chuck – good for heavy-duty and industrial applications
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The chuck size of the corded drill lets you know the supported bit size of the corded drill. Usually, larger sizes deliver a better performance. This is because the drill accommodates a sturdy drill bit.

When you determine the chuck size, make sure that you know if it is a keyed chuck or keyless. Keyed chucks require a special key or tool to tighten and loosen it to change the drill bit. However, keyless chucks are just rotated by the hands to tighten or loosen the chuck.

Typically, a keyed chuck keeps the bit in place, but you want a keyless one if you’re switching between drill bits a lot. Regardless, most people like the keyed version to ensure that it’s as tight as possible and can grip the bit better.

Rotation Speed

The number of full revolutions your drill bit performs in one minute is the rotation speed. It ranges for corded drills and can be anywhere from 200 to 2,000 RPMs. A drill with between 500 and 1,000 RPMs can carry out regular DIY tasks. Don’t assume that a faster drill is also powerful and can handle your job. It depends on how much torque you have instead of speed.

Most lower-end tools feature a single speed, but higher-end drills offer variable speeds, so you can choose between them. Lower speeds from a power drill are great for hard materials, but faster speeds do well for soft materials.

Reverse Function

Most corded drills now feature a reverse function. That means you can remove the drill bit from the hole easily. Usually, the corded drill has a button on the top of the tool or the handle. This is highly useful when your drill bit gets stuck, or you want to work counter-clockwise because of the task you’re performing.

When focused on a corded drill, this is a handy feature to consider and can make the tool more versatile.

Weight

Corded drills are often lighter in weight because they don’t have batteries. With that, corded drills may weigh 4 to 5 pounds, but high-end corded drills are often at the 6-pound range.

Therefore, it’s important to think of how you use your drill. If it’s often for longer periods, you must factor the weight in. With that, you should be able to easily wrap your hand around the drill to pull the trigger.

You may find that heavier tools have an auxiliary handle. You can hold the drill in two hands and distribute the weight more evenly while you work.

Hammer Function

A corded drill with a hammer function provides more power so that you can drill into hard materials. Ultimately, the hammer addition to the corded drill increases the torque. You can drive longer screws in and do so effortlessly.

FAQs

Can You Use Cordless Drill Bits with a Corded Drill?

Yes, you may swap the drill bits between the corded drill and your cordless tools. However, both drills must have the same chuck size. The good news is that most corded drills come in popular sizes as their cordless counterparts. Therefore, you’re sure to have a drill that matches. Just make sure of this before you buy one. That way, you know if you must also buy the bits or if yours can work for the new tool.

Can a Corded Drill Be Used Like a Screwdriver?

It’s possible to use corded drills as electric screwdrivers. However, you need a screw-driving bit that matches the style and size of the screws you’re turning. For example, you require Philip’s head bit for those types of screws.
When using the corded drill as a screwdriver, use the lowest settings for the drill to avoid stripping your screw.

How Long Does a Corded Drill Last?

It’s hard to say how long corded drills can last because it depends on their quality and how you treat the drill. As a general rule, though, a quality corded drill can last for decades if it’s used for appropriate tasks and not left out in the weather.

Conclusion

Corded drills are some of the most popular options on the market. There are many styles and choices, and your goal is to get the best-corded drills possible. They need to have enough power to get through various tasks and must be easy to hold and pull the trigger on for long periods.

With that, you also need a tool with a long cord so that you can work continuously without having to unplug it all the time.

Those who want the best-corded drill should consider the one from Black+Decker. While other budget options might not last a long time, this drill has everything you need to drill holes in most materials.

However, if you need even more power and want to go through steel and everything else, the Dewalt corded drill (variable speed) might be the best drill. It handles any task and keeps on trucking as a good drill should!

Why trust Handyman.Guide?

s written by Itamar Ben-Dor, who has 25 years of experience in renovations, carpentry, locks, creation, landscaping, painting, furniture construction, and furniture renovation, works with concrete, plumbing, door repair, and more.

Itamar Ben-Dor has been in the home improvement business for over 25 years. Itamar Ben-Dor is a jack of all trades. He's worked in the renovation field for years, doing everything from locksmithing to carpentry. He's a small repairs specialist. But his true passion lies in furniture construction and renovation - he loves seeing old pieces come back to life with some new woodwork or a fresh coat of paint.

He has taken courses on many topics in these fields at professional colleges in Israel. Over the years, Itamar has also become quite skilled in gardening, carpentry, and renovations. He's worked on projects of all sizes, from massive renovations to small repairs. No job is too big or too small for him!


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Itamar Ben Dor
Itamar Ben Dor

My father is a practical engineer, and as a hobby he was also involved in construction, renovations, carpentry and woodwork at home; So there was always tools, saws, drills and more at home. Already I was a little kid Dad and I would renovate the house. Once we built a shed for garden tools, once we did flooring for the garden, once we renovated the bathroom and that’s the way it is. Long before there was an internet, directories and plans. We would build things, kitchen cabinets, install electrical appliances, do flooring, pour concrete and more ... I in this blog want to pass on to you the experience I have gained over the last 20 plus-minus years since I was a child to this day and give you information about the best tools, project plans, guides and more.

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