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7 Best Corded Drills of 2024

Updated
Corded drills are cheaper, lighter and more powerful. Why buy anything else?

Corded drills are reliable, convenient power tools that will help you drill holes and drive screws quickly and easily. Unlike cordless drills, these drills don’t have batteries, so you won’t need to charge them or carry extra weight as you work.

For tackling general DIY tasks around your home, a corded drill is an ideal tool, as you will usually have access to an electrical outlet. If you decide to buy one of these drills, you will have plenty of options to choose from, so you might need some guidance to find the right one.

To help you, we have reviewed seven of the best corded drills that are currently available. We chose these drills for their drilling power, different modes, reliability, and ease of use.

Our Top Picks

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Image
Model
Product Comparison Table
Features

Product Image of the DeWALT DWD210G Pistol-Grip Power Drill
Best Corded Pistol Grip Drill
DeWALT DWD210G Pistol-Grip Power Drill
  • 10-amp motor
  • Overload protection
  • 4.9 pounds
Product Image of the Bosch 11255VSR Bulldog SDS Hammer Drill
Best Heavy-Duty Corded Drill
Bosch 11255VSR Bulldog SDS Hammer Drill
  • SDS chuck
  • D-shaped handle
  • 3 power modes
Product Image of the Makita Corded Hammer Drill
Best Corded Hammer Drill
Makita Corded Hammer Drill
  • Soft grip handle
  • Depth gauge
  • Extended motor life
Product Image of the Galax Pro 5Amp 1/2-inch Corded
Best Corded Drill for Steel
Galax Pro 5Amp 1/2-inch Corded
  • Adjustable speed settings
  • Doubles as a hammer
  • 360-degree rotating handle
Product Image of the SKIL 6335-02 Corded Drill
Best for Woodworking
SKIL 6335-02 Corded Drill
  • Auxiliary handle
  • Variable-speed trigger
  • Budget-friendly
Product Image of the Black & Decker Corded Drill
Best for Driving Screws
Black & Decker Corded Drill
  • Great for tight spaces
  • Onboard storage
  • Affordable
Product Image of the DeWALT DWD450 Stud & Joist Drill
Best Corded Drill With Clutch
DeWALT DWD450 Stud & Joist Drill
  • Mechanical clutch
  • Sturdy material
  • 11-amp motor

Review Methodology: At Sensible Digs, we meticulously conduct hands-on research and assessment on the best corded drills, applying professional criteria and benchmarks to evaluate each product’s performance. We compare and score drills based on key decision-making factors like power, durability, design, and usability, providing you with a thorough analysis backed by solid data and first-hand experience. We identify unique features that set each drill apart from its competitors and evaluate them from a user perspective, sharing quantitative measurements of their performance. Our aim is to help you make an informed decision with reliable evidence, reviews, and results. Trust in our findings and practical, user-focused evaluations.



The Best Corded Drills of 2024

There are countless corded drills available, so finding the right one can be very time consuming. To help you, we have reviewed seven of the best corded drills you can buy today, chosen for their drilling power, ease of use, extra features, and reliability.

DeWALT DWD210G Pistol-Grip Power Drill

Best Corded Pistol Grip Drill

DeWALT is one of the oldest and most respected power tool brands in the world, so it is probably no surprise to find its drills on our list. This pistol-grip power drill has an extra handle to enhance your control, which is especially important when drilling through robust materials such as metals.

The 10-amp motor delivers a maximum of 1,250 RPM and the drill has built-in overload protection to prevent damage to the motor and gears. It has a reverse setting that means you will be able to remove objects as well as insert them.

The chuck is keyed to ensure a secure hold on the bit. Despite being a powerful drill, this model weighs just 4.9 pounds, so you should be able to use it for prolonged periods without suffering hand or wrist fatigue.

What We Like

10-Amp Motor

According to DeWALT, this 10-amp motor delivers 50% more power than an average motor of a similar size. The company’s designers have packed a lot of power into a small unit.

Overload Protection

The drill’s built-in overload protection is designed to prevent the motor from burning out when it encounters too much resistance. This significantly reduces wear and tear and extends its lifespan.

Lightweight

This DeWALT drill weighs just 4.9 pounds so you should be able to use it for a long time without encountering any issues. This is even more impressive considering how powerful it is.

What We Don't Like

No Hammer Action

At a glance, it is easy to mistake this drill for a hammer drill, especially as it has a pistol-grip handle. However, it doesn’t have a hammer function, which means it might be unable to deal with tougher drilling jobs.

Price

This isn’t one of the more expensive drills we have seen, but it still has quite a high price when you consider that it lacks a hammer action.

Product Specs

RPM 1,250
Used for Wood, metal
Weight 4.9 pounds
Length of cord 8 ft
Warranty 3-year

Our Ratings

Power
4.5 / 5
Design
4.5 / 5
Functionality
4.5 / 5
Durability
5 / 5
Total Rating
4.5 / 5

User Experience

This drill is a powerful tool that I've been using for more than a year without any complaints. Designed with excellent quality materials, the drill feels sturdy and has a good grip that makes it comfortable to hold. I initially had concerns about the low speed control, but over time, I found it surprisingly manageable, especially when using a pilot hole. Although the forward/reverse switch appears to be constructed with a cheaper material, the rest of the drill is solid and durable. It's heavy-duty and packs a lot of torque, making it a reliable tool for demanding tasks.

Bosch 11255VSR Bulldog Xtreme Corded SDS Hammer Drill

Best Heavy-Duty Corded Drill

This Bosch corded drill is designed to cope with the toughest drilling tasks. For this reason, it has an SDS chuck to prevent the bit from slipping when placed under extreme pressure.

It has a D-shaped handle for a more secure grip and precise control. There is also an auxiliary handle for even greater control when completing precision drilling tasks.

The 8-amp motor generates 1,300 RPM and 5,800 beats per minute. This combination means it will bore through the majority of tough materials with ease.

What We Like

SDS Chuck

The SDS chuck may limit your drill bit options but it will hold them very securely. This is a major part of why this drill is suitable for tough jobs. A universal drill chuck will struggle to maintain a grip on the bit when placed under extreme pressure.

D-Shaped Handle

The D-shaped handle provides a more comfortable grip and makes the drill easier to control. It also means drilling overhead will be much easier.

3 Power Modes

This Bosch has three drilling modes: rotary hammer, rotation only and hammer only. This makes it suitable for both heavy-duty drilling and tasks that require a more delicate touch.

What We Don't Like

High Price

Bosch doesn’t make cheap tools, but they do make high-quality ones. If you have a tight budget, you might need to look elsewhere.

Limited Use

If you need a heavy-duty drill to smash through concrete, this is an excellent choice. However, it is probably too large and heavy for everyday drilling tasks around your home.

Product Specs

RPM 1,300
Used for Concrete, masonry, stone
Weight 10.4 pounds
Length of cord 8 ft
Warranty 1-year

Our Ratings

Power
5 / 5
Design
4 / 5
Functionality
4.5 / 5
Durability
5 / 5
Total Rating
4.5 / 5

Personal Perspective

As someone who has used this rotary hammer extensively, I can confidently say it’s a robust and reliable tool. From chiseling through floor tile and concrete slab, to drilling vertical holes into concrete foundation walls, this tool never faltered and remained effective even after periods of non-use. It's worth noting that the drill's quick-change chuck and variable speed rotation offer a level of convenience and control that makes for a smoother operation. However, the tool isn't without its drawbacks—namely the flimsy depth gauge that seems too short for certain tasks. Despite this, the overall performance of this rotary hammer has consistently been impressive, demonstrating a great balance between power and durability.

Makita Corded Hammer Drill

Best Corded Hammer Drill

This Makita hammer drill has a 6-amp motor that generates 2,800 RPM and 44,800 beats per minute.

It has two drilling modes: rotation only and hammering with rotation. It benefits from a ball-bearing construction that improves its overall lifespan, and it has a lightweight design that makes it comfortable to use for prolonged periods.

The drill has a recessed lock-on button that allows you to continue drilling without applying constant pressure to the trigger. There is also a depth gauge that will help you avoid drilling too deep.

What We Like

Soft Grip Handle

The handle is designed for prolonged use. Its soft-grip, ergonomic design reduces the strain on your hand and wrist, which means you can drill comfortably for longer.

Depth Gauge

The depth gauge will show you when a hole has reached its intended depth, so you won’t have to stop and check it manually. This will increase your speed and accuracy.

Price

This is a high-quality drill but it is still very competitively priced. You should be able to buy it significantly cheaper than drills with similar performance.

Extended Motor Life

The brushes in this drill’s motor are designed to be more durable than traditional brushes. This means the motor won’t need to be serviced as frequently.

What We Don't Like

Short Power Cord

The power cord is short at 4 feet. Lack of maneuverability is the biggest drawback of corded drills and a short cable makes this more of an issue.

Product Specs

RPM 2,800
Used for Concrete, stone, masonry
Weight 4.4 pounds
Length of cord 4 ft
Warranty 3-year

Our Ratings

Power
4 / 5
Design
4.5 / 5
Functionality
4.5 / 5
Durability
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

Community Feedback

Great power and comfort are baked into this drill. As I worked through cement with a two-foot bit, I found the drill remained cool and my hands were not fatigued, even after five minutes. Unfortunately, this model lacks a built-in work light and carrying case, which would have been useful additions. Despite these minor shortcomings, the drill's impressive torque, manageable weight, and overall quality leave a lasting positive impression.

Galax Pro 5Amp 1/2-inch Corded

Best Corded Drill for Steel

This is a great multi-purpose corded impact drill from Galax Pro. It will be suitable for drilling steel plates, wood, plastic, concrete, masonry, and other materials. It has a 360-degree rotating handle that will make tough jobs much easier.

Its 5-amp motor can drill at up to 3000 RPM, making it a versatile tool for DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike. This versatility is enhanced by the included 105-piece kit, which will ensure you have the right tool for any job.

Despite being a budget-friendly drill, it is easy to switch between the standard rotary mode and hammer mode with the touch of a button.

What We Like

Adjustable Speed Settings

A simple knob allows you to adjust the drilling speed from zero to 3000 RPM. You can also lock the drill to your chosen speed, so you won’t need to hold the trigger while drilling.

Doubles as a Hammer

You can use this drill in hammer or rotary mode via the dual-mode selector. This enables you to easily switch from drill to hammer with the touch of a button.

360° Rotating Handle

The 360-degree rotating handle will help you hold the drill comfortably and securely, whatever the task. It has a rubberized grip to make it easier and more comfortable to hold.

What We Don't Like

Overheating Issues

Some customers report that the drill has an overheating issue. If you need to use your drill professionally or on large projects, it could slow you down significantly if you need to leave it to cool down.

Reflects the Price

This is a budget-friendly drill, which is reflected in its build quality. Some of its parts feel cheap and the accessories are not of particularly high quality. If you want a heavy-duty drill, it will probably be worth spending some more money for a higher-quality drill.

Product Specs

RPM 0-3000
Used for Steel plates, wood, plastic, concrete, masonry, and metal
Weight 8.13 pounds
Length of cord Not specified
Warranty 2-year

Our Ratings

Power
3.5 / 5
Design
4 / 5
Functionality
4 / 5
Durability
3.5 / 5
Total Rating
3.75 / 5

First-Hand Impression

Bought this drill and was immediately impressed by its power and the convenience of the long cord. Though the provided accessories were a letdown due to their low-quality alloys, I found the drill itself to be a reliable tool, even surpassing my old DeWalt in terms of usage. I've also used this corded power drill for various projects, and it hasn't failed me yet. In comparison to its price, it's a good bargain, but keep in mind you might want to invest in better quality bits and screwdriver tips.

SKIL 6335-02 7.0-Amp Corded Drill

Best Corded Drills For Woodworking

This Skil power drill is a great tool for inexperienced DIYers and woodworkers. It is very affordable and has an auxiliary handle that will help you keep it stable while drilling.

Its 7-amp motor delivers 950 RPM, which might not sound like much but should be enough to drill into the majority of types of wood.

It has a 0.5-inch keyed chuck that can accommodate the larger drill bits used in woodworking. The built-in spirit level will help you keep the drill properly aligned during use, which is another boost for beginners.

What We Like

Low Price

The low price is the main selling point of this drill. It is very budget-friendly which makes it an ideal option for beginners looking for their first drill.

Auxiliary Handle

The multi-directional handle will help you hold the drill more securely and guide it more accurately. It will also help you hold it from different angles, which is very helpful if you are working on something awkward.

Variable-Speed Trigger

It is important to start drilling slowly and steadily build speed if you want to achieve a neat finish. This drill’s variable-speed trigger will help you control how quickly your drill spins with how hard you press the trigger.

What We Don't Like

Low RPM

Low RPM is unlikely to be an issue when you are working with wood, but you will be limited in terms of materials. This tool isn’t suitable for heavy-duty drilling.

Build Quality Issues

With power tools, you often get what you pay for. In the case of this drill, the build quality is questionable, but you might not expect anything else from a budget drill.

Product Specs

RPM 950
Used for Wood
Weight 5 pounds
Length of cord 8 ft
Warranty 1-year limited

Our Ratings

Power
2.5 / 5
Design
3.5 / 5
Functionality
3.5 / 5
Durability
2.5 / 5
Total Rating
3 / 5

User Experience

Got this drill and it has proven to be a reliable tool. It's more powerful than my previous model and feels sturdy with its all-metal chuck, however, it's a bit on the heavy side. The adjustable assist handle is handy, but it could use a rubber grip and it tends to slip when put under pressure. Despite being a bit bulky for tight spaces, this drill handles heavy-duty tasks with ease, making it an excellent choice for home use.

Black and Decker 6.0-Amp Corded Drill

Best Corded Drill For Driving Screws

Black and Decker are rightly considered pioneers of power tools, especially drills. They introduced the first portable electric drill with trigger control and an auxiliary handle (1).

This drill is a very good all-rounder to use in your home or on small-scale projects, but it excels as a drill driver. It is compact and lightweight and includes a screwdriver bit as part of the package.

It runs at 1,500 RPM and has a keyless chuck for faster bit changes. This compact drill will fulfill all of your DIY and home maintenance requirements.

What We Like

Compact

Driving screws can be challenging as they are sometimes in hard-to-reach or awkward places. This compact drill is ideal for working in tight spots with no loss of power.

Onboard Storage

This drill has onboard storage for your screwdriver attachment and other bits, so they will always be within arm’s reach. This will help you keep working and reduce the chance of misplacing one of your bits.

Low Price

Despite being made by one of the leading names in power tools, Black and Decker have made this drill shockingly inexpensive. You could buy this drill a few times over for the cost of some others we have seen.

What We Don't Like

Limited Uses

While this reliable drill will see you through years of home maintenance and light DIY projects, it won’t cope with heavy-duty tasks. It is a driver first and a drill second.

Build Quality Issues

As with most budget drills, compromises have been made with this drill’s materials. The least expensive drill will usually be made by the manufacturer that uses the cheapest materials.

Product Specs

RPM 1,500
Used for Driving screws
Weight 3.44 pounds
Length of cord 6 ft
Warranty 2-year limited

Our Ratings

Power
3 / 5
Design
4 / 5
Functionality
4.5 / 5
Durability
2.5 / 5
Total Rating
3.5 / 5

Personal Perspective

I'm pleased with this budget drill for many reasons. The keyless chuck is a one-handed design, which makes changing bits a breeze, and the ergonomics are spot on--the forward handle placement and overmolded grip ensure comfortable and secure handling. The power of this drill is impressive; it smoothly drove home all the large wood screws I used for my project. However, it's not perfect— the forward/reverse buttons are too long and easily pressed by accident when changing bits, and there's a concerning amount of play in the drill chuck end.

DeWALT DWD450 11-Amp Stud and Joist Electric Drill

Best Corded Drill With Clutch

This DeWALT model is an unusual corded drill because it has a clutch, which is far more common with cordless drills. This is because it is used for drilling joists in wood at right angles, which can be hard work.

It has an 11-amp motor that generates 1,300 RPM, which is helpful when working with hardwood or steel. The mechanical clutch will protect the drill’s gears if the bit encounters too much resistance and can’t move.

Overall, this is a sturdy, powerful drill that is suitable for specific professional use.

What We Like

Mechanical Clutch

The mechanical clutch protects this drill’s gears from being damaged when working under extreme pressure.

Sturdy Design

DeWALT is highly regarded for producing some of the most durable, reliable power tools today and this product is no exception. It has a metal casing that will protect it on job sites.

11-Amp Motor

The 11-amp motor is powerful and creates a lot of torque, which means this drill is suitable for difficult jobs.

What We Don't Like

Specialist Tool

Using this tool for general drilling jobs would be overkill. It is a specialist drill designed for use in professional settings.

High Price

This drill is expensive, but it is only intended for professional use anyway.

Product Specs

RPM 1,300
Used for Stud and joists
Weight 11.25 pounds
Length of cord Not specified
Warranty 3-year limited

Our Ratings

Power
5 / 5
Design
4.5 / 5
Functionality
4 / 5
Durability
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.5 / 5

Community Feedback

As a heavy-duty tool enthusiast, I found this drill to be impressively robust and durable. This drill has been a real powerhouse, easily boring through hard antique oak, steel, and even railroad ties, while demonstrating minimal control issues and a resistance to overheating even under constant strain. Despite going through a year of intense use, this drill is still going strong, which speaks volumes about its longevity and build quality.

Product Comparison Chart

Product Best RPM Used for Weight Cord Length Warranty
DeWALT DWD210G Pistol-Grip Power Drill Pistol Grip 1,250 Wood, metal 4.9 lbs 8 ft 3-year
Bosch 11255VSR Bulldog SDS Hammer Drill Heavy-Duty 1,300 Concrete, masonry, stone 10.4 lbs 8 ft 1-year
Makita Corded Hammer Drill Hammer Drill 2,800 Concrete, stone, masonry 4.4 lbs 4 ft 3-year
Galax Pro 5Amp 1/2-inch Corded Steel 0-3,000 Steel, wood, plastic, concrete, masonry 8.13 lbs N/A 2-year
SKIL 6335-02 Corded Drill Woodworking 950 Wood 5 lbs 8 ft 1-year limited
Black & Decker Corded Drill Driving Screws 1,500 Driving screws 3.44 lbs 6 ft 2-year limited
DeWALT DWD450 Stud & Joist Drill Clutch 1,300 Stud & joists 11.25 lbs N/A 3-year limited

Should You Buy a Corded or Cordless Drill?

Whether to buy a corded or cordless drill depends on where you intend to use it and how often. Corded drills are convenient and dependable when used inside your home or workshop, but you will have far less freedom as they need to be plugged in at all times.

Corded drills are lighter and more powerful than cordless ones. If you are working on a project that requires extra drilling power, a corded drill will usually provide more than a cordless one.

Perhaps the biggest benefit of a corded power drill is its lack of a battery. As long as it is connected to a live electrical outlet, you won’t need to worry about it running out of power. As they don’t have batteries, corded drills are also cheaper, so you can save money by buying one.

On the other hand, cordless drills will allow you to work outdoors or anywhere else that lacks access to a power supply. They are heavier and more expensive than corded drills, so it might not be worth choosing one if you don’t anticipate drilling outside your home.

Remember

Cordless drills gradually lose power as their batteries drain. This means you should always have a spare battery charged, which will increase your costs. If you forget to charge your batteries before you work, you might have to wait hours to start.

Are Corded Drills More Powerful Than Cordless Drills?

As a general rule, corded drills are more powerful than cordless ones, although this gap is not as large as it used to be. They can also run continuously without needing to be charged, so the only thing that will stop your drill is a power cut.

As cordless drills have a finite amount of charge in their batteries, there will be a limit to how much work you can do at once. The harder the drilling task, the more quickly the battery will drain, so a corded drill will help you tackle the toughest tasks.

Do Corded Drills Have a Clutch?

Corded drills generally don’t have a clutch as they are better suited to heavy-duty drilling tasks, rather than driving. Cordless drills are often used as electric screwdrivers and they can struggle with harder materials, so a clutch prevents damage to the screw or overstressing the drill. The clutch disengages the gears when the drill encounters a certain amount of resistance.

As corded drills are primarily for drilling rather than driving, you won’t need to worry about damaging screws. However, some corded drills still have a safety clutch that disengages the chuck if the bit gets stuck to prevent the drill from jerking as it comes to an abrupt stop.

How Do I Choose a Corded Drill?

Corded drills are among the most popular power tools in the world, so you will have plenty of models to choose from. This can make it quite daunting trying to find the right one but there are some key points to consider that should help you narrow your search significantly.

Features

A variable speed trigger provides more intuitive control when drilling. You can start the drill slowly and gradually build speed by simply pressing harder on the trigger.

Drills might have other important features such as a reverse setting and hammer action. Depth gauges are also useful when boring deep holes, and some drills have built-in lights that will give you a clearer view of your work.

Other helpful features include spirit levels to ensure you drill at the correct angle and trigger locks that allow you to continue using the drill without pressing the trigger.

RPM

A drill’s speed is measured in revolutions per minute (RPM), which describes how often many times the drill’s chuck rotates in a single minute. This is a good indicator of how quickly your drill will work, but it is also important that it has high torque if you want to bore into harder materials.

Torque

Torque is measured in Newton-meters (Nm) and refers to the tightening force. Torque is a critical factor in how well your drill will penetrate tough materials. Corded drills generally provide higher torque than cordless drills, which is why they are better suited to heavy duty drilling.

Impact Rate

The impact rate is the number of strokes per minute a hammer drill makes and plays a large part in how well it will perform when drilling through harder materials.

Weight

Keep in mind that you will need to hold the drill’s weight while using it, potentially for prolonged periods. The heavier the drill, the greater the stress it will place on your hands, arms, and wrists. If a drill is too heavy and you need to use it throughout the day, it could cause hand fatigue and affect your ability to complete your task.

Keyless Chuck

Keyless chucks will speed up your work as they make it much quicker and easier to replace bits and accessories in the chuck. You also won’t need to worry about losing the chuck key.

Amps

Most corded drills have 6 to 9-amp motors. The higher the amperage, the stronger the motor will be, but there are other factors that will affect how effectively your drill works.

Hammer Setting

Hammer settings were once a luxury but they are now a standard of many drills, especially corded ones. When searching for a corded drill, you will probably see more models with hammer settings than those without.

Additional Handle

An extra handle will enhance your control of the drill, which is particularly important when drilling into harder materials. For more robust materials such as rock and concrete, a handle will improve your accuracy and reduce the risk of the drill moving across the surface.

Cost

Budget is an unavoidable part of choosing any product and it will make a significant difference to which drills you can buy. It isn’t a universal rule but, in general, higher-end drills will be more expensive. Budget-friendly drills usually have lower quality parts and generate less power, but they might still be strong enough for less intensive drilling jobs.


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Headshot of Mark Weir

About the Author

Mark Weir

Mark spent 24 years working in real estate, so he knows his way around a home. He also worked with contractors and experts, advising them on issues of planning, investments, and renovations. Mark is no stranger to hands-on experience, having renovated his own home and many properties for resale. He likes nothing better than seeing a project through to completion.