Whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional, one of the most versatile and vital tools you can own is a drill. These devices are essential for a variety of projects, mainly because you can adapt them to fit your needs with the right drill bits.
For the most part, cordless drills are much more popular because they offer incredible agility and performance out in the field. However, the initial setback for cordless models is that they aren’t as powerful, and they have limited operation time.
So, with that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the best corded drills on the market. These models are highly adaptable and will make sure that you can get the job done quickly and efficiently. Let’s see what they have to offer.
Best Corded Drills – Comparison
| IMAGE | NAME | FEATURES | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
 | DEWALT DWD112 8.0 Amp |
| Check Price |
 | Makita 6302H 1/2-Inch Drill |
| Check Price |
 | BLACK+DECKER DR260C |
| Check Price |
Best Corded Drills – Reviews
1. DEWALT DWD112 8.0 Amp 3/8-Inch
If you have power tools already, then chances are that you’re pretty familiar with DeWalt. When it comes to products that are ideal for both consumers and professionals, this company makes some of the most versatile and widely used tools on the market.
In this case, we have a compact yet sturdy handheld drill. This isn’t the most rugged or robust offering by DeWalt, but it’s more than suitable to get the job done well. With an eight-amp motor, you can be sure to drill through a wide selection of materials with ease. As we’ll see, most other drill motors are much less than eight amps, so this model outpaces most of the competition.
Another way that you can tell this drill is excellent for almost any project is that it can rotate up to 2500 rpm. Thus, no matter what kind of material you need to drill into, this unit should be able to handle it with ease. Part of what makes this drill so reliable is the all ball-bearing construction, which ensures that the motor doesn’t burn out or stop working all of a sudden.
The chuck on this drill is ⅜ inches, which is the smaller of the two most common sizes (the other being ½ inch). You can work with almost any bits out there, and the fact that you don’t need a key to adjust the chuck ensures that you work can even faster while in the field.
Finally, other features of this corded drill include a soft grip handle and lightweight design. Working with this drill is super easy and convenient, no matter your skill level.
- Powerful eight-amp motor
- The ⅜-inch bit is the most common size
- Heavy duty construction
- Soft grip handle for comfort
- Variable speed for versatility
- Ratcheting keyless chuck for quick bit changes
- Operates at up to 2500 rpm
- All ball-bearing construction
- Lightweight yet powerful design
- In some cases, the chuck may get stuck when changing bits
- Not ideal for professional-grade use
2. Makita 6302H 1/2-Inch Drill
Like DeWalt, Makita is another brand that is synonymous with high-quality. Also like DeWalt, this company has a signature color that tells you what to expect, all without having to see the name on the side of the drill. As soon as you spot the blue color of Makita, you know that you’re going to get something powerful and reliable.
Compared to the drill above, this one is not as powerful. With a 6.5-amp motor, you can’t power through some thicker materials like hardwoods and some metals. However, when it comes to light drilling work, this unit is going to be one of the most resilient on the market.
One element that we like about this drill is the inclusion of a side handle for stability. Although you can remove this handle as needed when working in the field, it’s nice to have, especially if you have to drill for a while. Not only does using two hands help reduce fatigue, but it ensures that you won’t experience any wobble while working.
Another element that we appreciate about this drill is the fact that it has a locking mechanism on the trigger. Thus, instead of having to squeeze it the whole time, you can instead lock it into place and work tirelessly as necessary. That being said, be careful that you know what you’re doing so that you don’t wind up damaging the drill (or your material) by accident.
Other features of this corded drill include a soft grip handle for comfort, as well as a built-in belt clip on the bottom. This clip ensures that the drill is always by your side, no matter where you go on the job.
- Robust 6.5-amp motor
- Removable side handle for stability while drilling
- Operates at up to 550 rpm
- ½-inch drill chuck fits most bits
- Compact and lightweight design
- Reversing switch for convenience
- Locking trigger mechanism reduces fatigue
- Built-in belt clip
- Side handle is not as durable as the rest of the drill
- Not as powerful as other models in its class
3. BLACK+DECKER DR260C 5.5 Amp 3/8” Drill
So far, we’ve been looking at a diminishing level of power for each of these corded drills. Compared to professional-grade models like DeWalt and Makita, Black + Decker is more for consumers and casual DIYers. Thus, if you’re looking for something robust and reliable for the job site, this model won’t be sufficient for your needs. Nonetheless, it has some useful features that make it an ideal tool for the household.
With a 5.5-amp motor that rotates up to 1500 rpm, you can use this drill for a wide range of projects. It will work well on wood and other “soft” materials, including plastic or sheet metal. Again, you won’t be able to build a house with this drill, but it’s perfect for light repair work or crafty operations.
One thing that we really like about this drill is that it comes with onboard storage for your bits. Thus, instead of worrying about losing your bits or misplacing them while working, you can be sure that they will always be within reach. Also, coupled with an integrated belt clip, you can keep this drill by your side at all times.
Overall, this is an excellent choice for people who want something reliable without breaking the bank. This is one of the lightest and most cost-effective drills you can find.
- Decent 5.5-amp motor
- Variable speed trigger for versatility
- Onboard bit storage for convenience
- Expertly balanced to help reduce fatigue
- Large soft-grip handle
- Built-in belt clip on the bottom
- ⅜-inch chuck accepts most bits
- Rotates up to 1500 rpm
- Extra-lightweight design
- Not as powerful as other drills of its size
- In rare cases, the chuck may over-tighten and snap your bit
4. BLACK+DECKER BDEDMT Matrix AC Drill
As we’ve already seen, Black + Decker is an ideal brand for home use. Whether you’re a crafty person looking for an easy way to finish new projects or you just want something handy for using around the home, these drills are perfect for all kinds of light duties.
What makes this drill unique (both compared to other Black + Decker models and other brands) is that the front can be swapped out. This is a modular drill system, meaning that you can buy a wide variety of attachments to make this machine even more versatile.
Some examples include an impact driver, a jigsaw, and a sander. Since you can utilize all of these attachments on the same motor, you can be sure that you’ll get a lot of use out of this machine. Although we don’t recommend using these accessories for professional-grade work, they do enable you to get more out of this system, making it more ideal than most other corded drills on this list.
Another element we appreciate about this drill is that it comes with an 11-position clutch. One issue that you can experience with power drills is that they can sometimes strip screws if you’re not careful. However, with this multifaceted clutch, you can be sure that it won’t go farther than it has to when screwing, thus ensuring that your fasteners stay in excellent shape.
Otherwise, this drill comes with all of the standard comfort features. An attached belt clip keeps it by your side, and a soft grip handle helps reduce fatigue. Overall, if you like the idea of a modular drill, this is an ideal choice for you.
- Four-amp motor is ideal for casual drilling
- 11-position clutch helps keep screws from stripping
- Soft comfort handle and grip
- Compact and lightweight design is easy to use
- Removable chuck for easy use and maintenance
- Chuck can be swapped for impact driver or other attachments
- Tool-free bit and front unit changes
- Some attachments require a heftier motor to work properly
- In rare cases, the chuck may seize up and stop working
5. DEWALT DWD210G 10-Amp 1/2-Inch
As we’ve progressed through this list, you may have noticed that the amperage for each new drill was going down. However, that doesn’t mean that we don’t have some high-quality professional-grade corded drills to offer as well.
We’ve already seen what DeWalt can offer, but this reliable 10-amp version is perfect for both DIYers and professional woodworkers alike. This is one of the strongest and most resilient corded drills we’ve seen, which makes it an ideal choice for almost anyone who needs power and performance.
When dealing with drills of this magnitude, having a side grip handle is necessary. Because you’re using so much torque while drilling, this handle ensures that you don’t wobble while making your holes, as well as ensuring that the drill doesn’t get out of control.
One additional change that happens with professional-grade drills like this one is that you need two fingers to operate the trigger. Not only is this is a safety precaution to prevent accidental over drilling, but it helps reduce fatigue because it’s not just one finger doing the work. If you have a lot of drilling to do, you’ll appreciate this feature.
As with other DeWalt products, what makes this drill so reliable is that it comes with a high-efficiency motor. Not only that, but it has overload protection so that the drill will shut off if it starts to overheat. Coupled with a rugged metal housing and you can expect this model to last a lifetime.
- Incredible 10-amp motor
- Delivers 50% more power than other drills
- Pistol-grip handle for stability
- Rotating side grip helps maintain control
- Overload protection for the motor
- Variable speed trigger goes up to 1200 rpm
- Two-finger trigger helps reduce fatigue
- Rugged metal housing for the whole unit
- Half-inch chuck fits most bits
- In rare cases, the motor may burn out relatively quickly
- Side handle can get in the way at times
6. SKIL 6445-04 7.0 Amp 1/2 In. Hammer Drill
Next, we have another professional-grade drill. While this model isn’t as powerful or as robust as the DeWalt above, it comes with plenty of high-quality features that ensure you’ll be getting a lot of use out of this machine. This is also a hammer drill, meaning that it not only rotates, but it drives the fastener into the material by hammering it simultaneously. Overall, this is an excellent drill for powering through tough projects.
A seven-amp motor is ideal for a wide range of projects and applications. Coupled with a variable-speed trigger that goes up to 3000 rpm, you can drill through almost any material, no matter how hard or soft. This drill works just as well on wood as it does sheet metal or glass if necessary.
As with the DeWalt model above, this drill comes with a rotating side handle for stability. We like that you can move the handle out of the way while working whenever necessary, yet use it at an angle so that you can be sure that you’re getting the right results each time.
We mentioned above that one of the features that help you determine if a corded drill is professional-grade is a two-finger trigger, which this one has. Not only does it help reduce fatigue, but it gives you greater control over the operation of the drill.
- Robust seven-amp motor
- Hammer drill for high-impact uses
- Rotating side handle for stability
- Durable metal housing
- Uses a half-inch chuck for versatility
- Variable speed trigger
- Two-finger operation helps reduce fatigue
- Lightweight yet powerful design
- Operates at up to 3000 rpm
- Not ideal for heavy-duty drilling
- In rare cases, the motor may burn out after extended use
7. PORTER-CABLE PC600D 6.5 Amp 3/8-Inch
When it comes to picking out the best corded drill, you can either opt for a professional-grade model or something designed for casual users. This model from Porter-Cable is kind of a cross between the two, offering a high-performance motor with comfortable features. Overall, if you’re not going to use a drill often yet, you want something more reliable, this is an excellent choice.
That being said, this drill doesn’t have any special features or accessories. It’s a pretty basic model, but it’s also built to be low maintenance and long lasting. A 6.5-amp motor ensures that you can power through most materials with ease, and the fact that you can operate at up to 2500 rpm is perfect for most applications.
This drill is lightweight and easy to use, thanks to the soft grip handle and keyless chuck. As we mentioned, there are two primary sizes for chucks – ½ and ⅜ inches. There is no specific advantage to either one, but just make sure that you’re aware of the size difference when picking out drill bits.
- Decent 6.5-amp motor
- ⅜-inch chuck fits most bits
- Variable speed unit
- Operates at up to 2500 rpm
- Lock on button helps reduce fatigue
- Keyless chuck for quick bit changes
- Integrated belt clip on the top of the drill
- Compact and lightweight design
- Tightening the chuck can be tricky with this model
- Belt clip is plastic and not as durable as other units
8. Hitachi D13VF 1/2-Inch 9-Amp Drill
When it comes to picking out a professional-grade corded drill, there are a few elements that can help ensure that you’re making the right choice for your needs. First, a side handle helps keep the drill stable, which is necessary at both high and low speeds. If you’re not familiar with the settings already, lower speeds are ideal for harder materials, while higher speeds are perfect for softer surfaces.
Another element of a professional-grade corded drill is how much torque it has. The amperage of the motor will tell you how strong the machine can be, but the level of torque will ensure that you don’t have problems while drilling. In this case, the Hitachi D13VF is a high-torque model that will function in a wide array of projects.
Finally, you know that you have a professional-grade drill when you have to use two fingers on the trigger. Because you have too much power and performance happening all at once, you can’t rely on a single digit to handle it all. Instead, you need both so that you don’t damage either the drill or the material you’re working on.
We like this model because it uses high-grade aluminum housing. Not only is this metal strong and resilient, but it’s resistant to rust, and it helps dissipate heat more effectively. Overall, this drill will last a lot longer because of the housing, so keep that in mind.
- Powerful nine-amp motor
- Variable speed control trigger
- Two-finger operation
- Form-fit palm grip for stability and comfort
- High-torque drill for more applications
- Die-cast aluminum housing lasts a long time
- Aluminum helps dissipate heat while drilling
- Double gear reduction increases torque
- Low-maintenance design
- Side handle for stability while drilling
- Angle attachment available
- Lightweight design reduces vibrations
- In rare cases, the chuck may come loose while drilling
- Some elements can feel a bit flimsy
9. Bosch 1006VSR 3/8-Inch Keyless Chuck Drill
This model from Bosch is another crossover drill that works as both a pro or casual user model. With a 6.3-amp motor, you can power through almost any material with ease. However, this drill doesn’t have a side handle for stability, and the motor isn’t built to take on large projects that require an extensive operation.
The trigger on this model does require two fingers, however, so you can be sure that you’ll be able to maintain control while working. This motor is also high-performance for its class, meaning that it will be much more efficient than other drills of this size and amperage.
Overall, this is a decent drill if you want extra power without upgrading to a pro model.
- Robust 6.3-amp motor
- Keyless chuck tightens automatically
- Two-finger trigger for greater control
- Locking mechanism helps reduce fatigue
- Integrated belt clip for convenience
- Better power to weight ratio compared to other models
- High-performance motor
- Automatic stop safety protection
- Reverse switch for added versatility
- In rare cases, the plug may not stay tight in the outlet
- The design of the forward/reverse switch is a bit awkward
10. Milwaukee 0240-20 3/8-Inch Drill
When compared to other well-known power tool brands, Milwaukee is kind of hit and miss. Many of the company’s tools are built overseas, where things like quality control and consistency can be spotty sometimes. Nonetheless, if you’re looking for a lightweight and easy to use the corded drill, this unit is a decent option.
Its all-metal housing ensures that the drill can withstand a lot of abuse, and the compact design makes it easier to work with on most projects. This drill comes with most of the standard features, including a variable-speed trigger (max 2800 rpm) and a soft grip handle. The trigger is also a two-finger model, meaning that you get more control while drilling.
- High-powered eight-amp motor
- Rugged metal housing
- ⅜-inch keyless chuck
- Variable speed trigger goes up to 2800 rpm
- Soft grip handle for comfort
- Two-finger trigger for stability while drilling
- Compact and lightweight design
- Awkwardly balanced – can be hard to use at times
- In rare cases, the chuck may start to rust
Final Verdict
We’ve seen a lot of high-quality corded drills, but when it comes to power and performance, we have to say thatthe DeWalt 10-amp model is our top pick. Although it’s a professional-grade unit, it’s perfect for both pros and amateurs alike. We like that the motor is designed to be low-maintenance, as well as the fact that you can do so much more with this drill than most others.
If, however, you only want something more casual, then the Black + Decker Matrix is a fun addition to any toolbox. The fact that you can swap out different chucks and bits makes it an excellent choice because of its reliability and versatility.
