No construction project would be complete without using a drill, especially a corded one. Corded drills are power tools that require a constant source of electricity, and are very useful in heavy-duty applications. Whether you want to drill holes for installing fixtures, or any other project, you should have a corded drill.
Each corded drill has its own unique features, advantages, and prices. However, it’s not a guarantee that just any drill you buy will be suitable for your specific needs. Read on and find out if any of the corded drills listed below are a great fit for you.
Best Corded Drills on the Market
This buying guide introduces you to six of the best corded drills available. Many of them include possible customizations tailored to the various tasks you might encounter. All of these unique features and more will be discussed. Have a look at our top picks.
1. DEWALT Electric Drill with Pistol-Grip (½-inch)
This drill also comes with its own reversing switch, so you can work it up to 1,250 RPM (revolutions per minute) either in forward or reverse. Concerned about sudden speed change while drilling? This drill also has a two-finger trigger with a lock-on mechanism.
The drill also comes with a soft-grip handle and a 360-degree locking side handle, made to prevent any accidents during use. Metal gear housing provides durability in case of falls.
Dissatisfied with performance? Fret not, as the drill can be returned and refunded within 90 days of purchase. This drill is recommended because it includes, (1) a pair of ergonomically-designed handles, (2) a money-back guarantee, and (3) a motor with high overload protection for a more consistent performance.
Specifications
- Model number: DWD210G
- Weight: 6.69 pounds
- Size: 10.2 x 13.1 x 3.2 inches
- Color: Yellow
- Type of Drill: Pistol grip
- Variable speed: Yes
- Money-back guarantee: Yes, 90 days
- Warranty: Yes, 3 years
- Included components: Drill, side handle
Pros
- High ampere rating, which means it can last much longer than other drills
- Safe with higher overload protection
- Two rubber-grip handles for easier drill operation
- Metal gear housing that can withstand accidental falls
- Lock-on mechanism when changing drill speeds
- Perfect for standard construction work
- 90-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Only one color available (yellow)
- Lower maximum speed compared to other drills
- Slightly heavy and bulky
2. DEWALT Corded Drill with Keyed Chuck (⅜-inch)
This drill also has variable speed, with its own lock-on mechanism to reduce user fatigue and to fix rotational speed at a constant pace. Of all the drills in this review, this one is the lightest. It’s also made of plastic, which means that it does not have a rubberized grip.
The drill has a lower 7-ampere rating, but has a very high maximum rotational speed of 2,800 RPM. It can easily bore holes and place screws at maximum speed. However, since it has variable speed, working with larger bits will require lowering the drill’s RPM.
All in all, this drill is perfect for your construction needs if, (1) you do a lot of indoor construction work, and (2) want a lightweight and compact drill.
Specifications
- Model number: DWE1014
- Weight: 1.77 pounds
- Size: 10.08 x 9.06 x 2.84 inches
- Color: Yellow
- Type of Drill: Pistol grip
- Variable speed: Yes
- Money-back guarantee: No
- Warranty: Yes, 3 years
Pros
- Lightweight
- Very high RPM, which makes it good to work with smaller screws and bolts
- Keyed chuck allows for drill bits larger than ⅜ of an inch
- Variable speed and lock-on mechanism to stabilize drill
Cons
- Made of plastic with no rubberized grip
- Lower amp rating
- Only one color available (yellow)
3. METABO HPT Corded Drill (½-inch)
Drills that have advertised metal gear housings tend to be large and bulky, and this drill from Metabo is no exception. It’s made of contractor-grade aluminum, which helps it withstand falls, but the drill is not likely to fall too often, as the drill has a form-fit palm grip and a belt hook.
The drill also has variable speed with a two-finger trigger, maxing out at only 850 RPM. Given that it’s bulky as well, this drill is meant to work on tough surfaces and handle larger drill bits and screws.
Concerned about the warranty? Among all the drills reviewed here, this one from Metabo comes with the longest warranty at 5 years. These features help make this corded drill stand out: (1) a steady ergonomic grip, (2) a belt hook for additional security, and (3) the longest advertised warranty period.
Specifications
- Model number: D13VF
- Weight: 8 pounds
- Size: 17 x 17 x 6 inches
- Color: Green
- Type of Drill: Form-fit palm grip
- Variable speed: Yes
- Money-back guarantee: No
- Warranty: Yes, 5 years
- Included components: Drill, side handle, carrying case, chuck key
Pros
- High ampere rating
- Works well with any surface
- Variable speed with a lock-on feature
- Form-fit palm grip and belt hook for additional safety
- Can accommodate larger drill bits.
Cons
- Only one color available (green)
- Large and bulky compared to other drills
4. DEWALT Rotary Hammer Drill with Shocks (1⅛-inch)
Want to control your drill’s rotational speed? Sorry, not with this one. The rotary hammer drill can only go at full speed either in forward or reverse, but the motor does have a high ampere rating, making it last longer.
One unique feature this drill has is its active vibration control, cutting down on the vibrations you’ll feel during use. It also has an integral clutch to minimize sudden torque spikes, which can affect your drill’s performance.
Unlike other drills, this one has a D-ring grip which looks different from a standard pistol grip. All in all, you might consider this corded drill for three reasons: (1) a constant rotational speed with torque spike protection, (2) a high ampere rating, and (3) active vibration control.
Specifications
- Model number: D25263K
- Weight: 11.2 pounds
- Size: 19.21 x 12.8 x 5.28 inches
- Color: Yellow
- Type of Drill: Rotary hammer with D-ring
- Variable speed: No
- Money-back guarantee: No
- Warranty: Yes, 3 years
- Included components: Drill, rotary hammer, 360-degree side handle, depth rod, kit box
Pros
- High ampere rating
- Active vibration control for less vibration
- Integral clutch to minimize sudden torque spikes
Cons
- No variable speed, only maximum speed in forward and reverse
- Very large and bulky
- Only one color available (yellow)
- Cannot operate with drill bits larger than 1⅛ inch
5. SKIL Corded Drill (½-inch)
This drill comes with variable speed and a two-finger lock-on switch in order to prevent fatigue or any other unwanted side effects. The drill’s included chuck key allows for use with bits of larger sizes.
In summary, this drill does not have any particularly outstanding features, but it’s still a solid option due to these components: (1) variable speed with a lock-on option, (2) a lightweight design, and (3) a chuck key option to use bigger drill bits.
Specifications
- Model number: 6335-02
- Weight: 5 pounds
- Size: 13.25 x 10 x 3.25 inches
- Color: Red
- Type of Drill: Size assist handle
- Variable speed: Yes
- Money-back guarantee: No
- Warranty: Not specified
Pros
- Lightweight.
- Variable speed with lock-on option
- Keyed chuck to use bigger drill bits
Cons
- Lower ampere rating than other drills
- Warranty period is unspecified.
- Only one color available (yellow)
6. GALAXIA Corded Drill (½-inch)
The drill also has a 360-degree auxiliary handle with a rubberized grip for better control, as well as a chuck key to use bigger drill bits. The kit box includes a warranty card with a 2-year period, as well as a set of six drill bits.
Overall, this drill is worth buying due to, (1) a rubberized grip for better ergonomics, (2) a kit that comes with drill bits of different sizes, and (3) variable speed.
Specifications
- Model number: GA5735
- Weight: 6.75 pounds
- Size: 13.58 x 10.59 x 3.19 inches
- Color: Blue
- Type of Drill: 360-degree rubber grip
- Variable speed: Yes
- Money-back guarantee: No
- Warranty: Yes, 2 years
- Included components: Drill, chuck key, depth gauge, auxiliary handle, construction drill bits, user manual, warranty card
Pros
- Variable speed with lock-on option
- Auxiliary handle with rubberized grip.
- Chuck key to use bigger drill bits
- Package comes with 6 drill bits of different sizes
- Can be used for daily or heavy-duty applications
Cons
- Only one color available (blue)
Corded Drill Buyer’s Guide
All six of these corded drills are great picks for drilling holes, screws, or bolts as part of your construction projects. But not just any drill can do the job – there are instances where certain drills are more suited to a particular role than others.
Here’s a quick guide to help you decide which of these corded drills is best suited for your construction needs.
Best Corded Drill for Outdoor Construction Projects
Purchase the Dewalt Rotary Hammer Drill with Shocks if you are working exclusively outdoors. It may be too big for use indoors, but its high ampere rating and vibration control are perfect for use on larger projects.
Best Corded Drill for Indoor Construction Projects
The Dewalt Corded Drill with Keyed Chuck is lightweight and can use drill bits larger than ⅜-inch in diameter. With a high maximum rotation speed at 2800 RPM, this drill works best with small drill bits on smaller projects.
Best Corded Drill for Ergonomics
Either the Dewalt Electric Drill or the Galaxia Corded Drill are excellent if you prefer working with a rubberized grip. Both are solid options as all-purpose drills.
Best Corded Drill for Overload Protection
The Dewalt Electric Drill is best if you want a drill that has high overload protection. With its 10-ampere motor rating, you can rest assured that you will not encounter heating issues or any related negative impacts on performance.
Conclusion
We hope that this buyer’s guide has helped you decide on the best corded drill for your construction needs. You really can’t go wrong with any of these options!
However, there are many other products out there to choose from. Please check out our other related product reviews for more guidance on the best tools to buy. Happy shopping!