9 Best Corded Drills for 2022

Buying a Corded Drill

Most DIYers choose a cordless driver/drill as their go-to tool. But that doesn’t mean there’s no place in your tool box for a corded model. They do the job quickly and effectively, and you’re never worried if there’s enough charge left in the battery. As long as you have access to an outlet, you’re good to go.

Here are some factors to keep in mind when buying a corded drill:

• Function. These are more likely to be specialty devices, like a hammer drill or mixer.
• Price. Many DIYers are surprised to find corded drills aren’t sold at a discount like cordless drill models. The sheer volume of cordless tools means their price has dropped. While you’ll find plenty of variety in price, most general-purpose corded drills fall in the $60 to $200 range.
• Chuck size and style. The drill chuck is what clamps drill bits in place. The chuck size indicates the largest diameter drill bit you can use. Traditional or keyed chucks are tightened with a specialized tool called a chuck key, while keyless chucks can be tightened by hand.
• Variable speed. Some drills kick on at full speed, but those with variable speed let you control the revolutions per minute (RPM) through trigger pressure. Variable speed isn’t needed for every task. But it’s a nice feature, and always better to have than not.
• Motor style. Drills with electric motors are brushed or brushless. The differences take up a full conversation on their own, but in general, brushed motors have a physical contact that brushless motors don’t. This means brushed motors generate more heat and require maintenance when the brush wears down. Motor style also encompasses build-quality issues, such as whether the gear housing is metal or plastic.