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If you’re a woodworker, chances are that you need a drill for almost every other task. Whether it’s to insert screws or screw holes, you’ll find this tool quite useful.
Unfortunately, the market is awash with drills of all shapes and sizes. Some of them are good but quite a few others are not so good.
So today, we’d like to explore the best corded drill for woodworking. And in particular, we’ll provide our unbiased insights regarding the leading brands such as Black+Decker, Milwaukee, Makita, Ryobi, Porter-Cable, and DeWalt.
Stick around to find out.
Comparison of the Most Popular Woodworking Corded Drills
Before we get started, here’s to a comparison list that brings together our top picks. Keep scrolling for our detailed reviews and buyer’s guide.
Review of the Best Woodworking Corded Drills (Updated)
1. Skil 6335-02 7.0 Skil Amp 1/2 In. Corded Drill
Feature List
Power Source: Corded Electric Maximum Power: 850 Watts Motor Amp: 7.0 Speed: 950 RPM Special Features: – Powerful 7.0 Amp motor – Includes Side Handle – Variable Speed trigger
Does your work entail tough drilling applications? This is your reliable companion in the workshop. The drill features a 7.0 Amp motor to beat all your tough drilling applications.
Again, it features a variable speed trigger to give you control over any drilling speed. Over and above these, aside assist handle allows you to control and accurate drilling. While ½ inch keyed chuck gives it a capacity for larger diameter bits.
Features
Features a metric system
Measures 13.25 x 10 x 3.25 inches
Red in color
Weighs 5.6 pounds
Portability
This is a light drill that is easy to maneuver and store. It weighs 5.5 pounds and features a soft pistol handle grip. This allows you more comfort over long term projects while alleviating excessive fatigue and strain over hands and wrists.
Performance
This tool work boy will give you efficient and variable speed through a system of reversing switches. This way, it gives you more precision and minimizes any slipping in the course of your work.
Moreover, it features a lock-on switch to prevent accidental switching.
Positive Reviews by Users
Has a powerful motor
Easy to operate
its dual-functional drill
Easy switch between speed levels
Negative Reviews by Users
Too bulky
Feature List
Power Source: Corded Electric Maximum Power: 300 Watts Motor Amp: 7.0 Speed: 2800 RPM Special Features: – Compact and lightweight design – Includes Lock-on switch – Variable Speed trigger
This is your typical heavy-duty 3/8 VSR drill. Characteristically, it is very easy to use and features a lightweight and compact design for greater portability.
That aside, DEWALT Keyed 7.0-Amp Corded Drill, is driven by a powerful 7.0 Amp motor. This gives enough power to get your work done.
The drill also has a variable speed trigger switch to give you enhanced versatility. On the other, its user-friendly design is fully reinforced with a chuck key unit to reduce fatigue.
Features
Weighs 3.5 pounds
Measures 10.08 x 9.06 x 2.84 inches
Corded electric power drill
Bare tool components
Portability
This drill features an ergonomic form-fit palm grip. This design allows optimum control and comfort while reducing fatigue. It also ensures easy handling on the move.
Performance
After extensive research, our team strongly recommends this drill for your convenience. First, it offers you a belt hook for greater performance while working over places with no place to set down the drill.
Again, it has an optional angle attachment to aid your work over hard to reach areas or tight corners.
Positive Reviews by Users
Compact onboard storage
Light and portable
Highly affordable
Drilling speed control function
Negative Reviews by Users
Not applicable for lighter duties
3. Metabo HPT 9-Amp 1/2″ Corded Drill
Feature List
Power Source: Fuel Powered Maximum Power: 850 Watts Maximum Torque: 416-in lbs Motor Amp: 9.0 Speed: 850 RPM Special Features: – Over-sized reversible switch – Electronic variable speed control trigger – Lock-on feature
From a long-term study by our team of professionals, this tool is designed with a form to fit palm grip. This ensures improved handling for control and minimal vibration. Again, with a 9 Amp variable speed trigger, it is made to last.
Again, the drill is made from contractor grade cast aluminum. This adds durability and ensures efficient heat dissipation. Not to forget, that it features double gear reduction for higher torque in gear strain reduction.
Features
Weighs 8 pounds
A 120 Volts voltage
850 RPM Speed
Measures 17 x 17 x 6 inches
Portability
This is a lightweight drill. It has a soft pistol rip design to reduce excessive fatigue on your hands and wrists. Again it weighs only four pounds for easy hold, storage, and maneuver.
Performance
Our review team has established that this drill is engineered with a torque gear system to give you great performance over wood and metal fabrication.
Again, it is ideal for drilling deck or framing construction pilot holes. Over and above these, it will give good service over other applications. Such may include those in need of a prolonged run time of a corded drill.
Positive Reviews by Users
Has a powerful 7-amp motor
Lightweight
Easy portability
Over 10 position clutch
Negative Reviews by Users
Has no trigger lock
4. Dewalt 7.8-Amp Corded Drill
Feature List
Power Source: Corded Electric Maximum Power: 300 Watts Motor Amp: 7.8 Maximum Torque: 1400 in-lbs Speed: 850 RPM Special Features: – Reversible, variable-speed control – Includes 360-degree side handle – Metal gear housing
When you want durability and tranquility over your work, this is the real deal for you. The drill is made of Helical cut steel material. In addition, it features heat-treated steel gears to give you durability and long life.
Equally important, it has a 2-finger trigger to give you more comfort during work. Again, with a 360-degree side handle, you will benefit from higher control of the tool as well as increased versatility.
Features
Weighs 1400 Inch Pounds
Measures 12.2 x 10.2 x 3.2 inches
Corded electric power source
Portability
This drill is made from light material to make it easy to use over your casual lighter to medium-sized jobs. We highly recommend this tool of any casual works to more detailed drilling projects.
Performance
For your convenience, this tool will give you a pistol grip handle and a two-finger rubber trigger.
As a result, you enjoy greater comfort and control over all your drilling work. Again, it has a horizontal bubble level to allow you more accurate drilling.
Positive Reviews by Users
Compact and lightweight
Has quick Matrix connection system
Mid grip design handle
Variable 0-2,500 RPM speed
Negative Reviews by Users
Too fast on start
5. Porter-Cable 6-Amp Corded Drill
Feature List
Power Source: Corded Electric Motor Amp: 6.5 Amps Speed: 2500 RPM Special Features: – Includes LED light – Includes Lock-on button – Variable Speed trigger
If you want convenience and stability in your workshop, we strongly recommend this drill for you. First, the drill has a convenient lock on button. This allows you easy control over prolonged use.
Moreover, with a keyless 3/8-inch chuck, the drill allows you to have a fast and easy change of bits. On the other hand, a 6.5 Amp the motor ensures enough power during demanding applications.
Features
A keyless 3/8-inch chuck
6.5-Amp motor powering
Measures 10.9 x 3.19 x 10.9 inches
Portability
This drill features increased overload protection compared to other products. Moreover, it has a convenient bit bar for easy storage over your pocket, toolbox, or drawer.
Performance
This drill features some added control and sturdiness to allow you to work well over more challenging projects. For example, its 10 Amp motor allows you to work through different materials conveniently.
Positive Reviews by Users
Has a rubber flex key holder
Features a Keyless chuck
Solid in construction
A variable 0-2600 RPM ability
Negative Reviews by Users
Noisy
6. G Laxia Professional 6A 3/8-Inch F/R and Lock-On Button Corded Drill
Feature List
Power Source: Fuel Powered, Solar Powered Motor Amp: 6.0 Amps Speed: 3200 RPM Special Features: – Ergonomic design – Includes lock-on feature – Variable Speed trigger
Do you want to introduce a touch of suaveness to your work station? Here we go! This tool will bring in to your workshop a sleek Ergonomic design work. Again, it features a soft rubber handle design.
Functionally, this tool features a powerful 6.0 Amp copper motor. As a result, you will have at your disposal more than enough torque for any 3/8’’ drill function.
Features
A 3200 RPM speed
A 120 volts voltage
Measures 10.91 x 10.12 x 3.5 inches
Weighs 4.64 pounds
Portability
Given this lightweight at only 3.5 pounds, this tool is easy for you to port around. Again, it has onboard bit storage at the bottom of the handle. This gives you more convenience in organizing and maintaining your bits.
Performance
When it comes to functionality, this drill offers you the right granular control. For example, it features a variable speed switch to give you enhanced precision and accuracy in your drilling.
Again, the forward/reverse slider is easily reached with on hand use.
Positive Reviews by Users
Light and easily portable
Different positioning clutch system
Fast connect matrix system
A 0-2,500 RPM Variable speed
Negative Reviews by Users
Has no clutch
7. Black+Decker 5.2-Amp Corded Drill
Feature List
Power Source: Corded Electric Maximum Power: 1800 Watts Motor Amp: 5.5 Speed: 1500 RPM Special Features: – Compact design – Includes on board bit storage – Variable Speed trigger
Do you want a reliable drill that gets your work done? Then let this be the need for your search. This drill is powerful and compact enough to get your job done.
First, it comes with great board bit storage for your convenience. Over and above this, it allows you absolute speed control.
For example, it has variable speed control over all its drilling/driving. Moreover, it is equipped with a 3200 RPM variable speed trigger.
Features
Maximum 1800 Watts power
1500 RPM speed
Corded electric power source
Portability
This drill features a nice belt clip to make it easy to handle while drilling over high places with no place to set it up. In addition, the drill the cord has a large side handle. This allows for easy positioning for more comfort and control.
Performance
For all your heavy-duty tasks, this is a force to reckon with. With a powerful 6.5 Amp motor, and variable speed, it has what it takes to drill over different materials.
Positive Reviews by Users
Middle handles grip design
Incredibly powerful
Features a lock-on button
Has a belt clip
Negative Reviews by Users
Has no trigger lock
Buying Guide for Electric Powered Drill
So, when it comes to the quest for the best drill for wall-plug use, it’s important to keep the following factors in mind. We believe they’re extremely important ones.
The Size of the Chuck
It’s common for woodworking drills to come in 1/2-inch and 3/8-inch size varieties. What you need to know is that 1/2-inch drills are wider than 3/8-inch drills.
However, it’s only best to go for ½-inch drills when you need lots of drilling power. Otherwise, in most DIY tasks at home, a 3/8-inch drill will easily get the job done.
Never Compromise on Safety
This is extremely important. And the good news is that some manufacturers have taken it upon themselves to enhance your safety by introducing safety features. Some of those include:
Keyless chuck
Pistol-like grip
Reversible toggle
Also, some well-made drills come with features such as variable speed control and even hammering actions. All these are meant to enhance convenience.
Reputation
Some brands are known to produce better woodworking tools than others. Remember, if a product is too cheap to be true, it probably is.
That, however, does not mean that you always have to pay overly inflated prices for anything either. Try to find something that’s moderately priced, work with it.
Frequently Asked Questions
And now, chances are that you have some burning queries regarding drills in woodworking projects. Worry no more for we have responded to some of those below.
Are corded drills more powerful?
Save for being noisier and bulkier than their cordless counterparts, corded drills are almost always more powerful. So, unless you’re working in a place that’s far from the wall plugs, we’d recommend going corded if you’re after extra torque.
What drill voltage should I buy?
If you’re a hobbyist looking for a simple drill for home use, a 12-volt drill should suffice. Only go for 18 volts and above if you’re specifically after lots of torque.
What’s the difference between an impact driver and a drill?
Simply put, impact drivers are more powerful but less versatile compared to drills. And since their power output is extremely high, impact drivers do most functions that involve driving screws or tightening nuts easily. But as far as versatility is concerned, drills are the real deal.
Our Best Pick
After an extensive review by our team of experts, our considered the opinion is that, PORTER-CABLE 6-Amp Corded Drill is the best all-round pick. It’s generally well-built and provides good value for money.
This drill is more powerful, lighter, and leaner compared to the others. Most important, it gives irreplaceable convenience in regard to mobility and power restrictions.
Final Thoughts
In our article, we have covered nothing but the best corded woodworking drills for the money. We have dug deep and made sure to provide you with the latest facts. And now, it’s your time to make an informed choice – all the best.