Do you have some home improvement projects or professional crafts that demand the power and efficiency of corded drills? What if you are on a tight budget and are wondering if you can still get the best corded drill under $100?
No worries, we’ve done all the research for you detailing the buying guide and a comprehensive review of the top affordable corded drills.
This is to ensure you get to enjoy the power, unlimited use, and efficiency of corded drills at an economic-friendly price.
Our Top Choices
Editor’s Choice: | Makita 6407 120V Corded Drill | |
Runner Up: | Hitachi D10VH 3/8-Inch Corded Drill | |
Most Simplistic: | Metabo D13VF 1/2-Inch HPT Drill | |
Best Rated: | Milwaukee 0240-20 8.0A Electric Drill | |
Highest Drilling Rate: | Makita HP1640 Corded Hammer Drill | |
Amazon's Choice: | DEWALT DWE1014 7.0-Amp Corded Drill |
Comparisons of the Top Corded Drill Below $100
This comparison table gives you a sneak peek into what this post is all about. But if you have the time, kindly read on to get more information on corded drills.
What to Look for in Corded Drills?
In general, corded drills unlike their cordless counterparts don’t require batteries. This is a feature that makes the drills lightweight and comfortable to use. They also possess more power that’s great for handling most tough or heavy-duty drilling tasks.
It doesn’t end there; the following are the major factors to help you differentiate one corded drill from the other.
Durability
Nobody would want to buy a power tool that isn’t durable and reliable. This is to help you benefit more from the tool for long without encountering quality issues.
Be it plastic or metal, the parts or casing of electric drills should be made from sturdy materials that can withstand the pressure of daily use.
Additionally, you can also check on the warranty description of your corded drill that guarantees the product quality or safety for a certain period.
As its common practice, more people will go for a product with a 5-year warranty than that with 2 or 3 years.
Chuck Size
The chuck is the part of the drill that keeps the bits or screws intact. This point needs to be made of sturdy material that won’t allow the bits to slip away.
There are 2 types of chucks: keyed and keyless. Keyed chucks just as the name needs a key for tightening or loosening the drill bits and screws. The keyless chucks are commonly used for tough drilling tasks to give you a proper hold of the bit.
Keyless chucks, on the other hand, don’t need a key as the bit fastening is done merely by hand.
Many people prefer using drills with keyless chucks as they have no associated worries of losing the keys. Furthermore, the keyless chucks allow fast-changing of bits.
There are different sizes of chucks ranging from 3/8 inches, ¼ inches, or ½ inches. Nonetheless, the 3/8-inch chuck is mostly used by many craftsmen, as it has proven to be more versatile.
Motor Power
Drill motors are rated in amps, with many motors having around 5-10 amps. As far as drill motors are concerned, the more powerful a motor is, the better the performance it offers.
But if you demand a more drill drive, then you should go for the one with a bigger motor.
Similarly, motors with a high current flow are less prone to burnouts and keep their brushes intact for long.
Drill Speed
Notwithstanding the surface you are drilling into, you will need a drill with variable speeds for efficient performance. This explains why many people shy away from drills with single speeds as they are difficult to control especially when dealing with surfaces of different densities.
For example, drilling through wood or delicate surfaces like glass requires a lower speed, so you don’t accidentally shatter them into pieces. Conversely, drilling into metal or concrete will demand a higher speed.
Therefore, for better performance, most users go for drills with variable speeds, which can range anywhere from 0 to 3000 RPMs.
Comfort
Other corded drill features like the handle, noise level, weight, reverse function, the inclusion of a belt clip, and so on also play a vital role.
Just as you would spin a screw in a forward manner, it’s also great if you can reverse it in the event you wrongly place it. This function allows you to get your drill bit carefully without damaging the given surface.
The handle of a drill ought to have an easy-grip surface to enable you to work for extended sessions with less wrist fatigue.
A final point on this, a corded drill should be lightweight and have a motor that operates with minimal vibrations or noise for comfortable use.
Reviews of the Best 10 Corded Drills Under $100 on the Market
Here we discuss in detail 10 of the best corded drills under $100 as based on the information provided by our group of unbiased editors.
1. Makita 6407 3/8″ Corded Drill – Editor’s Choice
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Voltage: 120 Volts
- Amperage: 4.9 Amp
- Speed: 2500 RPM
- Powerful: Yes
- Variable: Yes
- Special Features: Powerful 4.9 amp motor with 0-2500 RPM no load speed. All ball bearing construction for durability and long tool life and low decibel rating at 79dB for quieter operation.
- Batteries Included:No
- Batteries Required: No
Are you a DIY enthusiast who wants to feel the power of a corded drill? Then this Makita drill with a 4.9 AMP motor that operates at low sound levels of 79 decibels won’t disappoint.
There’s more, the drill has an all- bearing material construction for added durability and has a motor that delivers variable speeds of 0-2500 RPMs.
Other Features and Benefits
The large trigger switch with a reverse feature enables easy operation. Also, the ergonomically designed handle plus the equal weight distribution across the drill helps to offer better control.
Moreover, this drill is equipped with a 3/8 inches chuck that allows for quick fixing of bits.
However, the chuck has to be operated with a key (provided), which can sometimes get lost or consume most of your time.
Performance Ratings
Product Documentation
- Instruction Manual PDF
Customer Review Section
- Easy-to-use switch
- Variable speeds
- Cool running drill
- Durable construction
- No storage case
- Keyed chuck
2. Hitachi D10VH 6.0-Amp Corded Drill – Runner Up
- Style: 2,500 RPM
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Voltage 110 Volts
- Amperage: 6 Amp Max
- Torque: 108.1 in-lbs.
- Powerful: Yes
- Speed: 2500 RPM
- Ergonomic: Yes
- Keyless Chuck: Yes
- Special Features: Powerful single-phase motor runs off of a standard 120-volt power supply and delivers 108.1 in./lbs. of maximum torque for tough high-speed applications.
- Batteries Included: No
- Batteries Required: No
This Hitachi drill allows you to perform most drilling applications on plastic, wood, metal, resin, and many more. Furthermore, the tool is also great for tightening or loosening of small screws, bolts, or nuts.
The super-efficient 6 Amp motor delivers a 108.1 in-lbs maximum torque with minimal vibrations, which is great for various high-speed applications.
Other Features and Benefits
The drill has variable speeds of 0-2500 RPM and has a handy speed control dial, which is great for limitation of speed, especially for the screws. Nevertheless, there’s a need for the speed dial to be calibrated so that you aren’t left guessing the speeds.
This tool features a 3/8 inch keyless chuck for fast tool-free bit swapping, and a comfortable palm grip handle that enables easy operation.
Product Documentation
- Safety Instructions and Instruction Manual PDF
Customer Review Section
- Lightweight
- Controllable speeds
- Includes a storage bag
- Powerful motor
- Compact design
- The speed dial is not calibrated
3. Metabo D13VF 9-Amp HPT Drill – Most Simplistic
- Style: Metabo HPT D13VF
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Voltage: 120 Volts
- Amperage: 9 Amp.
- Maximum Power: 850 Watts
- Speed: 850 RPM
- Max torque: 416.6 In-lbs.
- Powerful: Yes
- Durability: Yes
- Special Features: drills into various types of metal, wood, plastic resin, stainless steel and similar materials. Great for continuous power for all day performance.
- Batteries Included: No
- Batteries Required: No
This Metabo HPT drill features a cast aluminum contractor-grade gear housing for added efficiency and durability.
The corded drill delivers a maximum torque of 416 in-lb while still minimizing gear strain and therefore ideal for most wood, metal, or plastic applications.
Other Features and Benefits
The 9 Amp motor delivers variable speeds of 0-850 RPMs with minimal vibrations while the comfortable palm grip gives you more control.
There’s a speed control trigger equipped with a lock-on feature that can be operated easily by just 2 fingers. However, you must be extra strong to handle this drill as it is quite heavy at 8 lbs.
Finally, the 1/2-inch keyed chuck takes in even the smallest bits. Unfortunately, the drill doesn’t have a designated place for storing the chuck key.
Performance Ratings
Product Documentation
- Safety Instructions and Instruction Manual PDF
Customer Review Section
- 5-year warranty
- Variable speeds
- High torque potential
- Durable aluminum construction
- Includes a belt hook
- Keyed chuck
- It’s a bit heavy
4. Milwaukee 0240-20 Corded Electric Drill – Best Rated
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Voltage: 120 Volts
- Amperage: 8.0 Amp.
- Maximum Power: 800 Watts
- Speed: 2800 RPM
- Maximum Chuck Size: 6.35 Millimeters
- Powerful: Yes
- Perfect: Yes
- Durable: Yes
- Special Features: Power to perform even the toughest applications. Durability comes standard with an all-metal gear case that protects the gears and provides superior support in high-torque applications.
- Batteries Included: No
- Batteries Required: No
Are you looking for a powerful tool for your wood, metal, or plastic fastening and drilling applications? Then this Milwaukee drill with an 8.0 amp motor delivers the right torque to where you need.
With this drill, you get to enjoy a great combination of power and speed as the motor provides variable speeds of 0-2800 RPMs.
Other Features and Benefits
The all-metal gear case provides ultimate protection to the internal parts even when the drill is used frequently in tasks that demand high power.
Moreover, the 3/8 inches keyless chuck allows quick changing of drill bits to aid in the fast completion of tasks.
Apart from that, the drill is ergonomically designed with a two-finger trigger and soft-grip handle for extra comfort. But then again, you will have to press on the fingers to keep the drill on as it isn’t automatic.
Performance Ratings
Product Documentation
- Operator’s Manual PDF
Customer Review Section
- Adjustable speeds
- Durable gear casing
- Powerful motor
- Keyless chuck design
- Easy operation
- 5-year warranty
- Doesn’t have a trigger lock switch
5. Makita HP1640 5/8 Corded Hammer Drill – Highest Drilling Rate
- Power Source: Battery Powered
- Voltage: 240 Volts
- Amperage: 6.0 Amp.
- Wattage: 680 watts
- Maximum Power: 350 Watts
- Speed: 2800 RPM
- Powerful: Yes
- Lightweight: Yes
- Rotation: Yes
- Soft Grip: Yes
- Special Features: lightweight (3.7 lbs.) with large capacity drilling up to 5/8-inch in concrete. Ball bearing construction for longer tool life. Large two-finger trigger switch with 360 degree swivel side handle for added maneuverability.
- Batteries Included: No
- Batteries Required: No
This versatile drill from Makita boasts of a 6.0 AMP motor that delivers variable speeds of 0-2800 RPMs, which suits most high-power demanding applications.
The included keyed chuck allows you to hold the bits firmly in place and has the capacity of drilling to a thickness of 5/8 inches of concrete.
Other Features and Benefits
The corded drill has an all-bearing construction that makes it more efficient and durable.
Additionally, the extended carbon brushes allow for more work between service intervals.
That’s not all, the dual-mode operation of either hammering with rotation or rotation only makes the drill easy to use.
This drill is lightweight at 3.7 lbs and has a rubberized grip to help reduce hand fatigue while increasing user comfort in long drilling sessions.
Product Documentation
- Instruction Manual PDF
Customer Review Section
- Lightweight
- Rubberized grip
- Adjustable speeds
- Powerful motor
- Efficient dual-mode operation
- Keyed chuck
- Some units don’t come with the storage container
6. DEWALT DWE1014 Corded Drill – Amazon’s Choice
- Style: Corded Drill
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Voltage: 120 Volts
- Amperage: 7-amp.
- Speed: 2800 RPM
- Wattage: 440 watts
- Maximum Power: 300 Watts
- Powerful: Yes
- Compact: Yes
- Special Features: With Keyed Chuck is compact and lightweight to increase comfort and reduce fatigue.
- Batteries Included: No
- Batteries Required: No
Dewalt is a manufacturer that’s highly renowned for quality drilling tools. For example, this 3/8 inches corded power tool features a chuck with a key for efficient use by professional artisans as well as beginners.
Furthermore, the compact and lightweight design of the drill helps reduce user fatigue if used for long.
Other Features and Benefits
This Dewalt drill has variable speeds of 0-2800 rpm, which are delivered by the all-powerful 7.0 amp motor for fast completion of projects.
Though lacking a calibrated speed dial wheel, the drill features a speed trigger switch for more versatility.
Performance Ratings
Product Documentation
- Instruction Manual PDF
Customer Review Section
- 3-year warranty
- Simple operation
- Variable speeds
- Efficient motor
- Heavy-duty construction
- No speed dial wheel
- No hard storage case
7. DeWalt DWD115K 8.0-Amp Corded Drill
- Style: Corded Grill
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Voltage: 120 Volts
- Amparage: 8-amp
- Maximum Power: 300 Watts
- Speed: 2500 RPM
- Powerful: Yes
- Durability: Yes
- Special Features: Powerful 8 Amp motor to deliver 0-2,500 rpm speed for heavy-duty applications.
- Batteries Included: No
- Batteries Required: No
Different from the above #6 Dewalt corded drill, this comes with a more powerful 8.0 motor and a keyless chuck for simple tool-free bit changing.
The drill provides different speeds of 0-2500 RPM to help you perform most fastening as well as drilling applications.
Other Features and Benefits
The mid-handle grip moves your hand closer to the target, therefore, bringing in more stability while the all-bearing metal construction improves the tool life.
You will love the way the 3/8 inch keyless chuck tightens around the bit as you work and the reversible feature with about a 1-inch capacity.
But there are some downsides like hectic control of the drill at lower speeds and lack of a lock-on switch to keep it on.
Performance Ratings
Product Documentation
- Instruction Manual PDF
Customer Review Section
- 3-year warranty
- Versatile drill
- Powerful motor design
- Variable speeds
- Comfortable grip
- Keyless chuck
- No lock-on trigger
- Controlling the speeds is challenging
8. Hitachi D13VF 1/2-Inch Reversible Drill
- Style: Hitachi D13VF
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Voltage: 120 Volts
- Amperage: 9 Amp.
- Maximum Power: 850 Watts
- Max torque: 416.6in-lbs.
- Speed: 850 RPM
- Powerful: Yes
- Variable: Yes
- Special Features: With a 9 Amp high-performance motor to provide plenty of power at all drilling speeds. This drill features an ergonomic form-fit palm grip handle that increases comfort and control while reducing fatigue-causing vibration.
- Batteries Included: No
- Batteries Required: No
The all-famous Hitachi tools have now been rebranded to Metabo HPT, hope you get the gist.
This Hitachi drill has a 9 amp motor that provides a high torque of 416.6 in-lbs and speeds of about 850 RPM for most heavy-duty applications.
What’s more, the cast aluminum contractor-grade gear housing elongates the drill’s durability and helps keep it cool throughout.
Other Features and Benefits
Weighing at about 4 pounds and having a form fit palm grip handle design makes the drill comfortable to use for longer periods.
Unlike some of the drills described above lacking a lock-on feature, this Hitachi drill brags of one that allows for continuous operation.
The 1/2-inch chuck, though keyed and may need some expertise to use, is great for a wide range of drilling applications.
Performance Ratings
Product Documentation
- Safety Instructions and Instruction Manual PDF
Customer Review Section
- Efficient motor
- Durable construction
- Has a storage case
- Equipped with a belt hook
- Variable speeds
- Unstable speed control
- Keyed chuck
9. Porter-Cable PC600D 6-Amp Corded Drill
- Style: Speed Drill
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Battery Cell Type: Lithium ion
- Battery Capacity: 20V, 1.3 amp.
- Battery Included: Yes
- Amperage: 6.5-Amp
- Speed: 2500 RPM
- Special Features: 6.5-Amp motor delivers power in demanding applications.
- Batteries Included: No
- Batteries Required: No
If you have projects that require continuous tool usage, then this PORTER-CABLE 6.0 amp drill with reliable power is here for you.
You will also like the fact that the drill has a lock-on button that allows easy control.
Unfortunately, the button only seems to work efficiently at high speeds.
The motor produces a high torque output of 0-2500 RPM, which is suitable for various drilling tasks on wood or metal.
Other Features and Benefits
The drill is backed by a 3-year warranty against any manufacturing defects and has a 3/8-inch keyless chuck for easy bit changes.
Besides that, the drill’s lightweight design plus easy-grip handle allows for comfortable use while the belt clip secures it as you work on other tasks.
Performance Ratings
Product Documentation
- Instruction Manual PDF
Customer Review Section
- It’s lightweight
- Adjustable speeds
- Ergonomic handle
- Powerful motor
- The lock button works at full speeds only
10. Metabo D10VH2 3/8-Inch HPT Corded Drill
- Style: Metabo HPT D10VH2 Corded Drill
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Voltage: 120 Volts
- Wattage: 840 watts
- Maximum Power: 850 Watts
- Amperage: 7 amp.
- Torque: 117.7-In-lb
- Maximum Chuck Size: 10 Millimeters
- Powerful: Yes
- Lightweight: Yes
- Chuck: Yes Special features: 7-Amp, 3/8-Inch, Metal Keyless Chuck, Variable Speed w/ Dial, Rubber Over-Molded Handle, Forward / Reverse.
- Batteries Included: No
- Batteries Required: No
To sum up, this corded drills list is this Metabo HPT drill with a powerful 7-Amp motor that produces 133.7 in-lbs high torque for different applications.
The drill features a 3/8 inches metallic keyless chuck for added durability and great bit retention capability.
Other Features and Benefits
The form fit handle has a rubber-molded cover that helps reduce motor vibrations for easy control. To add on that, the variable speeds of 0-2700 RPM enable the tool to perform multiple tasks.
However, the speed dial isn’t reliable as it sometimes tends to fail when the drill is working at low speeds.
Finally, the reverse/forward switch enables easy one-hand operation and helps reduce fatigue.
Performance Ratings
Product Documentation
- Instruction Manual PDF
Customer Review Section
- High-speed motor
- Variable speeds
- Low vibrations
- Durable metal chuck
- Easy to use
- The speed control mechanism isn’t efficient
Frequently Asked Questions
These questions will help you to get an in-depth understanding of corded drills.
Corded or cordless, which drills are more powerful?
Corded drills are regarded to be more powerful than cordless ones by many users as they are plugged into a steady source of power.
Are corded drills more durable than cordless drills?
Most of the weight of cordless drills is usually taken up by batteries meaning their gears and casing have to be a bit lightweight. Since corded drills have no batteries, more effort is put to their overall construction, making them deliver exceptional durability.
How do I put a bit into a drill?
This can be done easily by making some adjustments on the chuck. You may do this by hand without any tools or by using a chuck key for a keyed chuck drill.
Our Best Pick
From our detailed research, we have settled on the Makita 3/8″ Corded Drill to be our top pick. This is despite the drill having a motor that runs at only 4.9 Amps, it delivers outstanding performance similar to the drills with more powerful motors.
There’s more, the drill has a simple to operate trigger for precise control while its weight is equally distributed for comfortable use.
Final Thoughts
Corded drills are designed to handle heavy-duty and challenging projects thanks to their powerful motors. Despite not being easily portable or having to rely on a steady supply of power, the drills are lightweight, compact, and comfortable to handle.
Unfortunately, most corded drills come at a high price point. But this doesn’t mean that you can’t find high quality corded drills below the 100 dollar mark like the ones described in this article.