Best Corded Power Drill Reviews Top Buys In Every Category

Last Updated on 2020-09-24 by Harry Masterton

Your looking for the best corded power drill reviews? We give you the top buys in every category from high power professional to 1/2 inch to DIY and home use.

One of the first things that you discover in woodworking is that cutting and drilling are what you do to get things done. Outside of measuring, most tools in your kit will cut or drill wood. That makes the drill one of the most important and most used tools in your shop.

Traditional hand-powered drills have been around for thousands of years. Professional tradesman and hobbyists used “egg-beater” drills or a bit and brace until the middle of the last century. Electric-powered drills gained popularity after the Second World War, with today's market filled with corded and cordless versions.

In a hurry? Then go straight to our recommendations for the best corded power drill in these categories.

• The Best High Power Corded Drill
• The Best 1/2 Corded Drill
• The Best Budget Corded Power Drill
• Black & Decker Corded Drill Review
• The Best Corded Power Drill For Home Use

The drill uses an electronic motor to rotate a bit. Its sharpened tip cuts into the wood as it turns. That seems straight forward, right?

Things become more complex as manufacturers add features to drill. Motors drive the drill bit in a forward and reverse direction. They also add a slip clutch (or torque control) that allows you to set the amount of torque the drill transfers during operation.

What follows is a list of the best corded power drill reviews that highlight several power-tools that may serve your needs in the shop. You should gain a better understanding of what stands out with these drills, both the good as well as the not-so-good. An overview of each product's features will help to determine who the drill would serve best.

There are no other tools that are designed to make holes in your projects, so selecting the right drill will save you time and money while keeping your woodworking journey fun and our best corded power drill reviews will help you choose the right drill for you.

Best Corded Power Drill Reviews – Is Corded Right For You

Power Drill Review Corded vs Cordless

Before we get started with the products in the best corded power drill reviews, it might be worthwhile to compare the corded and cordless drill designs available to you.

Power drill review corded vs cordless similarities

Most corded and cordless designs are one-handed. Some drills include a secondary handle (a “D-handle” or Pistol-grip) that allows you to use your off-hand as well. Specialty drills, like the hammer drill, will also provide grips for two-handed use.

Today's cordless drills have similar power output to corded drills. Many battery packs hold 18 or 20 volts of stored capacity. You can get as much torque from a cordless drill as you can a corded model.

Compact designs are popular in both ranges. Upgrades in motors and build materials allow for smaller housings.

Power drill review corded vs cordless differences

The first thing that stands out is that cordless designs are more expensive. A “tool only” cordless purchase is often more than a corded drill. Adding a battery and charger can double the price.

Another difference will be the output capacity. Cordless drills eventually drain and will need recharging. A corded drill will run as long as it has power from an outlet.

Mobility is the key feature of a cordless drill. It is not limited to an outlet or extension cord. Battery operated drills will work in places that a corded design can not.

The Best Corded Power Drill Reviews – High Power

DeWalt DWD210G 1/2-Inch 10-Amp Electric Drill with Pistol-Grip

Recommended for: Users who need the best high power corded drill, including professionals.

4.7 out of 5.0 stars4.7

Our best corded power drill reviews begin with the DWD210G because of the power it offers. DeWalt employs a 10-amp electric motor in the drill. That should provide steady performance on the job site or shop without bogging down.

DeWalt DWD210G Features

Another feature that makes this the best high power corded drill is the RPMs. A range from 0 to 1,250 RPMs allows you to match the speed with the drill bit size and wood type.

DeWalt provides a pistol-grip with this model. That extra handhold increases your ability to hold the drill steady. It also prevents it from twisting out of one hand, another reason it is the best high power corded drill.

DeWalt includes overload protection, helping to safeguard your investment. It is also covered by a 90-day money-back guarantee and one year of free service. You also get a three-year limited warranty.

DeWalt DWD210G – Things We Like

• A 10-amp electric motor. This should generate plenty of speed and torque without bogging down in most woods.
• Its durable construction. DeWalt is known for its durable tools, and the housing and motor components in this drill are no different.
• The pistol-grip handle. It provides a two-handed hold that improves your control while limiting fatigue.

DeWalt DWD210G – Not So Good

• The ergonomic padding does not cover everything. That black padding only covers the back portion of the handle and is missing from the areas your fingers will rest at.
• You will pay more for this corded drill. The price point is higher than other drills you will see reviewed here.

Metabo HPT D13VF 1/2-Inch 9-Amp Electric Drill

Recommended for: Woodworkers and DIYers needing the features found on the best 1/2 inch corded drill design.

4.4 out of 5.0 stars4.4

This entry on the best corded power drill reviews offers users the torque needed for almost any job. From mixing paint or cement to drilling large diameter holes, the double gear reduction creates superior torque of 416 inch-pounds from this drill.

Metabo HPT D13VF Features

A nine-amp motor powers this drill. That provides plenty of power, and when combined with the higher torque rating, helps to make this the best 1/2 inch corded drill.

The design also incorporates a form grip palm grip. That provides more options for your second hand when working on drilling out larger holes. You also get a D-handle with this drill, adding more versatility.

The button controls along the left side of the handle make them ideally located for many users. They are easy to activate, helping to make this the best 1/2 inch corded drill under $100 based on operation alone. That includes an oversized reverse switch.

Metabo HPT D13VF – Things We Like

• It provides 416 inch-pounds of torque. That gives you the ability to pursue high-torque applications like boring out larger holes.
• Uses aluminum gear housing. This offers good protection of the gears and dissipates heat.
• Simple finger controls. The buttons are close to each other and can be activated while you work.

Metabo HPT D13VF – Not So Good

• It generates lower RPMs. The trade-off for the higher torque is the maximum of only 850 RPMs.
• Wasted padding. Ergonomic padding that could be used for the handle is used in secondary locations instead.

The Best Corded Power Drill Reviews – DIY and Budget

Porter-Cable PC600D 3/8-Inch 6-Amp Electric Drill

Recommended for: Novice woodworkers and DIYers looking for the best budget corded power drill.

4.6 out of 5.0 stars4.6

For many woodworkers, price matters, and that is why this item appears on the best corded power drill reviews. The price point for this drill should fit almost any shop budget while providing the ability to drill holes and drive fasteners.

Porter-Cable PC600D Features

The PC600D may use only a six amp motor, but that motor is variable speed. Under no-load conditions, it has a range of 0 to 2,500 RPMs. The top-end speed is one of the reasons that this rates as the best budget corded power drill in the market.

The material that covers the handle helps to reduce vibration. That includes covering where the fingers will rest as you grip the drill.

Another feature that makes this the best budget corded power drill is the keyless chuck. This design element lets you change out drill bits quickly. It also offers plenty of holding power on the bits as they twist.

Porter-Cable PC600D – Things We Like

• A cheap price tag. You get a basic drill for a rock bottom price when compared to other models listed here.
• The keyless chuck. You will be amazed at the time this saves you over the older chucks that required a key to lock down bits.
• It weighs about four pounds. That is lighter than the 1/2-inch drills that we have reviewed.

Porter-Cable PC600D – Not So Good

• A 3/8-inch chuck. This will limit your bit selection somewhat, especially with large boring bits.
• It uses a smaller motor. The six-amp motor is a drop in power, especially compared to those reviewed previously.

The Best Corded Power Drill Reviews – Black & Decker

Black & Decker BDEDMT 3/8-Inch 4-Amp Electric Drill

Recommended for: Occasional users looking for a drill will find a good option in this black and decker corded drill review.

4.5 out of 5.0 stars4.5

This alternative on the best corded power drill reviews provides a look at an occasional use drill for homeowners and DIYers. It is designed for light workloads.

Black & Decker BDEDMT Features

The Matrix Quick Connect System is the reason for this black and decker corded drill review. You can change out the drill head and replace it with, for example, a jigsaw attachment. This provides a lot of application potential.

Another inspiration for this review is the compact design. You can reach under and between tight areas with this drill.

Black & Decker BDEDMT – Things We Like

• Matrix Quick Connect System. You can change out the tool head on this drill for a variety of power tool options.
• Provides 11 clutch settings. You can range from light torque in delicate work to maximum torque for driving bits on larger projects.
• It has a compact design. This will allow you to reach into tight spaces, something that other drills might struggle with.

Black & Decker BDEDMT – Not So Good

• This drill has limited power. It could struggle with deeper holes or larger bits.
• The manufacturer uses cheaper plastic. The housing may not hold up as well as others can.

Black & Decker Matrix System Video

Black & Decker DR260C 3/8-Inch 5.2-Amp Electric Drill

Recommended for: DIYers, homeowners, and woodworkers wanting the best corded power drill for home use.

4.6 out of 5.0 stars4.6

Our final entry on the best corded power drill reviews is the DR260C. It offers users a simple drill for home applications and repairs that won't require a lot of power.

Black & Decker DR260C Features

Its simple design makes this the best corded power drill for home use. A keyless chuck makes bit changing easy. The one-finger trigger is small, but may not be an issue if you have small hands (or for the around-the-house projects you would use this drill on).

Overheating should not be an issue here, as this drill has several venting grids on the side and back of the housing. Its 5.2-amp motor should provide sufficient power for driving fasteners and making small holes.

Black & Decker DR260C – Things We Like

• A simple design. This drill offers the bare minimals in variable speeds and direction.
• It has plenty of ventilation. Large ventports help to keep heat to a minimum.
• On-board sotrage for screwdriver bit. Keeps the bit on the drill during storage for quick use.

Black & Decker DR260C – Not So Good

• Limited uses. A smaller chuck, lower amps, and simple features make this a limited drill compared to others on the list.
• It uses a one-finger trigger. This can become uncomfortable when drilling for longer periods.

Best Corded Power Drill Reviews – Conclusion

As you can read in the best corded power drills reviews above, today's market offers you a wide selection of corded drills. Each of the models reviewed above stands out with features that can match well with particular criteria.

If you are looking for a power tool that can withstand a worksite environment while producing professional-grade power and features, the DeWalt DWD210G will meet your expectations.

If you've enjoyed our best corded power drill reviews then checkout our complete coverage (constantly updated) of the essential woodworking power tools for your shop with links to reviews for each category.

The Metabo HPT D13VF is the best all-around 1/2-inch corded drill. It offers extra torque for making large holes in wood. The controls are well-placed and easy to use.

Woodworkers who are watching their budget will find the Porter-Cable PC600D to their liking. Its compact size still provides enough power to do the jobs you require from it.

Black & Decker's BDEDMT is a nice alternative for light work around the shop or home. The Matrix Quick Connect System allows this to become a variety of power tools.

The Black & Decker DR260C is ideal for small DIY jobs like securing fasteners or for making small holes.

We are sure one or more of these drills in our best corded power drill reviews will match your needs and help to take your woodworking to a whole new level!