Corded vs. Cordless Drill: Which is Better for My Needs?

As technology advances, more and more cordless tools come onto the market. The big debate is which one is better, the corded or cordless? Well, the only one that can answer that question is you. It all depends on what you will be using it for. Are you a contractor that needs it for heavy-duty jobs? Or, maybe you’re a homeowner, that needs it for lighter work. Let’s compare the two types of drill to figure out which one is best for you.

Corded Drill Overview

Corded drills are best known for their power. They are generally the drill of choice for contractors because of their dependability. Generally speaking, they are made to be durable and will run so long as they have access to power. Corded drills are very easy to use. Just plug them in, and you are ready to go.

The outlet provides constant access to power so you don’t need to worry about running out of juice mid-job. The only reason that it wouldn’t work is if you don’t have any power, making them very reliable and perfect for heavy-duty use.

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• 10 Best Corded Drills
• 10 Best Corded Hammer Drills

Power

Corded drills are rated in amps. The higher the amperage, the more power it has. In this case, more power means more torque. Corded drills will feature a trigger that you pull when you want the tool to activate. Most modern tools also include variable speed capabilities, meaning the harder you press the trigger, the faster the bit will rotate.

Another thing that affects the torque of the drill is the clutch. Corded drills have a clutch that regulates the speed. This clutch is adjustable. The higher the clutch setting is, the faster your drill is going to spin. If you try to get the torque to go faster than the clutch is set for, it will disengage and make a clicking sound to tell you that something may need to be changed.

Keyed Chuck

Corded drills will also feature a keyed chuck, which is where you insert your drill bit.

A keyed chuck requires that you have a key that fits into it grooves to tighten your bit down. This allows for a firmer grip on the bit giving it less of a chance of it slipping. A keyed chuck is also better when you are doing jobs that require small drill bits because it can be tighter more securely.

Why Choose a Corded Drill?

Contractors will generally choose a corded drill because power is what is most important to them. They also need to have a drill that they know is going to work for them at any time. The constant need for an outlet can be frustrating, but it’s also a problem easily solved by a dependable extension cord.

The only other drawback of the corded unit is that if the cord gets damage, that’s usually the end of the tool. Best case scenario that never happens, but since work sites can be tough, it’s also always a possibility.

People who use corded drills also like that they are lighter weight than the cordless ones because they don’t have a battery. Even though they weigh less, they are really bulky, which can make getting into tight spaces a challenge.

Cordless Drill Overview

Cordless drills are the go-to drills for convenience. They can go anywhere and don’t break the bank. Of course, there is a considerable span in the cost of the drills, depending on the brand and accessories that you purchase with it.

Cordless drills are battery operated and can be purchased in kits that feature one or several backup batteries. If you can handle the price difference, it is best to purchase a kit with two batteries so that you can always have one charging and read when you need a replacement.

See Also: 

• 6 Best Cordless Drills under $50
• 10 Best Cordless Drill Combo Kits

Convenience

There are pros and cons to having batteries. They are great because you can take them virtually anywhere with you, especially those hard to get places, without any limitations. The only problem is that the battery only lasts for so long.

Another reason many like cordless drills is the fact that they are not as cumbersome as their corded friend. If you are a homeowner and basically just use it for light projects, then a cordless could be the one for you.

Sometimes batteries just wear out and sometimes they go bad. One reason that a battery may go bad is if you don’t use your drill often and it just sits around for an extended period of time. When they do go bad, you can purchase replacement batteries pretty easily, though in some cases the battery can cost almost as much as a new tool. It’s also worth noting that manufacturers upgrade batteries from time to time, which can make it difficult to find an appropriate replacement.

Why Choose a Cordless Drill?

Cordless drills can be used for things other than drilling. One of those is driving screws. You can purchase drills that have magnetic tips that will hold your screw in place while you begin putting it in the wall. You don’t have to hold it and accidentally screw your finger.

Some models of drills have power settings that specifically for driving screws, nuts and bolts. This helps control how far you insert your screw. It helps from over tighten or stripping them.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both corded and cordless drills have their place in your toolbox, whether you are a homeowner of a contractor.

Corded drills are known for their power and are the number one choice among contractors. Corded drills have a constant power source, higher torque, and are made to last. The corded drill is the best overall option if you are looking for something durable efficient and powerful.

Cordless drills are known for their versatility and convenience, usually making them the number one pick among homeowners. They are compact and can be taken anywhere you need it to go. They’re great when you have small jobs that need to be done around the house and don’t feel like going through the hassle of unwinding and winding up cords.

So,the questions are, do you need a drill for the amount of power that it has? Or do you want a drill that is portable? There is no right or wrong answer. It depends on each individual and what they will be using their drill for.

• See Also: How Much Does It Cost to Drill a Well?
• Read Also: 15 Handy Uses for Your Cordless Drill at Home

Featured Image Credit: ThamKC, Shutterstock