Corded vs Cordless Drill: Which One Is The Best For You

Last Updated on January 31, 2023 by John Patterson

Nowadays, we’re going all out on wireless technology.

What Nikola Tesla started is now being implemented across the globe.

Well, not actually.

However, let’s move aside from Nicola Tesla and wireless.

Let’s talk about drills. Nowadays, cordless drills are seeing a popularity boost.

So, does this mean the end of corded drills?

Are those noisy days of corded drills gone?

The answer is no.

But this doesn’t certainly answer the debate of corded vs cordless drill. Let’s stop giving out these empty promises and dig right into the details-

So the question is, which one should I buy, corded or cordless models?

Let’s dive into the head-to-head comparison.

Corded vs. Cordless Drill: Head-to-Head Comparison

We have picked up 4 criteria for settling the dispute between corded and cordless drills.

These criteria are power, handling, convenience, and lifespan.

Oh! And as a bonus, we have talked about sound generation too.

So, let’s get going-

Corded and Cordless Drills Power

If you want to judge 2 electrical products based on their powers, then first, you have to know what gives them power.

In electric, power = voltage x current flow.

So, how much voltage and power do our drills have?

Cordless drills can have 24 volts and can draw 15 to 20 amps.

On the other hand, corded drills run on 110 volts and can draw around 8 amps.

So, our winner here is corded drills. They overwhelm cordless drills, considering the power.

However, you might say that torque and speed matter in the case of drills.

Well, it’s true. But the formula for torque is- T= F* r* sin (theta)

And here, F means force. And we know Force = Power * Displacement/Time.

Which means the force is proportional to power.

So, ultimately, torque is proportional to power.

So, we can say that corded drills are the winners here.

Read also: Cordless Drills Storage Ideas 

Corded and Cordless Drills Handling

Here the result goes to corded ones. You might think that we’re nuts at this point.

But it’s true. See the title again. We are judging the handling criteria. Cordless drills are more massive than corded drills.

Because of the extra battery, in the end, corded batteries are bulky and heavy all the way.

On the other hand, our winner-corded drills are leaner, smaller, and lighter than their competitors.

Corded and Cordless Drills Convenience

We are assuming that you all know the winner here already.

Yeah, the winner here is the cordless drill.

That’s because these drills don’t have a cord behind them.

You can take this anywhere you want after a full charge.

So, with these at hand, you don’t have to worry about power outlets and cord lengths.

Moreover, you won’t have a fear of tangling into the cords in here.

Corded and Cordless Drills Lifespan

This one was a bit tough for us. But still, we have managed to agree on a single decision.

Here the main dilemma starts with one question.

What would happen if you let the drills sit for a while?

Well, the cordless drill will have to say goodbye to battery performance and efficiency.

On the other hand, the corded drills might get their wire cut or something else ruined, thanks to mice and other factors.

But let’s keep it all aside and think. Batteries have a recharge limit.

The Ni-Cd batteries can be recharged around 1000 times.

After that, the battery loses its effectiveness.

So, the winner here is corded batteries.

Corded Drills and Cordless Drills Sound

Here the winner is cordless drills.

Thanks to the hammer mood of corded drills, these can make around 100 dB.

On the other hand, cordless drills are a bit polite in making noises.

But that’s actually because of its low power output.

Score Table

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Best Corded Drill for 2022

Here is our recommended list of heavy-duty corded drills we found for you on the market.

[amazon table=”2307″]

DEWALT DWD115K 8 Amp

[amazon box=”B0014GKA86″]

No matter its small or mediocre household chores like home improvement, or heavy-duty handymanship, the DEWALT DWD115K 8 Amp will come up with the right power.

The 8 amp motor can provide an RPM level of 2500, which is way more convenient than many others of a similar price range.

We just mentioned the highest RPM this cordless drill could come up with.

But what about controlling what exact RPM you want from your machine?

Well, to ensure that you can put the right amount of power into action, a VSR trigger is provided.

You can deploy the right power for any job, like fastening, drilling, etc.

Now, let’s shift our radar from the motor power to the design.

The design is, of course, an elegant one, with layers of comfort put on.

Just look at the mid-handle grip, for instance. Its grip is designed to provide a soft touch and enhance the balance and control of the drill machine.

But retention is undoubtedly one of the greatest things that users look for in a corded drill.

On that note, this DEWALT DWD115K 8 Amp deserves a 9 on 10.

The ⅜ inches all-metal-made ratcheting comes with a keyless chuck as well.

Together, achieving excellent bit retention is just a matter of seconds.

In terms of price point, you would get the wrong idea if you compare this item with typical corded drill machines.

The price might seem high at the instance, but if you take the wide range of features it sports, you should understand it’s worth it.

Related Reading: Cordless Drill Manufacturers list.

Best Cordless Drills for 2023

Here is our recommended list of heavy-duty cordless drills we researched and found for you on the market.

[amazon table=”2308″] [amazon box=”B00HUCUF4W”]

Other top-quality brands to look at:

#1. Dewalt Drills
#2. Ryobi Drills

Final Verdict

We have analyzed these two types of drills in-depth, and finally, we have found an answer to corded vs cordless drills.

The winner is corded drills.

But by a little bit. Lastly, we recommend you keep both (corded or cordless) if you’re a regular user.

If you’re using it for home, then keep the corded one. Good luck.