Corded vs Cordless Drill: Is One Better Than the Other?

Just this year, Yahoo reported an expected growth in the global power drill market by $540.03 million between 2021 and 2026.

Due to the high competition between vendors in the power tool industry, the market has become highly saturated.

Players are continuously aiming to launch new products to fight for market share.

For instance, there are hundreds of corded vs cordless drills you can choose from, and it can be time-consuming to find the right model for you.

We just made the search easier by identifying key factors that professionals usually look for when making a purchase.

Let’s compare the two types of drills.

Table of Contents

    What To Consider When Getting a Corded Drill?

    While often used for the same functions, corded and cordless drills are in no way two peas of the same pod.

    Being the powerful tools that they are, corded tools have been around for a much longer time than battery-operated drills.

    Portability and Storage

    Generally, corded drills are more lightweight than their cordless counterparts because there is no need for heavy batteries.

    If you prefer to work with a lighter, more compact, and smaller power tool, then these might just be your new best friend.

    That said, its power cord would have to be the corded drill’s biggest deal breaker at the same time.

    When working with a tool plugged into a power source, your movement is limited, and your twists and turns are restricted.

    What’s more, you will have to think about where you will plug it in when bringing a corded drill on a job site.

    More often than not, this means you would need to bring an extension cord with you, and this can pose potential hazards on the site.

    According to Forbes, most accidents in the workplace are due to slips and falls.

    So, aside from wearing appropriate workwear for safety, how well you use your tools and whether or not they come with safety features are also important.

    Lifespan and Durability

    Generally, because a corded drill’s main source of power is not dependent on battery power, it can last you for years on end.

    These drills are built to endure not only the test of time but also rough handling.

    Buy one from a good brand with good warranty coverage to back it up, and you might never have to buy one again.

    Precision and Performance

    A corded drill’s maximum power output usually depends on its electric motor’s size, which is measured in amps.

    To get the maximum output of a corded power drill, multiply amps with the voltage power supply, the standard being 110V.

    Constant access to a power supply would mean your device can last for longer periods of time.

    This also means it can finish even the toughest of jobs without the worry of running out of juice.

    Ease of Use

    Because of its size, professionals often prefer to bring the old and reliable corded drill on-site.

    Tight spaces in a job site might impose limitations that a bulky cordless drill won’t be able to reach.

    Another notable feature of corded drills is their keyed chucks.

    Keyed chucks give you a firmer grip on the bit so that you can be confident to “nail” those jobs that require small drill bits.

    The best part is that you can do all these without sacrificing your safety.

    Also, once you have a power source, you can simply plug your device into the nearest power outlet, and you are ready to go!

    corded vs cordless drill difference

    Which Corded Drill To Get?

    Here are some models for beginners and professionals who are planning to buy or replace their old corded drill:

    This Black+Decker drill runs on a 5.2-amp motor that is perfect for doing all-around tasks at home or on-site.

    This power tool works like a beast but is ironically very compact and user-friendly.

    This corded drill boasts speeds of up to 2,500 RPM with a VSR trigger.

    It has an even more powerful eight-amp motor than the Black+Decker unit that is sure to deliver a spot-on performance.

    Equipped with a 1/2-inch keyed chuck, this tool can power through heavy-duty jobs.

    It is also more powerful than the Black+Decker corded drill since it comes with a high torque 7.5-amp motor.

    What To Consider When Getting a Cordless Drill?

    Many brands are coming out with better and more advanced versions of cordless drills.

    As competition in the tool market is continuously getting tighter, are cordless drills really the face of the future?

    To answer this question, let’s talk about what makes them stand out.

    Portability and Storage

    When purchasing cordless power tools, you must keep in mind that they will take up more storage space than your usual corded drill.

    This is because cordless models use batteries.

    You may notice that cordless drills are usually sold in kits with one or two batteries for backup purposes. Due to this, they are usually heavier, less compact, and bulkier than corded drills.

    Still, they are easy to pack up and bring to the job site without the need to bring extension cords.

    Lifespan and Durability

    Cordless battery-powered tools can benefit the user because of their portability, but they are better used than stored.

    Therefore, if you are planning to buy a cordless drill and not use it as often, you might want to rethink your choice.

    Also, batteries impose a limit on the runtime of the product.

    Without a steady power source, you have to deal with the possibility of a sudden loss of power, delaying whatever it is that you are working on.

    Another thing to consider is the possibility of a certain type of battery to go obsolete in the market.

    Precision and Performance

    We find it worth mentioning that because of continuous innovation, a lot of battery-powered tools in the market today run on lithium-ion batteries.

    These batteries work more times as hard as the traditional battery and can last longer, too.

    Despite that, the steady supply of power that corded drills get still results in unparalleled RPM and torque power in general.

    We find that these two factors are essential in determining the durability and performance of a drill overall.

    Ease of Use

    Having to work in an uninhibited environment is probably one of the biggest benefits that a cordless drill can boast of.

    Without restrictions, you can easily get a job done in minutes instead of hours.

    Which Cordless Drill To Get?

    Enumerated below is a list of heavy-duty cordless tools you can easily pick and set up.

    Get a head-on with that DIY project now by choosing only the best cordless drills in the market.

    This drill promises to deliver accuracy and high-performance thanks to its 300 unit watts out (UWO) of power ability.

    It has a high-speed transmission and two speed settings (0 to 450 and 1,500 RPM).

    This cordless drill features an ergonomic design along with a promise of 750 RPM power. It also has an interchangeable battery system, so you can use its battery for other tools.

    Powered by a 20V max lithium-ion battery, this power tool will not give you anything less than what you expect. It comes with an LED light to help you work in the dark, as well.

    Is Corded More Powerful Than Cordless?

    In general, cordless options do not give as much power as corded power tools.

    Being the number one choice of contractors and professionals around the globe, corded drills are more durable by nature.

    Do Corded Drills Have More Torque?

    Yes, corded drills often have more consistent torque because of their endless power supply.

    When choosing corded drills, buyers often look at amperage. Higher amps usually equate to a higher power, and more power means higher torque.

    You can consider torque as the pushing power of the unit or that extra oomph that allows it to better penetrate through materials.

    Is Investing in a Cordless Drill Worth It?

    The answer will depend on the user experience you are trying to achieve.

    If you are somebody who prefers a compact tool without the need to worry about your freedom of movement, making a choice to invest in a cordless drill would be great for you.

    This drill is also good for simple DIY home projects but not those demanding jobs.

    If you have high requirements for power and performance, then going with a corded drill would be a wiser choice.

    Corded vs Cordless Drill: The Final Verdict

    The debate between corded vs cordless drills is still ongoing as more attempts are made to extend the battery life and performance of cordless drills.

    Ultimately, the type of drill you pick will depend on your needs and how big of a project you plan on taking on.

    While the question is still running through your mind, you might want to check out the best models of both corded and cordless drills to see what they can offer.

    Help us out by spreading the word!!

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    *