What is the difference between the noisy corded drill in your garage and the new sleek cordless drill on the workbench next to it?
The obvious difference is mobility; pop the battery in your cordless drill, and youre free to roam until your hearts desire (or until your battery power runs out of juice). Corded drills, however, are dependent upon the long, cumbersome extension cord with which most DIYers have a love/hate relationship.
Quick Summary: The Top Rated Drills
There’s more to it than that.
In this article, well take a thorough look at the differences between corded and cordless drills; RPMs, max power output, and the advantages/disadvantages of each.
We hope you find this information helpful, and that it helps you make an informed decision about which electric drill to purchase. Continue reading to learn the difference between corded and cordless drills.
Power: Its All About TORQUE
Before we start to do any comparisons or number crunching, let me just say that a corded drill has a greater power output than a cordless power tool. They have an inexhaustible 110-volt source of electricity, while cordless drills only have 12, 18, or 20-volts. Dont forget to check out the new kid on the block: Best Brushless Drills, our full review.
Now, without getting off on too much of a tangent (and having to break out our old electrical engineering notes from college), lets take a look at some max power outputs of some corded and cordless drills, and maybe clear up a few misconceptions about volts, watts, amps, power, and torque along the way.
Corded drills run off 110-volt power supplies. For example, a corded power drill with a 7-amp motor will have a maximum power output of 770 watts (watts = volts x amps).
However, watts (max power output) isnt necessarily the best unit to consider when comparing drills. We were more interested speed and torque. Speed is measured in RPM and torque is measured in inches-pounds.
Make sense?
A lot of todays top-quality cordless drills can get some seriously impressive torque and speed out of their 18 or 20-volt batteries, and will provide you with all the power you could ever need for around-the-house use.
DeWalt actually uses a calculation called max Watts Out (MWO), to determine the maximum power value of their cordless drills. For example, the 20-volt drill has a MWO value of 300. This is obviously much less powerful than the previous 7-amp corded power tools that had a maximum power of 710-watts.
We said that the true proof is in the torque and speed. Corded drills can pack more power, so they are better at packing the punch.
There Are Other Things You Should Consider When Discussing Cords
So weve established that, in general, a corded tool is more powerful than a cordless one. There are other differences between them.
Size, weight, and handling
Because they dont have to account for those bulky, heavy batteries, corded drills are typically a good deal leaner, lighter, and smaller than cordless drills. Professionals always take a corded drill with them on job sites in case their bulky cordless drill(s), are not able to fit.
Convenience and mobility
Not being limited or hindered by a power cord is obviously the massive benefit of cordless drills over corded. Theres nothing more convenient than popping in a battery pack and getting on with a job. The downside is that you are limited in time due to the battery’s charge.
Lifespan
This is something you should think about. Most people will agree that it is the worst thing to do to a battery if it sits for too long without being used. Corded drills are a good option if you’re looking for a drill, but don’t plan on using it often. Even with frequent use, of course, batteries dont last forever you can expect a good several years out of them, but not the decades that youll get with a corded drill.
Multiple uses for battery
The best thing about cordless tools today is the ability to use one battery for your drill and circular saw, as well as your impact driver, impact driver, and other tools. If you’re just starting out in a garage, and only need a few basic items, a cordless tool can be a great option.
Most manufacturers actually make great combo kits (like this one from DeWalt) that set you right up with a couple batteries, a charger, and few of the most important power tools that youll need.
Our Top Picks: Best Drills Overall
So whats the bottom line do you go cordless or corded?
Well, thats a decision youll have to make based on your specific needs, applications, etc.
We prefer to have both. It’s convenient to be able grab the old corded drill whenever you need it. There is no substitute for a good quality cordless drill.
Whichever one you choose, heres a list of a few of our favorite models out there for both corded and cordless:
Corded Drills
DEWALT DW223G 7 Amp 3/20cm Drill
This cordless drill is an excellent value and will provide you with enough power to do all your housework. It has an 8-amp motor with 2,500 max rpm. It also has a variable speed trigger that allows you to work with different materials and drill bits. This makes it an ideal all-arounder.
Ryobi D48CK 5.5-amp Variable Speed Corded Drill
Our value pick. This could be your best value option if you’re looking for an affordable option. It has a variable speed motor of 5.5 amps, so it can handle all your standard jobs around the house.
Cordless Drills
DeWalt DCD771C2 20 Volt MAX Cordless Drill/Driver
Like weve said time and again, in our opinion its hard to beat DeWalts line of 20-volt MAX cordless tools; great charge times, long battery life, and plenty of power. This model boasts a 2-speed motor (0-1500 and 1-450 rpm), and a maximum power output of 300 MWO.
Milwaukee 2606-22CT M18 Cordless Drill/Driver
It’s all about the DeWalt. The M18 REDLITHIUM Milwaukee batteries are the best in the business, second only to DeWalts 20-volt MAX.
Bottom Line
To break down an entire article into a couple sentences:
Corded drills tend to be more powerful, lighter, and leaner than cordless counterparts. They are noisy, more cumbersome, and less mobile.
While cordless power drills are indispensable, they are heavy and bulky in comparison to corded tools that have a shorter lifespan and are subject to power limitations.
This article was enjoyable. You can also check out other articles that I have written:
