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Cordless Drill Vs Corded Drill: Simple Guide

Lowe's Editorial Team

By Lowe's Editorial Team
Published September 11, 2024

A drill machine can come in handy for a variety of projects. However, you may be unsure whether to choose a cordless drill vs corded drill. Let's understand their features and differences to help you decide on the best one.

What is a Cordless Drill?

A cordless drill is a power tool for drilling holes and driving fasteners. It uses rechargeable batteries and is easy to transport and operate. These features make it useful for many projects. Unlike corded drills, which require a socket, they can be used anywhere. They are also very useful for outdoor use. Some come with 404 UWO and up to 1,650 RPMs with no load for various drilling applications. They also have a 1/2-in ratcheting chuck for high bit retention.  

Good to Know

The drill that comes with 404 UWO (Unit Watts Out) is more powerful. For example, cutting into dense materials like hardwood or metal. 1,650 RPMs (Revolutions Per Minute) are better for fast drilling through soft materials like wood or plastic. Its 1/2-inch ratcheting chuck makes sure they have a secure grip on the bit. It gives better accuracy and stability while using.

What is a Corded Drill?

Corded drills are more powerful than cordless drills as they run on electricity. They can operate for long hours without compromising on the output power. Newer models can supply up to 3,100 RPMs and 52,700 BPMs and come with keyed chucks. They also have lock-on triggers for ease of prolonged use. 

Good to Know

BPM or Beats Per Minute is used to check the impact rate of the drill or how many times it strikes per minute. A higher BPM is most useful for tasks like drilling into hard materials. It offers a faster and more effective drilling process. 

What Are the Main Differences?

These two models have one obvious difference - one has to be plugged in and the other doesn't. But there are some other differences too. These include:  

Drill Power

Corded drills are considered more powerful since they have a constant power source and will not run out of batteries. However, you'll need access to sockets near the site of your project. With cordless drills you won’t run into the problem of needing an outlet, but this compromises on power. 

Mobility

Corded drills make mobility much more difficult as you are constantly tethered to the wire. Going cordless is better if you have narrow spaces to reach and don't want to be connected to an extension wire. 

Weight

Some users find that cordless battery-powered equipment can be fairly heavy due to the battery pack. This additional weight might make it cumbersome and difficult to drill. This is especially important if you are doing any sensitive work, like drilling small holes or working in small spaces. 

Battery life

Cordless tool offer the benefit of power independence. However, you are still connected to something—in this case, time. Cordless drill battery packs only last a certain length, depending on their AMP hours, before needing to be recharged. A corded power tool may be best if you need a trustworthy tool. 

Price

Cordless drills are often more costly than corded drills. This is because of the charger and batteries that come with corded ones. You also need to buy more batteries in the future. 

Are Corded Drills Better Than Cordless?

Due to their cordless nature, cordless drills can offer better portability. While not as powerful as the corded version, they are adequate for most household drilling needs. Owing to their size and shape, they are very convenient to carry around and operate. Here’s what you should consider before you make your purchase:

Length of Work

If you don't plan on doing much renovation work, corded power tools may be a better option. This is because leaving a battery unused for an extended period of time might lead it to fail. 

Multi-purpose batteries

Certain power tool companies have engineered their tools so that they all utilize the same battery power pack. If you require many tools to perform a task, it may be worth sticking with a single brand for convenience. 

Are Corded Drills More Powerful Than Cordless?

Yes, corded drills are often much more powerful than cordless drills. They are connected to a socket while operating. Since they drive power directly form socket, corded drills have a steady power.

Corded drills often have higher torque than cordless drills, which makes them more powerful. More torque allows for easier drilling of bigger and tougher materials. Cordless tools only have a battery as a supply and thus, their power decreases when the battery is depleted. 

Battery Drill vs Corded: Pros and Cons of the Drills

The pros and cons of both the drills can be summarised as such: 

An image explaining the pros and cons of both battery and corded drill.

Corded drills are versatile machines for various workloads. Cordless battery drills are among the most convenient power tools for homeowners. Weigh your needs and requirements before settling for one of the drills.

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