10 Best Corded Drill for Woodworking in 2024


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Choosing a corded drill nowadays seems almost impossible with all the brands and different versions being offered. And, it gets especially hard, if you want to use that corded drill for woodworking applications.

I mean, if you don’t know how to choose then you might have to deal with some, if not all, of the following issues:

  • Bulky and heavy corded drills that are uncomfortable to work with, especially when drilling on wood
  • Unnecessary features that make corded drills difficult to operate
  • Not having enough torque to drill dense types of wood
  • Cheap materials used in the structure that not only feel bad at the touch but also do not last as long as they should

The good news is that all these issues can be solves with a corded drill that has a specific set of features carefully chosen.

In this article, I’m gonna show you the list of the best-corded drills for woodworking that I arrived at after weeks of testing and researching.

List Of The Best Corded Drills For Woodworking

This is the list of 10 corded drills I personally tested and found to be the best for woodworking applications:

1. Dewalt Dwd115K 8.0-Amp, 3/8-Inch, Mid-Handle Grip Corded Drill For Woodworking

DEWALT Drill, 8.0-Amp, 3/8-Inch, heavyduty Variable Speed Trigger, Mid-Handle Grip for Comfort, Corded (DWD115K ),Yellow

A good corded drill for woodworking must have enough power to drill through any kind of wood.

This is why I like this Dewalt corded drill, as it comes with an 8 amp motor that delivers up to 2500 RPMs which is more than enough to drill even the densest woods.

Additionally, it has a keyless chuck which makes the drill bit much more stable for drilling.

In terms of comfort, this drill does not lack behind as it comes manufactured with a mid-handle grip design which makes using the tool much more comfortable than other similar tools.

Pros

  • 8 Amp Motor Delivers High Performance
  • 3/8″ All-Metal, Ratcheting, Keyless Chuck
  • 0-2,500 Rpm With Vsr Trigger For Versatility In Drilling And Fastening Applications
  • Mid-Handle Grip Design With Soft Grip
  • All Ball Bearing Construction Provides Greater Durability
  • Weighs 4.1 Lbs

Cons

  • Trigger Might Feel A Bit Sensitive

Check Price

2. Black+Decker Dr260C, 5.2-Amp, 3/8-Inch Corded Drill For Woodworking

BLACK+DECKER Corded Variable Speeds Drill, 5.5-Amp, 3/8-Inch (DR260C)

No one wants to get a corded drill that does not have enough power, especially if it’s going to be used on hardwoods.

This Black+Decker corded drill performed really well in that sense during the testing period as it delivered 0 to 1500 RPMs which is sufficient to drill even in the hardest woods out there.

It even came with an on-board bit storage which made my life much easier at the workshop.

Pros

  • Variable Speed For Control During Drilling
  • On Board Bit Storage For Convenience
  • 0-1500 Rpm
  • 5.2 Amp

Cons

  • Can Be A Bit Noisy

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3. Dewalt (Dwd210G), Pistol-Grip, 1/2-Inch, 10-Amp Corded Drill For Woodworking

DEWALT Electric Drill, Pistol-Grip, 1/2-Inch, 10-Amp (DWD210G)

If a friend tells me he’s looking for a corded drill my first response is “Well brother, good luck with that!”

I mean, there are a lot, and I mean, A LOT, of corded drills that don’t deliver half of the power someone needs to drill on dense woods.

This is why I like this Dewalt pistol-grip corded drill, as it comes with a 10 amp motor that outputs 0 to 1250 RPMs with a variable speed switch that makes drilling wood a piece of cake.

Additionally, this tool came with a 360-degree locking soft-grip handle which made the drilling experience much more convenient, especially when doing complex jobs.

Pros

  • 10 Amp Motor
  • 0-1250 Rpm, Variable Speed Reversing Switch
  • 360-Degree Locking Side Handle With Soft Grip For Greater Control
  • Metal-Gear Housing For Durability

Cons

  • A Bit Of Effort Is Required To Change Drill Bits

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4. Porter-Cable (Pc600D) Variable Speed, 6-Amp, 3/8-Inch Corded Drill For Woodworking

PORTER-CABLE Corded Drill, Variable Speed, 6-Amp, 3/8-Inch (PC600D)

It’s not all about power with corded drills.

I mean, one also wants to be comfortable when drilling, especially when drilling on hardwoods.

This Porter-cable corded drill excelled in that area during the testing period as it came with:

  • A soft-grip handle that makes drilling with this tool much more bearable
  • A belt clip that holds the drill securely while drilling
  • A lock on button that provides control when drilling for a prolonged time

Pros

  • 6.5 Amp Motor Delivers Power In Demanding Applications
  • 0-2500 Rpm Variable Speed Trigger
  • 3/8 In. Keyless Chuck Provides Easy Bit Changes
  • Belt Clip Holds Drill Securely While Working
  • Lock-On Button Provides Control
  • Soft Grip Handle Improves Comfort

Cons

  • Trigger Is A Bit Sensitive

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5. Dewalt Dwe5010 1/2-Inch, 7.0-Amp Corded Drill For Woodworking

DEWALT Corded Drill, 7.8-Amp, 1/2-Inch, Variable Speed Reversible (DW235G)

Power is essential for drilling in wood. This is why I love this Dewalt corded drill, as it comes with attributes such as:

  • 7.0 amp motor which delivers sufficient drilling power to drill on hardwoods
  • Variable speed trigger to adapt the drilling speed to the drilling job at hand, which improves the tool’s lifespan

In terms of convenience, this drill does not flock as it has a compact design and 3.7 lbs of weight which makes the tool really light for drilling for long periods of time on dense types of woods.

Pros

  • 7.0 Amp Motor For Increase Performance
  • Dual Mode: Hammerdrill/Drill For Wood, Steel, Or Masonry Applications
  • 3.7 Lbs. Lightweight Design
  • 360-Degree Side Handle With Depth Rod Offers Greater Control
  • Variable Speed Allows For Precise Hole Placement
  • Compact Design (10.3″ Length) Allows For Comfortable Use
  • Lock On Trigger Gives The Option To Keep The Drill Running Continuously When Doing Repetitive Applications

Cons

  • Might Get Warm When Drilling For Too Long

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6. Dewalt Dwe1014 With Keyed Chuck, 7.0-Amp, 3/8-Inch Corded Drill For Woodworking

DEWALT Corded Drill with Keyed Chuck, 7.0-Amp, 3/8-Inch (DWE1014)

There is no better feeling for a woodworker than using a drill that has enough power to drill on dense woods.

This is why I like this Dewalt DWE1014 corded drill, as it comes with features such as its 7 amp motor and a no-load speed of 0 to 2,800 RPMs that provide enough drilling power to tackle most woodworking applications.

This corded drill does not lack behind in terms of convenience either as it comes with a compact design and a variable speed trigger which makes this tool very easy to operate and lightweight at the same time.

Pros

  • Powerful 7 Amp Motor Gives The User Great Power
  • Compact Design
  • Lightweight Design
  • Variable Speed Trigger Switch Gives The User Greater Versatility
  • Lock-On Switch Reduces Fatigue
  • Keyed Chuck
  • No Load Speed 0-2,800 Rpm
  • Weighs 3.55 Lbs

Cons

  • Trigger Might Require A Bit Of Force To Activate

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7. Milwaukee 0299-20 Magnum 8 Amp 1/2-Inch Corded Drill For Woodworking

Milwaukee 0299-20 Magnum 8 Amp 1/2-Inch Drill

My mom always says: “if you’re gonna buy something, make sure it’s good enough!”

This has always stuck with me and I always try to follow that advice when reviewing and buying new tools.

And, let me tell you, this Milwaukee corded drill fell in the category of “powerful and worthwhile corded drills for woodworking” as it comes with features such as an 8 amp motor that delivers up to 850 RPM which is sufficient for most woodworking applications.

Drilling on wood can take a toll on your arms, especially if you’re gonna drill for a few hours.

This is why I like how this corded drill comes with a lightweight structure and an 8 ft. 3-wire fixed rubber cord which makes the process of using this tool convenient and hassle-free.

Pros

  • Powerful 8.0-Amp Motor
  • Heavy-Duty Keyed Chuck With Holder
  • 360-degree Locking Side Handle For Maximum Maneuverability
  • 8-Ft. 3-Wire Fixed Rubber Cord With Durable Construction For Longer Tool Life
  • Weighs 5.4 Lbs

Cons

  • No Complaints Over Here!

Check Price

8. Black+Decker Bdedmt 3/8-Inch, 4-Amp Corded Drill For Woodworking

BLACK+DECKER Electric Drill, 3/8-Inch, 4-Amp (BDEDMT)

No woodworker wants to spend a lot of money on a corded drill that doesn’t have the drilling power to drill on hardwoods.

This is why I think this Black+Decker corded drill is a great option for woodworkers, as it delivers 128 in/ft of torque thanks to a 4amp motor that provides a velocity of 0 to 1200 RPMs which is great for a full range of woodworking applications.

Moreover, for those that appreciate extra features, this corded drill has an 11 position clutch that provides great control when drilling and a compact design that makes the tool really lightweight, which is perfect for drilling on wood for a prolonged period of time.

Pros

  • Matrix Quick Connect System Allows For Tool-Free Change Of A Variety Of Tool Attachments
  • Powerful 4 Amp Motor
  • Compact + Lightweight Design
  • 11 Position Clutch Provides Extra Level Of Control
  • Rpm: 0 – 1200 Rpm
  • Torque: 128 In-Lbs

Cons

  • It Has No Trigger Lock (Which Not A Big Issue For Me)

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9. Metabo Hpt (D10Vh2) 7-Amp, 3/8-Inch, Metal Keyless Chuck, Corded Drill For Woodworking

Metabo HPT Drill, Corded, 7-Amp, 3/8-Inch, Metal Keyless Chuck, Variable Speed w/ Dial, Rubber Over-Molded Handle, Forward / Reverse, 5-Year Warranty (D10VH2)

Knowing that the corded drill is going to be used for woodworking applications, one should know that it has to have serious drilling power.

In that sense, this Metabo HPT corded drill surpassed my expectations as it comes with a 7 am motor that delivers up to 133.7 in/lbs of torque which in combination with its variable speed trigger makes this tool perfect for drilling even on hardwood.

Comfort and convenience are also important when looking for your next corded drill, especially if you’re gonna use it for drilling wood repeatedly.

This is why I liked this Metabo corded drill during the testing period, as it came with a palm grip that made holding and using the tool for many hours easier on the arms and it weighed only 3.3 lbs which speaks to how comfortable and easy to use this tool was.

Pros

  • Powerful 7-Amp Motor
  • Max Torque Of 133.7 In-Lbs Good For High-Speed Applications
  • All Metal 3/8″ Keyless Chuck For Greater Durability And Better Bit Holding Ability
  • Form-Fit Palm Grip With Rubber Over-Molded Handle
  • Variable Speed Trigger With Dial
  • Trigger Lock-On Is Convenient For Reducing Fatigue During Continuous Use
  • Lightweight At 3.3 Lbs
  • Compact Tool Body Design
  • Belt Hook For Convenient Storage

Cons

  • Variable Speed Trigger Might Not Feel As Ergonomic As One Would Like It To Be (But It’S No Biggie)

Check Price

10. Ridgid R7111 Drill, 1/2-Inch Vsr

Ridgid R7111 Drill, 1/2-Inch VSR

Drilling on hardwoods can get tough. Especially, if you’re not using a good corded drill.

This Rigid R7111 performed great during the testing period as it came with an 8 amp motor and a variable speed trigger which gave the control and power needed to drill on a wide range of wood types.

Additionally, this corded drill had a Hex grip that made controlling this drill much easier and a 360° auxiliary handle assembly known for being easy to be repositioned or removed, which makes handling this tool really easy.

Pros

  • 8 Amp Motor With Hardened Steel Gears
  • Heavy Duty Keyed Chuck
  • 360-degree Auxiliary Handle Assembly
  • All-Metal Gear Case For High Strength And Durability
  • Variable Speed Two Finger Trigger For Maximum Control
  • Hex Grip Enhanced Micro Texture For Secure Grip And Comfort

Cons

  • Nothing To Say Here!

Check Price

My Verdict: The Best Corded Drill For Woodworking

Black+Decker (Bdedmt) 3/8-Inch, 4-Amp Corded Drill For Woodworking

BLACK+DECKER Electric Drill, 3/8-Inch, 4-Amp (BDEDMT)

By clicking the button down below you’ll be redirected to this tool’s review which will give you a better idea of why I chose it as the best-corded drill for woodworking.

Review

Quick Comparison Table

NameConveniencePowerDurability

1. DEWALT DWD115K 8.0-Amp, 3/8-Inch, Mid-Handle Grip Corded Drill for Woodworking
DEWALT Drill, 8.0-Amp, 3/8-Inch, heavyduty Variable Speed Trigger, Mid-Handle Grip for Comfort, Corded (DWD115K ),Yellow





5






5






4.9



2. BLACK+DECKER DR260C, 5.2-Amp, 3/8-Inch Corded Drill for Woodworking
BLACK+DECKER Corded Variable Speeds Drill, 5.5-Amp, 3/8-Inch (DR260C)





4.9






5






5



3. DEWALT (DWD210G), Pistol-Grip, 1/2-Inch, 10-Amp Corded Drill for Woodworking
DEWALT Electric Drill, Pistol-Grip, 1/2-Inch, 10-Amp (DWD210G)





4.9






5






4.9



4. PORTER-CABLE (PC600D) Variable Speed, 6-Amp, 3/8-Inch Corded Drill for Woodworking
PORTER-CABLE Corded Drill, Variable Speed, 6-Amp, 3/8-Inch (PC600D)





5






4.9






5



5. DEWALT (DWE5010), 1/2-Inch, 7.0-Amp Corded Drill for Woodworking
DEWALT Corded Drill, 7.8-Amp, 1/2-Inch, Variable Speed Reversible (DW235G)





4.9






4.9






4.8



6. DEWALT DWE1014 with Keyed Chuck, 7.0-Amp, 3/8-Inch Corded Drill for Woodworking
DEWALT Corded Drill with Keyed Chuck, 7.0-Amp, 3/8-Inch (DWE1014)





5






4.9






4.9



7. Milwaukee 0299-20 Magnum 8 Amp 1/2-Inch Corded Drill for Woodworking
Milwaukee 0299-20 Magnum 8 Amp 1/2-Inch Drill





4.8






4.9






4.9



8. BLACK+DECKER (BDEDMT) 3/8-Inch, 4-Amp Corded Drill for Woodworking
BLACK+DECKER Electric Drill, 3/8-Inch, 4-Amp (BDEDMT)





5






5






5



9. Metabo HPT (D10VH2) 7-Amp, 3/8-Inch, Metal Keyless Chuck, Corded Drill for Woodworking
Metabo HPT Drill, Corded, 7-Amp, 3/8-Inch, Metal Keyless Chuck, Variable Speed w/ Dial, Rubber Over-Molded Handle, Forward / Reverse, 5-Year Warranty (D10VH2)





4.9






5






4.9



10. Ridgid R7111 Drill, 1/2-Inch VSR Corded Drill for Woodworking
Ridgid R7111 Drill, 1/2-Inch VSR





4.9






4.8






4.9


How Did I Test The Best Corded Drill For Woodworking

For those who are curious, these are the tests I did on various corded drills to arrive at the best ones for woodworking applications:

Power Test

The best test I could come out with to measure the power of each corded drill was just doing drilling work on heavy woods.

If I saw that the drill did not have enough power, then I would disregard the tool and continue testing another one.

Durability Test

During this test, I made sure to test each corded drilling for many weeks on a really demanding level at the woodshop.

If the tool showed promise and took this test well, then I continued with the next test, if not, I disregarded the tool and continued with other tools.

Convenience & Portability Test

In my opinion, convenience in a corded drill is really important for woodworking.

This is why I made sure to test how big and heavy each of the corded drills felt, as this is an essential attribute when you’re going to use it for hours in different types of woods.

Must-Have Features For The Best Corded Drill For Woodworking

Best Corded Drill For Woodworking Must Have Features for The Best Corded Drill for Woodworking

If you want to test corded drills by yourself and choose the best one for woodworking, then you should be looking for drills with the following features:

Lightweight Materials & Ergonomic Design

uncomfortable to work on wood.

This is why I advise all woodworkers to get a corded drill made with lightweight materials in a slim and ergonomic design which guarantees a much better experience when using the tool.

Simplicity Of Operation

I usually recommend all woodworkers and carpenters to get corded drills with easy to operate features as many of the tools nowadays are filled with unnecessary buttons that make them not only heavier but a lot more difficult to operate.

Reliable Materials

Well, if you’re going to be drilling most of the day on wood, you’ll need a corded drill that has reliable components that will resist the vibrations and heavy usage that come from doing this type of work for many hours, days, and even years!

Power And Torque

Isn’t it the best when you’re drilling on wood like it was butter, without any issues at all?

Well, if you wanna achieve that, then you should be looking for corded drills with powerful motors that will give you the torque needed to drill on dense woods without breaking your arms and shoulders!

Drilling Speed Customization

If you want to be effective when drilling on different types of wood then you should definitely consider getting a corded drill with drilling speed customisation.

Why? Well, because thanks to this feature you will be able to adapt the torque and speed of your corded drill to the different types of woods, which will, in turn, help taking care of your tools and will make your workflow much more efficient.

Strong Chuck

Woodworkers and carpenters need corded drills with reliable drill bits that stay in place when drilling on heavy woods.

The best way to achieve this is by getting a corded drill with strong chucks that hold the brill bits in securely to reduce the possibility of them slipping out when drilling on hard surfaces.

In terms of what chucks to choose from, you’ll find two types: keyed chucks and keyless chucks.

In my opinion, keyed chucks are the best because they offer a more reliable grip to the drill bits. However, I have had good experiences with a corded drill with keyless chucks, so it might be up to preference.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are The Advantages Of Choosing The Best Corded Drill For Woodworking?

It’s easy for me to show you the most important advantages of choosing a corded drill for woodworking, as there are so many.

These are the most important ones:

  • Power: Given that corded drills are hooked into power outlets, they receive a much stronger source of energy than cordless drills. This, in combination with the fact that they have bigger motors due to the absence of batteries, lets corded drills offer much more drilling power
  • Affordability: Corded drills do not need to carry electric components such as batteries, which makes them not lighter but also much cheaper (around 40% top 50% cheaper)
  • Convenience: Corded drills run with the advantage that they don’t run out of battery, as they are constantly hooked to the electricity, thus, this makes them much easier and less of a hassle to use for woodworking applications

Cordless Vs Corded Drill, Which One Should I Choose For Woodworking?

The answer to this question will rely solely on personal preference.

If you don’t mind paying a 40-50% price markup, the need for frequent recharges, and the added bulkiness of a cordless drill, then you might choose a cordless drill.

In my experience, when working on wood people need power, flexibility, and lightweight tools. That’s why I prefer corded drills to do woodworking jobs.

Can A Hammer Drill Be Used For Woodworking?

One might think that hammer drills are only destined for concrete or masonry applications.

However, a drill is a drill, and if you attach the right drill bit to the hammer drill, it will work without issues.

Author
Hi, I’m John Smith, a proud husband, and father of two little beautiful girls. After a long time of thinking I made up my mind to build a website around my passion.. helping people who need smart advice from handymen with years of experience.

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