Best Corded Drills (2026)

The DW235G is a heavy corded drill, with a 7.8 amp motor and heat-treated helical cut steel gears. A metal gear housing resists the shocks of a binding bit. A two-finger trigger improves comfort and control.

Compared with the Black+Decker DR560's 7.0 amps, it has a stronger motor and a tougher gearbox. It is also a better tool than the Makita DP4020 for sustained drilling, though the Makita has a higher top speed. For mixing paint and drilling large holes in wood it is the one to own.

It weighs more than a cordless drill, so expect arm fatigue overhead. Check the cord regularly and keep the vents clear. A drill this size also takes a paddle mixer for thin mortar or paint when run on its low range.

The DW511 adds a hammer mode to a 7.8 amp motor, so a single tool drills wood, steel and masonry. The motor includes overload protection, which guards against burnout when a bit binds. Variable speed gives control at the start of a hole.

It shares the DW235G's motor class but swaps the pure drill role for dual mode. Compared with the Skil HD182001 it has a stronger amp rating and a more established brand. It is not a rotary hammer, so heavy concrete is slow.

Use the hammer mode only for masonry, and switch back for wood. Store it in a dry place and avoid dragging the cord. Run the hammer mode only against masonry, since it adds vibration without helping wood.

The Makita DP4020 has a 5.5 amp motor and a speed range of 0 to 3,000 rpm, the fastest in this roundup. An in-line handle design helps accuracy, since the force goes straight through the bit. It is a good tool for small holes where speed counts.

Its lower amp rating means it will not match the DeWalt DW235G in big bits. It suits precision work better than heavy mixing. Compared with the Craftsman CMED731 it offers a bigger chuck.

Corded tools like this last for years if the vents stay clear. Check brushes occasionally after heavy use. Replace the carbon brushes when the tool sparks or loses power, a routine fix on a Makita.

The Skil HD182001 uses a 7.5 amp motor and a 1/2 inch keyed chuck. A keyed chuck tightens with a wrench and holds big bits more firmly than a keyless one. A 2-in-1 selector toggles between drilling and hammer drilling.

It is a more affordable way to get a hammer mode than the DeWalt DW511, with a slightly lower amp rating. The keyed chuck is a real plus for hole saws and large bits. It is not as refined as the DeWalt.

Keep the chuck key somewhere safe, since losing it is the common complaint. Wipe the chuck and bits clean before each job. A drill chuck key stored on the cord is a small habit that saves a trip to the store.

The Black+Decker DR560 is a 7.0 amp drill with a capacity of 1/2 inch in steel and 1-1/2 inches in wood. A compact design suits cramped spaces. It is a kit with accessories.

Compared with the DeWalt DW235G it gives up 0.8 amps and a metal gear housing, but it costs far less. For household projects and light mixing it is ample. It suits the occasional user who wants a corded tool for sustained jobs.

Plastic parts mean it will not take jobsite abuse, so use it indoors. Keep the vents clean. Because the kit is simple, there is little to go wrong, so it ages gracefully in a household toolbox.

The Craftsman CMED731 has a 7 amp motor and a 3/8 inch keyless chuck, with a top speed of 2,500 rpm. A lock-on trigger allows continuous running, useful for mixing or sanding attachments. A variable speed trigger gives control.

Its 3/8 inch chuck limits bit size compared with the 1/2 inch DeWalt and Makita drills. It is lighter and handier, though, and for everyday household tasks it does the job. It is a sensible choice for a workbench drill.

Use the lock-on carefully, and release it before changing bits. Keep the vents clear of sawdust. Its lock-on trigger suits sanding drums and wire wheels, but unlock it before you set the tool down.