Corded drills have been a staple in toolboxes for decades, and their enduring popularity is a testament to their reliability, power, and consistent performance. These power tools provide continuous power, allowing users to work for long periods of time. Despite the proliferation of cordless options, corded drills remain a must-have tool for DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike. They provide uninterrupted power, making them ideal for continuous or heavy-duty tasks.
Welcome to BISON’s corded drill buying guide. Regardless of your experience or skill level, choosing the right corded drill can help you run your business. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear understanding of the various aspects that differentiate corded drills. Whether you’re outfitting a small workshop or stocking a large hardware store, we’ll help you navigate your options.
Understanding corded drills
What is a corded drill? A corded drill is a power tool used for drilling holes and driving screws. As the name implies, it operates by plugging into a standard electrical outlet, providing a constant, reliable power source. Components and features of a corded drill:
Motor: At the heart of a corded drill is the electric motor. These motors are usually measured in amps, with the higher the amp rating, the more power and torque they can provide.
Chuck: This is the adjustable clamp on the front of the drill that holds the drill or driver bit in place. Chucks come in different sizes, with 3/8-inch and 1/2-inch being the most common for corded drills.
Trigger: The trigger controls the operation of the drill. Pressing the trigger starts the motor and spins the chuck.
Variable speed control: Many corded drills come with a variable speed trigger or dial, which allows the user to adjust the speed for different materials and applications.
Reverse switch: This switch changes the direction of the chuck's rotation and can be used to remove screws or free a stuck drill bit.
Auxiliary handle: This auxiliary handle is usually found on larger or more powerful models and provides additional control and stability during use.
Depth stop: Some drills come with an adjustable rod that limits the penetration depth of the drill bit, ensuring consistent hole depth.
Power cord: The power cord connects the drill to an electrical outlet. The cord can vary in length, with longer cords providing better mobility.
Types of corded drills
Each corded drill type has its own advantages and is suitable for different applications. Knowing the differences between them can help users choose the right tool for their specific needs, whether it's for general household chores, heavy construction work, or anything in between.
Standard drills
Standard drills are the most common and versatile type of corded drill. These drills typically have variable speed controls and reversible features, making them suitable for a variety of applications. They're ideal for tasks like assembling furniture, installing shelves, or drilling holes in a variety of materials like wood, metal, and plastic. Standard drill/drivers are easy to use and versatile, making them a great choice for homeowners and regular users.
Key features
Variable speed: Provides control over drilling speed, making it adaptable to different materials and tasks.
Chuck size: It typically has a 3/8-inch or 1/2-inch chuck, allowing for a variety of drill bit sizes.
Light to medium strength: Provides enough strength to drill holes in wood, plastic, and light metal.
Hammer drills
Hammer drills combine a rotary motion with a hammering action, making them ideal for drilling into hard materials like masonry, concrete, and brick. This drill bit provides the extra punch needed to penetrate hard surfaces. Hammer drills are essential for tasks like mounting objects into concrete walls, installing anchors, or working stone. They are particularly popular among professionals in the construction and renovation fields but can also be useful for homeowners tackling more demanding DIY projects.
Key features
Hammering function: Provides a hammering action in addition to rotation, which helps drill through dense materials.
Variable speed: Speed and impact force can be adjusted depending on the task.
Chuck size: 1/2-inch chucks typically accommodate larger drill bits for masonry work.
Impact drills
Designed to deliver high torque and impact force, impact drills are like hammer drills, but with one key difference in the mechanism. Hammer drills use a linear hammering action, while impact drills use a rotary hammering action. This means that as the drill bit rotates, it also receives rapid, high intensity impacts that help drive it through tough materials. Impact drills are particularly effective for driving large screws and bolts into hard materials. But with the impact function turned off, they can also be used on softer materials. They offer a good balance between the versatility of a standard drill and the power of a hammer drill, making them suitable for both DIY enthusiasts and professionals who need to work with a variety of materials.
Key features
Impact mechanism: Provides high torque and high impact force, making screws and fasteners easy to drive.
Variable speed and torque settings: Allows for adjustment to suit the task.
Chuck size: Typically, a 1/4-inch hex chuck, designed for quick bit and drive accessory changes.
Choosing the right corded drill
When choosing a corded drill for your inventory, consider the following factors to ensure you’re offering the best options to your customers. And that you’re able to meet the needs of your customers, from casual DIYers to professional contractors.
power
More power means better performance. For general use, a 500- to 800-watt drill is sufficient. For more demanding tasks, look for models with 1,000 watts or more. Keep in mind that more power means the ability to drill larger holes and handle tougher materials, but it also generally means increased weight and cost.
Corded drills range from 5 to 10 amps. Higher currents provide more power and torque. For light home use, a 5-7 amp drill is generally sufficient. For more demanding tasks or professional use, look for a 7-10 amp drill or more.
Chuck size
The part of a drill that holds the drill bit is called the chuck. The chuck size determines the maximum diameter of the drill shank that can be used. Common sizes include:
3/8-inch: Suitable for most household tasks and light-duty work. It is often used for general drilling in materials such as wood and plastic.
1/2-inch: Suitable for heavy-duty applications and professional use. It offers versatility to handle a variety of drilling and driving applications.
Larger chuck sizes allow for the use of larger drill bits, which is essential for more demanding jobs. Make sure you stock a variety of sizes to meet the needs of different customers.
Speed
Variable speed control is essential for handling different materials and applications. Lower speeds are better for driving screws and drilling into harder materials, while higher speeds are better for softer materials. Look for drills with a wide speed range (such as 0-2500 RPM) and multiple gear settings. Some high-end models offer electronic speed control for precise adjustment. Torque control is also important, especially for driving screws without damaging the material or stripping the screw head.
Ergonomics and functionality
Comfort is essential for long-term use. Look for drills with the following features:
A comfortable, ergonomic handle design enhances user comfort and control.
ook for drills with rubber or padded grips to reduce hand fatigue during extended use.
ome models include side handles or support grips to improve balance and control, especially during heavy-duty tasks.
Well-balanced and lightweight drills reduce user stress and improve maneuverability. Consider the weight and overall balance of the drill to ensure comfort during extended use.
Depth gauge to ensure consistent drilling depth
Belt hook for convenient use on the job site
Additional features
Hammer function: The hammer function combines a rotary motion with a hammering action for easy drilling in hard materials. This feature is essential for drilling in masonry, concrete, and brick.
Keyless chuck: With a keyless chuck, drill bit changes are simple and quick. This feature adds convenience and saves time.
LED light: The built-in LED light illuminates the work area, improving visibility in low-light conditions and increasing accuracy.
Soft-start feature: Some drills have a soft-start feature that gradually increases speed, providing greater control as the drill begins to drill into the material.
Power cord length
Longer cords (8-10 feet) provide greater mobility and flexibility, allowing you to work away from the power source. Make sure the cord is long enough for your regular work area. However, they can be more cumbersome to store. You may consider stocking models with different power cord lengths to meet the preferences of different users.
As a professional corded drill manufacturer based in China, BISON is proud to offer a full range of high-quality, reliable and innovative corded drills to meet the diverse needs of the global market.
For DIY enthusiasts, corded drills offer the perfect balance between price and functionality, allowing them to confidently complete a variety of home improvement projects. On the other hand, professionals rely on the steady power output of corded drills, making them ideal for long-term use in heavy-duty applications and job sites that require steady performance.
Contact us today and choose BISON as your corded drill supplier. Whether you are a retailer, distributor or volume buyer, we have the right solutions to drive your business forward.
