The advancements in technology have resulted in the most efficient and convenient power tools for use within homes and commercial purposes. Among the notable power tools that have gained much attention and traction among the DIY-er and woodworkers is the drill. As with the best cordless hammer drills, the units have made rust removal and nail drilling a breeze. Essentially, drills come in two types, the corded and the cordless. However, most woodworkers are constantly torn between choices, unsure of the drill type that will suit their applications and how convenient a given unit is to their job execution. As such, they are divided in opinion on corded vs. cordless drills.
For most woodworkers and DIYers, the cordless drill is perfect for almost all applications. The drill type utilizes a rechargeable battery allowing the user to perform various functions without worrying about the power plug.
Besides, the cordless drills are portable and boast compact designs, making them convenient for use in any location and allowing maximum precision even in confined spaces. The slick and compact design needs a small storage space.
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Cordless Drill
These are essential wireless drills with rechargeable batteries as their primary power source. The drill type uses single or multiple batteries that provide electrical input to power up its operation. This restrained output offers flexibility and accuracy to the drill while supplying consistent torsion. The cordless drill has various features such as an alterable speed setting, and built-in light, and can be fitted with different accessories to perform multiple tasks.
An example of the most sought-after cordless drills is the BLACK+DECKER 20V Max Cordless Drill / Driver shown below. You can buy it at Amazon. Click the link below.
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Advantages of Cordless Drills
Portability and convenience
Cordless drills don’t need a socket to power up making it highly convenient to use in any location when charged. You can move with them from one workshop to the other, paying little attention to the power sources or getting fatigued. Maximum freedom is granted allowing the tool user to move freely.
Precision
Cordless drills have inbuilt batteries that supply power for various tasks giving the power tool user ultimate control over the power input and output. This control makes the job more precise and accurate.
Storage space
Their slick and compact design needs a small space for storage. Cordless drills have no wires to be secured as the battery is the main power source. Wireless equipment makes the workplace less crowded and safer. The compact and sleek design enables you to work even in the smallest spaces.
Disadvantages of cordless drills
Power
Cordless drills depended on the charged battery to power its operations. This reduces the efficiency when the power is depleted. However, you
Corded Drills
These are drills hooked to a socket that supplies the needed electrical input to perform various tasks. Corded drills are more powerful than cordless drills. Their high electricity input provides more torsion and high speed; hence can bore large holes and drive bigger screws. They are outdated but haven’t been relinquished by advancements in technology as they are more efficient in performing heavy drilling tasks hence maximizing production.
Advantages of corded drills
It offers higher power and speed
The corded drill powers up the electricity directly from the socket since it has no built-in battery. Direct electricity provides more torque and speed, making it convenient for heavy tasks. The higher blade diameter of the corded tool makes it dispense with timber.
Efficiency
Corded tools are flexible in usage due to the rotation and changes in degree that provide the tool user with maneuverability. They are also ready to use and don’t require charging time, and this reduces downtime and maximizes productivity.
Disadvantages of corded drills
It requires electrical output
Corded tools have no inbuilt batteries that supply the power; hence require extension wires and power outlets for electricity supply preventing the user from achieving precision when operating this tool.
More space for storage
It requires more storage space than the cordless drill, space for storage of the tool, and other arsenals that work in tandem with the power tool. The movement of this tool and its compartment is often tricky and prone to causing injuries.
Corded and cordless power tools generally perform the same tasks. The choice primarily depends on the situation at hand. Corded tools are highly effective in projects that require more power output, more torsion, and increased efficiency. Cordless drills are highly convenient for performing DIY projects around the house, offering security in power usage in places where the power supply is limited. Its portability makes it effective when working in areas that are confined. It does the same task as the other corded tools but is also storage-friendly.
The main differences between corded and cordless drills
Power source
Corded drills are connected directly to the electricity and hence have more power capacity. They operate on a constant 110 volts of electricity depending on the electric motor in it. They need electrical energy to operate. Conversely, cordless drills use inbuilt rechargeable batteries with limited power input and act on between 12 to 20 volts maximum, depending on the task.
Portability
Corded drills are not portable and have to be connected to a power source to function. You must look for an electrical source to power this unit and you are restricted by cords on your area of application. On the other hand, the cordless drills are portable; and can be used anywhere so long as it’s charged. Besides, they can hold charge for a long time and this enhances their longevity.
Durability
Corded drills are highly powerful and last longer, while cordless drills are weaker and can only last for about 2 hours when fully charged. Corded drills offer more consistency in torsion and speed due to consistent electric flow compared to cordless drills. However, you can enhance the power of the cordless drills by purchasing an extra battery that you can replace when the one being used is exhausted.
Types of Cordless Drills
Hammer Drills
Hammer drills have in-built hammer settings that will enable you to work on various materials such as stone brick, metals, or concrete. The drill type is powerful and mainly applicable for drilling hard materials. It can be found in rotary drills with an impact mechanism that produces a hammering mechanism. Besides, the hammer drill comes with significant flexibility. Its hammering portion can be turned off, permitting you to use it as a standard drill.
Rotary Hammers
This type of drill uses the rotation and hammering action to break up the concretes as the bit rotates. The type of hammer is designed for day-in-day-out use. Functionally, they execute the same roles as the hammer drills but also apply the utilization of the air pressure mechanism to realize a similar effect. The drill type is slightly heavier than the hammer drills and thus is powerful for hard materials.
Impact Drivers
Compared to the hammer and rotary drills, the impact driver drills are lighter and produce less power. These drills are used to drive fasteners, longer screws, and loosen lag bolts, and screws.
Drills/Drivers
The drivers are the standard cordless drills that you can use in making holes or driving the screws in metal, plastic, or wood materials. The drills are fitted with a bit whose type and size depend on the application of the drill and secured by a chuck. The drills vary based on size, power, and speed.
You can buy most of these units at Amazon. For instance, the DEWALT 20V Max XR Cordless Drill Combo Kit, Brushless, 2-Tool (DCK283D2) forms one of the primary units most sought out in the market today. The unit is convenient and powerful. Click the link below to buy.
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Elements of Cordless Drill
Various features make cordless drills stand out from other tools. These elements are:
Battery Option
Cordless drill models have two features of battery options; the type of battery and voltage. The most common types of battery usage are Nickel Cadmium (NiCad) and Lithium-ion batteries. Nickel-cadmium is toxic and hence harmful to the environment. Lithium-ion is environmentally friendly. It provides more power to the drill, hence a longer run time.
The energy produced is measured in voltage. The number of voltages represents the torsion needed. The higher the torque required, the higher the voltage needed by the power tool.
Chuck
Different types of chuck determine the different functions performed by the drill and other various accessories. The standard chunk defines the size of the holes drilled. Most small grills have a chuck size of 10 mm. A keyless chuck makes it easier to replace accessories without chuck keys.
Directional drills
The drill tool removes screws from timber by the rotational button. This rotational button should be easily accessible by thumb or fingers. Before you purchase any drill, ensure that you check for the rotational button and its placement to improve its accessibility.
Speed control
Cordless drills allow the user to alternate at various speeds to ease through multiple tasks. Different tasks require different speed settings. Despite the material’s surface, the grip on the tool should be firm on different speed levels when operating. Some less expensive drills operate at fixed speeds of 300 rpm for driving screws and 800 rpm for drilling holes. The most effective power tool should have a rate that varies from 0 to more than 1000 rpm.
Clutch
Cordless drills have an adjustable clutch. The clutch decreases the speed by slowing the power tool from overdriving when there is resistance. The clutch protects the motor from the opposition when performing various tasks. The cordless drill provides a diverse clutch setting that enables the drill tool to perform multiple tasks. Good power tools have at least 24 sets.
Work light
Cordless drills have a work light that has been installed within the power tool that prevents poor lighting allowing the user to have proper visibility when performing various tasks. The LED light fitted in the drills will enable you to work with the tool even on dimly lit surfaces.
Features of Cordless Drill
Can be fitted with different accessories
The cordless power tools can be fitted with different accessories in the device, depending on the task. The maximum chuck capacity on many drills is 3/8 inches allowing screwdriver bits of various sizes to fit the power tool.
Inbuilt work light within the tool
This power tool has a work light installed to enable the user to have proper visibility during operation hence preventing any harm that might arise due to poor visibility.
Portable and mobile
This power tool doesn’t need any wires or extensions to operate as it has an in-built battery that supplies power, making its mobility easier.
Ergonomic handle
The texture and contour of the handle should aid the user in holding the power tool. The T-shaped handle provides overall balance, and it’s comfortable for general drilling and driving screws. The grip helps in total control of the power tool hence maximizing production.
The in-built battery that supplies power
It has an in-built battery that supplies the power needed to operate. It doesn’t require input electricity to perform various tasks.
Variability in speed
Cordless drills are available in 4 variables depending on the voltage required to operate the power tool. For an effective power tool, the speed should vary from 0 to over 1000 rpm.
Frequently asked questions
Why are cordless drills safer?
Cordless drills are battery-powered tools and can provide 50 percent more power than a conventional tool lowering the risks of injuries.
Can a cordless drill go through concrete?
The cordless drill may not be as effective as the corded drill in drilling through concrete but can get the job done. Corded drills have a direct electrical input that supplies more power. It can take longer, and more physical effort is needed.
Which is better, a corded or cordless drill?
Corded power drills are more powerful and lighter compared to cordless drills. However, their mobility is restricted, is noisier, and less convenient. Cordless drills are more convenient but relatively heavier and have a limited battery lifespan.
The video below shows how to use a drill for beginners
Conclusion
There has been an ongoing debate on whether one should purchase corded or cordless drills. The main difference between the corded and cordless power drill is primarily the power and convenience. The significant advantages cordless tools offer are range and mobility. It is effective in areas with no power outlet, and due to its compactness, it’s easier to store, making cordless power more attractive for outdoor tasks.
Corded power tools have greater torque than cordless tools and don’t drop performance after a long hour of use. Although corded tools are effective for heavy tasks, even the best-corded power tool still suffers restricted movement.
