Corded Versus Cordless Drills - They Should Share More Common Features

[rbattelle]

I don't know what prompted me to make this post. I guess I'm wondering if anyone else agrees or disagrees. Or maybe I'm just thinking "out loud".



So there are basically 2 choices in hand drills: corded and cordless.



Cordless drills have some nice features:

-Adjustable clutch

-That little light that comes on when you pull the trigger

-A transmission with different speed ranges

-Switchable modes (drill, drive, hammer)



They suffer from battery life and low power (relative to corded tools). The battery life problem has two sides: there's the amount of time the battery can provide power between charges, and then there's the overall number of times the battery can be charged before it's shot.



Corded drills are nice because they offer tons of power in exchange for being permanently connected to a wall outlet. On major woodworking projects I almost always prefer the power and lack of time limit on corded drills.



So it dawned on me today, why doesn't anyone offer a corded drill with an adjustable clutch, a little light, a 2-speed transmission, and switchable modes? (I know some corded drills have some of these features, and screw guns do offer a clutch, but I'm talking a corded drill with all the same features as a top-shelf cordless).



Furthermore, why not offer a cord receptacle on a cordless drill? Take an existing battery housing, remove the cells, pack in a AC-DC converter (like a wall "brick"), and attach a long cord to plug into the wall! That way, when the batteries refuse to be charged anymore (which always seems to happen long before the drill itself is mechanically dead), you can use it like a corded drill.



I suppose drill makers don't want to offer a drill that lasts too long? What a shame, these things are expensive!



-Ryan

 

[NIsaacs]

I really like the cordless systems for the convenience and versatility. I have the Craftsman 19. 2 volt system with several tools and extra batteries. They are more for personal use than commercial duty but are affordable. I carry a drill, light, impact and air compressor in my pickup, all with a battery, so if one dies I have extra. At the shop I have several chargers and batteries so I don't have to stop if I have a large project. I use my recipricating saw a lot because I don't have a cutting torch. The really good blades are expensive but really cut well. I do have a corded 1/2 drill for large bits and a drill press for portable metal. The batteries seem a little weak including the Lithium ones. I bought a Interstate one that seems to last twice as long as the Sears do. They also need charged regular even with non use.



Nick

 

[seafish]

Furthermore, why not offer a cord receptacle on a cordless drill? Take an existing battery housing, remove the cells, pack in a AC-DC converter (like a wall "brick"), and attach a long cord to plug into the wall! That way, when the batteries refuse to be charged anymore (which always seems to happen long before the drill itself is mechanically dead), you can use it like a corded drill.


-Ryan

I have long thought that this would be a GREAT idea. In fact, when one of my 18v Makita Li battreies bites the dust, I might well make a cord converter like what you are talking about.
FYI--it is often only one cell inside the battery case that has gone bad... it is NOT that hard to diagnose which one and replace only the one cell, which can often be purcased through battery siuppliers on;line, though I have ONLY done this repair with NiCad, not Li batteries.

 

[rbattelle]

I get the convenience of cordless drills. But corded drills have a lot of appeal too, on account of their power.

I guess what I'm saying is I wish the two types had common features.

-Ryan

 

[seafish]

I get the convenience of cordless drills. But corded drills have a lot of appeal too, on account of their power.

I guess what I'm saying is I wish the two types had common features.

-Ryan

I mean no cordless option is EVER going to compete with the power of a Milwaulkee "Hole Hawg", but actually between both my Makita 18v impact driver with hex shank and the 18v drill with 1/2" shank, I REALLY don't use a corded drill anymore, unless it is the drill press.
I simply LOVE the way the impact driver drills SUPER fast pilot holes with a cheap hex shank bit through ANY thickness steel (OK, not more then 1/4" if drilling SS), and then if necessary I can follow it up with a precision bit in the drill for a perfect placed, easily drilled, easily tapped hole.

STILL, I love the idea of the battery to cord converter for use in some situations.

 

[crispyboy]

I think each type of drill has it place. I use my corded drills as much as my cordless drill.
Anytime I have to drill through thicker steel, use larger hole saws or paddle bits I generally will use a corded drill. The only time I don't is if I am out at the barn.
My old cordless drill keeps on kicking. Almost 18 years ago I was given a Milwaukee 12 volt at my bachelor party. I hear that power tools and alcohol go hand-in-hand I have had one battery rebuilt a couple of years ago. It's almost time to get it done again.
I'm sure an 18 volt LI is heads above the 12v I am using but a good one is really expensive. I think they are all made of Chinesium now.

 

[Troubleshooter]

My personal favorite is my DeWalt 18volt with lithium ion batteries.

I second this sentiment; I use my DeWalt 18V drill almost exclusively, as well as a DeWalt 18V reciprocating saw. Always have at least one battery on the recharger and two ready to go this way. But almost all my drill usage takes place in locations where there is no electrical outlet nearby.



I did buy a corded drill for a big project last summer, which was close enough to reach with a 50' extension cord. The piece of Chicom junk lasted less than one work day, and I went back to the cordless DeWalt.



The only corded drill that I use now is the drill press in the shop itself.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

I use any one of the several battery powered drills I own about 90% of the time, the powered ones only when needing LOTS of power, and working close to an outlet. For SUPER power, I have a couple of arm-breaking 1/2 inch drills - those suckers will rip your arms off if the bit gets stuck...

 

[jgillott]

I have a Black & Decker corded drill from the early '60's that my dad gave me. Dang thing has drilled a lot of holes over the years and just keeps going. We have several different cordless drills, but I end up going dragging the cord with me the majority of time. I thing it really just comes down to what you are used to.