The 5 Best Corded Drills Under $50 [Updated for 2022]
There are many reasons to choose a corded drill. They have more consistent torque and greater power advantages than their cordless counterparts across the board. For long-term heavy work, corded drills can be purchased for under $50 that have the leg up on cordless models in every aspect except the inconvenience of the actual cord.
Knowing which model to buy, however, could make a big difference. Since you want to get your renovations done right, you need to know the specifications in terms of power, durability, branding, and special features to get the right drill for the right job.
Here’s your guide to the best corded drills that are available right now for under $50.
In terms of brand recognition, Black and Decker is king. For many home renovators and construction professionals alike, drills with the black and yellow logo are the tools of choice.
This compact corded drill definitely lives up to the hype of the brand. Its variable speeds up to 1,500 rpm are powerful enough for any job. It has a keyless chuck designed to make your life easy when it comes to keeping the bit in the drill, which makes it more convenient and productive to use on jobs that require constant switching between a lot of attachments.
A granular control switch gives you even more precision for jobs where you want to drill for a long period of time at a single speed (such as when using a sanding attachment to buff something out).
Its compact size means that it can run on much cooler temperatures than its larger competitors, which is convenient for those doing extended renovations who prefer to drill without gloves. Ideal for drilling into wood, metal, plastic, or screws, this Black and Decker Corded Drill is top of its line.
Pros
- Compact and powerful design
- Small enough to operate on cooler temperatures
- Control switches to operate speed controls for maximum safety and convenience
- Keyless chuck for stability and bit retention
- Onboard bit storage
- Unbeatable low price
Cons
- Doesn't have a ratcheting chuck
- Air vent that cools the motor is too large so be careful when using outside on a bad weather
- No electric brake
Our Verdict
The Black and Decker corded drill is a versatile, compact drilling option for anyone doing casual renovations. Its power is comparable to professional drilling equipment and its versatile controls allow for convenient, diverse speed options and stability. Temperature control, superior torque, and tons of attachments make this a great option for professionals and home renovators alike.
Our Rating
Another inexpensive option for home projects requiring a corded drill, the PORTER-CABLE PC600D is a great choice with its variable-speed features and exceptional stability.
Its lock-on trigger allows you to set the drill at a certain speed and relax your hands while you do extended drilling or sanding work, which could be a gamechanger for those who know they’ll need it on their next remodeling project. This is especially useful for building decks or frames.
It goes up to 2,500 RPMs, making it one of the more powerful drills for its weight and size. This drill is perfect for wood and metal fabrication projects and deckbuilding owing to the fact that its high-torque design keeps it stable when running for long periods at a time.
Pros
- High-torque design aimed for stability
- Perfect for extended drilling projects
- High RPM for its price range
- Lock-on button
- Three-year limited warranty
Cons
- Doesn't work well with half-inch bits for masonry and woodworking
- Trigger is sensitive
- Cable is only 6 feet
- Keyless chuck could be better
Our Verdict
The lightweight PORTER-CABLE corded drill is a terrific option for those whose remodeling projects will include fabrication or pilot hole drilling on decks or frames. This is because it’s designed for stability, running at an impressive power for a long time with a high-torque design and competitive speed options.
Our Rating
SKIL is another leading manufacturer in terms of consumer power tools. The 7.0-amp motor on this drill is the most powerful you’ll find in its price range. Like others on this list, it has a variable speed control for customized drilling projects. The chuck on the SKIL is keyed to accept larger bits, making the drill ideal for heavy-duty woodworking and cutting, even though it will take longer to change out attachments because of it.
A unique feature on the SKIL is a handle attached to the side that provides stability assistance for heavier drilling work. For drilling concrete or heavy wood, the handle is essential to keep a good grip and maintain sturdy, reliable control.
Pros
- Incredibly powerful 7.0-amp motor
- Assisted stability handle mounted to the side
- Ideal for larger bits
- Variable speed trigger
- Competitive price
Cons
- Drill bits are sold separately
- Variable speed trigger needs improvement
- Heavy and difficult to use with bare hands
Our Verdict
The SKIL corded drill packs a ton of power for its size and price. At 7.0 amps, its motor is second to none. The built-in handle gives you extra stability for heavy concrete or wood drilling projects to match that power.
Our Rating
Though comparatively a bit pricier, the Ryobi comes with a lot of extra features. The most significant is the molded rubber grip that makes the drill easier to handle with stability and efficiency in wet conditions.
A variable speed trigger like other models on the list gives you versatile options, including a lock-on button that lets you hold that speed for as long as you need to without tiring out your hand.
For rugged outdoor conditions on construction sites or DIY projects, the Ryobi is a sturdy option.
Pros
- Molded rubber grip for extra stability in wet conditions
- Lock-on switch to maintain speed and prevent fatigue
- Variable speeds up to 1,600 RPMs
- Keyless chuck for fast bit changes
- Toolbag included with purchase
Cons
- Chuck looks a bit cheap
- Cord is just 3 feet long
Our Verdict
For dicey outdoor conditions, the Ryobi corded drill comes with a sturdy grip to prevent slipping. It also features competitive power and stability control along with a versatile speed control switch and lock-on feature. It costs a little extra than others on this list but also comes with a toolbag.
Our Rating
The weakest drill on this list in terms of amperage makes up for it in features. Its patented quick connect system allows you to attach a variety of tools to this drill with ease.
Its small, lightweight design lets you drill in cramped spaces, such as remodeling work in corners of the attic or electrical work within the walls of your house. Its clutch has 11 positions that you can switch between for even more control.
Pros
- Quick Connect System allows for easy tool changes for a versatile number of attachments
- Compact and lightweight for use in cramped spaces
- 11-position clutch
- Competitive price
- Low power and light weight makes it perfect for beginners
Cons
- No trigger lock
- Drill's accuracy could be better
- Tricky to dismantle some tool attachments
Our Verdict
This Black and Decker corded drill is perfect for novices. It has an intuitive design that prioritizes variety in its attachments and modes. It’s lightweight and small in size so you can maneuver in cramped spaces with more stability.
Our Rating
Cordless vs Corded
Cordless drills have convenience on their side. You can charge them and take them with you. You can work in tight spaces without having to worry about cords getting tangled, unplugged, or not reaching far enough.
However, in every other technical aspect, corded drills beat out their cordless counterparts every time. In terms of power, versatility, and torque control, corded drills have stronger motors and more variable speed options.
Especially for heavy work that requires a stable, powerful drill running for a long time (such as drilling concrete or building a deck), a corded drill has every advantage. Not only can it maintain its high speed and power, but you need to be able to work without worrying about it running out of juice.
Buyer’s Guide
When choosing a corded drill to buy, there are a few things to consider.
Depending on the needs of your specific project, you may need a more powerful motor. If you favor larger drill bits for heavier wood or metalworking projects, you need to look for a keyed chuck. They’re harder to work with but they have room for larger attachments.
For basic home repair work, you want to look for stability and convenience. This includes the material construction of the handle, the options in terms of speed control and lock-on buttons, and any extra features it may come with, such as the SKIL’s stability handle.
The Takeaway
The BLACK+DECKER Corded Drill, 5.2-Amp, 3/8-Inch is our top pick because of its unbeatable price and competitive motor, speed options, and compact design.
Both powerful enough for professional fabrication projects and versatile enough for DIY home repairs, the Black and Decker drill is the best all-around option.
However, any drill on this list comes with the right features, sturdy design, stable control, and versatile tool attachment options for most any project. Consider the subtle difference between each model compared to the projects you plan on doing when making your choice.
For any home remodeler or professional renovator, a corded drill is the way to go. If your budget is a bit more flexible and you’re looking for a bit more power – you should check out our recommendations for the best corded drills under $100.
I have an unhealthy obsession with contracting and renovation. I’ve been a contractor for over 15 years and I love tackling challenging projects to make them look amazing.
