Power Drill Vrs Chordless-How do you use them? - Woodworking Talk

Jordy3738 · 05-24-2009, 11:06 PM

I know this is a rather broad subject but just wondering would you rather use a power drill or chordless.

I have been in the cabinet industry for a long time. There are different places where I prefer on type of drill over another.

For instance, if I'm placing hinges on cabinets or installing things such as pull-out trash cans or magnetic catches, I would rather use a chordless drill.

When I have to make the holes in real wood or laminate doors for the handles or knobs, I like to use one that has a power chord.

Everything that has to do with installing cabinets, except hinges, handles and again installing things like trash cans, I would use an electric drill for vrs a chordless one.

How about it, what do you prefer to use in your profession?

dbhost · 05-24-2009, 11:18 PM

Since woodworking is a hobby for me, and not a profession, it would be hard for me to say... BUT... I do use a cordless driver / drill (Ryobi Li Ion 18V) on the job for running rack screws and such for setting up switch racks and such.

I have not had very good luck with most of the cordless stuff I have tried to use. Battery power just lacks the oomph of a corded tool usually. And run time leaves a lot to be desired on cordless...

Of course in the power outages after Hurricane Ike, it was VERY nice to have access to fully charged cordless tools to keep working, clean up, and fix the damage the storm did...

**Leo G** · 05-24-2009, 11:35 PM

I use a cordless for 99% of what I do. If I need to drill pocket holes I like to use a corded drill for the higher RPM's.

Cookn · 05-25-2009, 05:18 AM

About the only time I prefer a corded drill is when you need more grunt, nothing beats a good corded 1/2" drill for power.

GeorgeC · 05-25-2009, 07:47 AM

About the only time I use a corded drill is when I need a hammer drill. I do not have a hammer drill in cordless.

My 19.2 volt cordless has a lot of torque. I do not know that my 1/2" corded has any more torque.

G

Just Bill · 05-25-2009, 08:35 AM

Cordless tools have improved considerably over the years. I always felt like the 3 stooges with cords, they were constantly tangled in everything imaginable. But there are still occasions when I get out the 1/2" corded torque monster, when the cordless drill just won't do the job.

firehawkmph · 05-25-2009, 11:42 AM

Jordy,
I install cabinets and trim and use all cordless, combination of ryobi and dewalt. The only corded drill I use anymore is a big, slow speed milwaukee for mixing thinset when setting tile. One of my dewalts is a hammer drill. I have four right angles drills I use for drilling cabinets and three impacts for shooting screws.
Mike Hawkins

sweensdv · 05-25-2009, 12:08 PM

In my shop and other places where line voltage is available, I prefer a corded drill for drilling holes. For screwing, I prefer my cordless drill/driver.

Marv · 05-25-2009, 01:06 PM

For the last 20+ years of building cabinets I have used an old B&D professional 3/8" corded drill for drilling most holes and a 12v Makita along with a 9.6v Makita angle drill for assembly/installing hinges/drawer slides etc. Recently I purchased a more powerful 18v Makita along with a quick change chuck/bits so I could quickly switch between drilling/driving and eliminate the corded drill. Things do seem to go quicker/easier with one drill however I'm not sure if it's really a benefit since I'm no spring chicken and my arm/wrist get fatigued quicker than when using the lighter drill/drivers!

mike65072 · 05-25-2009, 02:51 PM

I love my cordless 18V Roybi drill/driver and use it most of the time. However if I going to be doing a lot of drilling/driving I usually throw the corded drill and an extension cord in my tool bag as well. My batteries always seem to crap out at the worst time...

**Leo G** · 05-25-2009, 05:29 PM

When is it a good time for a battery to die?

firehawkmph · 05-25-2009, 09:19 PM

Leo,
Just when you have taken the bit out at the end of the day and you are ready to pack it in. That's about the only good time.

Mike Hawkins

Jordy3738 · 05-26-2009, 01:02 AM

I love participating in this forum. Thanks for all of the replies.

I have a Milwaukee hammer drill that I use occasionally. Something about drilling into concrete reminds me of going to the dentist.

peerawit · 05-26-2009, 11:49 AM

For me the cordless is more comfortable to use

talos4 · 05-28-2009, 01:09 AM

90% of the time I'm cordless.

When I'm out working away from home I always take my Milwaukee 18v NICAD, Ryobi 12v lithium and an older Milwaukee 3/8" corded.

Of course that means two chargers and 4 batteries.

But, after a while that 18v sure does get heavy.

peterhw · 05-28-2009, 09:52 AM

I just joined this forum and this is my first post following my introduction. I am a DIYer and would only normally use a corded drill if I needed the power &/or hammer function.

I laminated up a coach roof on a yacht (20 ish years ago) and I used around 400 screws I seem to remember and that was using a Yankee - if only I'd had a power driver in those days!

I am just creating some decking at the back of my home (have included photo in my photos) and have just put in 750+ screws with two 14.4 cordless drivers - but did use a corded hammer drill for securing into the brickwork.

After putting down the decking it was me that was struggling to function at the end of the day - not the tools!