Help me pick out a cheap corded drill

[paulri]

I had a nice Makita corded drill, it stopped working 5-10 years ago, and I never replaced it. I used that a lot doing projects, like extending the fence in my backyard, but obviously haven’t needed a drill in years. I’m not sure when I’ll need the drill again, after I attach two LED outdoor lights to the eaves.

I’d like to keep this under $50 if I can, which means corded, as they are the cheapest at Lowes & HD.

Here are my choices.

I have included a Craftsman drill for $60 that appears to be USA made (from global materials). If there was a good chance that it would outlast the cheaper ones, I’d be willing to pay that much more, but let’s cap it at $60. I read a lot of grumbling here at BITOG about Craftsman tools going down in quality. Would it be more likely to outlast the cheaper models? Gotta say, just for this project, what tempts me to buy a $30 drill is that if it goes out on me after I finish putting up these two lights, I won’t be too disappointed. But I would be fine with paying double that, if I thought the drill would last a lot longer.

Lowes:

Fleming for $36: https://www.lowes.com/pd/Fleming-Su...0-Amp-120-Volt-Hammer-Drill-0-5-in/5001379191

Metabo for $30: https://www.lowes.com/pd/Metabo-HPT...-8-Amp-3-8-in-Keyless-Corded-Drill/1001299652

Craftsman for $60 https://www.lowes.com/pd/CRAFTSMAN-7-Amp-3-8-in-Keyless-Corded-Drill/1000601885


Home Depot:

Genesis for $28: https://www.homedepot.com/p/GENESIS...rized-Grip-and-Lock-On-Button-GD38B/203656911

Genesis for $43: https://www.homedepot.com/p/GENESIS...le-Drill-with-Non-Slip-Grip-GCQD38A/204371970

Ryobi ($60): https://www.homedepot.com/p/RYOBI-5...-Compact-Drill-Driver-with-Bag-D43K/205216326


ACE has two black & deckers, one for $41, the other for $53:

Black+Decker 5.5 amps 3/8 in. Corded Drill Driver - Ace Hardware

Ideal for drilling through a range of materials, this corded drill/driver features variable speed for extra control and on-board bit storage. A powerful 5.5-amp motor tackles household tasks big and small.Find the CORDED DRILL 3/8 5.2A at Ace.

www.acehardware.com

Black+Decker 7 amps 1/2 in. Corded Drill Driver - Ace Hardware

Featuring a 360-degree handle for added control, this 7-Amp 1/2 inch drill/driver is powerful enough to handle tough applications. An all-metal keyed chuck adds durability and increased bit retention. Variable speed enables controlled drilling and driving.Find the DRILL 1/2 VSR B&D at Ace.

www.acehardware.com

HF has a few under $50, Warrior, Chicago Electric, & Bauer: https://www.harborfreight.com/power...drills-drivers.html?order=price-low&current=1

 

[skyactiv]

The Metabo is my choice.

 

[andyd]

HF probably has the cheapest, in cost and quality. I let the smoke out of mine because the power cord couldn't handle the draw and started its jacket on fire. I replaced the cord with one full of smoke and it works fine

 

[weaponoffreedom]

Ryobi is made by the same parent company as Milwaukee and Ridgid. I am preferable to HD, as they are more geared to professionals, (which I claim to be).

not sure if you have seen CPO, but this one is a good deal, slightly out of your budget, but is more functional:

Factory Reconditioned Makita 6.6 Amp 3/4 in. Hammer Drill with Case

Factory Reconditioned Makita 6.6 Amp 3/4 in. Hammer Drill with Case

www.cpooutlets.com

the metabo you linked to looks like a good deal, but if you ever need more power, or hammer function, then your 60 dollar budget is gone. The makita puts you over by a little initially, but will save should you need more drill.

hope it helps.

I respect corded tools

 

[paulri]

The Metabo is only $10 shipping, less than I thought. Never thought about refurb drills. Given that I probably won't be using it very much, this might combine quality with longevity and budget. Thanks for the recommendation.

I only used my old Makita for drilling holes and screws to maintain fences, that sort of thing. I think I don't need much power for that.

 

[weaponoffreedom]

The Metabo is only $10 shipping, less than I thought. Never thought about refurb drills. Given that I probably won't be using it very much, this might combine quality with longevity and budget. Thanks for the recommendation.

I only used my old Makita for drilling holes and screws to maintain fences, that sort of thing. I think I don't need much power for that.

realized the metabo from CPO is more expensive than new.......? weird, either way, corded tools are a dying thing these days. Maybe check a yard sale this weekend, i always find one for 5 bucks.

 

[MSCH]

cheap corded drill... I have a Walmart version... I think it was 14 dollars. it works . when it doesn't I will throw it away and buy another.

 

[Rand]

metabo is 3/8 chuck you need a half inch? or no.

cheapest halfway decent half inch would be 30$ with coupon.

7.5 Amp 1/2 in. Variable-Speed Hammer Drill

Amazing deals on this 1/2In 7.5 Amp Vsr Hammer Drill at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[zzyzzx]

I like all the ones that use a keyed chuck. On a cheap drill you want the keyed chuck because they actually work.

Would having a drill that's also a hammer drill be of value to you? If so, I didn't see any on your list that do that.

 

[paulri]

No hammer drill is needed.

I like all the ones that use a keyed chuck. On a cheap drill you want the keyed chuck because they actually work.

Would having a drill that's also a hammer drill be of value to you? If so, I didn't see any on your list that do that.

 

[paulri]

Yeah, that is funny. I didn't even realize they were the same drill. Thanks for checking up on that.

realized the metabo from CPO is more expensive than new.......? weird, either way, corded tools are a dying thing these days. Maybe check a yard sale this weekend, i always find one for 5 bucks.

 

[paulri]

My Makita was keyed. Since you mentioned it, I went back and looked at a few of the ones I listed, and I didn't see any that were keyed.

I like all the ones that use a keyed chuck. On a cheap drill you want the keyed chuck because they actually work.

Would having a drill that's also a hammer drill be of value to you? If so, I didn't see any on your list that do that.

 

[zzyzzx]

My Makita was keyed. Since you mentioned it, I went back and looked at a few of the ones I listed, and I didn't see any that were keyed.

I think 3 of the ones posted were keyed.

 

[paulri]

Correct. The Fleming, the Genesis $43, and the Black & Decker 7 amp.

I think 3 of the ones posted were keyed.

 

[Trav]

Metabo HPT is renamed Hitachi and not as good as the real Metabo but they are okay for the home gamer.

 

[totegoat]

I'd look at Harbour Freight and buy cordless.

 

[Reggaemon]

I'd go with the least expensive 1/2 inch hammer drill you can find. I know you said you don't need a hammer drill but it is a nice option to have, never know when you might need it in the future.

 

[Tdbo]

For $30, I'd be all over that Metabo.

 

[Eddie]

+1 go with a cordless.

 

[nomas]

Harbor Freight or Walmart . You won't get any cheaper unless you find one at a garage sale .