Looking for Recommendation: Cordless or Corded Drill

Hi all, I have a cordless Ozito drill that I bought over 10 years ago and currently is unusable due to batteries won't charge anymore. Initially it took long to charge, then the usage time was getting shorter and shorter and now it just wont charge.

I know batteries have probably improved a lot in recent years and become more reliable and durable, but I am contemplating whether I should just get a corded one. I use drill probably about 6-10 times a year for light job and don't want to spend more than $100. I see corded drill around $50-$60 at Bunnings.

Is there any reasons I should still buy a cordless one? I mean, is there anything against corded drill for my usage? Thanks.

Comments

  • Do you use the drill near power points? If not, get a cordless. Ozito would do the job.

    • No I don't necessarily use it near power points although I have extension cable that I can use.

  • +3

    For such low usage, I'd lean towards corded.
    It should last a long time, batteries may not.
    I have both and still use the corded about 25% of the time.
    .

    • Let's say in the same price range (below $100) should I expect the cordless will be less powerful than the corded one? Or they are the same when the batteries are new.

      • +1

        I can't be sure, but they will come with wattage (W) and torque (Nm) ratings to compare
        .

  • +2

    Impossible to drill n drive with a corded one

    • slow clap

    • eh?
      I only got a separate driver in recent years.
      one corded drill was all I ever needed to drill and drive
      .

  • +1

    Cordless is so much more convenient and will save you time since you don't need to worry about the extension cord. I'd look for a good second hand one to save cost.

  • +1

    Battery is probably Ni-Cad which die over time. Maybe cheaper option would be to check online for a clone battery - probably only about $30 or so.

    • +1

      yeah just get this OP. if you wanted to drill into bricks I'd say get corded for the extra grunt but corded is a lot more convenient for light tasks.

    • What are the differences between impact drill and hammer drill?

      • +1

        Direction of the force.

        Impact twists, hammer, well, hammers.

        • Ah … okay … thanks.

          • @peuwayaqdq: Hammer is for drilling hard material, like concrete. The hammer action makes the drill bit act more like a chisel.

            Impact is for driving screws. Y'know how you are trying to get a stuck bolt undone, and you give the end of the spanner a whack to loosen it? That's what impact is doing.

  • +1

    I wanted a electric garden weed sprayer, so I bought the 18V ozito. I needed a battery and charger, so I bought the 2 drill, 2 battery and charger kit. I've now bought the 18V glue gun too.

    Ozito work fine for household jobs & the more things you buy the more jobs you find to do.

    I'm very happy with the garden sprayer, It has solved a long term problem. The drills I am using for general woodworking. The batteries and overall weight is less than Makita or Ryobi. A lot of wookworkers are using smaller drills, with bigger drills for house building. (I also have a big Makita drill but the smaller Ozito does all I need)

  • +1

    I had the same thinking as you and ended up with both. Just be aware that the corded one is bloody heavy compared to the cordless one.

  • Initially I was thinking cordless for the limited use suggested (6-10 times per year). It’s better for lithium batteries to be used at least semi regularly.

    After reading the comments above, consider that the batteries could also power other equipment, such as whipper snipper, blower, torch or dozens of other things it might be worth going cordless.

    Personally cordless is almost exclusively what I use. Plenty of power and plenty of skins available for all sorts of jobs. My collection is around 15 skins and 6 batteries including power tools, yard equipment and lighting for use while camping.

    FWIW I’ve found Ryobi more powerful than Ozito and worth the extra $.

    • I am so behind with this … so now the batteries are in standard shape/size that will fit into various tools?

      • +1

        Not quite.

        The idea is you stick to one brand and buy a couple of batteries that are shared amongst all your tools (drill, chainsaw, mower, angle grinder etc).

        That's why the tools don't come with batteries anymore aka 'skins'.

      • +1

        Correct. Most modern battery tools use a battery that is common across the brand. Typically 18v. Mostly they aren’t compatible with a different brand, but in some cases there are adaptors available to use a different brand battery and skin.

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