Corded Drill Reviews

We do corded drill reviews so that we can evaluate the best tools for concrete professionals, painters, and more. This section includes reviews of rotary hammer drills, demo hammers, corded impact wrenches, and more. With cordless drills gaining ground, some applications still require tools with more power. As power tool innovations continue, that gap narrows, but for now some jobs continue to require a cord. Some advanced products, like the Makita AVT technology available in their rotary hammers and demo hammers, improve ergonomics. From vibration reduction technology to advanced dust collection, corded drills retain jobsite relevancy. Depending on your application, we’re finding that light weight models with new brushless motors are performing as good as yesterday’s larger tools. That means less fatigue with just as much drilling. Whether it’s a demo hammer, rotary hammer, or corded mixer, we’ve got you covered.

Makita LCT307W 12V Cordless Combo Kit Review

Makita LCT307W 12V Cordless Combo Kit Review

The Makita LCT307W 12V Cordless Combo Kit contains some very light and compact tools. Compared with typical competing portable drills, the included FD01W measures only 6 inches from hex chuck to back – and the DT01W Impact Driver is nearly the same. This really makes these Makita tools much more accessible to tight spaces. On both tools, the built-in LED light illuminates with just a touch of the trigger and proved to be very bright and helpful. Under our test conditions where we intentionally worked in tight (and thus dark) quarters, both the Makita Driver-Drill and Impact Driver were great tools.

Makita HM0870C 11 lb Demolition Hammer Preview

Makita HM0870C 11 lb Demolition Hammer Preview

At the 2011 World of Concrete (WoC) show this year, Makita unleashed a new hard hitting demolition hammer that uses less weight to accomplish more. The demo hammer, which accepts SDS-Max bits, weighs only 11.1 lbs. and is ideally suited for horizontal work and jobs where you just don’t want to lift a heavier hammer off the ground. The new tool comes with an Electronic Speed Control that automatically applies additional power to the motor to maintain speed under load to complete the most challenging jobs. It also features a soft start motor to suppress start-up reaction and current draw for more control and better accuracy.

Bosch 11335K Jack Breaker Hammer

Bosch 11335K Jack Breaker Hammer

Bosch 11335K 35-Pound 1-1/8-Inch Jack Hammer Kit features an impact force of 34 ft.-lbs and powerful 1750 W motor. This tool also includes an exclusive active vibration control shock absorbing top handle reduces vibration by up to 40%, an in-line Design with multiple grip positions for maximum performance in angled, horizontal, and vertical applications. Also, it offers large main handle that increased control and handling, well positioned lock on switch, a 360° Articulating Auxiliary Handle that provides a wide range of movement along with operator comfort, Carrying Case with Wheels for convenient storage and easy transportation, 2 Way Tool Retainer that accepts standard 1-1/8″ (28mm) hex, air tool steel with retaining collar or Bosch internal locking combo stee, plus all Metal Housing for jobsite durability.

Bosch T1757 Premium Hammer Hauler

Bosch T1757 Premium Hammer Hauler

The new bosch T1757 premium hammer hauler is designed for easy transportation, user convenience, and system compatibility. The quick-release strap is fast, easy to adjust, and holds the tool securely to the hauler without loosening. The hauler’s grommets securely hold the hammer steel in place during transportation. The 3.8-Inch foam tires are shock absorbing for rough and rocky terrain. They will not puncture even in the roughest of conditions.

Bosch 11264EVS rotary hammer

Bosch 11264EVS 1-5/8″ SDS-Max Rotary Hammer Preview

Bosch 11264VS offers unmatched Power to Weight Ratio(13 Amps, 8.1 ft-lbs Impact energy & 14.3 lbs), the best performing rotary hammer in its class! The tool features an active Vibration Control, One-Hand SDS-max that makes changing bits easier than ever before while maximizing jobsite productivity, and Constant Response Circuitry maintains speed under load and overload protection while Turbo Power delivers 20% more power in hammer only mode, also vario-lock positioning that rotates and locks chisel into 12 different positions, an Auto-Max variable speed Dial, a Service Minder light that indicates when preventative maintenance is required, and Patented cord turret that reduces cord wear.

Bosch 1" SDS-plus BULLDOG Xtreme Rotary Hammer 11255VSR Preview

Bosch 11255VSR SDS-plus BULLDOG Xtreme Rotary Hammer

Bosch bills this as the fastest, longest lasting breed of rotary hammer. The totally redesigned BULLDOG Xtreme outlasts the competition in both speed and performance. A side-mounted multi-function selector allows 3 modes of operation: rotary hammer, hammer-only and rotation-only mode. Vario-Lock Positioning rotates and locks the chisel into 36 different positions to optimize your working angle. The patented rotating brush plate provides equal power in both forward and reverse, so you get as much torque and speed coming out as you do going in. There are also some nice minor touches, like how the cord turret has a 35-degree pivot for added flexibility and longer cord life.

Delta 18" Laser Drill Press 18-900L First Look

Delta 18 inch Laser Drill Press 18-900L First Look

Delta Machinery introduced its new 18-inch Laser Drill Press (model 18-900L), bringing a new patent-pending Auto-Tensioning Belt Drive System, along with a full 6-inch quill stroke and an oversized woodworker’s table. The patent-pending Auto-Tensioning Belt Drive System is an industry first and allows for fast and easy speed changes while maximizing efficiency with consistent belt tension and motor alignment.

Skil 6716 Impact Hammer Drill Preview

Skil Impact Drill 6716 Preview

The Skil 6716 16mm Impact Drill is new and joins the 6002 and 6006 in the company’s lineup of products designed to provide more efficient and powerful drilling into masonry and metals such as steel plate. This new hammer drill extendings the company’s existing range of 10mm and 13mm impact drills. Positioned at the top of Skil’s lineup, the 6716 hammer drill has a powerful and reliable 710 W motor with an all-metal bearing system. It offers the highest rotation speed (up to 3200 rpm) and impact rate (51,200 bpm) in its class for efficient metal and masonry drilling.

Makita Drywall Screwdriver FS6200TP Quick Look

Makita FS6200TP Drywall Screwdriver Preview

Makita’s new drywall screwdriver line comes with an impressive new lightweight design. There are three new models and each features a 6-amp motor, aluminum gear housing, adjustable depth locator, and LED work light. The only difference between models is the maximum speed (which of course begs the question: why not one tool with three settings?). The FS6200 delivers 0-6,000 RPM while the FS4200 delivers 0-4,000 RPM – and both weigh just 2.9 lbs. The FS2200 delivers 0-2,500 RPM and weighs 3.5 lbs. Makita also provides several model options: The FS4200A features a 50 ft. cord and the FS4200TP a 50 ft. twist lock cord. The FS6200TP also features a 50 ft. twist lock power cord.

Milwaukee D Handle Drill Right Angle kit

Milwaukee D Handle Drill with Right Angle Drive Review 1107-6

We reviewed the Milwaukee 1107-6 7 amp D-handle drill with the optional right angle drive attachment and were blown away by its powerful torque and drilling capability, especially in tight corners. This is a tool that, bar none, any serious contractor should have in their arsenal. This tool is not for bargain hunters, however as it will set you back quite a bit to benefit from its stellar performance.