Best Drill for Home: Cordless vs Corded Impact Drill

Power drill drilling a hole in a piece of wood

Hanging a shelf, fixing curtain rails, assembling furniture or mounting a TV on the wall: sooner or later every home needs a drill. The big question is which type to buy. Should you get a cordless drill that you charge, or a corded impact (hammer) drill that plugs into the wall? This guide explains the difference, what each one is good for, and how to choose the best drill for your home.

1. Cordless drill (battery drill)

What is it used for?

A cordless drill runs on a rechargeable battery, so you can move freely around the house without looking for a socket. It is ideal for driving and removing screws, assembling furniture, drilling in wood and light materials, and quick everyday jobs.

Our pick for everyday home use

The TOTAL 12V Cordless Drill TDLI12456 is light and easy to handle. It gives up to 750 RPM and 20Nm of maximum torque, has a chuck that takes bits from 0.8 to 10mm and 15+1 torque settings so you can adjust the power to the material. It comes with a 1.5Ah lithium-ion battery with USB Type-C charging, a built-in LED work light and a 65mm Cr-V bit to start right away.

TOTAL 12V cordless drill TDLI12456

How to use it correctly

Start on a low torque setting when driving screws and raise it gradually, so you don't strip the screw head or sink it too deep. Keep the battery charged before you start a job.

2. Corded impact drill (hammer drill)

What is it used for?

An impact drill adds a hammering action to the rotation, which helps it drill into concrete and brick walls. Because it plugs into the mains, it keeps working for long sessions without stopping to recharge. This is the drill you need for wall plugs, heavy shelves, kitchen cabinets and TV brackets.

Our pick for walls and heavy jobs

The TOTAL 710W Corded Impact Drill from the Industrial series delivers 0–3000 RPM with a 13mm chuck, variable speed, forward/reverse, and a hammer/drill switch for concrete, wood and metal. It comes with an auxiliary side handle, a depth gauge, a chuck key and an extra set of carbon brushes.

TOTAL 710W corded impact drill

How to use it correctly

Switch to hammer mode only for concrete and brick, and use normal drill mode for wood and metal. Hold the side handle with your other hand and use the depth gauge so all your holes come out at the same depth.

3. Cordless impact drill in a complete tool kit

If you want power without a cable plus all the hand tools you need in one case, the TOTAL 165-Piece Professional Tools Set THKTHP11652 includes a 20V cordless impact drill with a brushless motor, up to 66N.m of torque and an impact rate of 22,500 bpm, plus a 2.0Ah battery and charger. The rest of the 165 pieces are hand tools, bits and drills organised in a heavy-duty carrying case.

TOTAL 165 piece tool set with 20V brushless cordless impact drill

4. Which drill should you buy first?

  • Mostly screws, furniture and wood: a 12V cordless drill like the TOTAL TDLI12456 is light and practical.
  • Mostly drilling into concrete or brick walls: a corded impact drill like the TOTAL 710W is the right tool.
  • You want to do it all and build a full toolbox: the TOTAL 165-piece set with the 20V brushless impact drill.

What to check before you buy

  • Your walls: if most of them are concrete or brick, a hammer function matters a lot.
  • Chuck capacity: a larger chuck lets you use thicker bits.
  • Variable speed and forward/reverse: they make removing screws and starting slowly on smooth surfaces much easier.
  • Battery and charging on cordless drills: battery capacity and the charging method make a difference in daily use.

Compare more options in our power tools collection or browse the TOTAL tools collection.

5. Drill safety tips

  • Check for hidden electrical wires and water pipes before drilling into any wall.
  • Protect your eyes from dust and chips with safety glasses such as the TOTAL Clear Safety Glasses, which are lightweight and comfortable for long jobs.

TOTAL clear safety glasses

  • Unplug the drill or remove the battery before changing bits.
  • Tighten the bit fully in the chuck so it doesn't slip while drilling.
  • Use the right bit for the material: masonry bits for walls, wood bits for wood and metal bits for metal.
  • Keep loose sleeves and long hair away from the rotating chuck.

Frequently asked questions

Can a cordless drill make holes in concrete walls?

For concrete and brick, a drill with a hammer (impact) function is the right choice. A regular cordless drill is better suited to screws, wood and light materials.

What does the torque setting on a drill do?

It limits how hard the drill turns before the clutch slips. Low settings are for small screws and soft materials, and higher settings are for bigger screws and harder work.

Corded or cordless: which lasts longer in a work session?

A corded drill keeps working as long as it is plugged in. A cordless drill depends on battery capacity, so charge it before you start a long job.

Order your drill from EQUIPE

Choose the drill that fits your home and get it delivered to your door. Pay cash on delivery, with shipping to all Egyptian governorates in 2–3 business days and returns within 14 days. Need help choosing? Message us on WhatsApp at 01124686343 or email sales@equipe-eg.com.