Corded vs cordless SDS drill: which should you buy?

Impact energy and speed

SDS drills are rated by impact energy in joules per blow. Compact cordless models are around 1.2 to 2 joules, mid size cordless and typical corded SDS plus drills about 2.5 to 3.2 joules, and twin battery or 36 V models higher again. Corded drills keep that energy steady all day; a cordless drill can drop slightly as the pack runs down, although electronics on newer tools hold performance until near empty.

For 6 to 12 mm anchor holes in brick and concrete, the difference is small. For 16 mm and larger holes, core bits and long chiselling, a corded or larger cordless model pulls ahead.

Runtime and batteries

A cordless SDS drill uses more energy than a combi drill, so pair it with 4 Ah or larger batteries. A 5 Ah 18 V pack is 90 watt hours; see volts and amp hours explained. For fixing a run of brackets or cable clips, one pack is usually plenty. For chasing walls all day you need several packs and a fast charger, which is where corded drills save money.

If you have no battery platform yet, a bare cordless SDS drill is not cheap once you add packs and a charger. That tips the sum towards corded for occasional heavy work.

Compare cordless SDS drills →

Convenience and safety

No cable means no trip hazard on ladders, no extension reels across a room and no risk of drilling through your own lead. Working on ceilings and in lofts is much easier cordless. On UK building sites tools usually need to run at 110 V through a transformer, so cordless avoids that problem altogether.

Corded drills are fine for home use at 240 V with an RCD protected socket or plug in RCD. Check walls for cables and pipes before any drilling and avoid the safe zones where cables run vertically and horizontally from sockets and switches.

Note:Always scan for hidden cables and pipes, wear eye protection and hearing protection, and use dust control when drilling masonry. Silica dust from concrete and brick is harmful.

Weight and vibration

Modern cordless SDS drills are often well balanced, with the battery under the grip. Larger corded drills sometimes add active vibration control. Vibration exposure matters if you drill for long periods; see power tool vibration explained for how the figures work.

For overhead work, choose the lightest drill that does the job. A compact 12 V or 18 V SDS drill for ceiling fixings is far less tiring than a 3.5 kg corded model.

Which one to buy

Choose cordless if you already have batteries from DeWalt, Makita, Milwaukee, Bosch or similar, if you mostly drill anchor holes, or if you work where sockets are scarce. Choose corded if you are starting without batteries, plan to chisel tiles or chase walls, or want the most energy for the money. Our explainer what is an SDS drill covers SDS plus and SDS max.

If a big job is a one off, consider hiring: see hire or buy an SDS drill.

Frequently asked questions

Is a cordless SDS drill as powerful as a corded one? Larger cordless models match typical corded SDS plus drills in joules. Compact cordless models are lighter and lower in energy, which suits small fixings.

Can I use a cordless SDS drill for chiselling? Many have a hammer only mode, but long chiselling drains batteries fast. A corded drill or a hired breaker is better for big areas.

What voltage should a corded SDS drill be? 240 V for home use. Building sites in the UK usually require 110 V tools.

Does a cordless SDS drill need big batteries? Use at least 4 Ah packs for steady performance. Small 2 Ah packs work but run down quickly on larger holes.