Have you ever been in the middle of a DIY project, working hard with your cordless drill, when unexpectedly the battery dies? It is frustrating, isn’t it? Or maybe you’ve just started a brand new drilling project and realized that your drill doesn’t have enough power to get the job done. Either way, it can be a real headache to have to stop and either recharge your drill’s battery or change it.
But don’t worry, there is a simple solution to this problem. You can rapidly convert your cordless drill to a corded drill by following a few easy steps. Before you know it, you will be back to your drilling project without any interruptions. Transforming your drill into a corded one might sound complicated, but it is actually not that hard!
If you have some experience repairing drill machines, then this should be a piece of cake for you. I have even seen plenty of drillers who have tried this technique and succeeded with ease. In this article, I will elaborately discuss things to know to convert cordless drill to corded, the tools you will require, and all the steps for conversion.
Things You Should Know Before The Conversion Process
Converting your cordless drill into a corded one is totally right, especially when it starts losing its power. Plus, it’s a smart way to avoid spending big bucks on a brand-new, top-notch drill. As they say, every penny you save is a penny you earn. However, to convert cordless drill to corded drill, you have to understand some important facts. These are elaborately discussed below:
Soldering
It’s the first and most important skill you need to have. The wire from the cordless drill’s cable to the battery connector needs to be soldered in order to convert it to a corded one. You’ll need to know how to use a soldering iron and all the other additional tools involved in the soldering procedure.
This method is vital because if the soldering isn’t done properly, the drill won’t function accurately. So make sure you know what you are doing and take your time to get it right.
Battery Pack
Before you start converting your drill into a corded one, you need to understand a few things about the battery pack. The battery can deliver a lot more current than what it takes to charge it, so you have to find an external power source that can match that output voltage and current. But it is not just about matching the voltage, the wiring of the drill needs to be able to handle that high current too.
The problem is, the existing battery pack is probably already pretty heavy, and there’s not much room to add a power source with the required voltage and current without making the drill too bulky and difficult to use. So, one solution is to add heavy-duty wires to the existing battery pack and connect them to an external power source, like a belt or backpack power pack.
This way, you can get some of the benefits of both corded and cordless drills without sacrificing ease of use. Alternatively, you could go for a mains power source that has a 20 volts and 20 amps output, but this will depend on the specifications of your drill. It may require a lot of power, like 20 volts and 40 amps, so make sure you get the right one to avoid damaging the drill.
Work Related to Electricity
In order to convert cordless drills, one needs basic knowledge of the tool, how it works, and how to operate it. This is due to the fact that you have to deal with connections and wires and know which parts go in which slots. Without this knowledge, it is not possible to deform your drill. So, it is important to have a firm understanding of these matters.
Electrical work can be dangerous, especially if you don’t know how wiring and connections function. At the same time, it will be most likely the case that you have worked with electricity beforehand. Still, if you have never worked with electricity before, you may get some help from someone who knows the details about it.
Things you Will Require for The Conversion Process
You will require various items to complete the task. Before you begin the process, ensure that you have those things on hand. These items are:
Once you have the skills and tools needed, you can simply turn your drill into a corded one. There are several ways to go about this, but if you don’t have expert knowledge regarding electrical systems’ working process, it is best to stick to the simplest method. This way, you can complete the task without too much trouble.
Accidents concerning electricity are most likely to occur if you do not know what you’re trying to do. Still, if you are not confident in your abilities or knowledge, you may play it safe and seek professional help.
The Method of Converting Your Drill to A Corded Drill
There are many methods of converting your drill to a corded drill. However, I will discuss one of the easiest methods here. Let’s take a look at that method:
Step 1: Drill Preparation
Firstly, you need to make sure that you unplug every power source from their electrical outlets and turn them off. Then, take your drill bit out of its container. The casing of the drill needs to be opened so that you can access the wires and battery clips. Just to let you know, after this point, the product’s warranty will become void.
Due to this, once the enclosure is opened, you can not change it anymore. You will have to figure out which wire goes where after opening the casing. You should do it with the power source and the drill simultaneously.
Step 2: Connect the Cord’s Two Ends
To do this step, you have to prepare the power cable’s wire by stripping the end of it and then tinning it. As a result, you can connect it to the battery connection smoothly. Next, you will have to polish, flux, and solder the battery connection, which is an essential part of the preparation procedure.
You can also opt to remove the battery from your drill. In this case, you have to solder the wire directly onto the drill’s wire.
Step 3: Wire Soldering
Following these steps will help you enhance your soldering skills. The battery clip must be separated from the power cord and soldered inside. If you take apart the battery in a precise manner, you will be able to connect the power cord’s wire directly to your drill’s wire. This will establish a direct connection, which is essential. As the power cord is connected to your drill, you can now use it as a corded drill.
When Does a Cordless Drill Need to Be Converted to a Corded Drill?
Is your cordless drill’s battery on the verge of dying or totally useless? If that is the case, it is possibly the major reason why you would want to convert it into a corded drill. Over time, the battery of a cordless drill tends to weaken, especially if you use it frequently. If you don’t take good care of the tool, it might lose power sooner than usual.
So, if you find yourself in this situation, you can convert your drill into a corded one by adhering to the above-mentioned steps. However, do not rush into the procedure right away. Make sure you gather all the necessary materials and have at least some basic understanding of power tool repairs to ensure the job is done safely.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is a cordless drill as powerful as a corded drill?
Corded drills are generally more powerful than cordless drills. The direct connection to an AC power source allows these drills to deliver consistent and high levels of power, making them suitable for heavy-duty tasks. On the contrary, cordless drills rely on rechargeable batteries, which provide a limited amount of power. They don’t have the same superior motors as the corded drills to produce higher power.
Are cordless drills AC or DC?
Cordless drills typically run on DC power. They are powered by rechargeable batteries, like lithium-ion batteries, which provide the DC power needed for operation. The batteries store the electrical energy and deliver it as DC power to the motor of the drill. This allows for greater portability and convenience since you don’t have to worry about being near an AC power source or dealing with tangled cords.
Can I use a cordless drill while it is being charged?
Most cordless drills are not designed to be used while they are being charged, and you should fully charge the battery before using the drill. Attempting to use your drill while it is being charged may cause damage to the battery and overheat the drill. If you have to use the drill for an extended period, you should unplug it from the charging outlet and allow the battery to power it instead of plugging it in.
Final Verdict
Converting your cordless drill into a corded one is actually quite simple now that I have walked you through all the steps. So, if you ever find that your drill is not working or the battery has become practically useless, give it a try! I am confident you will be able to do it without any difficulties or risks. Now, let’s talk about the advantages and disadvantages of converting your drill.
The major advantage is that you won’t ever again be concerned about battery life running out. No more frustrating interruptions or waiting for batteries to charge. It’s a game-changer! However, there are a few disadvantages to consider. First, you will require to have an electrical outlet nearby.
This means you will be tied to the outlet by a cord, which might be problematic, especially if you have to move a lot or if you are working in constricted spaces. It is something to keep in mind depending on your specific needs and work environment. If you do choose to convert cordless drill to corded drill, it is important to follow every safety precaution I have mentioned earlier.
You can operate your drill effectively and safely for several years to come with a little bit of affection. Remember, converting your cordless drill to corded can be a great solution for continuous power, but it is important to weigh the pros and cons and choose the option that best suits your needs and working style.
