comparisons
Corded vs Cordless Mag Drill: Power, Kits and Jobsite Fit
A cordless mag drill can solve difficult power access, while a corded model can simplify repeated work near reliable service. DEWALT's DWE1622K and DCD1623 make the tradeoff concrete: both document 2-inch annular diameter and depth, but they differ in base behavior, speed control, power planning and verified offer status. Cordless and permanent-magnet remain separate specifications—not synonyms.
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DEWALT DWE1622K vs DCD1623 at a glance
Capacity does not decide this pair: DEWALT documents both at up to 2-inch annular diameter and 2-inch cutting depth. DWE1622K is a 120V, 10A corded electromagnetic-base machine with fixed 300/450 rpm gears. DCD1623 is a 20V MAX brushless cordless machine with a permanent magnet, 130–420 and 250–810 rpm mechanical ranges and five electronic settings in each gear.
Both use a quick-change 3/4-inch Weldon annular path and a separate keyed-chuck path. That overlap does not make the packages interchangeable. Compare the exact chuck/adapter, guard, chain, coolant system, case and—on DCD1623—battery and charger contents before assigning value.
- Choose DWE1622K when suitable 120V service is dependable and battery management adds no useful flexibility.
- Choose DCD1623 when eliminating the cord solves a repeated access problem and the exact battery/charger plan covers the hole schedule.
- Stop either path when the surface, restraint, cutter or orientation falls outside the exact manual.
Power loss and the magnet are different decisions
The DWE1622K electromagnet depends on electrical power; its manual requires a reset after interrupted power or lost magnetic grip. The DCD1623's permanent magnet does not need battery power to remain attached and provides a partial-engagement positioning setting before full engagement. That difference can matter during repositioning and battery changes.
Neither design turns the base into fall protection. DEWALT requires an independent restraint, clean contact and a suitable mounting surface. The DWE1622K manual specifically states flat steel at least 3/8 inch thick with no visible air gap. Keep DCD1623's model-specific minimum unresolved here rather than borrowing the corded model's number.
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Check AmazonCompare speed control against the cutter schedule
DWE1622K assigns its 300 rpm low gear to larger 32–50 mm holes and its 450 rpm high gear to 12–30 mm holes. DCD1623 adds five electronic settings within each of two mechanical ranges, reaching 130–810 rpm. More settings can help match varied cutter sizes, but only when the manual's cutter-size chart and the cutter maker's material guidance agree.
Do not turn DCD1623's broader range into a speed or productivity promise. DEWALT's cited 40-hole battery result is limited to a 9Ah FLEXVOLT pack, 13/16-inch holes and 1/2-inch ASTM A36 steel. Different diameters, depths, materials, feeds and battery packs change the planning problem.
- Map every recurring diameter to the exact manual's speed recommendation.
- Keep annular diameter, cutting depth and keyed-chuck capacity separate.
- Confirm the cutter shank, pilot and material before treating either drill as ready.
Put both proposals on the same cost sheet
For DWE1622K, include the exact US package and any permitted power-distribution requirements. For DCD1623, distinguish the bare tool from DCD1623GX2 and record the exact batteries, charger and accessories. Do not compare a bare cordless headline with a complete corded case—or count batteries you already own until their exact approval and condition are confirmed.
The retained catalog provides an exact DWE1622K Amazon offer but no exact DCD1623 offer. That is a purchasing-evidence gap, not a reason to relabel another cordless drill. Use the DCD1623 manufacturer source for specifications and treat the Amazon cards below as different models to compare.
Questions, answered
Does every cordless mag drill use a permanent magnet?
Do not assume so. Verify the exact model specification and manual.
How many batteries do I need?
That depends on the job and the approved battery configuration. Use manufacturer test conditions as a reference, then account for your workload and charging access.
Are the DWE1622K and DCD1623 the same capacity?
DEWALT documents both for annular holes up to 2 inches in diameter and 2 inches deep, but their power, magnet, speed control and package requirements differ.
