I am looking for a corded drill for woodworking projects, mostly furniture and handy household level tasks. I love Dewalt and  Milwaukee as brands.
I want to be specific about couple of things before buying one as I don’t want to drop big bucks and later regret.
I think 8-amp motor would be enough. What should be the minimum to get right amount of torque?
I am with keyed chucks as they offer a more reliable grip to drill bits. Do you prefer keyless ones?
Variable speed, reversible and chuck size is 3/8 inch. 
Any more suggestions? I would greatly appreciate, thanks

I have this one. The torque will twist your wrist if the bit catches. I wish it did have the key chuck although I’ve never had this one slip. Not sure if it is still available. 

Welcome to The Patriot Woodworker @Allenanupam. Glad you found us and jumped right in the mix with questions. Stop by the Introduce Yourself Forum and tell us a little about yourself, types of projects and so on. Glad to have you on the team.

 

As for recommendations on purchase, I've only purchased two new corded drills in the last 35 years; both Harbor Freight VSR one of which is right angle; both have performed as I need. The rest of my corded drill brigade (hoard) consists mostly of Black & Decker U-series from the mid 1960's to late 1970's (1/4"-1/2") a few Craftsman 3/8" VSR from the mid 70's, various all metal body single speeds and my original Skil 3/8" VS which I received for my 18th birthday. All have keyed chucks which I prefer at least on corded.  I buy at yard/garage sales & flea markets for a few bucks. Some become parts mules to recondition the others. 

 

All that fluff aside, IF, I was buying new I'd consider THIS as a first purchase. You might also check some of your local pawn shops too. Never bought a corded drill from one but have purchased routers, circular saw, nailer, etc for cheap. Just my .$.02.

Mine is the twin to Lew's. This one from Amazon seems to be it's successor.

https://www.amazon.com/PORTER-CABLE-PC600D-8-Inch-Variable-Speed/dp/B0035H3KDO/ref=sr_1_12?gclid=CjwKCAiA1uKMBhAGEiwAxzvX9_EQ794mr0DteLZzXbgTn3nP4ioNgkGmUUhp7Qj4eoNus2x1VKr_3hoCaI4QAvD_BwE&hvadid=190489605302&hvdev=t&hvlocphy=9030226&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=14133494055248284659&hvtargid=kwd-298830368879&hydadcr=24656_9648981&keywords=porter+cable+drills&qid=1637442296&sr=8-12

Mine's close to 35 years old and still going strong.

Edited November 20, 20214 yr by Gene Howe

25 years ago there was a hands down choice for your needs, the old Milwaukee Magnum Hole Shooter. When I had a day job we had dozens of these (literally) in various tool boxes and they never lacked the power to do the job, or the durability to last a long time in an industrial environment. But those were USA made, and Milwaukee is now a Chinese company. Even so, they have a new version of that drill that might be just what you want...with one exception: it now seems to only come with a keyless chuck. You could change the chuck to a keyed one, I did this on a Milwaukee drill and it's really not hard to do, but it is an added cost and finding a quality chuck takes a search. Anyway, if you want to consider it, here's the Milwaukee page on it. Outside of that, my next choice might be a Bosch, but they only seem to come in keyless versions as well. BTW, I wouldn't get too wrapped up in the amp rating, the Milwaukee has a 5.5 amp motor...and it's really got all the torque you will ever need. Then, of course, I want to also welcome you to the forum...WELCOME aboard!

I would look at Craigslist or FB marketplace.  I have seen a few good "corded" drill for sale there.  I still have my 30+ yr old Craftsman 3/8" drill which I use with my pocket hole jig.

Danl

In my mind most any 3/8" VSR drill will meet your needs.  I have both corded and cordless, keyed and keyless chucks.  I've never had the keyless slip, so I actually prefer it, one less thing to keep track of.

I wouldn't even shy away from HF for your application.  I have a HF cheap Chicago Electric (generally considered the cheapest of the cheap) 1/2 drill I picked up at a pawn shop for $15.  It looked well used.  I have used it now for three years to mix up drywall mud in 5 gallon buckets.  Still going strong.

if you have one nearby, i would look at your local Restore to see what they have on the shelf.  I have found some old 1/2" corded drills at ours.

 

My keyed & corded B&D Pro 3/8" drill has all kinds of power (but is no longer made) and my battery 24V Ridgid (also no longer made) has a 1/2" hand tighten chuck which has never given me any problems and holds everything tight.

Wondering how much to ship a box like this one....

Back when they came in a metal case..and had a drill index inside...

Drill bits are long gone though...

Metal body, platic handle, 3 prong cord...3/8" chuck WITH key. Runs good...just sits around on a shelf all day...

Latch is getting rusty, handle is plastic..I think...back when B&D was Made in USA...