Need to buy new/used 1/2" electric drill...recommendations?
- Thread starter bmwpower
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Luckydevil
Well-known member
Corded or cordless?
... and if cordless, do you already have cordless tools of a certain brand (batteries, charger, etc.)?
... and if cordless, do you already have cordless tools of a certain brand (batteries, charger, etc.)?
Luckydevil said:
Thanks....Sorry, should have been more explicit - corded. I thought the "electric" in the title would have been enough....aah it was late.
So far have looked at various models from DeWalk, Makita, Milwaukee, Bosch.
- I like the adjustable torque handles.
- Not sure if I like removeable cord (Milwaukee)
- I like Makita stuff, but I'm not sure they have a high power model to compare to Milwaukee, etc.
- Can you compare amps to amps? ie, is an 8 amp model that much better than a 7 amp model?
My friend an I just rebuilt a Ford 302 and I borrowed my Dad's 3/8" Makita. Nearly smoked the thing to bits when we tried to prime the engine...hence my post.
motorheadjohn
Well-known member
I have Makita battery tools because they were a little cheaper and lighter than the Milwaukees. But all my corded tools are Milwaukee.
I was skeptical about the removable cord on the Milwaukee at first. But now I remove the cord from the drill when I throw it in the carry bag, to avoid stressing the cord where it enters the drill and more importantly to make more room in the tool bag. This is really handy on the Sawz-all which is a big tool to start with.
Also, I picked up a 25' Milwaukee cord online which saves me from getting out extension cords most of the time.
Best of all, the cords interchange with the drill and the Sawz-all. Cut one by accident, and I've got a handy spare ready to go -- no down time to repair the cord.
I was skeptical about the removable cord on the Milwaukee at first. But now I remove the cord from the drill when I throw it in the carry bag, to avoid stressing the cord where it enters the drill and more importantly to make more room in the tool bag. This is really handy on the Sawz-all which is a big tool to start with.
Also, I picked up a 25' Milwaukee cord online which saves me from getting out extension cords most of the time.
Best of all, the cords interchange with the drill and the Sawz-all. Cut one by accident, and I've got a handy spare ready to go -- no down time to repair the cord.
I refuse to use cordless drills any more. Call me old fashioned, but every one I've had has let me down when the battery pack runs out halfway through a project.
I recently bought a Dewalt keyed chuck 1/2" drill ($99 @ HD). Couldn't be happier with it. Heavy gears, heavy duty, and the chuck cinches down tight. Does all I ask of it. It's probably not the 'best', but it was $50+ less than the Milwaukee (and I read that some people don't like the Milwaukee keyless chuck system - that may or may not be an issue with what you're looking at).
Only down side, it does make enough torque to rip it out of my hands.
Had that happen for the first time this weekend... was using a 2"+ hole cutter on my metal shop wall. Caught the metal wrong, drill got crazy on me, bent the 1/4" guide bit.
I recently bought a Dewalt keyed chuck 1/2" drill ($99 @ HD). Couldn't be happier with it. Heavy gears, heavy duty, and the chuck cinches down tight. Does all I ask of it. It's probably not the 'best', but it was $50+ less than the Milwaukee (and I read that some people don't like the Milwaukee keyless chuck system - that may or may not be an issue with what you're looking at).
Only down side, it does make enough torque to rip it out of my hands.
Had that happen for the first time this weekend... was using a 2"+ hole cutter on my metal shop wall. Caught the metal wrong, drill got crazy on me, bent the 1/4" guide bit. AndrewM said:I refuse to use cordless drills any more. Call me old fashioned, but every one I've had has let me down when the battery pack runs out halfway through a project.
I recently bought a Dewalt keyed chuck 1/2" drill ($99 @ HD). Couldn't be happier with it. Heavy gears, heavy duty, and the chuck cinches down tight. Does all I ask of it. It's probably not the 'best', but it was $50+ less than the Milwaukee (and I read that some people don't like the Milwaukee keyless chuck system - that may or may not be an issue with what you're looking at).
Only down side, it does make enough torque to rip it out of my hands.
Maybe someone with a Milwaukee can weigh in here regarding their keyless chuck.
I've used a DeWalt keyless before and like it. Never used a Milwaukee keyless though.
I have been a long time fan of Milwaukee’s drills. I have a five-year-old 1/2” cordless that came with two batteries that handles most my extended projects. Though I rotate the extra battery in the charger when I’m using the drill. It has a keyless chuck that I’m not too fond of. It doesn’t hold a drill bit as tight as their keyed chucks. And sometimes it’s next to impossible to get a drill bit out after long usage.
On the other hand my 3/8" standard & angled model, 1/2" standard, 1/2” hammer drill, and a 3/4” magnetic drill are real workhorses. They all have key type chucks and have more than enough torque to do any job. Size and weight they are the toughest drills made. I have owned and discarded a number of Skill’s, Makita’s, Black & Decker’s, DeWalt's, Ram’s, and Sear’s drills over the years. And all ten of my Milwaukee’s are still working strong…
On the other hand my 3/8" standard & angled model, 1/2" standard, 1/2” hammer drill, and a 3/4” magnetic drill are real workhorses. They all have key type chucks and have more than enough torque to do any job. Size and weight they are the toughest drills made. I have owned and discarded a number of Skill’s, Makita’s, Black & Decker’s, DeWalt's, Ram’s, and Sear’s drills over the years. And all ten of my Milwaukee’s are still working strong…
motorheadjohn
Well-known member
I've got keyless chucks on my Makita battery toys. I prefer regular keyed Jacobs chucks on my corded drills and my air drill. Seems like the keyed chucks just hold better in really heavy duty applications.
I agree with the batteries dying mid-project. 18 and 24 volt toys have lots of grunt and run-time, but they're too heavy -- you can't work at arm's length or overhead for very long. One reason I like the 12v or even 14.4v Makita toys is that they're fairly light and fairly cheap...leaving you with some extra cash to buy new extra batteries. The cheapest I've found them is online, ebay seller M3NUTS, probably bought 5-6 battery packs from him alone. He deals several different brands so check his auctions regardless what make of tools you have. I've probably got 8-10 battery packs and 4 chargers, for use with 5 tools and 2 flashlights. I expect a battery or two to die mid-project, but I've got enough extra batteries to keep working.
I don't remember where I bought the Milwaukee 25-ft cord. I got it new, but it might have been an ebay auction. I will look tonight for the 6-ft and 25-ft part numbers. There are several websites for ordering replacement parts from the various manufacturers. You can get the cords from those parts dealers, plus you'll find the Milwaukee cords occasionally on ebay.
EDIT - just checked ebay and there is a bunch of them out there now. auction linky
I agree with the batteries dying mid-project. 18 and 24 volt toys have lots of grunt and run-time, but they're too heavy -- you can't work at arm's length or overhead for very long. One reason I like the 12v or even 14.4v Makita toys is that they're fairly light and fairly cheap...leaving you with some extra cash to buy new extra batteries. The cheapest I've found them is online, ebay seller M3NUTS, probably bought 5-6 battery packs from him alone. He deals several different brands so check his auctions regardless what make of tools you have. I've probably got 8-10 battery packs and 4 chargers, for use with 5 tools and 2 flashlights. I expect a battery or two to die mid-project, but I've got enough extra batteries to keep working.
I don't remember where I bought the Milwaukee 25-ft cord. I got it new, but it might have been an ebay auction. I will look tonight for the 6-ft and 25-ft part numbers. There are several websites for ordering replacement parts from the various manufacturers. You can get the cords from those parts dealers, plus you'll find the Milwaukee cords occasionally on ebay.
EDIT - just checked ebay and there is a bunch of them out there now. auction linky
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motorheadjohn
Well-known member
I should add that the Milwaukee 1/2" drill is available either way -- with keyless chuck or standard keyed chuck, so if you decide to go with Milwaukee the chuck decision will be a simple matter of your preference. Part number is slightly different between the models, and when I bought mine, Home Depot had both drill models on the shelves.
You're right. I stopped at Home Depot on the way home today and they had both. The keyed chuck model only comes with the regular cord, not the twist-on cord. I have to agree, the keyless chuck felt kinda weird. I think I'll stick with the keyed chuck. It's not like I'm switching bits all that much on a heavy duty job.
I think I'm either going for this one:
http://www.mytoolstore.com/milwauke/0299-20.html
or this one:
http://www.mytoolstore.com/milwauke/0300-20.html
I think I'm either going for this one:
http://www.mytoolstore.com/milwauke/0299-20.html
or this one:
http://www.mytoolstore.com/milwauke/0300-20.html
kartracer55
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jun 21, 2005
- Messages
- 5,317
Get a milwaukee magnum with a keyed chuck and be done with it. Keyless chucks arnt as well suited for heavy drilling because youc ant get them as tight as a keyed chuck. Dont worry about the removable cord, its a nice feature you will like. Its got a twist to lock thing on it so it doesnt always pull out on ya. Best corded drill I have ever used, hands down. My dads has been going strong for something like 15 years and even today it will still rip your arms off (ok., myabe not, but it CAN hurt you if your not paying attention) when the bit catches.
Buy one and dont look back, you definetly wont be dissapointed
Jim
Buy one and dont look back, you definetly wont be dissapointed
Jim
milwaukee drills are OK. They are offered in several configurations like D-handle etc. But if your after POWER go Metabo! Look at a BE1020, its a two speed deal and kicks out 248 inch pounds of torque. That's over 20 foot-pounds.
http://www.metabousa.com/uploads/media/p8-11Drills.pdf
They have other 1/2" drills that go even higher. For Elroy it's Metabo baby! That is, if you want torque.
http://www.metabousa.com/uploads/media/p8-11Drills.pdf
They have other 1/2" drills that go even higher. For Elroy it's Metabo baby! That is, if you want torque.
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motorheadjohn
Well-known member
Here's a Milwaukee Magnum drill, 1/2", quik-lok cord and regular keyed chuck -- exact same model I have:
drill
The collar on the cord has a quarter-turn to lock/unlock the cord from the drill body.
Full drill list on mytoolstore.com
drill
The collar on the cord has a quarter-turn to lock/unlock the cord from the drill body.
Full drill list on mytoolstore.com
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Dave Carney
Well-known member
Another vote for Milwaukee. I too prefer the regular chuck for jobs, like drilling big holes in thick steel. My 1/2" Milwaukee has enough torque to rip your arm off.
boiler7904
Well-known member
I bought a 3/8" Milwaukee with keyless chuck last fall. The chuck took some getting used to but I love it. Would have bought a 1/2" but I didn't really need it. When I do, I can justify another tool puchase to my (soon to be) wife.
For anyone looking to buy power tools, check out Coastal Tool. I've bought a few things from them and always check their price. They are usually pretty competitive and it's nice to be able to buy from small businesses instead of home depot or amazon.
Another site where you can score some awesome deals is Heavy Duty Tools. The service is awesome. The Bosch impact driver that I bought from them last summer came with a broken case. It may have happened in shipping (North Carolina to Illinois) - who knows? I called their 800 number and one of the owners of the store (Mark) answered. He opened another new unit and sent me the case next day air. Little things like that earn my respect and repeat business.
For anyone looking to buy power tools, check out Coastal Tool. I've bought a few things from them and always check their price. They are usually pretty competitive and it's nice to be able to buy from small businesses instead of home depot or amazon.
Another site where you can score some awesome deals is Heavy Duty Tools. The service is awesome. The Bosch impact driver that I bought from them last summer came with a broken case. It may have happened in shipping (North Carolina to Illinois) - who knows? I called their 800 number and one of the owners of the store (Mark) answered. He opened another new unit and sent me the case next day air. Little things like that earn my respect and repeat business.
Fast Orange
Well-known member
I'll jump on the Milwaukee bandwagon too.The Magnums are a really tough and powerful pistol grip drill-as for engine priming,I've used them many times for this and they work great-they don't even get warm after about 20 minutes on a SB with 20W-50 oil. If you need more power than the pistol drill,any of the D handles are more powerful than you can hang onto.The right angle D handles are the choice of electricians for tight spots and large bits.
The removable cords are good-you can get a Magnum drill and accessories into a 30 cal. ammo can without ruining the cord.
I too would go with a keyed chuck-they hold tighter.
George
The removable cords are good-you can get a Magnum drill and accessories into a 30 cal. ammo can without ruining the cord.
I too would go with a keyed chuck-they hold tighter.
George
eschoendorff
Well-known member
logical
Well-known member
I have a 1/2 inch Milwaukee magnum with the hammer drill option. It's nice to have once in a while when drilling concrete. It's the removable cord style. Best power tool I have....except maybe my Skil worm drive circular saw. The cord is nice because I can switch between my sawzall and drill by undoing the cord at the tool.
I didn't know they made a long cord...gotta get one of those.
I didn't know they made a long cord...gotta get one of those.
Ok all you Milwaukee guys out there....
Q: Is it better to buy a new drill (with their 5 year warranty) or buy used (for about 1/2 the price). In other words, can I expect this thing to break down within 5 years?
Q: Is it better to buy a new drill (with their 5 year warranty) or buy used (for about 1/2 the price). In other words, can I expect this thing to break down within 5 years?
sberry
Banned
Cant answer the new / used thing but if you want the 1/2 I got to go with these other guys, keyed Milwuakee, I have 2 of them, would have saved a lot of greif if I would have bought them over others years before,
jwith68
Well-known member
My heavy drill is the Milwaukee 0234-6, the 5.5A model. It is very powerfull - will drill up to 1" in mild steel without to much strain. One of the 8.0A models should be able to handle just about anything you throw at it. I've had the Milwaukee for ~5 years, and it has been absolutely reliable, never a problem.
bmwpower said:
If you can live without a 1/2 “ drill for a while, I’d say to wait and see if a good used one pops up somewhere. Then again you’re young, and a Milwaukee drill would surely give you years of good service then could be passed onto the next generation.
DIGGER_DAVE
Well-known member
bmwpower said:
I bought this Milwaukee 1/2 " drill ..
http://www.mytoolstore.com/milwauke/1676-6.html
15 years ago! Still going STRONG!
Dave Carney
Well-known member
They come up new on Ebay regularly, for a good price, that's where I got mine.