Corded Drill

[strnjss]

I've decided that I need a corded drill. I have a nice DeWalt 18v XRP cordless drill, but I want freedom from charging batteries. And even though I've never had an issue going through any material with my 18v, the option to have more power would be nice too.

I'm not sure exactly what brand to get though.

I don't want to spend too much money. The one's that look really nice to me sell for around $60 which would probably be my limit (unless the extra money would really be worth it to get one more expensive.)

The one's I'm considering right now are:

Ridgid R7001
$60
It's got a 7.5A motor, 2700 rpm, 12 ft cord.

UL Listed

I've heard decent things about Ridgid, but have never owned one before.

DeWalt DWD110K
$60
It has a 7.0A motor, 2500 rpm, 8 ft cord.

CSA listed (whatever that means)

I have a DeWalt now, and for the most part like it. I know some people say they're just re-badged Black and Deckers, but they are built much better than B&D's are.

The stats are a little lower than the Ridgid, but doesn't DeWalt have a better reputation for quality than Ridgid does?

Milwaukee Tradesman 0240-20
$60

It has an 8.0A motor, and has up to 2800 RPM, with an 8 ft cord.

CSA, ETL, and UL listed (must be nicer than the rest right?)

I'm leaning mostly towards this one. I've heard Milwaukee has the best reputation of all of these. It's the most powerful, with the biggest range of RPM.

However, I don't know why a supposedly better company, with a more powerful product is priced the same as the others.

Anyone have any experience with this company?

_________________________


So the only other one odd-one-out I was sort of considering was the $30 Ryobi D42K. It's half the price, but also half the power and RPM at 4.5A and 1500 RPM. I think this one is pretty much out of the running though, since for double, you get much more for the money.


-----------

So what do you all think? What's your choice? Anyone have any experiences with any of these?

I'm not really going to be using it professionally or anything, but would still want the best for my money.

 

[mossyboy6]

get a 1/2 chuck.

You can thank me later.

 

[Gregg33]

Don't rule out Makita, their worst tools are average overall, most of there stuff is really good.

 

[Gregg33]

get a 1/2 chuck.

You can thank me later.

2nd that!

Also can add I've never heard anything bad (or at at least very little) about anything made by DeWalt, Makita or Milwaukee.

 

[strnjss]

besides being able to fit bigger bits, are there any other advantages to a 1/2 chuck over the 3/8? I've kind of looked at the 1/2 ones, and the ones I've seen look like massive concrete mixers or something. The motors are still around 8 amp though.

I kind of want a 'normal' size body at least, not a huge drill since most of my drilling tasks have always fallen under the 3/8 size range (or I just use paddle bits for larger holes). I wonder if its possible to add a 1/2 chuck to a 3/8 drill? The Milwaukee seems like it would be powerful enough for it....

 

[kc-steve]

Don't rule out Makita, their worst tools are average overall, most of there stuff is really good.

+1 on Makita! I'm not real sure but I think Milwaukee might be getting SOME of their tools made in Taiwan now. And that would explain the pricing being the same as others.

I'm a Makita fan though.

Steve

 

[hifi_hokie]

get a 1/2 chuck.

You can thank me later.

This too

I have a 1/2" chuck Hitachi that's older than me. Just keeps going...

 

[dede2897234]

besides being able to fit bigger bits, are there any other advantages to a 1/2 chuck over the 3/8? I've kind of looked at the 1/2 ones, and the ones I've seen look like massive concrete mixers or something. The motors are still around 8 amp though.

I kind of want a 'normal' size body at least, not a huge drill since most of my drilling tasks have always fallen under the 3/8 size range (or I just use paddle bits for larger holes). I wonder if its possible to add a 1/2 chuck to a 3/8 drill? The Milwaukee seems like it would be powerful enough for it....

strnjss,

I have owned a Craftsman Professional corded electric drill (6 amp motor) with a 3/8" chuck for about 7 years. About 4 years ago, I replaced the 3/8" chuck with a Jacobs 1/2" chuck. Before beginning the process of removing the old 3/8" chuck, I would find the printed manual or one online published by the drill's manufacturer. There are other steps besides removing the chuck screw to removing the old chuck and installing a new 1/2" chuck. The only hard part about removing the 3/8" chuck is loosening the Phillips #2 screw at the bottom. I tried using various Phillips screwdrivers with a thin shank. The problem was that the Phillips screw at the bottom of the chuck had a threadlocker applied to the screw's threads. The various Phillips screwdrivers I tried cammed out off the Phillips screw. The solution for me was using the screwdriver handle, attachable bit shaft, and the Reed & Prince bit that came with the Wadsworth Falls 52 piece mini ratchet set (use item# 307SC344 when looking it up on the "techni-tool.com" website). Another key is to apply valve grinding compound to the bit to prevent it from camming out when removing the chuck screw. After removing the chuck, I would take it to Lowe's so you can match the thread pitch of the old chuck to the new Jacobs 1/2" chuck.


Dave

 

[canuckian]

I have that little Dewalt (older model but same drill) and for a smaller drill, it's a pretty good unit. I've asked mine to do a lot of stuff it shouldn't be doing (to the point when the motor smokes a little) and it just keeps on going - after I let it cool a little!

 

[mrholeshot]

Milwaukee. I would stick with the 3/8 chuck. Sometimes that big chuck gets in the way and you can use shanked down bits. I have a 1/2 drill for a reason, when I really need more power. Sometimes you just don't need a big drill.

 

[IndyGarage]

I'm pretty sure Corded drills last had some engineering done on them in the 80's - so none of them are state of the art. All the money since then has been in cordless tools.

I've had good luck with a Milwaukee, which I'm pretty sure I will never have to replace, but I imagine any of the premium brands including Dewault, Bosch, Makita, Ridgid or even Hitachi and Porter Cable has a decent one.

 

[NJ Diver]

2nd that!

Also can add I've never heard anything bad (or at at least very little) about anything made by DeWalt, Makita or Milwaukee.

+3 on the 1/2" chuck.... I also suggest Ridgid. I've been very happy with my Ridgid tools. The free LSA is also a plus (even though the waiting period for them to acknowledge the lifetime coverage is loooong...)

 

[BQuicksilver]

I have the dewalt and like it, but wish it was 1/2" chuck. You want your corded drill for the nasty jobs that usually require 1/2".

All of these will feel less bulky than the battery ones.

 

[K5blazer83]

Honestly it doesn't matter what drill you buy as most if not all are made overseas and the warranties are roughly the same. Just pick your favorite color.

 

[demographic]

get a 1/2 chuck.

You can thank me later.

Yeah, that^.

3/8ths chucks are a pain as far as I'm concerned.
There's enough times when I need to drill a hole that's bigger than 10mm and the drill bits that are the same diameter the full length are easy to get hold of. The ones with a narrower shank are not as easy to find for sale.

 

[crewchief888]

i picked up B&D corded drills 5 years ago on clearance at HD (i think)
3/8" VSR & 1/2 vsr hamer drills

under $80 for both of them, and no problems so far.

been hearing a lot of good things about ridgid recently, i have a 14" abrasive chop saw, and just this morning bought an 18v li-ion drill.

batteries are charging as i type.....

i wanna go drill somethin'

personally i wont buy anything that says ryobi on it, too many problems

 

[yzair]

Hilti 3/8 this thing is indestructible had it almost 20 years was made in germany

 

[strnjss]

Thanks for all the advice everyone, I've been looking at the 1/2 chuck drills since so many of you are recommending them, but the prices really are a little too much. The cheapest 1/2in drill I found was $100.

I think I'm going to get a 3/8 one for now, because I really have never needed a 1/2 one yet.

Like dede2897234 was saying, if I ever do find the need for a 1/2in, they do sell 1/2in chucks that fit 3/8 drills. In fact, I think they even sell those at Home Depot too.

I wouldn't be worried about the 3/8 drill being underpowered for 1/2in, as the 1/2 drills I looked at have around the same amp rated motors and RPMS as the 3/8 do (some had less amps than the 3/8 I've been looking at).

Or heck if I'm lazy about it, I could even pick up something like this at 1/2in:

I'm still trying to decide on which brand. I checked out the Makitas, but their cheapest 3/8 is around $80, comparable stats. I'm still leaning towards that Milwaukee, it being the most powerful and fastest of the group, but the DeWalt does also come with a case, which is always nice too.

I think I need to go to the store and actually hold these drills physically and check them out. There's only so much I can tell from a picture.

 

[american lockpicker]

Get a Bosch. Theres nothing like buying a Swiss made drill at the same price as a Mexican or Chinese one.

 

[crewchief888]

I think I need to go to the store and actually hold these drills physically and check them out. There's only so much I can tell from a picture.


^^^


this is always my deciding factor on any purchase, if i cant wrap my grubby fingers around it, i dont buy it.

 

[gilbo]

Milwaukee 8.0 Amp 1/2 in. Magnum Drill

Model # 0302-20

is the way to go

 

[strnjss]

Well, I just realized something that's going to change my choices up a bit. My cordless DeWalt is actually a 1/2"! So THATS why I've never felt it's been limiting in any way haha.

I looked at my dad's old 3/8" chuck and it's way too tiny. Looks like I'm going to be spending way more than I thought...

I don't know how important it is, but the 1/2" models I've been looking at only have like 850RPMs, vs the 3/8" 2700. That seems like a big difference....I need to go see if my cordless says how many RPMS it is so I can know what I'm getting into.

 

[tvfd911]

Milwaukee 8.0 Amp 1/2 in. Magnum Drill

Model # 0302-20

is the way to go

+1 rock solid drill.

 

[airdale]

Well, I just realized something that's going to change my choices up a bit. My cordless DeWalt is actually a 1/2"! So THATS why I've never felt it's been limiting in any way haha.

I looked at my dad's old 3/8" chuck and it's way too tiny. Looks like I'm going to be spending way more than I thought...

I don't know how important it is, but the 1/2" models I've been looking at only have like 850RPMs, vs the 3/8" 2700. That seems like a big difference....I need to go see if my cordless says how many RPMS it is so I can know what I'm getting into.

I'm actually relieved you "saw the light" about the 1/2" drill size, and I mean that in the nicest way. The difference in power is substantial if you are buying a quality unit.
Regarding the rpm rating: the drill motor has a gear reduction unit which spins the chuck. Sooo...the 850rpm unit has more torque than a 2700rpm unit. And...for drilling most metal you want to run your drill bit at lower rpm to prevent overheating the bit (and work hardening stainless steel for instance). Sure, you can run a 2700rpm unit slower by pressing the trigger less, but it will have less torque at equal rpm. Some are available with a dual range gear reduction 850/2700. In 1/2" I have a Ridgid made in Germany. Have also used Milwaukee's made in USA. Like 'em both.

 

[ToddyB]

The RPM is important. Full throttle on those 3/8 drills will burn up bits. Slowing them down to the proper speed for most uses is hard on the motor and greatly reduces torque. Go with the 1/2".

 

[theoldwizard1]

I bought a Craftsman Professional 1/2 corded drill about 15 years ago. It is not "impressive" looking but it has triple gear reduction so the maximum speed is about 800-900 rpm. It comes with an removable/adjustable side handle. It has not failed to impress me every time I have used it.

A few years back a neighbor borrowed it to drill some 1/2" hole in the frame of his truck for a trailer hitch. He failed to attach the aux handle. It about broke his wrist (according to him) when the bit got stuck !

 

[premierplayer]

Bosch
no regrets

 

[route246]

+1. Milwaukee has the reputation and track record. If you need a 1/2-inch you will know it. They generally spin slower and have a ton more torque at the bit. I mostly use the 1/2-inch for drilling big holes in wood.

Milwaukee. I would stick with the 3/8 chuck. Sometimes that big chuck gets in the way and you can use shanked down bits. I have a 1/2 drill for a reason, when I really need more power. Sometimes you just don't need a big drill.

 

[rodm1]

Milwaukee 8.0 Amp 1/2 in. Magnum Drill

Model # 0302-20

is the way to go

http://www.amazon.com/Milwaukee-0302-20-2-Inch-Drill-Keyless/dp/tags-on-product/B00005Q7AH

 

[mrholeshot]

Milwaukee 8.0 Amp 1/2 in. Magnum Drill

Model # 0302-20

is the way to go

The one I have is 15 years old and will break your arm if youre not careful

 

[Coach James]

I've used or own Milwaukee, Dewalt, Bosch, Makita, Hitachi, C-man and B&D. My favorite is my Milwaukee 8amp, but all of them would do what I need them to do.

Coach

 

[moparmuscle88]

another vote for the milwaukee magnum, it will hurt you if the bit gets stuck

best drill IMO, and only like $120

 

[gilbo]

Milwaukee 8.0 Amp 1/2 in. Magnum Drill

Model # 0302-20

is the way to go

oh btw, if u can still find it new like this, when i bought my drill a few years ago, it came with this cool little thing, to store the drill in

 

[marnav1]

No more metal cases, plastic now.

 

[gilbo]

No more metal cases, plastic now.

 

[american lockpicker]

No more metal cases, plastic now.

Also the tools aren't made in USA, Mexico, or Czech Republic anymore.

 

[Rocklim]

Also the tools aren't made in USA, Mexico, or Czech Republic anymore.

Now most Milwaukee tools is Made in China

 

[strnjss]

Ok, so I've narrowed the choices down again, this time in 1/2"!

First, the Milwaukee 8.0 Amp 1/2 in. Magnum Drill Model # 0302-20

That so many of you have recommended.

The $123 price tag from amazon is really good considering it's selling for like $150 at Home Depot.

_______________

Then there's:

DEWALT 1/2 in. VSR Drill Model # DW235G
$99

7.8 amps, so it's pretty close to the Milwaukee. Same 850RPM max.

The drill doesn't look as cool as the Milwaukee, but I do like the look of the chuck better (I don't mind a keyed chuck).

I know less than $20 (after taxes) isn't that much of a difference, but the stats seem pretty much the same right now.

___________

Then I found this DeWalt beast!

DEWALT 1/2 In. (13mm) VSR Pistol Grip Drill Model # DWD210G
$119

10.0 amp! 0-1200 RPM

This thing might be overkill, but it has more amps and way more RPM capability for the same price as the Milwaukee. It looks cooler than the other Dewalt on my list too.

I don't know if 10.0 amps is kind of pushing it though. I don't want to start blowing fuses. The fuses in my house are like 15 amp fuses, and I have like 1 dedicated circuit that doesn't have other stuff pulling amps. I know it's only 2 amps difference, but that 2 amps might make a lot of difference when it comes to saving fuses.

___________

I was originally considering Rigid too, and know they make decent stuff. But the reviews I've read on their 1/2 have several different people who've had their chucks break. I really don't want to deal with a drill that's going to start off with a reputation like that.

___________

The only Makita's I saw were way up in the $170 range, which I really don't want to go up to.

___________

So that's about it. It's down to the two DeWalts, or the highly recommended Milwaukee right now.

Anything that sets the Milwaukee apart that I should consider?

 

[sonnyboy]

To be honest, both 3/8 and 1/2 chucks have their place. At work we have the DeWalt versions of each. With 5 guys using the drills, I've noticed over the years that the 3/8 is usually the first one the guys go for. Mainly because it's smaller, and has more RPM's. Granted, when drilling in steel, you need to be careful with the RPM's so as not to overheat the bit, but all our bits are of high quality, and all but one of the guys use common sense (luckily he doesn't use the drills too much), so burned up bits are rarely a problem.

At my home shop, I've already got a Milwaukee 18V cordless with a 1/2" chuck that is used for most everything. I've also got an old school metal body Millers Falls heavy duty 1/2" drill that I picked up for about $10 at a garage sale a few years ago, but only used it for one job so far. I've seen several other similar large drills over the years at sales for under $20 that I've passed up because I already had one. My next drill will be a Milwaukee or DeWalt 3/8" with a good quality keyless chuck. If when I am ready to buy, and everything is the same as it is now, I'd go for the Milwaukee unless I could find a USA made one of another brand for similar or slightly higher price.

Take a look at the work you've done in the past. What speed range were you using with the cordless? If you were useing high range a lot, 3/8 would be a good bet. If most of your steel drilling is under about 5/16, you will probably be most happy with a 3/8 drill. If most of your drilling is in wood, you will probably be most happy with a 3/8. If you find yourself using low range a lot, drilling quite a few holes in metal that are over 5/16, or use a lot of self feeding wood bits or hole saws in wood, you will be wanting a 1/2".

Good luck on your decision!

 

[demographic]

Get a Bosch. Theres nothing like buying a Swiss made drill at the same price as a Mexican or Chinese one.

Hmm, they make some good jigsaws and great routers but personally I don't like the drills.
There's a local stockists that sells Bosch gear at reasonable prices and even then most of the tradesmen round town avoid the drills.
Heavy, underpowered and often don't last well <shrugs>