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corded drills

lightning02

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i know we have alot of talk on here about cordless drills and whatnot and not much talk about corded ones. the corded thread just kinda fade away.

im looking to buy a new corded drill. looking to see what everyone has and how said drill has been for them.

living in FL i sometimes run into times i need a hammer drill. does everyone like a drill that has all in one or a dedicated one for drilling and one for hammering?? reason i ask this question is bc the all in one type drills are bigger and heavier and sometimes cant get in tighter spots.

it will be for all around home use and automotive and at times need to drill thru steel and/or alum plate.

looking to stay in the $100 range (give or take... doesnt have to be $100 on the dot)
 
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Both my cordless and corded are actually Craftsman, the corded is very old, got it from my pops, but the cordless is new, both work great.
 

Givl Reggin

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The best and only drill you'll ever need; Milwaukee 1/2" Magnum, Model: 0234-6 -- ask for it by name, accept no substitutes.

Look to Bosch for a hammer drill, don't have a model # handy, but they are considered the best in hammer drills these days.
 
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lightning02

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Both my cordless and corded are actually Craftsman, the corded is very old, got it from my pops, but the cordless is new, both work great.

i had an old black and decker my father also give me. had to be 25 years old or so. i give it to my godfather to use (cant recall what he used it for) and he broke the dam thing lol i never found something that could stop it but i guess he did lol
 

T45

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Maybe a stupid question, but why do corded drills all go for the six-shooter-style handles?

Is there some engineering reason...? I think they had updated ergo's I might go for one.
 
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Maybe a stupid question, but why do corded drills all go for the six-shooter-style handles?

Is there some engineering reason...? I think they had updated ergo's I might go for one.

To be able to apply as much pressure, consistently as possible.
 

T45

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:bigun2:

Another exclusive feature of the Milwaukee 0234-6 is the brush cartridge system, with a set of spare brushes, that allows you to change brushes in less than one minute. Use this tool with a variety of accessories to drill into wood, metal, plastics and composites.
 

Bigblue&Goldie

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The best and only drill you'll ever need; Milwaukee 1/2" Magnum, Model: 0234-6 -- ask for it by name, accept no substitutes.

Look to Bosch for a hammer drill, don't have a model # handy, but they are considered the best in hammer drills these days.

:bigun2:

Another exclusive feature of the Milwaukee 0234-6 is the brush cartridge system, with a set of spare brushes, that allows you to change brushes in less than one minute. Use this tool with a variety of accessories to drill into wood, metal, plastics and composites.

The drill that made Milwaukee famous!
 

zkling

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Agree on the milwaukee, bought mine used. A friend of mine has the dewalt, no issues with that. I also have a bosch that I picked up used for <$5, very nice.

My corded and cordless drills don't see any real hard work. For that I have pneumatic.

What pneumatic drill do you use? I've never used one in 1/2". For the average home owner a pneumatic drill is a very limiting choice. IMHO.
 
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Agree on the milwaukee, bought mine used. A friend of mine has the dewalt, no issues with that. I also have a bosch that I picked up used for <$5, very nice.



What pneumatic drill do you use? I've never used one in 1/2". For the average home owner a pneumatic drill is a very limiting choice. IMHO.

It's an old Mac one I got from a pawn shop. It sees almost no use on automotive work. I have a couple 3/8ths, I a right angle one I got cheap from HF that hasn't failed me, and the other is a Mac as well.
 

nicksnothereman

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i know we have alot of talk on here about cordless drills and whatnot and not much talk about corded ones. the corded thread just kinda fade away.

im looking to buy a new corded drill. looking to see what everyone has and how said drill has been for them.

living in FL i sometimes run into times i need a hammer drill. does everyone like a drill that has all in one or a dedicated one for drilling and one for hammering?? reason i ask this question is bc the all in one type drills are bigger and heavier and sometimes cant get in tighter spots.

it will be for all around home use and automotive and at times need to drill thru steel and/or alum plate.

looking to stay in the $100 range (give or take... doesnt have to be $100 on the dot)

I tried to bore wood with my 18v cordless once.:bounce:

Once...

Get a pro brand it probably lasts a bit longer. People like the milwaukee stuff, dewalt is also popular. I got a hitachi; it's starting to go after maybe 3 years of mid range (woodworking) use. Not bad for what I paid but not great either; it was a refurb so...
 

thebeekeeper1

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Yeah, the Milwaukee Magnum 1/2" is the best available. It has wrist-breaking power when needed, replaceable cord, and just WORKS. They run about $119.00, so it's close to your price range. I'd add a separate (used) hammer drill, as they tend to see much less use. They are commonly available on CL or Ebay--I got a good Bosch online for $50 shipped. It was bought, used for one job, then sold to me--like new. :)
 
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lightning02

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looks like people prefer to have one for drilling and one for hammering.

if i get the Milwaukee Magnum what does everyone recommend for a good hammering drill?

not looking for a rotary or anything that extreme.

most ill be using it for is maybe drilling holes into a slab to anchor down a safe or some type or stand or a 4x4.

wont be used in a professional environment either.
 
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rodm1

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The best and only drill you'll ever need; Milwaukee 1/2" Magnum, Model: 0234-6 -- ask for it by name, accept no substitutes.

Look to Bosch for a hammer drill, don't have a model # handy, but they are considered the best in hammer drills these days.

The Bosch at work seem to hold up very well and are Made in the USA no idea if they are old stock or not. I love my Milwaukee 1/2" Magnum 0302-20 It's the key less 8amp model and at work we run the Model: 0234-6 with no problems.
 
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theoldwizard1

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Bosch If you are going to be using it a lot or to do more than small hole, you want one with SDS bits.
 
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lightning02

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No I won't be making a lot of big holes in concrete and or the like. Most it will do is 5 inch long by 1/2inch anchors maybe 2 or 3 times a year. Most of the time it will be just drilling thru concrete for hooks and of the such or if a storm comes to hang plywood. House is make out of block.
 

cagullett1

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Just curious, is the current Milwaukee 234-6 made in China now? I've been "borrowing" my dad's for a couple years and thought about buying a new one so he can have his back. All of his older Milwaukee was USA, and I wasn't sure if this has got the boot like most other tools.
 
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lightning02

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Well all there cordless stuff is made in China and everyone loves it so there corded stuff can't be bad. Well that's how I see it lol
 

Spudland_Dave

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The best and only drill you'll ever need; Milwaukee 1/2" Magnum, Model: 0234-6 -- ask for it by name, accept no substitutes.

Look to Bosch for a hammer drill, don't have a model # handy, but they are considered the best in hammer drills these days.

Bingo! From your Mouth (Keyboard) to God's ear!

I understand the need and novelty to have multi-function tools, but IMHO I've not come across a single one which was a "Class leader" in all its functions.

Hammer Drills are a Joke, they should ALL be renamed "Rotary Action Noise & Vibration Generators"...Cordless, Corded, I dont care they ****.

To Drill concrete, go SDS...I personally got a Bosch Bulldog, IMHO the gold standard for run of the mill, general purpose concrete & masonry drilling. If you go with a Milwaukee/DeWalt, Hitachi SDS, thats OK too, but in the end, the 2 dedicated tools will be much better.

I have not met a single Hammer Drill, at ANY Price point which could out-drill SDS in Concrete & Masonry.
 

dutchgray

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Makita or Bosch SDS for masonary, I have a Dewalt but only because it was on sale and cheap, its definitely not as good as our 10 year old Makita.
For general drilling, they all work, I have a 30 year old 2 speed Hitachi and a 10 year old smaller Bosch.
 

BFHtime

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Milwaukee magnum is a good drill, probably the best, but Makita, DeWalt, Bosch, Hitachi, and others all make a decent drill. There are almost no bad drills. If you go with a used Milwaukee avoid the type that has the twist lock cord, those have issues with the cord socket at the tool over time, although a non-issue if you use it every day. I have a factory reconditioned one, that was bought from a local tool place, in the middle of a job, when a Makita that was well used, finally bit the dust. At some point the cord attachment on the Milwaukee crapped out, and my Dad gave me the drill. I like to fix the broken tools if possible. I was able to bypass the detachable socket, since I did this the torque at start-up needs consideration when starting to drill. It still works great.

Bosch makes great compact SDS hammerdrills. This is only necessary for repetitive holes, if you are going to drill a couple holes it is not worth it. You could use a regular hammerdrill similar to a cordless drill that can be switched to a hammerdrill, but even that is usually more than most people use. The best part about a cordless hammerdrill is that it is usually beefed up more, making it more durable, in some respects. A regular drill with masonry bits will be fine for a few holes, not as good as a hammer drill, but not justified IMO. You just have to work the tool in and out and have to clean the hole a little, you can blow compressed air in the hole, always wear eye protection.

A side handle is always nice for big bits, that may give some kick.
 

thebeekeeper1

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Just curious, is the current Milwaukee 234-6 made in China now? I've been "borrowing" my dad's for a couple years and thought about buying a new one so he can have his back. All of his older Milwaukee was USA, and I wasn't sure if this has got the boot like most other tools.

I bought one for $40 off CL that was made in China, but like new. I can't tell any difference between it and my old one that was USA made, but alas. :(
 

cg81

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Sep 24, 2013
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I bought a dewalt hammer drill 17 years ago, 7.2amp 1/2" 2speed gearcase. It has been awesome. It is just now getting tired. Last month I picked up Milwaukee's version of it from northern tool for $189. It is also very nice. I like the high and low speeds for drilling and using a mixer bit. They are a little more than your budget but if you skip the 2 speed option there are plenty of options for $100ish. Read plenty of reviews before you buy, I read about extra cheap drill chucks being used on the new drills.
 

BFHtime

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Bingo! From your Mouth (Keyboard) to God's ear!

I understand the need and novelty to have multi-function tools, but IMHO I've not come across a single one which was a "Class leader" in all its functions.

Hammer Drills are a Joke, they should ALL be renamed "Rotary Action Noise & Vibration Generators"...Cordless, Corded, I dont care they ****.

To Drill concrete, go SDS...I personally got a Bosch Bulldog, IMHO the gold standard for run of the mill, general purpose concrete & masonry drilling. If you go with a Milwaukee/DeWalt, Hitachi SDS, thats OK too, but in the end, the 2 dedicated tools will be much better.

I have not met a single Hammer Drill, at ANY Price point which could out-drill SDS in Concrete & Masonry.

For repetitive holes, or even a few deep holes in properly cure concrete. SDS blows away a regular hammerdrill, but there are tools out there that are more ******** than SDS too, so the right tool for the job applies. Again if it is for something you might do, or a small project where you do not plan on using an SDS much, I don't think it would be worth it, as it is not good for other types of drilling. What this guy said above I have found also to be true, in my experience.
 

Casey69

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i actually prefer corded tools; no batteries to charge or fail. i have a dewalt drill that's been going strong for over 10 years. also heard good things about rigid drills.
 
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lightning02

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Milwaukee magnum is a good drill, probably the best, but Makita, DeWalt, Bosch, Hitachi, and others all make a decent drill. There are almost no bad drills. If you go with a used Milwaukee avoid the type that has the twist lock cord, those have issues with the cord socket at the tool over time, although a non-issue if you use it every day. I have a factory reconditioned one, that was bought from a local tool place, in the middle of a job, when a Makita that was well used, finally bit the dust. At some point the cord attachment on the Milwaukee crapped out, and my Dad gave me the drill. I like to fix the broken tools if possible. I was able to bypass the detachable socket, since I did this the torque at start-up needs consideration when starting to drill. It still works great.

Bosch makes great compact SDS hammerdrills. This is only necessary for repetitive holes, if you are going to drill a couple holes it is not worth it. You could use a regular hammerdrill similar to a cordless drill that can be switched to a hammerdrill, but even that is usually more than most people use. The best part about a cordless hammerdrill is that it is usually beefed up more, making it more durable, in some respects. A regular drill with masonry bits will be fine for a few holes, not as good as a hammer drill, but not justified IMO. You just have to work the tool in and out and have to clean the hole a little, you can blow compressed air in the hole, always wear eye protection.

A side handle is always nice for big bits, that may give some kick.

well the 234-6 has the twist lock cord.

does anyone know the model number for the same drill without that opt?
 

Monte

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