Running some new wire in the garage this week I’ve decided that it’s time for a better drill. The cordless won’t turn an auger bit, and my HF corded isn’t cutting it either. I looked at Dewalt and Milwaukee 1/2 pistol grip drills. Any other suggestions?
Drill Recommendations
- Thread starter icthruu74
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ddawg16
Well-known member
My Ryobi right angle cordless did 90% of the holes in my studs....
maybe you need a sharper auger? what size are you drilling?
1foxracing
Well-known member
Unless you find a older Milwaukee with a keyed chuck I would go with a Dewalt. Modern Milwaukee drills come with a **** keyless chuck that will not hold a 1/32" bit tight trying to drill balsa wood.
Psychwarfare
Well-known member
I wired up my garage, including drilling out stud holes in old growth wood, with my 20v Dewalt cordless...easy peasy
manwithtools
ALLIANCE MEMBER
The comment about Milwaukee chucks is a bit overblown, particularly on the latest models. I'd get the best cordless you can afford and then get one of these bits:
Irwin Speedbor MAX - available at the big box stores.
They make the job of boring holes for electrical almost effortless. And any chuck will hold them well as they are hex shank. You might just grab one of these bits and give it a go with your existing drills.
Irwin Speedbor MAX - available at the big box stores.
They make the job of boring holes for electrical almost effortless. And any chuck will hold them well as they are hex shank. You might just grab one of these bits and give it a go with your existing drills.
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PhysicsDude
Well-known member
Any of the beefier name brand (dewalt, milwaukee, makita, etc) cordless drills should be plenty for what you need. You don't need a corded spade handle drill or anything like that IMO.
I would specifically recommend the Makita XPH07Z - its a beast, and has an all-metal chuck.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0160TRPBG/?tag=atomicindus08-20
The Milwaukee M18 FUEL or Dewalt 20v XR drills are good options too.
I would specifically recommend the Makita XPH07Z - its a beast, and has an all-metal chuck.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0160TRPBG/?tag=atomicindus08-20
The Milwaukee M18 FUEL or Dewalt 20v XR drills are good options too.
MarlynOC
Well-known member
Hitachi?
paulsomlo
Well-known member
Milwaukee 1/2" Hole shooter (corded) would do it. Or any corded 1/2" right angle drill.
Wamsutta
Well-known member
Milwaukee #0299 Home Depot $99
danielbuck
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I think any good corded or cordless (full size) drill should be able to turn an auger bit through wood. I remember drilling 1" (?) holes through 4x6 pieces of wood a while back with an older Dewalt 18v drill. How large of a hole are you needing?
what does holding a tiny 1/32" drill bit have to do with larger auger bits? I don't know that any of my chucks except for my micro chuck will hold a bit that small.... not to mention I'd hate to use a bit that small in a hand drill
what does holding a tiny 1/32" drill bit have to do with larger auger bits? I don't know that any of my chucks except for my micro chuck will hold a bit that small.... not to mention I'd hate to use a bit that small in a hand drill
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Yep, even at $100, it's still chump change compared to hiring an electrician to do all that work.
I wonder if the OP could use a cordless 1/4 impact driver like a DeWalt, Makita, Ryobi, Milwaukee? Because then he can use it and the charger/batteries for many other jobs (and will allow him to add other tools). I assume it's powerful enough at about 1,500 in-lb's. If he can get an auger bit with a 1/4 hex end on it. Or get a chuck adapter.
Tractor Supply had a DeWalt lithium 1/4 impact driver kit on sale for $75. Came with one battery and a charger. Great starter kit. Though the other brands are good too.
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Yes comparing holding a insanely small bit to an auger bit to claim something is **** makes complete sense
manwithtools
ALLIANCE MEMBER
You are welcome. I'm always pleased to help someone make their life easier. I'll caution you with those bits, don't hit a nail as they are difficult to sharpen by hand. Otherwise, they are the real deal.
visionguru
Well-known member
I recently purchased this Milwaukee 2804:
I drilled through a grade 8 bolt with 1/16" bit. Not sure about 1/32" bits though because 1/16" bit is the smallest in my drill bit set. For a drill with 1300 in-lbs of power, it might not be the right tool for a 1/32" drill bit anyway.
Bigblue&Goldie
Well-known member
1/2" Hilti, Milwaukee, Bosch, or Makita.
maydaymike
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- Feb 4, 2012
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I wired my garage with a Makita sub-compact brushless like this one...
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using Tapatalk
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using Tapatalk
Mr Ratchet
Well-known member
I have a Milwaukee D handle right angle drill that I use to drill studs. Wired a few houses, garages, and sheds with it. Plows through stacked 2x4's pretty easy with an auger bit. I can also use it as a straight D handle drill by removing the right angle attachment.
https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/Power-Tools/Drilling/Right-Angle-Drills/3002-1
https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/Power-Tools/Drilling/Right-Angle-Drills/3002-1
American Locomotive
Well-known member
It's figurative speech, not meant to be taken literally. He's saying that the chuck grabs so weakly, that a small bit drilling through balsa wood (very little torque required) will slip inside the chuck. I have to agree. All the Milwaukee M18 drills we have at work have absolutely garbage chucks. Drilling through steel with a high-end sharp bit almost always results in the chuck slipping on the twist drill, ruining the shank.
Regardless, the OP has found a solution that allowed him to tackle his task without needing to buy new tools.
I used a borrowed one of those years ago and would love to have one, I just don’t know how much I’d really use it. Maybe one of my kids will want to build a house and I’ll have an excuse to pick one up. I did order myself a Milwaukee 0299-20 yesterday though.