Getting a Corded Drill

[SJShaw672]

Hello Everyone!

I'm getting a drill, and was wondering what everyone recommends... I want it to last a long time so am looking to get a corded one (to start, at least).

I've found a couple from Bosch:
http://www.ffx.co.uk/tools/product/3165140519496%20GSB212RE2%20GSB21-2RE%20Impact%20Drill%202%20Gear%20240v%201100w
http://www.ffx.co.uk/tools/product/3165140519656%20GSB212RCT2%20GSB21-2RCT%20Impact%20Drill%202%20Gear%20240v%201300w
But I'm unsure whether the Electronic Torque Control system will shorten the life of the drill... (I really do want this to last )

Any ideas?

Edit: I'm in the UK so some things may be harder to get hold of.

 

[CWP1616L]

The two links you posted are for hammer drills; are you wanting to drill into masonry?

 

[IHI]

Standard drill...milwaukee

demolition hammer drill- Hilti and if you dont want to sell your kids for one, Bosche

 

[Quijote]

I have a Makita 18V Li-Ion, but while incredible, it lacks the precision and speed control of a good corded. Also sometimes, on lengthy jobs, it's just nice to not worry about the battery at all.

I did a bunch of research 2 years ago and bought a "Milwaukee 0234-6 Magnum 5.5 Amp 1/2-Inch Drill."

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000223HF/?tag=atomicindus08-20

At the time (early 2011) I paid $135 from amazon. There were many anecdotes to the effect that it was one of the last of the "good" Milwaukees. There were some models with slightly better specs for less, but this one was considered the workhorse.

I don't use it a lot, but when I do it works incredibly well and it is super smooth and effortless to use.

 

[W_KY]

I have the same Milwaukee as Quijote. I agree that it is a great drill. Be careful with it grabbing into the material. I had it swing around once and about pop me good. The drill has tons of power and should be handled properly.

I also picked up a opened box Bosch Bulldog SDS drill from Lowe's because the store manager cut me a good deal on it. I haven't used it much yet though.

 

[454ragtop]

My favorite corded drills are the close quarter pistol type, have a Sioux 3/8 and 2 Milwaukee, a 3/8 and a 1/2. Just seem more comfortable to use.
HTH, Jim

 

[SJShaw672]

The two links you posted are for hammer drills; are you wanting to drill into masonry?

I'd like the drill to do as much as possible - I'm a student and this is my first drill, so it would be better if it did everything (Plus it's a whole lot cheaper than separate ones).

 

[CWP1616L]

I'd like the drill to do as much as possible - I'm a student and this is my first drill, so it would be better if it did everything (Plus it's a whole lot cheaper than separate ones).

Okay, just wanted to make sure. Bosch makes excellent drills. I've got a 3/8 model that will drive a 1 inch auger bit through a 4X4. That size drill it not supposed to be able to do that, but my Bosch does it easily.

 

[lotsoftools]

This is the one I have on my wish list http://www.amazon.com/Milwaukee-1107-6-2-Inch-Drill-D-Handle/dp/B00027LGP4/ref=sr_1_3?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1369864823&sr=1-3&keywords=milwaukee+1107-1

 

[thinmac]

Kinda depends on what you'll be drilling the most. For wood high RPM is good. For metal you want low RPM - otherwise you spend all your time trying to feather the trigger and burning up bits anyway. Drilling metal you'll pretty much never be above 1,000 RPM, and holes of any size well below that. Also, lower RPM at a given power means more torque. Personally I drill a lot of metal and some wood, so drilling wood more slowly is a good tradeoff for having a drill that works well with metal.

Dewalt makes a couple drills with a clutch to prevent the hammer from wrenching your wrist and hitting you in the head when the bit catches. Also mostly a metal feature; I've never heard of that being a problem with wood.

I couldn't tell you what's best for plastic, but it seems likely that for masonry you'll also benefit from a low RPM, high torque drill. I can't think of anything else you'll be likely to drill.

 

[Davefr]

I'd get a Milwaukee Magnum 5370. (made in the USA)

It does it all and will last several lifetimes.

Unless you have to have new I'd look on Ebay. Corded drills go for dirt cheap since everyone's into cordless.

I'm actually surprised corded hasn't made a comeback. I'm tired of replacing expensive proprietary battery packs every couple years.

 

[reptilezs]

I'd get a Milwaukee Magnum 5370. (made in the USA)

It does it all and will last several lifetimes.

Unless you have to have new I'd look on Ebay. Corded drills go for dirt cheap since everyone's into cordless.

I'm actually surprised corded hasn't made a comeback. I'm tired of replacing expensive proprietary battery packs every couple years.

i have this drill and it is a beast. too heavy for daily use IMO. i really like my 12v lithium stuff

 

[Davefr]

i have this drill and it is a beast. too heavy for daily use IMO. i really like my 12v lithium stuff

Yea but he wants to do it all. This one will!!

 

[Quijote]

I should add that at the time I got my drill, my father still had a tool rental business, so I had access to beastly, commercial hammer drills pretty much whenever I wanted one, which was once. As a result, so I decided to get something small but of great quality.

In retrospect, considering I do have a Makita 18V and a compact Milwaukee 12V, I would probably get something beefier for the few times I need a corded drill. But as my only drill, I would keep it small unless you drill into concrete often.

 

[SJShaw672]

The Magnum looks great, the only problem is it's 120V, and mains here is 240V

I've found a ton of new ones on Ebay though (the shipping from the US isn't as high as I thought - around £30 ($45)).

 

[SJShaw672]

I can't seem to fine a 5370 anywhere! There are lots of the 234-6 model though - are they as good?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/0234-6-MILWAUKEE-ELECTRIC-TOP-BRAND-NEW-1-2-MAGNUM-DRILL-0-850-RPM-INDUSTRIAL-/251231851862?pt=Drills&hash=item3a7e95d556

 

[Monte]

can´t go wrong with Bosch....swiss made...

 

[SJShaw672]

can´t go wrong with Bosch....swiss made...

Does the torque control on the RCT shorten the lifespan of the drill?

 

[Monte]

not that i heard of

 

[nicksmurf111]

I'm happy with Dewalt, but I'm aware some other brands might be better. I have the standard 1/2 Dewalt drill, but I'm not a contractor, so it doesn't get abused.

 

[Monte]

btw: if you plan to use the Bosch in a drill stand: the Bosch spindle collar is not machined !

 

[shoturtle]

I would look at bosch and metabo for hammer drills and drills. Both are well made. I like hilti, but not for the price.

 

[Deve]

I have the Dewalt corded hammer drill and am very disappointed but for only one reason and something everyone should consider.... Drilling through steel requires a VERY slow 600 rpm or less rotation. The drill I have is WAAAY too fast for drilling through steel. Why would they do this? It takes metal completely out of the equation. You would think a purchase of a 1/2" hammer drill with the ability to turn the hammer part off would have a slow function. You would think a company like DeWalt would have the intelligence to know better? Stupid ME I guess.

 

[SJShaw672]

Thanks everyone for the input I'm probably going to go with the Bosch GSB2 21-2RE (as I don't need the electronic torque control, and for £50...).