Mud/Mortar Mixers

[mike93lx]

I'm in need of a mud mixer. Will be used for drywall mud, thinset, mortar, etc.

Just for DIY projects around the house, probably would use it 1-3 times a year.

Not looking to spend a lot, but expect that this should last quite a while based on my usage. Definitely not interested in cordless at all. I'd like something more than just a D-Handle drill.

Any recommendations?

I have my eye on these with the Ridgid probably leading the pack.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-...PIPHorizontal3_rr-_-202501785-_-302856668-_-N

https://www.homedepot.com/p/QEP-Thinset-Grout-and-Mortar-Power-Mixer-with-Paddle-21665Q/202501785

https://www.harborfreight.com/dual-speed-paint-and-mortar-mixer-69856.html

 

[The Cobbler]

I've always just used a 1/2" or 5/8 drill

 

[Robinson1]

I've mixed literally tons of thinset and grout with a D Handle drill and mixing bit. Works good. Don't over think this

 

[mike93lx]

I've always just used a 1/2" or 5/8 drill

i don't own a 5/8" drill and burnt up my 1/2" corded drill today mixing a bucket of thinset. I'm not going to use my dewalt cordless drill for this.

 

[mike93lx]

I've mixed literally tons of thinset and grout with a D Handle drill and mixing bit. Works good. Don't over think this

don't worry, I'm not overthinking it.

A new D-handle is what $60 on the cheapest end and over $150 for a name brand one?

I listed three mixers ranging from $100-140...hardly call that overthinking

I don't own a D-handle or anything appropriate for this kind of work already, so no matter what, I have to buy something.

Ditra went down today...barely as my drill went up in smoke midway through mixing. Tile is going down next weekend, so I don't want to chase used stuff on CL down.

 

[Robinson1]

don't worry, I'm not overthinking it.

A new D-handle is what $60 on the cheapest end and over $150 for a name brand one?

I listed three mixers ranging from $100-140...hardly call that overthinking

I don't own a D-handle or anything appropriate for this kind of work already, so no matter what, I have to buy something.

Ditra went down today...barely as my drill went up in smoke midway through mixing. Tile is going down next weekend, so I don't want to chase used stuff on CL down.

Unless you are doing this professionally a mud mixer is a very specialized tool. Way more uses for a D handle drill

 

[toolaholic]

A 1/2 inch right angle drill has the power to mix. You can use it in tight quarters and you can take RAD attachment off and use as regular drill.

 

[DieselNut88]

At work i use a high torque, low speed 1/2" dewalt drill.

 

[toolaholic]

I actually love drills and have quite the collection . A 500rpm 1/2 drill can mix. 450rpm spade handle drill works well too. I have a Milwaukee 1663-20 that has a speed dial (115-450rpm). You can optimize mixing speed.

 

[tomwil]

I'd like something more than just a D-Handle drill.

Ridgid offers the R7122 mud mixer that can also be used as a drill for $100.

https://www.directtoolsoutlet.com/r7122

 

[Firstram]

Spade handle drill and this mixer.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/QEP-Super-Thinset-and-Grout-Mixer-Mixing-Paddle-61205Q/100177456

It won't scrape pieces of plastic off of the bucket and mix them into your mud. I've mixed pallets of mud with mine and use the drill for all hole saws and large bits.

I have this drill.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-1-2-in-450-RPM-Compact-Drill-1660-6/100063591

 

[mike93lx]

Spade handle drill and this mixer.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/QEP-Super-Thinset-and-Grout-Mixer-Mixing-Paddle-61205Q/100177456

It won't scrape pieces of plastic off of the bucket and mix them into your mud. I've mixed pallets of mud with mine and use the drill for all hole saws and large bits.

I have this drill.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-1-2-in-450-RPM-Compact-Drill-1660-6/100063591

that's the exact mixer I bought, just need a drill/powerhead to go with it.

the milwaukee is more than I'd like to spend, but does look nice.

 

[mike93lx]

Ridgid offers the R7122 mud mixer that can also be used as a drill for $100.

https://www.directtoolsoutlet.com/r7122

i looked at that, but at $150 in HD stores, I felt it made sense to just grab the one I linked.

I really don't have a need for a drill other than for mixing. I originally bought the HF drill that gave up its life today to drill a bunch of holes in brick as it is a hammer drill, but now have a proper rotary hammer.

I've been trying to buy more specialized tools when possible and have had good luck with it. yeah, it will probably result in more tools, but they are often heavier duty and don't make as many compromises.

I'm open to ideas, but I'm not opposed to getting something that can't be used for drilling holes.

 

[sreeb]

Spade handle drill and this mixer.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/QEP-Super-Thinset-and-Grout-Mixer-Mixing-Paddle-61205Q/100177456

It won't scrape pieces of plastic off of the bucket and mix them into your mud. I've mixed pallets of mud with mine and use the drill for all hole saws and large bits.

I have this drill.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-1-2-in-450-RPM-Compact-Drill-1660-6/100063591

I have the same paddle and a Milwaukee Hole Hawg plucked used off ebay. Works great.

It makes no sense to buy a dedicated mixer unless you are a pro.

 

[mike93lx]

thanks for all the feedback. I'll do some digging. need to find something that can get here by friday so I can get the tile down

 

[Dibiase77]

Honestly if your only going to use a mixer 1-3 times a year check harbor freight.

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[Dibiase77]

I apologize I missed what you said about your HF drill. Disregard my last post. Many apologies.

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[The Cobbler]

i don't own a 5/8" drill and burnt up my 1/2" corded drill today mixing a bucket of thinset. I'm not going to use my dewalt cordless drill for this.

I guess what I was suggesting,or implying, tho I didn't mention it, a drill has more uses than a mud mixer ,and work just as well....

 

[mike93lx]

I apologize I missed what you said about your HF drill. Disregard my last post. Many apologies.

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I am not opposed to HF, especially when their option is less than 1/3 the car of ridgid and both are made in china

 

[2oolhound]

Just make sur you get a skookum drill or whatever. I recently burned out a near new makita 5/8 drill mind you I was mixing about 8 bags of floor leveler back to back. Still, big drills or the mud mixers are ready for that kind of duty cycle and who knows what tasks will crop up in the future. I agree with your viewpoint of buying something solid for the task.

 

[mike93lx]

Just make sur you get a skookum drill or whatever. I recently burned out a near new makita 5/8 drill mind you I was mixing about 8 bags of floor leveler back to back. Still, big drills or the mud mixers are ready for that kind of duty cycle and who knows what tasks will crop up in the future. I agree with your viewpoint of buying something solid for the task.

That's my concern. I often start with something cheap and upgrade when i wear it out. That's exactly what happened here, but with that said, i think the right next step is the HF d handle drill since it is just $45. If i smoke that, its off to a real mud mixer. Thankfully none of these are a lot of money, so there isn't much risk

 

[mtnkrake]

I just scored a 7122 off ebay as not working for parts only. For 26$. It had a cracked plastic housing and the wire pulled off the trigger. Replaced the housing and plugged back in the wire and now I have a brand new one for 36$.

 

[mike93lx]

I just scored a 7122 off ebay as not working for parts only. For 26$. It had a cracked plastic housing and the wire pulled off the trigger. Replaced the housing and plugged back in the wire and now I have a brand new one for 36$.

Congrats

 

[PugetDude]

I've been using an old B&D Professional 1/2" spade drill for mixing mortar for 20+ years. It was 10 bucks at a garage sale. Low RPM, high torque, spade and side handles.
Great drill; but if it hangs up, you are going for a ride.

 

[CR888]

3:1 gear reduction, D-handle plenty of amps/watts..Step forth & fear no evil!

 

[sreeb]

I've been using an old B&D Professional 1/2" spade drill for mixing mortar for 20+ years. It was 10 bucks at a garage sale. Low RPM, high torque, spade and side handles.
Great drill; but if it hangs up, you are going for a ride.

Good point . My Hole Hawg will spin a bucket without a thought. Keep clear of the handles.