Which Milwaukee Drill?

[Mike F]

I have been looking around to get a new drill and have decided on a Milwaukee 1/2", in large part because of their toughness and recommendations from people here. I do not need the absolute biggest most powerful drill, but I do want something that if I need to use it for long periods it would be able to drive 3" lag screws without bogging down. Initially I was thinking of the 0300-20, which is an 8 amp model that gets good reviews. The downside of this model appears to be it's handle attachment (using a metal band rather than screw in to the drill body), and it's length.
I the began looking further into the 0234-06 which is 5.5 amps, has a handle that screws into the body and does not deflect at all, is a little shorter, has a cartridge brush system, and an easily replaceable cord. I have not read anything but 5 star ratings about this drill on amazon. People do not seem to think that torque is not an issue with the smaller amp motor, and some feel that the switch is more fluid. Many of the reviewers are professionals.
At this point I am leaning towards the 0234-6. Do any of you folks have personal experience with these models? By the way, they are both 1/2" and keyed.

 

[l_bilyk]

I would go with an impact driver for screws, but that is a nice drill

 

[W-Cummins]

I have 2 of the magnum hole shooters like your looking at, and they will twist your wrist off even with only 5 amps. Never a problem with either of them ( or any of the 4 other Milwaukee drills I have) I got one 20 years ago for my B-day, and I purchased one a few years ago, or should I say stole it from Lowes at $20.00 new, with out the handle or cord ( it was from their tool display that they were replacing). Got a Senco brad nailer that day for $25.00 too

William...l

 

[Spookrider]

I got the 3/8 200-20 model and I love it.

The 1/2 brother to the model is $130.00 at my local Sears.
Model 300-20 on left pic and 200-20 on middle pic and 5378-20 model right pic.

http://www.milwaukeeconnect.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_27_40028_-1_684254_192158_192137#

http://www.milwaukeeconnect.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_27_40028_-1_684263_192159_192137

http://www.milwaukeeconnect.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_27_40028_-1_684384_192175_192137

 

[chad s]

I have the 0234-6. I prefer it for hits shorther length than the 7+ amp models. I have never had a situation where it didnt have much more power than it needed. I also have the 20" cord for it, so when I need a longer chord, I dont need to use an extension.

 

[Spookrider]

The handle has a groove and slot attachment to drill. It is not purly friction hold.
It is friction and tooth and key hold of handle to the drill.

 

[Spookrider]

DeWalt has a drill that is close match to the 300-20 shape/stile and that has alot of power. I have seen it drive 4inch screw with ease.

 

[chad s]

DeWalt has a drill that is close match to the 300-20 shape/stile and that has alot of power. I have seen it drive 4inch screw with ease.

When your shopping for a Cadillac, do you buy a chevy? I wouldnt. Id get the cadillac (Milwaukee) I decided on in the first place.

I only own one yellow tool, because it was free, and It kinda *****.

 

[boiler7904]

I'd go for a cordless impact driver for screws too.

If you're set on getting a corded drill, you can't go wrong with Milwaukee as long as the speed is matched to what you're most likely to be using it on. They all have plenty of power for everyday use. I've had a 3/8" for a couple of years. Only regret is that I didn't get a 1/2". Would have come in handy a couple of times.

 

[tommyj3]

Be very careful which drill you buy, because some of the Milwaukee tools are now being made in China. It will not state this on the box, but will be on the tool (Made in China) Of course they still charge US made price.

 

[Merkava_4]

Be very careful which drill you buy, because some of the Milwaukee tools are now being made in China. It will not state this on the box, but will be on the tool (Made in China) Of course they still charge US made price.

They moved Milwaukee Wisconsin over to China?

 

[tommyj3]

This is for you Merkava_4

Techtronic Inc. (TTI) is a Hong Kong based company. Check out their milestones over the past 23 years.

http://www.ttigroup.com/company/milestones.php

Now check out their Brand Names.

http://www.ttigroup.com/business/brands.php

 

[Merkava_4]

"To TTI with love" is what I'll write on the ICBM with a U.S. made Sharpie felt tip.

 

[Mike F]

Just pulled the trigger and ordered the 0234-6 from Amazon. $94 no tax, free shipping. I am sure I won't be disappointed. I will be using it for general purpose, not just driving screws- that was just an example. I doubt it is made in China, but I will check it out when it arrives.

 

[chavist93]

I bought the 0300-20 from sears around Christmas time last year and it was made in the USA.

 

[kidney]

I have a 1/2 Milwaukee and it's a beast. There has been a few times, even with a strong grip, it's spun out of my hand. I think next to my Sawzall, it's one of my favorite purchases. A 3/8 is on my wish list, as one with more RPM would be handy at times.

 

[Stuey]

Just pulled the trigger and ordered the 0234-6 from Amazon. $94 no tax, free shipping. I am sure I won't be disappointed. I will be using it for general purpose, not just driving screws- that was just an example. I doubt it is made in China, but I will check it out when it arrives.

Rock on!
I think you made the right choice!

 

[Spookrider]

When your shopping for a Cadillac, do you buy a chevy? I wouldnt. Id get the cadillac (Milwaukee) I decided on in the first place.

I only own one yellow tool, because it was free, and It kinda *****.

The "yellow" tool was the conntractor that was working on my house and that his brand, I was helping him putting the house together.

 

[Mike F]

Be very careful which drill you buy, because some of the Milwaukee tools are now being made in China. It will not state this on the box, but will be on the tool (Made in China) Of course they still charge US made price.

A thorough exam of the drill reveals that it is actually made in the USA. No China stuff here

 

[SteveU]

I have the 0-1200 rpm 7 amp 3/8" magnum, it is a lot more powerful than the 3 amp B&D it replaces. Have used it to drill some holes up to 7/8" thru a 2x10 to mount my vise & it didn't even notice it was working. Works well for driving screws also, only thing is that since it is physically larger than the B&D it doesn't fit everywhere so the old one still gets used occasionally.

 

[Jay H 237]

I have 2 of the Magnum Hole Shooters, both 1/2" and one is the hammer drill. No complaints, and I think they are one of the best drills out there.

 

[monstergarage87]

Ive got this one with the keyless chuck.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00005Q7AH/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Its a beast and i love it! Used it a bunch of times drilling holes in my T sedan frame. Snapped many drill bits and had a lot of bruises from when it did catch. And its not bad for screwing in screws either.