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I’ve decided that I better buy myself a 1/2″ drill so that I don’t burn out my 3/8″ drill. I’m interested in using it for a broad range of applications. Would it be advisable for me to pay a bit more and buy a right angle drill for electrical/plumbing applications. (Drilling holes between studs and joists) Are there any things that a right angle drill does better besides this? Are there any things that a regular drill does better than a right angle drill? Does anyone have any models to suggest? Thank you very much.
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Between members is the only time I ever needed a right angle, but if you're doing a big hole, you really need it. If you get the big Milwaukee right angle, it is just a half inch with a right angle adapter and it easily converts back to a straight drill.
*I've got a 1/2" Milwaukee Magnum that I wouldn't trade up for anything. It's the most balls out drill that I've ever used in my life. Lonecat does bring up a good point with the Milwaukee right angle drill - it's a great drill, but it's a nasty wrist breaker at the same time. Whichever route you go for a corded drill, make sure it's red. Good luck - Nick
*Have you thought about the Milwaukee 1/2 in. close quarter drill as a sort of compromise? Like all of the big red stuff, it's heavy and can wring your arm off.
*I've got a 1/2" Milwaukee Magnum and wouldn't trade it for anything else. It's the most balls out drill that I've ever used. Lonecat brings up a good point about the Milwaukee right angle drill - it's a great tool, but it can be a really quick route to a broken wrist if you're not careful. In any case, if you're gonna buy a corded drill, make sure that it's red. Good luck - Nick
*Now why didn't that post the first time. Hmmmm, the computer is playing some tricks on me tonight.
*I've got the 'Hawg and a Dewalt 1/2" pistol grip. They both have their place and I don't want to give up either one. The 1/2 magnum that Ace has is nice; I bought one, but the trigger didn't fit my hand so well. The 'Hawg is great for what it's intended for- plumbing and electrical in stud bays and such- but it's cumbersome for other stuff and I usually reach for my Dewalt 1/2" or Makita 3/8" (in the case of the 3/8", usually a cordless)Sam
*I've had a pc 1/2 pistol style drill for 15 years. It's a decent all around tool.But my new hole hawg (right angle) kicks ass.blue
*Think about RPM too, depends how you use it. My Milwaukee RA drill (not quite the Hawg, the one that looks like a sawzall with a chuck -- $220 at the big box -- see <a href=http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0000223HJ/qid=959032906/sr=1-1/103-8217439-5099006>amazon.com's listing?) runs at about 350 RPM and has torque galore. I use it for a lot of things where a regular inline drill would work too, like holes for ledger bolts, and think it's a little easier for feeding a ship auger bit in plumb and level. For big hole work every day, you'd want a Hawg ($300?).Spade and twist bits work better at high speed; my DeWalt 1/2" is over 2000 RPM and spade bits work SO much better than in the old 1300 RPM (brand unmentionable) drill.Seems like you have pretty clear brand recommendations!.
*I have had a Milwaukee Plumber's kit for many years with no problems. If it still comes in a metal case, there is room for holw saws, arbors, and extensions as well as the drill itself. I like the versitility of the right angle as it gets into tight corners as well as providing additional leverage for the torque that these units generate. As of late, I have also used it to mix setting type drywall compound with good results. Hope this helps.Dennis
*I have had a Milwaukee Plumber's kit for many years with no problems. If it still comes in a metal case, there is room for hole saws, arbors, and extensions as well as the drill itself. I like the versitility of the right angle as it gets into tight corners as well as providing additional leverage for the torque that these units generate. As of late, I have also used it to mix setting type drywall compound with good results. Hope this helps.Dennis
*If you are drilling studs and joists regularly, then you need both drills. If not, a pistol grip fits between 16" centers and for tightfighterters, you can buy a $20 dollar right angle adapter for infrequent use. Having said that, I have a Milwaukee Close Quarter drill and I borrow a friend's Milwaukee D-Han-Handlet Angle drill for big jobs. I have 9 other corded drills, including the big Milwaukee ½" 450 rpm wrist ramter. Aduster.mmer drill. And 3 12v cordless drills. Each one has a use and I would not give up any of them.
* A few years ago I was asking myself that same question, I had heard that Milwaukee was tops in 1/2" right angle drills, so prior to purchasing one I also got good feedback on the Porter Cable 7556 VSR and checked out the specs. The PC has an 8 amp motor 0 to 330 and 0 to 750 rpm reversing and more torque, better than the Milwaukee and at a lower price! An excellent tool at a reasonable price. Also it is very good at mixing those 5 gallon pails of joint compound. Check the specs and gearing and feedback.
*I feel a good choice would be a D-handle Milwaukee 1/2" drill and then buy the right angle attachment separately. Not real cost effective and the back and forth conversion is a little tedious but this way you have both types of drills and one motor. I have one like this and we also have a Hole Hawg that could probably drill through a mountain if you can hold on tight enough.
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I've decided that I better buy myself a 1/2" drill so that I don't burn out my 3/8" drill. I'm interested in using it for a broad range of applications. Would it be advisable for me to pay a bit more and buy a right angle drill for electrical/plumbing applications. (Drilling holes between studs and joists) Are there any things that a right angle drill does better besides this? Are there any things that a regular drill does better than a right angle drill? Does anyone have any models to suggest? Thank you very much.