*
I am interested in purchasing a close quarter drill for tight work between the studs of a building. For several years now I’ve used a Makita cordless
right angle drill (9.6V) and it has been a life saver on numerous occasions. However, this cordless drill does not have enough oomph for some of the tasks I plan to perform, so I want to upgrade to a corded drill below a $200 price tag. Researching the available literature brought out the Milwaukee model 0375-6, 3/8″ drill for $150 at Amazon. Does anyone have any experience with this drill? It does have an interesting feature, namely that the chuck is angled at 55 degrees. Milwaukee touts this feature as affording easier access. To me it seems as if the reverse is true, that a true right angle drill would fit in tighter places. Any comments will be appreciated. Also Sioux Tools has a drill that looks just like the Milwaukee, with identical specs for $135. It would almost seem that Milwaukee built the drill for Sioux or vice versa. I know nothing of Sioux Tools. Is anyone familiar with their products? Thanks ahead of time for any information.
Jerry
Replies
*
I have that drill motor and their half-inch version. I have several other drill motors, and I will push them aside to get that angled Milwaukee. It sits wonderfully in your hand, and the balance is perfect. The head allows you to get inbetween joists and other tight spots. But you will find yourself using it for everything.
The angled head does make for one problem: It is really hard to drill a perpendicular hole without practice. You have no visible alignment except for the drill bit and chuck.
The lever-switch is very easy to control. But, there is one "gotcha" about that thing. When changing drill bits, you have to be really, really careful not to bump the lever or, ...well you know. Now, I have never had that problem because I always unplug the unit before grabbing the chuck key (Yeah, Right!) Seriously, if you grab the neck underneath the lever, you will not accidentally start the thing, and you will learn that really quickly.
Incidentally, I met an engineer from Sioux when I was in Sioux City, IA. He said that this system is a sort of joint venture. Sioux originally designed the tool as pneumatic. Milwaukee wanted an electric version. Milwaukee figured how to replce the pneumatic motor with electric, and Sioux got the right to sell the electric version also.
*John....Do they make the semi angle drill that is kinda for cabinet work in a 1/2" chuck or are you talking of the standard electricians 90 degree angle Milwaukie that I have?near the stream,ajI like the bigger chucks...
*What John said-especially about changing bits! I also find myself using it a a general purpose drill-takes up less room in the toolbox too.
*Once you start using them, you will not think of them as cabinetry drills. They are every-day units.The two drills I have (both 3/8 and 1/2) have the same body, and that funny drill angle. The 1/2 is a little gutless for heavy work, but it still works after plenty of abuse.Oh, yes: One other nuisance. The fan exhaust causes chips to be blown right into your face when you are close to your work.
*John...I take it they are the same drill then with different chucks...near the stream,aj
*Half inch has a lower gear to give it some more oomph. Otherwise, correct.
*I assume you mean the 3/8" is a little gutless, or am I wrong. I would have expected the 1/2" with lower gearing to have more torque.Jerry
*The 3/8 is just fine. The 1/2 is not geared really low, so it is a little gutless. But, considering how you hold it, you really don't want a superdrill as it will pop right out of your hands.That "gutless" statement was just a comment, not a criticism. I usually use the halfincher, as the bit I want is invariably just a little larger than 3/8.
*I have the 3/8 Milwaukee. It's a great tool. I haven't use the Souix, but would gess it's just a knockoff of the Milwaukee. Buy the Milwaukee.Ed. Williams
*I used (abused is a better word here) the 1/2" Sioux for cabinet installations for a good 10 years before it bit the dust. That was about 10 years ago, at which time I replaced it with the 3/8" Milwaukee. Except that the adjustable speed control on the trigger lost its sensitivity--runs now on only one speed--that too has been a bear of a tool.Don't know for sure, but I was told that both drills are made in the same factory--the Sioux plant in Iowa. Get either one, you won't regret it.
*The Sioux drill has a Sioux wound motor which would indicate that the tool is most likely built by Sioux. I think the Milwaukee is also made by Sioux. Sioux makes reciprocating saws as well as pneumatic sanders.fv
*b WBA At Your Servicegot the Milwaukee. its great, gets in alot of tight spots. It's no wrist buster but it sure comes in handy.
*I have heaard that the Milwaukee is made by Sioux, either way the drill is the one I reach for the most.
*I too bought the Milwaukee in the 3/8" version. I find it a little slippery for my tastes, but I use it more and more. I would not say it is a replacement for a regular drill, but it is a nice addition. DennisP.S. Do any of you find that the cord stress relief wants to come out of the case? If you take the case apart, you will find that the allen screws have metric heads.
*
I am interested in purchasing a close quarter drill for tight work between the studs of a building. For several years now I've used a Makita cordless
right angle drill (9.6V) and it has been a life saver on numerous occasions. However, this cordless drill does not have enough oomph for some of the tasks I plan to perform, so I want to upgrade to a corded drill below a $200 price tag. Researching the available literature brought out the Milwaukee model 0375-6, 3/8" drill for $150 at Amazon. Does anyone have any experience with this drill? It does have an interesting feature, namely that the chuck is angled at 55 degrees. Milwaukee touts this feature as affording easier access. To me it seems as if the reverse is true, that a true right angle drill would fit in tighter places. Any comments will be appreciated. Also Sioux Tools has a drill that looks just like the Milwaukee, with identical specs for $135. It would almost seem that Milwaukee built the drill for Sioux or vice versa. I know nothing of Sioux Tools. Is anyone familiar with their products? Thanks ahead of time for any information.
Jerry