I’m getting ready to buy a new corded hand drill. Considering a couple models: Milwaukee or Bosch variable speed hammer drills. with the 7-9 AMP rated motors.
Lowe’s has them on sale for $129-159.00, depending on the model.
Anyone have any experience with these or any advice to offer?
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Yes
Yes...?
Does that mean either one will do? Either one is fine? Or...?
the Milwaukeel is better than the Bosch....
either in pistol grip design are entry level and need to be treated kindly..
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I like my Milwaukee 1/2 magnum hammer drill. They're great for making smaller size holes in concrete. Not as good for other uses, I don't know what you have in mind. I think either of them is a good unit.
From: MarkH Aug-1 10:04 pm
To: SGriess58 (6 of 6)
93020.6 in reply to 93020.4
I like my Milwaukee 1/2 magnum hammer drill. They're great for making smaller size holes in concrete. Not as good for other uses, I don't know what you have in mind. I think either of them is a good unit.Reply:
Well, here's the deal: I didn't have a decent corded electric drill, and I don't have a hammer drill. I inherited a couple of old, all-metal drills from my dad, a Sunbeam Drillmaster (1/4" capacity, no idea of amperage), and the strongest one is an old 3-Amp Skil Drive-R-Drill (Mod.No.598) with a messed up Jacobs chuck that I can't get a replacement for.
The other day I was trying to mix some mortar with the Skil, and it was shooting sparks and smoke out it's vent holes, and getting pretty warm to the touch. So I figured it was a wee bit underpowered, and since my DW was there to witness the carnage, it provided me with an object lesson in needing a new tool!
So I went to the closest Home Improvement store and found a few that looked like they would be stronger: the Milwaukee hammer drill with the 7.5 amp motor and a couple of Bosch's with 8.0 and 8.5 amp motors (instead of the 3 amp I had), that might do the job. Then I thought maybe some folks in the Taunton forums might be able to give some advice.
Since I have an old brick house, I occasionally have to drill through brick, concrete, plaster, etc. So the idea of getting a hammer drill appealed to my "two functions for the price of one tool" mindset.I ended up getting the Bosch 1199VSR, with the 8.5 Amp motor. Might have been a mistake, but I figured the extra power would help me get through this mortar-mixing and tiling project I'm in the midst of.
If it tears up, fortunately the local H.I. store has a good return policy.
If it survives, then I hope I'll have a fairly decent drill to use for a while.Thanks to those who submitted thoughts and opinions about this! I value the input of others who have experience with a variety of tools, and I look forward to participating in the various forum discussions.
I have owned 2 Milwaukees and 1 Bosch hammer drills. The Milwaukees seemed to burn out long before their time but the Bosch is still going strong after 7 years. It's one of the few Bosch tools I've owned that is any good.
I have a Milwaukee, model 5378-02, 1/2", 6.5a corded hammer drill.
Have had it for ~ 5 years - going strong.
I only use this tool occasionally, and then just to punch a few holes for a lead anchor or some Tapcons. Used probably weekly at most and then for a small job.
Have used it with 5/8" and smaller bits in brick, block, tile and concrete.
Biggest job I ever did with it was to bore about 40-50 - 3/8" holes through a concrete crawlspace floor to perforate the edge of a sump pump hole. It did get a little warm doing that.
I would not consider this tool to be a substitute for a regular 1/2" drill - wieghs too much and it is nose heavy.
Jim
Never underestimate the value of a sharp pencil or good light.