so my old Milwaukee 1/2 went walkin off the job site……
So whaddya guys think. Another 1/2″ Magnum Hammer or a Metabo corded. I expect this will be the last corded in awhile…….the corded was mainly used as a all arounder to supplement the plenty of cordless drills I have.
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I'm sure there are other good brands of corded drills out there, but I still think Milwaukee makes the best. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Buying new tools is always a bit of a gamble. I'd rather buy a replacement of a tool I was satisfied with than try something blind anyday.
Milwaukee corded drills are battle axes. You might be able to do as well with another brand, but I doubt you'll do better.
Can't go wrong with Milwaukees.....
The only other brand of corded drills I have is my stash is the hole hawg & a mix of Metabo & Hilti Hammerdrills.
That's right too.... Hilti. My Hilti hammerdrills were expensive but they too were worth every penny. Hilti tools are works of art.
Long ago I got a cheap, it was on sale, Makita. Has a molded in hook on top, handy, but it is a 'plain vanilla' 3/8" drill in Makita blue. Gearing is a little squirrely. Hard to get it to go slowly as it builds revs quickly. Once you get used to it it isn't a problem.
Like you I got it to fill in the gap between cordless units. It did better than that. For a simple 3/8" unit, it isn't as powerful as a 1/2" unit, it has a lot of heart. Surprised me more than once. About $50. If I could only carry one drill this wouldn't be it but as a backup it and filler it is light, handy and more than capable for that roll.
Being an electrician I can steal, or make with an inverter, power in most places and this drill and a an ancient Skil, also a vanilla 3/8" unit, when backing up a cordless and a 1/2" Bosch hammerdrill allows me to have all my bits for a job in a separate drill. Makes things go more quickly. The Skil, really a good quality HO model, was the first drill I had and the tender feeling I have for it makes me nurse it along on the lightest jobs even though it is on its last legs and has a key chuck. Think I paid $18 for it.
If you want to spend a little more the Milwaukee 3/8" 'Hole Shooter', about $90, is a good drill. They also make a 1/2" version for about $130. There is a hammer drill version that based on this 1/2" design. All have power and durability to spare. If I could only have one drill, cordless or corded, I would go for the Milwaukee 1/2" hammerdrill. A bit front heavy and bulky, like most hammerdrills, it is very capable and versatile.
A bit of a twist the Milwaukee 'Close-Quarter drill', named like a weapon, at about $160 is oddly shaped but mighty handy. Once you use one you will understand. Gets in tight spots and points naturally with the weight being in the palm of the hand. One I used on a job impressed me on how handy and comfortable it was. Only down side is I would have preferred a keyless chuck. I suppose you could install one.
As others have mentioned, Milwaukee
As soon as I saw the thread title, I thought easy - Milwaukee
Although I haven't used the metabo
sure do like the metabos...Mike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
If your's was, as you say, "old" than don't buy another milwaukee. They are pure junk. Save your money and buy something cheap and generic. A $40 home depot cheapie will be just as good as any milwaukee tool made since the '80s.
It's too bad, Milwaukee used to be such a good brand back in the day.
I do like Hilti though, if you can afford it. If money was no object than every tool I could get that had a Hilti lable on it would be mine.
Re:"It's too bad, Milwaukee used to be such a good brand back in the day."As I see it Milwaukee is still very good. Just not across the line. Stick with their top-of-the-line models and you still get professional quality tools. Of course you pay for them. An investment that is returned with interest in reliability and longevity. I see a lot of twenty year old Hole-hogs, Hole shooters and Super Sawsalls that are still kicking with only minor repairs.Used to be Milwaukee was only professional quality only but from what I have seen it widened its offering. I don't think any of their offerings, they once sold some cordless drills, when cordless was new, that missed the mark but these are more an exception, are below industry standards for the price you pay. They have moved into the commercial, as opposed to professional, and low end of the commercial market. Of course if you but cheaper tools your going to get less.If you play both ends, buying the cheapest Milwaukee model available while expecting the same performance as their top quality units, your going to be disappointed. I have seen this a lot. Guy buts a Dewalt drill for $100 and it lasts a whole year he sings its praises. He buys a Milwaukee for the same $100 and it poops out after a year and he is off the brand. Many expect more from the Milwaukee because of its reputation as a maker of professional tools. Even when they only paid a mid-grade price.
I've never had problems with Milwaukee corded drills (probably bought 40-50 over 20 years as custom builder); however, if you need the benefit of cordless look at the 3.5 amp hr Panasonic - outside of using it as a hammer; the best I've ever seen.
Good luck.
>"I've never had problems with Milwaukee ... probably bought 40-50 over 20 years"Doc I gotta ask - is there a hole in your toolbag? ;^p
I wish it was that simple; sometimes I thought there was a hole in my head. We furnished the power tools for all employees; it was the only way to insure that the tools were on the job and working every day. As most of us know, field labor costs 3 to 5 times per hour more than shop labor. Hope that explains things.
I realize you're looking for a corded drill but the 28 volt corded tools by Milwaukee are do out in March (That's in about 59 minutes....)
Saw the prices on them somewhere. I think the 4 pc. combo kit runs about $700.
I'll have to keep dreaming.
My DW will wrench my arm its so strong....already has.
I know peeps here hate a lot of DW tools but I do have to say...its a strong MF'er and be sure to keep the side handle on if you don't wanna end up in the emergency room when it smacks you.
IMERC showed me his drill...no, not that one so shut up...lol.......well, I'm sure he'll be in here soon to tell you.that thing was awesome.....drilled a hole in a rock in about five seconds clear through....
Be well
a...
The secret of Zen in two words is, "Not always so"!
When we meet, we say, Namaste'..it means..
funy you should say that about the DW, my housemate's brother just about ripped his pinky off with one of those.. Mangled the s### out of it, he said it just looked like such a wimpy drill that he didnt really take it seriusly (not smart when up on a ladder).. (..but i suppose he probably figured that out allready)______________________________________________
--> measure once / scribble several lines / spend some time figuring out wich scribble / cut the wrong line / get mad