Replies

1. 
   mitch | Nov 04, 2003 05:22pm | #1

   your usage sounds like mine- you don't need it often, but it has to work when you do.  i have a reconditioned milwaukee 3107.  this unit comes in several variations and model numbers depending on exact accessories, etc.  it's a step down from the hole hawg but for any quasi-normal application it's got plenty of juice.  i like the 2-speed, 333 & 750rpm, arrangement (by reversing the rt angle attachment) and a straight 500rpm drill, too.  i use mine mostly for drilling studs for running romex- it will plow a cheap spade bit thru a 16d nail in about 3 seconds.  i also use it for anything too big or awkward to get up on the drill press.

   if you aren't afraid of ebay, there are occasionally some good units for sale.  amazon usually has recons for about $40-50 less than brand spankin.

   one word of caution- unless you're boring styrofoam, ALWAYS use the auxiliary handle, paying close attention to which way it will torque if it binds up.  these bigger drills are wrist-wrenching bastards!

   m

   
   

   
   

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   Edited 11/4/2003 3:01:28 PM ET by mitch

1. 
   OneofmanyBobs | Nov 04, 2003 11:44pm | #5

   I like the Milwaukee 3107 mostly.  Its a bit longer than the hole hawg and I find it a little less prone to snapping important bones.  The hole hawg is more compact, but the 3107 fits better in odd places.  You can rotate the gear box to fit most anywhere.  They both have plenty of torque.  Stall one and something is going to break.  The bit, the stud or your wrist. 

1. 
   4Lorn2 | Nov 07, 2003 05:11am | #10

   I agree that that is a fine drill. A bit less industrial and expensive than the Hole Hog but still a contractor model that will give good and reliable service even with near daily use on rough jobs. This model has been around for decades and has a good reputation. A good choice well worth the money.

   The only weakness, if the part lasting longer than most complete units can be called a weakness, is the trigger. Get a spare set of brushes, a cord (Things happen to cords no matter how well they are built.) and a trigger and your set for twenty years on a desert island.

   As bought the angle geared attachment allows you to change the gearing ratio by flipping over the attachment over. You can also easily remove the unit and use the drill as a standard 'D handle' drill.

   There are also several useful attachments that make sense if you plan to do a lot with it. The extra long 45 degree extension something like an extra 4' makes drilling floor joists on the second floor a job done quickly and safely from the first floor not up on a ladder. With a stubby auger it makes a hour job into a ten minute breeze.

2. 
   jc21 | Nov 04, 2003 05:59pm | #2

   Milwaukee.  One less expensive alternative (if you already have a Milwaukee drill) might be buying the right angle attachment if you don't often need a right angle drill. Certainly not as convienent and a dedicated drill but a lot less expensive. I had one for the 234-6 model drill and it worked well. Essentially the same as the 3300-1 kit. I believe the same adapter also fits Milwaukee's D handle drills also.

   
   

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   Edited 11/4/2003 10:03:35 AM ET by jc

3. 
   Jamie_Buxton | Nov 04, 2003 07:09pm | #3

   One caution: don't go cheap.  I kept trying to do that, and kept breaking drills.   The right angle gears in those things take terrific shocks when you run a large-diameter bit into a nail, and they get stripped out.   I finally got a Hole Hawg, and have not been able to break it.

4. 
   csnow | Nov 04, 2003 07:29pm | #4

   Depends what you want to use it for.

   I have a Makita 9.6v cordless that I use all the time.  Light weight and convenient.  Very durable, but not super powerful.

   If you need to bore lots of big holes through studs, that is a whole other matter...

5. 
   Phat | Nov 05, 2003 03:19am | #6

   If you need to eat wood (and perhaps go for a ride) the Hole-Hawg is THE tool. If you're drivin' screws in awkward places - the Milwaukee close-quarter drill motor.

   Liberal Arts Graduate

   Will Think for Food

1. 
   AXE | Nov 05, 2003 04:34am | #7

   I didn't really like the way the handle on the Hole Hawg was configured so I opted for the Dewalt joist and stud driller, DW124.  It does some serious damage.  I've driven a 3" self feed bit through quad 2x with it (with an extension on the bit) without a problem. 

   Some here have had problems with Dewalt longevity, but I'm only an occasional user so it shouldn't be a problem for me.  Besides, this tool seems to be a notch above their other stuff.  It's comes with a metal case and that means it must be a serious tool....right? LOL

   MERC

6. 
   fireball | Nov 05, 2003 04:55am | #8

   RAYNB3,

   Milwaukee makes the best right angle drills.Their worst feature is ,that if you bind them up in tight quarters,like hit a nail up inside a floor joist space,if you don't let go of the trigger(which no one does quick enough),it's got enough torque to break your wrist.

   Barry

1. 
   donpapenburg | Nov 05, 2003 05:28am | #9

   Go with the Milwakee RA 1/2" drill got mine when they were less than $100.00 still working . It has done a lot of tuff drill duty in its life. Brother has one that is all metal and still drilling.