need a new corded drill

[cmyoung2]

My Makita 5A corded drill finally died, but it had been going down hill for a while. So, I'm looking for another, more powerful corded drill, to be used from everything from drilling both wood and steel to mixing paint and roofing paint. Thinking maybe 8-10 amps, Variable speed, hammer drill ok but not a deal breaker, have that on my cordless. Suggestions? I am not brand loyal, have Dewalt, Portercable, Craftsman, Makita, HF.

 

[5030]

I have a corded Bosch hammerdrill (Not SDS) that's a workhorse. Not cheap by any means but surely long lasting. Fastenal has them on sale sometimes.

 

[downsizingnow48]

I've had this Milwaukee Magnum 1/2" drill for 29 years, it is as good now as when I got it. But doesn't get used much the last few years in favor of a Makita cordless 1/2" drill. I think it is about $150.

 

[Deere Dude]

I've had this Milwaukee Magnum 1/2" drill for 29 years, it is as good now as when I got it. But doesn't get used much the last few years in favor of a Makita cordless 1/2" drill. I think it is about $150.

I got the same drill maybe 20 years or so ago and it is a workhorse, but I was drilling some 3/4 holes through many railroad ties and sort of trashed it. It still works well but makes a funny sound. I still use it and torque it with big bits and would buy another one in a heartbeat.

 

[hslogger]

milwaukee magnum half inch stands the test of time. Heavy. detachable cord, easy replacement, a great drill motor

 

[4570Man]

I fourth the Milwaukee magnum. I have one and it works great.

 

[bcp]

I have a Milwaukee 1/2 rear handle, as above, and a DeWalt 1/2 center handle similar to this.

I find myself using the DeWalt more as the balance is less tiring. Also the speed control is a little better.

Bruce

 

[4570Man]

I have a Milwaukee 1/2 rear handle, as above, and a DeWalt 1/2 center handle similar to this. <img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=458161"/> I find myself using the DeWalt more as the balance is less tiring. Also the speed control is a little better. Bruce

I can see how that would be nice in some circumstances, but these are pretty well 2 handed drills. I use my cordless for 1 hand jobs.

 

[bcp]

Different styles. I've never had any use for the second handle. I seem to always need the second hand to hold something, or to hold on.

Bruce

 

[2ndhalf]

I like Dewalt.

 

[Ed of all trades]

I have a 1/2" ridged. I got it because of the 5 year warranty and if I had to do it again I would buy something else. Seems to be aimed at the homeowner that wont use it much. Used it for 4 3/8 holes in crete and the hammer part quit. Took about a month to get it fixed and had to rent a drill to do the job. Ed

 

[SJay]

The Milwaukee is a great drill. I have had one for over 20 years still going strong.

Factory Reconditioned Milwaukee 0299-80 8 Amp 1-2 in. Magnum Drill

 

[oosik]

I don't know exactly how big you want to go but I have a Milwaukee 3/8" and the Milwaukee 1/2" "Hole Hog". Both have functioned well. With the Hole Hog and my portable generator I go around the property and drill multiple, deep 1" diameter holes in all my pine tree stumps. Speeds up their decomposition. The Hog works great for all really big, tough jobs including drilling railroad ties and drilling with hole saws.

 

[DFB]

My Makita 5A corded drill finally died, but it had been going down hill for a while. So, I'm looking for another, more powerful corded drill, to be used from everything from drilling both wood and steel to mixing paint and roofing paint. Thinking maybe 8-10 amps, Variable speed, hammer drill ok but not a deal breaker, have that on my cordless. Suggestions? I am not brand loyal, have Dewalt, Portercable, Craftsman, Makita, HF.

Any other details besides the high amp rating and optional hammer function. :confused3:

Do you really need that 8-10 amps that more than likely will reflect in the cost too.


Chuck size? Need 1/2 inch or will 3/8 do the job, keyed or keyless?

Xtra handle?? Fixed side position or 360 rotational.

RPM??? Many heavy half inch chuck drills often have fairly low rpm 's. Is having a faster drilling speed higher rpm more desirable?
Maybe 2 speed settings?

Price range???? $49 or $299 or somewhere in between :confused2:


The corded drills I still own and barely ever use anymore are all Makita's and none were over 5.5 amps, a 3/8" VSR, a 1/2 side handle. a 9/16 lightweight hammer drill.

But we always had Milwaukee Magnum drills at my old job

Here's just 3 of Milwaukee options...

A budget priced 8 Amp 3/8 drill 0420. That one has been on sale a lot too.

The traditional 1/2 Magnum drill 850 RPM. Of course can also get 3/8 magnum models with different rpm's and slightly less amp ratings

This 2 speed Hammer Drill


We do love to spend other peoples money here on TBN

Search ACME Tools for more Milwaukee drills, plus Bosch, Makita, Dewalt, PC, Skil, Hitachi etc.

 

[czechsonofagun]

I use dewalt, works great for many years, only problem is the chuck key. The original is long gone and replacement dont last long, not sure how dificult is to make a good chuck key, but I did not find one yet. Not in USA anyway, back in old country my dad used his Narex all his life with one dumb chuck key.

 

[arrow]

My Makita 5A corded drill finally died, but it had been going down hill for a while. So, I'm looking for another, more powerful corded drill, to be used from everything from drilling both wood and steel to mixing paint and roofing paint. Thinking maybe 8-10 amps, Variable speed, hammer drill ok but not a deal breaker, have that on my cordless. Suggestions? I am not brand loyal, have Dewalt, Portercable, Craftsman, Makita, HF.

I'm very happy with my Hitachi corded drills. I have two . the 1/2" Hitachi should fit your needs as you can also find it with hammer for about 2/3rds the price of Dewalt. I have used the crap out of mine including drilling 1/2" holes through 3/4" metal. They make a nice drill for not crazy money.

 

[fidowanttobe]

Milwaukee. Can't beat them. My job has 2 very old ones that work great yet.

 

[cat fever]

I don't know exactly how big you want to go but I have a Milwaukee 3/8" and the Milwaukee 1/2" "Hole Hog". Both have functioned well. With the Hole Hog and my portable generator I go around the property and drill multiple, deep 1" diameter holes in all my pine tree stumps. Speeds up their decomposition. The Hog works great for all really big, tough jobs including drilling railroad ties and drilling with hole saws.

The Milwaukee Hole hawg is the last drill you'll ever need to buy!:thumbsup:

 

[murphy1244]

I have a 1/2 rigid with a lifetime warranty that I have used when I broke the main shaft. I had to return it to Elyria Ohio which was not to far. Waited a whole month for it.

 

[cmyoung2]

OK, 1/2" chuck, 8+amp because I fried my 5amp, not sure about rpm's, but 2 speed variable would be good. Extra handle a plus, price up to about $150. I do try to buy quality, still using my Craftsman circular saw bought while in college, 40 years ago.