Archived from the Tools In Action forum (Milwaukee). This thread is read-only.
Today was a first for me. A buddy and I were installing the tongue box on my trailer. We had my Milwaukee hammer drill (pre-fuel) and his Dewalt Cobalt bits. I gave the 11/64 bit a good coat of cutting fluid and proceeded to drill the 4 mounting holes through the 3/8″ steel frame ( U beam style). This was no easy plunge to make for any cordless drill. It did a wonderful job, but when I broke through on the 3rd hole I ended up putting a bit of side load on it and the overload protection kicked in.
I’ve had this drill going on 3 years, used it multiple times a week, drilled every conceivable material known to man, and that was the first time I’ve ever had the OP kick in. It wasn’t a big deal, I simply pulled the trigger and took off again, but I was surprised all the same. It’s a great drill and it’s handled every task I’ve thrown at it. No complaints at all.
The Dewalt Cobalt bits with the pilot points did a remarkable job. The 11/64 snapped on the 4th hole, but it was a hell of a hole to make as it was at an awkward angle. Ordered him a new one for $4. They impressed me.
I’ve had mine kick in a bunch of times, but that was when I was mixing concrete in a bucket which you shouldn’t do with a cordless. However it always mixes it.
I would much rather have a tool that cuts off once in awhile, than not at all and blow up…
I was using my M12 Impact to drive 4 in. GRK RSS Screws after about the third one, i must have hit a knot or something and it kicked in. Probably not the right tool for the job, but all I have is M12 stuff so it needed to be done!
Joe M wrote:
I was using my M12 Impact to drive 4 in. GRK RSS Screws after about the third one, i must have hit a knot or something and it kicked in. Probably not the right tool for the job, but all I have is M12 stuff so it needed to be done!
Was it the Fuel?
It has happened to me also. Just like Eric, I was mixing concrete. Then started to smoke a little. That’s when I finally realized and stopped. Dumb. I need to buy a cheap corded still just mixing mortar, concrete, and the thick stuff. Hope I didn’t ruin it.
Harold Wray wrote:
It has happened to me also. Just like Eric, I was mixing concrete. Then started to smoke a little. That’s when I finally realized and stopped. Dumb. I need to buy a cheap corded still just mixing mortar, concrete, and the thick stuff. Hope I didn’t ruin it.
Its unbelievable a cordless drill can even do it, thats why I like the Milwaukee with all the torque.
I’ve mixed grout with my cordless lots of times. Thin set? Cement? The mere thought makes me cringe.
Conductor562 wrote:
I’ve mixed grout with my cordless lots of times. Thin set? Cement? The mere thought makes me cringe.
What do you use for a corded drill?
I have a big 8 amp B&D I keep only for the purpose of mixing shit. I’ve started to upgrade it 2 or 3 times, but I just don’t use it enough to justify the cost.
Conductor562 wrote:
I have a big 8 amp B&D I keep only for the purpose of mixing shit. I’ve started to upgrade it 2 or 3 times, but I just don’t use it enough to justify the cost.
Yeah thats what we have, Its ancient!
I exactly what i was thinking. Getting a harbor freight just for mixing shit. I looked at Milwaukess corded drills but at that cost I would rather have another fuel.
I tried to get a grungy return at HD. They wouldn’t drop below about $30 less than a new one.
What is up with HD. $30 less. That’s it.
What do you guys think about this:
http://www.harborfreight.com/12-heavy-duty-low-speed-drill-60436.html
Or this:
http://www.harborfreight.com/1-2-half-inch-heavy-duty-variable-speed-reversible-drill-3273.html
The D-Handled model in the first link is 7.5 amps which is consistent with the models typically used for mixing. As an occasional user I’d say it would be fine.
The bottom model at around 6 amps would be underpowered and probably wouldn’t last long as a mixing drill.
My experience tells me you want to stay in the 8 amp ball park for mixing mortar, concrete, thin set, etc. You could get by with a 6 amp, but you’d have to try to mix small quantities which quickly becomes a pain in the ass.
Conductor562 wrote:
The D-Handled model in the first link is 7.5 amps which is consistent with the models typically used for mixing. As an occasional user I’d say it would be fine.
The bottom model at around 6 amps would be underpowered and probably wouldn’t last long as a mixing drill.
My experience tells me you want to stay in the 8 amp ball park for mixing mortar, concrete, thin set, etc. You could get by with a 6 amp, but you’d have to try to mix small quantities which quickly becomes a pain in the ass.
When I ever need to mix something, I am going to put the fuel to the test! I will make sure to have that on video!
Harold Wray wrote:
What do you guys think about this:
http://www.harborfreight.com/12-heavy-duty-low-speed-drill-60436.html
Or this:
http://www.harborfreight.com/1-2-half-inch-heavy-duty-variable-speed-reversible-drill-3273.html
Here you go, top brand 8 amps, big warranty, red and not to much morehttp://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-3-8-in-2-800-RPM-Tradesman-Drill-0240-20/202101569?N=c27fZzvZ12l2Zzv#specifications
ChaseRogers wrote:
For not to much more you can go with name brand and warrantyAmazon|
It’s got the power, but it isn’t set up for mixing. No D or side handle, no low speed setting, 3/8″ chuck,and keyless.
ChaseRogers wrote:
Here you go, top brand 8 amps, big warranty, red and not to much morehttp://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-3-8-in-2-800-RPM-Tradesman-Drill-0240-20/202101569?N=c27fZzvZ12l2Zzv#specifications
The Milwaukee does have a side handle. Everything else still applies.
Yeah, i was trying to find something red…. Its cazy how much the mixer drill is from Milwaukee…
Wow! Thank you very much Chase and Conductor!!!! So helpful! I liked the price of the Dewalt you found at Lowes Chase and the Milwaukee. Great prices. And like you said for a little more a good warrant and better quality. I don’t really want to buy from Harbor Freight. But like Conductor said the harbor freight one has all the features for mixing. You. Guys are great!!!!
You read my mind Chase. I have been looking at all of Milwaukee’s drills. Even the Hole Hog drills. Man they can be expensive.
There is this one but its 3 times the amount of The harbor freight:
http://m.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-1-2-in-850-RPM-Magnum-Drill-0300-20/100609377/
I know it doesn’t have the D handle but has almost everything else. Maybe I could use it for more things.
Harbor Freight also sells this wish I could tell what the amp’s were though http://www.harborfreight.com/dual-speed-paint-and-mortar-mixer-69856.html
Harold Wray wrote:
You read my mind Chase. I have been looking at all of Milwaukee’s drills. Even the Hole Hog drills. Man they can be expensive.
You know what they say, you pay for quality!
They also have this better 7.5 amp D handle drill also http://www.harborfreight.com/1-2-half-inch-heavy-duty-spade-handle-drill-93632.html
Harold Wray wrote:
There is this one but its 3 times the amount of The harbor freight:
http://m.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-1-2-in-850-RPM-Magnum-Drill-0300-20/100609377/
I know it doesn’t have the D handle but has almost everything else. Maybe I could use it for more things.
If you ever need some low speed drilling, this will do it!
IMO, I get scared when I see Harbor Freight power tools in use, even for light once in awhile application, they scare me…
I don’t like HF power tools, or hand tools for that matter, but as a dedicated mixing drill for a DIY guy it’s probably good enough. I try to offer advise without bias.
A D Handle is not required. A traditional side handle is sufficient. You will want a keyed 1/2″ chuck though.
Conductor562 wrote:
I don’t like HF power tools, or hand tools for that matter, but as a dedicated mixing drill for a DIY guy it’s probably good enough. I try to offer advise without bias.
A D Handle is not required. A traditional side handle is sufficient. You will want a keyed 1/2″ chuck though.
Yeah, I just hate to see people going in there buying cordless drills thinking its HD lol..
I use to use the Milwaukee 0302-20 to mix stuff, but it has been sitting in a box on the shelf for the past year. I probably should be using that for mixing stuff instead of the Fuel, but the Fuel is hanging on the wall and so much easier to access than the older Milwaukee in a box. Great drill, but don’t really need it for anything.
The 0302 is the one HD wouldn’t come off on.
Edit: It was the 0299 with the keyed chuck
That’s one thing that sucks about Lowes they never have any open box tool deal. I don’t mind a nice discount on a lightly used tool.
DR99 wrote:
That’s one thing that sucks about Lowes they never have any open box tool deal. I don’t mind a nice discount on a lightly used tool.
The drill in question had drywall mud and some in unidentifiable substance all over it. Like some bought it for a project and promptly returned it like a commie asshole.
DR99 wrote:
They also have this better 7.5 amp D handle drill also http://www.harborfreight.com/1-2-half-inch-heavy-duty-spade-handle-drill-93632.html
Thanks Dr. and Eric for your input also.
One thing I’ve learned is you don’t always need a name brand tool to do a job… I have some princess auto tools aka the Canadian harbor freight but they are uncommon non everyday tools that you need in a pinch and do a fine job… Like uncommon auto mechanic tools where snap on would charge 200-300 I got for 20-30 bucks that do the same job the 3 times a year I’d need to see it in a auto garage setting…
So I can’t see why anyone wouldn’t want to jump on a that harbor freight drill if it’s just to mix cement, thinset etc…for 50 bucks
If your doing this type of job everyday and use the drill extensively I’d buy a good one, if your doing it every blue moon, save your money and buy a cheap drill… It’s not like drill is going to explode in your hands or kill you…
Some of those cheap tools work and go for years, depending what you use it for…
Very good points Sierra!! Thanks for your advise!
Harold Wray wrote:
Very good points Sierra!! Thanks for your advise!
Like my hammer drill is just a corded cheap one I got from Canadian tire, for the amount of times I go through concrete and the like it’s all I would need and it does a pretty damn good job and got it on sale for like 39.99 http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/6/Tools/2/CordedPowerTools/HammerDrills/PRD~0542951P/Mastercraft+Corded+Hammer+Drill+Kit%2C+100-pc.jsp?locale=en
Don’t always need a fancy tool to get er done 😉
And I believe Harbor Freight offers an extended warranty where they will just swap the tool out for a minimal fee.
DR99 wrote:
And I believe Harbor Freight offers an extended warranty where they will just swap the tool out for a minimal fee.
Oh really! Its more than a 90 day!
Gave the old girl a good workout today. I drill 8 1/4″ and 4 3/8″ holes in 1/4″ plate steel today while fabricating a mounting plate for a hand wench on my new trailer. My Dad looked at me funny when I broke out a cordless drill for the task. He said he wasn’t sure a cordless was up to it, but that’s to be expected from a Dewalt guy 😆
No overload kick in’s and even using black oxide Thunderbolt bits (with plenty of cutting fluid) it sailed right through.
Glad to here!!!, How do you like the Black oxide?
ChaseRogers wrote:
Glad to here!!!, How do you like the Black oxide?
They’re great for everyday bits as the performance is there and the price is right. Tin coated or gold oxide bits are better if your only going to have one set of bits for everything you do, but I use my Blacks as everyday, general purpose bits, and Cobalt alloy bits for metal. I was in a pinch today and had to use the blacks. The Tin or Gold bits are fine for thin gauge stuff, but the won’t hold up long in thicker steel. Always use cutting fluid for anything thicker than sheet metal.
Conductor562 wrote:
They’re great for everyday bits as the performance is there and the price is right. Tin coated or gold oxide bits are better if your only going to have one set of bits for everything you do, but I use my Blacks as everyday, general purpose bits, and Cobalt alloy bits for metal. I was in a pinch today and had to use the blacks. The Tin or Gold bits are fine for thin gauge stuff, but the won’t hold up long in thicker steel. Always use cutting fluid for anything thicker than sheet metal.
Oh, and always drill thicker metal on the lower speed setting. It’s easier to control and more importantly, it helps keep from burning up your bits.
I did alot of 5/8 holes in 1/4 steel plate with my Dewalt and i never had any trouble
Jeth wrote:
I did alot of 5/8 holes in 1/4 steel plate with my Dewalt and i never had any trouble
But you didn’t look nearly as cool doing it 😆
Yes i know how you feel about yellow
How to reset Milwaukee M12 ONEFTR38 TOOL OVERLOAD, DIGITAL TYPE TORQUE WRENCH?
MILWAUKEEE wrote:
3 minutes ago, MILWAUKEEE said:How to reset Milwaukee M12 ONEFTR38 TOOL OVERLOAD, DIGITAL TYPE TORQUE WRENCH?