R.I.P. Tools

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celtic

celtic

Senior Member
Location
NJ
I guess after 10 years, some tools will eventually expire. Last week was a particularly sad week as 2 drills quit on me ~ mid-job. Eventually, I'll open them up, fix what needs fixing and use them as either back-up drills or job box fill.

In the meantime, I'll buy some replacements for my Milwaukee Rt. Angle and the Hilti TE22 (RIP/DOA). As it's been 10 years since I bought on of these type drills, I'm asking for any recommendations for you people. I like both brands...and still have a Milwaukee Magnum Hole Shooter (1/2") and quite a collection of the Hilti bits.
I also use Porter-Cable(sawzall - probably on it's way out, too) and DeWalt (working on my second cordless drill, 1st one expired last year), and I also had 3 - 4 Mikita cordless drills. The DeWalt cordless drills lasted much longer than the Makita's in terms of time AND use.

I am not a slave to any one particular company, just looking for what would be YOUR best choice for a new rt. angle drill and mid-sized/small hammer drill (keeping in mind the pile of Hilti bits available ~ do they work in any other brands?)
 
Re: R.I.P. Tools

I tend to stick with Milwaukee and Bosch for my power tools. I've never owned a DeWalt, Makita, or Porter-Cable tool; too many people have said too many disparaging things about them. I don't think I've ever heard anyone say anything negative about Milwaukee or Bosch, and my experience has been the same.

My current right-angle drill is a 1/2" Milwaukee D-handle 3002-1. Works great. I have 3/4" and 1" auger bits that just chew through joists and floor plates. No clutch, though. Comes with a nice plastic case and all the trimmings. I've been quite happy with it.

My current hammer drill is a Bosch 1/2" 1199VSRK. Also works like champ. Comes with a case and trimmings (Milwaukee's hammer drills for some reason don't have cases, even to purchase separately).

I also finally broke down recently and bought a rotary hammer, a Bosch 1-3/4" 11263EVS SDS-Max. Cost a bundle ($700!), but well worth it. Sure beats using the sledge to drive ground rods or bust out packed mortar with a hammer and chisel.

Generally speaking, the only time I've been disappointed with tools I've purchased is when I didn't buy the good ones. Cheap tools just aren't worth it.
 
Re: R.I.P. Tools

Originally posted by jeff43222:


My current right-angle drill is a 1/2" Milwaukee D-handle 3002-1.
Click to expand...
Amazon shows some different model #'s, that all seem very similar:
3002-1 ~ $259.99, 7 amp, 0-900 RPM, up to 2 9/16 inch selfeed bits, Reversing
3102-6 ~ $259.99, 7 Amp, 500 rpm, Head and handle swivel 360 degrees, Two speeds, 335 rpm low, and 750 rpm high
3107-6 ~ $237.49, 7-amp, up to 4-5/8-inch selfeed bits, Trigger speed control, Head and handle swivel 360 degrees


I know some guys who prefer "hole hawgs", but unless I get involved in tract housing(no, thank you), the above are solid contenders

Originally posted by jeff43222:
My current hammer drill is a Bosch 1/2" 1199VSRK.
Click to expand...
Can you explain to me WHY you need 0-48,000 bpm? I have never been very happy happy with the performance of this type hd drill ~ although my new DeWalt(DC985KA cordless) is also a hd ~ but it was on sale


Originally posted by jeff43222:
I also finally broke down recently and bought a rotary hammer, a Bosch 1-3/4" 11263EVS SDS-Max.
Click to expand...
One of these types is on the short list. True, it's more drill than a TE22, but the 22 doesn't have the intestinal fortitude to drive a ground rod (IMHO).


Originally posted by jeff43222:
Cheap tools just aren't worth it.
Click to expand...
Well said.

[ July 26, 2005, 02:44 PM: Message edited by: celtic ]
 
Re: R.I.P. Tools

I compared all three drills on Milwaukee's Web site, and I wasn't able to find much difference among them. It might boil down to which model the store carries. The Hole Hawg is more than I need, as I don't do tract housing, either.

I never said I needed 48,000 bpm. I just enjoy making holes in masonry really fast. :D

Definitely glad I got the rotary hammer. I was shocked at how fast the ground rod went down the first time I used it. I have a few jobs coming up that will require big holes in old foundations, so the rotary hammer will get a good workout.
 
Re: R.I.P. Tools

Originally posted by jeff43222:


I never said I needed 48,000 bpm. I just enjoy making holes in masonry really fast. :D
Click to expand...
I dunno...the Hilti setup also seemed faster to me.


Have you purchased the ground rod attachement for the "big gun"?
 
Re: R.I.P. Tools

For wood, I too use the Milwaukee 3002-1. For masonry and ground rod driving, I use the Milwaukee 5321-21 spline hammer. Been quite pleased with both.

When buying power tools, I generally buy from a dealer who also services the brand at their shop. This gets the tool back in use quickly; sometimes the same day. I would consider another brand, but there's a Milwaukee dealer in my area that can fix most stuff for me in a few minutes while I wait. If you had a Hilti or Bosch dealer in your town that offered local service, I'd consider one of those brands.

Just my opinion.

[ July 26, 2005, 05:31 PM: Message edited by: mdshunk ]
 
Re: R.I.P. Tools

hmmmmm...
BranchCoupon.jpg


$20 off parts and service (www.milwaukeetool.com)...and there is a location less than 20 miles from me(on way to relatives house).
 
Re: R.I.P. Tools

Originally posted by celtic:
Have you purchased the ground rod attachement for the "big gun"?
Click to expand...
Yep. It wasn't cheap (I think it was in the $80-$90 range), but it was so worth it. All you have to do is hold the trigger down and watch the ground rod disappear.

Now I only use the sledgehammer to fix my cell phone. :D
 
Re: R.I.P. Tools

If you ever can get your hands on one try a Kango 35 lb demo hammer for ground rod driving. I think Kango is a Brit company. My opinion of Kango is that it is the Milwaulkee of breaker hammers.
 
Re: R.I.P. Tools

From my experience you can't go wrong with Milwaukee or Hilti. Price is the only issue I have. I have used DeWalt 14.4 cordless drills since they came out and have been very pleased with them. Only had to have one of them repaired after long and heavy use. Where I work no the company buys the tools. I still use a Dewalt cordless for 95% of what I do. On the subject of tools - does anyone have one of the new Milwaukee 28V cordless portaband saws? They look sweet but the $450 price tag (S.E. VA) is a bummer. :eek:
 
Re: R.I.P. Tools

Where can you get those adaptors for driving the rods? I've looked for them before buying my hammer drill but now that I have it I just do it directly. The only problem I have to stand on my 4' ladder.
 
Re: R.I.P. Tools

Originally posted by mtn_elec:
Where can you get those adaptors for driving the rods?
Click to expand...
Depending on your budget, there are a few different types:
- The Manual Special
rod-driver.jpg

From ERICO
(If I see a guy using a bender and a handle to drive a rod, it's adios sport)

- This one looks a bit flimsy to me:
toolsplus_1855_101940121
..you can buy it for $25 at ToolsPlus.com


- Lastly, this one:
ground.gif
..this is a Bosch tool from CoastalTool.com for $55.


I am sure there are others out there (use www.google.com or www.vivisimo.com) and do a search for "Ground Rod Driver Bit".

[EDIT: below]

The bit should match the drill, ie spline, SDS-Max etc.

[ July 27, 2005, 11:56 PM: Message edited by: celtic ]
 
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