Drills Reviews

I'm a professional handyman and a power tool's size-to-weight-to-power ratio is very important. I simply cannot carry unlimited tools around with me. Whatever I do carry with me from job to job has to be practical and affordable, versatile, reliable and perform very well for its size and weight. I had a DeWalt 7.2v screwdriver and it performed well, but for its torque (80), it was a large and heavy load to tote around and often difficult to use with any type of finesse. I sold it and tried Milwaukee's 2-speed 2.4V model (torque of 39), Skil's 3.6v #2936 (torque of 40), Skil's 3.6V Flexicharge #2211 (torque of 40) and B&D's 6v PD700 Pivoting Drill/Driver. Only the B&D had the required speed and the serious torque (80) for its size and weight. The others seemed better suited towards spinning in machine screws and lighter sheet metal screws as would be used in assemblies like cabinets, PC's, blinds, curtain rods, etc. For its price, B&D's model is a darn good lightweight and powerful drill/driver. Unfortunately, it does not come with interchangeable batteries so when it runs out, you need 5-6 hours to charge it back up. Okay for the homeowner but not so for a professional on the job. Then I came across Metabo's new PowerMaxx and carefully looked at the size, the pistol grip configuration, the ergonomics, the speeds, accessories and of course the torque. Suffice to say that it is probably one of the very best power tool purchases I've made in recent months. Small enough and light enough so that you can stow it easily and carry it around effortlessly - even slide it into a normal-sized pocket when you're up on a ladder - and use it all day long. Yet it is strong enough to zip down the most stubborn screws and fast enough to drill pilot holes and the like. With the second battery pack as insurance, I can use it all day long and then some. It has the light touch and finesse needed to spin and tighten down the numerous screws used in assembling and installing a ceiling fan and light kit but also the power to quickly drive in and sink 1 1/2" drywall screws into pine and 2x4's without a pilot hole. I personally feel that with it's two speeds and its accurate and responsive adjustable torque clutch, the Metabo PowerMaxx is a much better choice across a far greater variety of jobs than either the DeWalt or Ridgid brutes. Power and speed are definitely more than substantial and equivalent to that of the bigger units. If, on the other hand, you're abusive towards your power tools and treat them like boat anchors, this probably isn't a good choice for you. Stick with DeWalt or try the new Ridgid model from Big Orange. There are two small drawbacks to the PowerMaxx: 1) unlike DeWalt and Ridgid and even the B&D I referred to, the hex bits are held in the PowerMaxx by magnetic force as opposed to the heavier duty spring loaded collet. Ergo, certain alloy bits cannot be held securely in the socket. You'll have to be sure that your hex drill ends and driver bits are actually steel but you can easily do that with a common magnet. Also, the 3-position Forward/Off/Reverse switch could have been made a bit beefier and put in less accessible position on the driver. It's small and right up front above the trigger. But I've come to realize that absolutely nothing in this world is perfect and these two minor points are not cause for taking away a star. I see them as an acceptable compromise. If you're thinking about spending $100 or more for a cordless screwdriver and want power and speed, think about the Metabo even though it's more. You should not be disappointed in the least.

I purchased this screwdriver for the main purpose of laying deck boards. It work smoothing and is a very quick screwdriver. It takes some a little time to get the hang of it but not long and when you do you can lay down a lot a screws in a short period. I've never had any problems with Milwaukee, and would recommend it over any other brand. Wish it came in a case but that is the only negative I hve for this purchase.

...This Milwaukee driver is perfect! If you are looking for real power, this is the driver! Hit the trigger, and it will almost twist your wrist. A very versatile tool, it will dimple drywall with zero damage, yet drive a screw (3 1/2") into 75+ year old studs without hesitation. The adjustment is able to change drop-off depths by 1/64". Once you set it up, it never changes. Changing bits is easy, too. The whole nose snaps off to change bits, and you don't lose your adjustment. This is one of my favorite features since my former drywall gun nose piece had to be screwed off to change bits, then readjusted. I was a little concerned about the low max RPM (2500 RPM). (Must be a guy thing!) This is more than enough speed. The trigger is very sensitive to pressure, so speed can be regulated easy. As usual, Milwaukee Tools are the best! The only drawback was delivery, not the tool. I ordered it on June 28th, and received it August 9th. Order it before you need it ...

Bought this drill this past weekend and found it to be of the great quality I've come expect from Milwakee tools. I had to bore holes in landscape timbers, to allow rebar to be pounded through them. This drill made short work of that! I then used the dril for a deadbolt lock installation on a metal door. Once again, this powerfull drill had that done in no time. No wonder the pro's swear by these tools. Can't wait until this weekend to see what else I can do with my Milwaukee tools!

This is THE drill by which all others are measured. It's the one found in more pro tool boxes than any other. It has the perfect blend of design, comfort, power, and heavy duty Milwaukee construction. It has a replaceable quick-loc power cord and the brushes are externally accessible for quick field replacement. The keyless chuck is absolutely top notch. Everything about this drill says business. I've used many different drills over the years in doing remodeling projects and as a professional theatre technician. This is the one that I always reach for. It's held up to absolutely everything I've ever asked of it and never missed a beat. If I were in the market for another drill today, this is the only drill I would buy.

BEST 12 VOLT DRILL, LONG LASTING BATTERIES, FAST RECHARGE,LIGHT-WEIGHT AND THE BATTERY REVERSES! WHAT A CONCEPT. ALL AT A FAIR PRICE

AS A SHEETMETAL WORKER MY DRILL IS MY MOST IMPORTANT TOOL.I HAVE OWNED OTHER BRANDS OF DRILLS AND BY FAR THE MILWAUKEE IS THE BEST. IT IS LIGHTWEIGHT AND VERY RELIABLE.IT HAS ALWAYS PERFORMED FLAWLESSLY ON THE JOB SITE

This is my first replacement cordless for my venerable Makita 7.2V drill that I have used daily for 6 years. I needed something with more power and the fact that it is a hammerdrill is just the icing on the cake. With one drill I can replace 2 tools! The power is in a word - astonishing. Unless you absolutely must have 18 Volt power (or want the ability to use the same battery pack with different tools) this is the one to have. Highly recommended and less pricey than Dewalt to boot!

I'm a plumber and rely on my tools every day.Everyone I work with insist on Dewalt power tools. I personally think Milwaukee tools are a step above and beyond. One of my coworkers has a Dewalt 18v and my 14.4 seems to outlast and perform the higher priced Dewalt. I like the metal keyless chuck. By the way my coworkers Dewalt 18v clutch striped out after about 7 to 8 months of use. All I'm saying is if you want a quality tool and you want it to last buy a Milwaukee tool.

OK, I'm a power-tool junkie; love them, want the best I can afford. This drill surpasses every expectation I had of it. I had a perfectly good "orange and black" brand 18-volt cordless, but wasn't really thrilled with the power-to-weight ratio. That, plus the battery life left something to be desired.
I bought this for myself as a birthday present. It's been one of my best tool investments. Folks, this drill is a beast. My cordless drill test is whether I can drive a 3", #8 screw into a doubled 2x4. The old Halloween special couldn't do it; I'd either grind to a halt or strip out the head. When I put the pedal to the metal (or fingers to the plastic) on this one, the only challenge was in not counter-sinking the screw halfway through the work.
It's not light, but it is nicely balanced. The keyless chuck has yet to slip on me, regardless of what I was doing. The reversible battery can come in handy in tight spots, too. I have yet to find anything this thing can't drill through. I often use it with a coarse wire wheel for stripping rust and paint off parts and fasteners on my "vintage" GMC pickup. Never had a problem; it just runs and runs. The charger did quit after about 8 months, and I managed to run on one charged battery for almost 2 weeks, using it almost every day. This isn't the least expensive drill you can buy, but I can't imagine anyone being disappointed with it.

Well although I'm not entirly happy with the product, it does serve it's use. The price was right but if you can find it localy do so and save yourself the shipping.

**It fits well in small spaces

**Very durable

**Looks amazing

**It can manage a lot of weight

If you pick up 5 gallon (or 3 gallon) buckets "free" with some purchase like drywall mud, then with a little organization you can have a bunch of specialized tool buckets for much less than you'd spend for tool boxes. I think the Bucket Boss organizers came first; I got one of their jumbo tool pouch organizers, which has since become my primary tool caddy. But McGuire Nicholas has come out with some lower-cost options, and that's how I ended up trying their products.

I got a couple of these 3-compartment stackers. The most recent one came as a free extra with the McGuire Nicholas "54 Pocket Builders Bucket Pro in Red & Black". (That's a pretty decent bucket tool pouch at half the price of my Bucket Boss original, but it's not compatible with any stackers because the inside bucket pouches take up the same space that the stackers need.) These stackers will fit in three different ways:
- all compartments lined up and handles down for empty stacking
- with compartments turned 180 degrees and handles up when loaded
- slotted over the bucket edge so you can sort through things

The key to the bucket edge perching is the curved shape of the compartments, with the division between the large compartment and the two smaller ones shaped to fit on the lip of a bucket. The plethora of curves in the compartments means that this is better for holding loose nails or screws rather than boxes. I've taken to tearing off the box lid that labels the fastener size and taping it to the inside of each appropriate stacker compartment.

There are no other organizational tools like the pencil holders in the Bucket Boss 4-compartment stackers, but then BB stackers don't nestle together when empty or hang on the bucket edge for sorting.

Bottom line: a good product that Amazon is offering at a very attractive price. I plan to buy a bunch more.