3/8" drills
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,143
Likes: 18
3/8" drills
My Tool Shop drill is finally starting to give out only after a year and a half of use. That's what I get for a 15 dollar drill. I was looking at Craftsman drills tonight and couldn't figure out which one would meet my needs. I'm wondering if anyone has any suggestions on which brand/RPM to buy. I use my drill for pretty much everything that requires a power tool (it's the only power tool in the garage) . . . drilling, screwing, grinding, cutting, etc. . . .
What RPM range should I be looking at? Can't remember what the Tool Shop drill was. Maybe it wasn't the right one for all that use. All info is appreciated.
What RPM range should I be looking at? Can't remember what the Tool Shop drill was. Maybe it wasn't the right one for all that use. All info is appreciated.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 543
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I think I would try dewalt-- they are real quality. Personally I have two of those and a cheap Walmart 12 dollar special that I use for nasty, dirty jobs and when it is wore out I will have no problem tossing in the trash can for that price-- I have used it for about 5 years already. Craftsman tends to be good quality as well -- just don't have any current models..
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 916
Likes: 1
From: SouthWest Ohio
I bought a Makita corded drill years ago...very uncomfortable, poorly balanced, noisy, and the switch broke. I'll never buy an other Makita. I find their tools to be well made, but poorly designed. If I had the money I'd buy a Milwaukee or Porter Cable.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,085
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From: West Chester PA
I bought a crappy black and decker a few years ago, and it turned out to be not so crappy. Plenty strong and comfortable to hold and use. If I had to get another one, I'd get a 1/2" chuck instead of the 3/8".
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2001
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From: Colorado
i had a crappy 3/8 bd lasted 15 years even mixed cement with it once, Just smoked one day bought another 3/8 bd 26 bucks
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Elder User
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 800
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From: Ontario, canada
personally, I'd stay away from Black and decker cordless tools. I have a 12v Firestorm model that I got as a gift. The mounting clips on both the B&D battery and an aftermarket replacement have broken off. I've seen the same thing on a friends 18?v model.
OTOH, I have a 1/2 " corded B&D thats 20 years old and has seen alot of hard use. It really doesn't get used much anymore, as I have a companion cordless(sears #2 brand) that gets used first, then a 3/8 air drill, and a 1/2 " drillpress.
OTOH, I have a 1/2 " corded B&D thats 20 years old and has seen alot of hard use. It really doesn't get used much anymore, as I have a companion cordless(sears #2 brand) that gets used first, then a 3/8 air drill, and a 1/2 " drillpress.
Last edited by Fordzlla; Apr 17, 2004 at 11:41 AM.
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 87
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From: Claresholm, Alberta
Get one that has about 2500 rpm and is variable speed that way you can wind out the small bits and take it easy with the bigger ones. As far as make, buy a brand name (Makita, Milwaukee, Dewalt)but make sure it feels good in "your" hands that way when you have to drill 1000000---- spot welds or rivet holes someday you know your hands won't hurt.
Chris
Alberta
Chris
Alberta
Gone but not forgotten.
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 6,521
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When I had some trouble with the chuck in my Dewalt, I looked them up in the phone book and took it in for repair. While there I saw many pieces that had been exchanged for warranty and fixed, they were for sale at really good prices. Next time I need something that Dewalt makes, I'll check there first.
Dono
Dono
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,668
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From: Lincoln USA
My favorite drill is a Black and Decker Quantum (one of the old green ones) 1/2 reversible hammer drill. It's built my deck, work benches, and who knows what else. It's been used and abused and still going strong after 12 years. I doubt I'd buy one of the new ones though.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
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My first choice would be Milwaukee. Second choice would be a Dewalt or a Craftsman. Craftsman is good as long as you buy the professional series ones. I would stay away from Makita corded drills they are uncomfortable and overpriced for an old noisy design. If you are brave and don’t want to spend allot the Black &Decker drills that are about $30-$40 seem to work well too. I bought one several years ago to do the dirty work on my truck and it is still working just fine after torturing it on several projects.
As for RPM you will notice that most good 3/8" drills don’t spin as fast as the cheap ones. Good drills have torque so they don’t need the excessive RPM.
As for RPM you will notice that most good 3/8" drills don’t spin as fast as the cheap ones. Good drills have torque so they don’t need the excessive RPM.