There’s nothing like an old-fashioned corded drill for dependability. You’ll never run out of power as long as you have electricity. Here are two durable pistol-grip drills from top names in power tools. Let’s look at them both to see which one is the best for you.
Milwaukee 0240-20 3/8-Inch Drill
Why would you buy a Milwaukee drill? To back up their reputation for dependable tools, they offer a 5-year warranty.
This particular drill, the 0240-20, offers variable-speed drilling up to 2800rpm. The two-finger trigger saves your hand from cramping since there’s no trigger lock. There is a forward/reverse selector above the trigger, but it doesn’t serve to lock off the tool.
The 3/8” all-metal keyless chuck can handle up to a 1-3/4” hole saw bit for wood, or a 1” flat boring bit. In metal and masonry, you’re still limited to 3/8” bits.The chuck is removable and replaceable, if necessary. If you choose to use accessories besides drill and driver bits, verify that they are rated for the the top speed of the drill, which is 2800rpm in this case.
The 8-amp motor and gears are housed in an all-metal case to protect them. All this metal means that the drill weighs 4.25 pounds. The handle has a soft grip surface for better grip. The cord is a handy 8 feet long. Be sure to use an 18-gauge AWG extension cord if you need to reach up to 25 feet.
More features of the Milwaukee 0240-20 drill
- Drill measures 10.25-inches long
- Cord is 8-feet long
- Milwaukee offers a 5-year warranty
DEWALT DWD112 8.0 Amp 3/8-Inch VSR Pistol-Grip Drill with Keyless All-Metal Chuck
Although DeWalt offers a shorter warranty, they include a money-back guarantee on their tools. The DWD112 has been a popular drill for contractors, homeowners, and do-it-yourselfers.
Like the Milwaukee, this drill has an 8Amp motor. Its 3/8” all-metal ratcheting chuck handles up to a 1-inch spade bit in wood, or 1-1/8” hole saw. Metal and masonry are limited to 3/8” bits.
The variable-speed trigger lets you reach a top speed of 2500rpm. The gears have all ball-bearing construction for best durability. The motor has a feature that protects it from severe damage–it will automatically stop if the brushes wear down past a certain point.
At the top of the drill is a convenient belt hook and a bubble level. There is also a forward/reverse selector switch located above the trigger. The DWD112 weighs a few ounces less than the Milwaukee, coming in at 4.1 pounds.
Due to the 8Amp motor, be sure to use an 18-gauge AWG extension cord if you need to reach up to 25 feet. If, for some reason, you need to replace the chuck, it can be removed and replaced.
You can use other accessories with this drill besides standard drilling and driver bits. For example, you can mount wire wheel brushes up to 4-inches and buffing wheels up to 3-inches. Just make sure the accessory is rated at or above the maximum rotational speed of the drill.
More features of the DeWalt DWD112 drill
- DeWalt offers a 3-year warranty, 1-year free service contract, and 90-day money-back guarantee
- Drill measures 10.8-inches long
- Comes with user manual
Recommendation
This is a tough call. Both drills have a lot of positive reviews at retail sites. Milwaukee’s drill had a few negative reviews mentioning a chuck wobble. The Milwaukee drill has a much longer warranty and a durable housing, but it’s heavier. It’s a little faster than the DeWalt drill.
The DeWalt drill has a couple of nice extras like the tool hook and bubble level. It weighs a little less, but the plastic housing may not be as durable as Milwaukee’s metal casing. The top speed is just a little slower than Milwaukee’s, too.
We’re going to have to split hairs to make a choice on these two drills. We say, get the Milwaukee if you’re already a fan of the red (and if precision isn’t super important). You’ll have a long warranty.
Otherwise, get the DeWalt if it’s the brand you already trust and use. You’ll have 90 days to decide if you like it, one year of free service should something break down, and three years’ total warranty.
Click here to purchase Milwaukee 0240-20 on Amazon!
Click here to purchase DEWALT DWD112 on Amazon!