Mikwaukee Holeshooter... How do I love thee? Let me count the ways:
- Built like a rock (compare to the newer model 0300-20 which is clearly "value-engineered" and it shows)
- Never ever needs charging
- Regular old-fashioned keyed Jacobs chuck. A keyless chuck is not appropriate for the amount of torque this puts out.
- Trigger as smooth as any I've ever used
- Lasts almost forever. I've seen these in heavy use for more than a decade.
- Quik-loc feature is handy if you are the type that damages cords, otherwise it is a small pain, but at least you are sure that it is unplugged
- Great balance, if not a little heavy. You can use it one handed without the side handle.
- Powerful enough to handle most drilling jobs and even mixing drywall mud and the like
- Smooth from the lowest speed to the highest
- Brush replacement can't get much simpler than this
This is really one of those tools you want to buy once. Spend a bit more for it because it is built to outlast the others, even newer tools from Milwaukee. Ignore the 5.5 amps vs. 8 amps difference and pick this one over the Model 0300. It is a pound lighter and has a more robust side handle. The model 300 is awkwardly positioned between the 0234 and the larger and more powerful Hole Hawg series. 8 amps is really too much to hold with one hand for long. As for comparison with others like Dewalt DW235G (too light and cheap feeling - pick one up and see), Hitachi D13VF (too heavy and powerful for a handheld- will break your wrist) or even the Bosch 1013VSR (cheezy side handle and not so comfortable to hold), there isn't really much comparison.
This (and a 3/8" close quarter drill like this) will pretty much cover everything you need up to the point you are driving big self-feeding bits and bracing the drill against your thigh. They really got it right and there is a good reason that the tool has remained in production for more than 15 years. I think I bought the one shown in the picture (it is a model 0234-1) in 1990 or so and the new ones are almost exactly the same. At the time I wrote this, Amazon was selling it for $99. How can you beat that?!
Comments (3)
just bought one on this and other recommendations but it was a milwaukee chuck not jacobs
Posted by dennis | May 6, 2007 2:19 AM
Posted on May 6, 2007 02:19
This same drill was given to me many years ago, it was already very used, but I can say I have put it through total hell and it still runs strong. I like the snap on cord, after abusing the cord for years, I bought a new one and just snapped it on, nice.. Mine says 4.5A and it does have a Jacobs chuck its the older 0234-1. It's the best tool I have ever owned and if I do ever have to put it to rest, I know exactly which new drill I'll be looking for. Thanks Milwaukee.
Posted by Eric | August 23, 2007 5:14 AM
Posted on August 23, 2007 05:14
I wholly concur on the Milwaukee Magnum's great attributes. I got mine in about 1987 and have used it for everything from driving drywall and woodworking screws to drilling in old concrete. I certainly haven't tested its mettle like a pro, but I've always been more than satisfied with it.
I especially agree on the marvelous torque it exhibits. I received an unforgettable lesson in that regard the very first time I went to use it, remembering how I'd learned ten years earlier to tighten and loosen a drill chuck (prior to the keyless chuck introduction) by holding the chuck while revving the motor. It just about took my wrist off! I never tried that again!
Posted by Ralph | December 15, 2007 6:45 PM
Posted on December 15, 2007 18:45