Customer Reviews

Milwaukee 0370-20 3/8-inch, 55-Degree Close Quarter Drill

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

Great powerful drill, fits into narrow spaces - but I'm selling mine on Ebay. I loved Milwaukee's predecessor drill (Model 0375-1), and I wore it out. The only problem with this drill is the trigger. Every time you reach for the drill you activate the trigger. You can't turn it over in your hand without it going on. Reach into a narrow space and it starts drilling before you're ready, because you accidentally activated the trigger. Don't even think about changing bits with the thing plugged in - you'll turn it on and drill yourself, or break a finger when the chuck key starts spinning. The thing is a real hazard. I've had this drill for a few months, and finally broke down and bought another of Milwaukee's previous version 0375-1 (the one with the little narrow trigger up near the top) to replace it. That's a great drill, I can't imagine why Milwaukee decided to retire it and start selling this leg-drilling finger-breaker.

I needed a close quarters drill for working on my sailboat, and this new Milwaukee does the job nicely. My first impression was that it felt large in my hand, but I've quickly grown used to it. I'm very impressed by the precision of the variable speed trigger - it's very easy to drill slowly at first and then accelerate as the drill bit bites. The drill has a nice quality chuck, and the ergonomics of the grip are very good. It feels like a quality, well built drill. Highly recommended.

I had to replace the predecessor of this drill as the brass pinion gear finally stripped the last time I abused it.

The new drill has improved forward/reverse positioning and controls versus the previous model. It is a bit larger which is a bit of a negative.

I was in the middle of a wiring project when the drill gave out. Since this is a specialized tool I wasn't successful finding it at home stores. I did Buy a $250 Makita close quarters drill. I took it back. It overheated, didn't have the torque required to drill through 3 2x4's with a 3/4" auger drill and other issues.

I would strongly recommend this drill for close quarters use. I would caution users that, as with any specialty tool, this is not an all purpose drill. The sensitivity and placement of the trigger makes driving screws or other speed sensitive work difficult if not perilous.

An excellent tool to be added to your tool box, but be careful with the switch when your adding & taking out drill bits while plugged in to the electric supply; it's very sensitive. The best recomendation I can give you; ALWAYS unplug it while changing bits.

This is a high quality close quarters drill. It has a nice variable speed trigger. My only complaint with the drill is that you need to unplug it before using the chuck key to remove a bit as it is easy to bump the trigger, which will cause the chuck to spin lodging the chuck key between the two halves of the plastic body (it pushes them open). I had to take the plastic body apart to remove the stuck chuck key. This happens because the plastics extends out past the chuck right above the trigger.

The drill feels high quality, and has lots of power. It had no problem drilling out a 3/8" hardened steel bolt. Where my cordless drill kept getting stuck, this had the torque to start the bit even when caught in the metal. I looked at both this drill and a Makita, and this one seemed the better value because it was 1/3rd cheaper for similar specs.

I use this drill for power sanding wood bowls on a lathe. It has done it's job very well, and has now held up for a couple of years, being used maybe 3-5 hours per week. It has plenty of power from that small motor for my purpose. It DID have a little issue when I first got it, which I thought would spell an early demise. It would frequently just stop, while in use and while the trigger was depressed. I had to "pump" the trigger to get it to continue running. I thought it was probably a bad electrical connection, inside the tool, but the problem disappeared after a few weeks, and it has worked perfectly ever since. I suspect that this was an unusual problem, but I am at a loss to explain it.

A real factor even while using this drill normally is that since it's being held directly behind and close to the chuck, even this small motor has a lot of leverage. If a bit catches or jams, unless you have a very good grip on it, or can instantly release the trigger, it can twist itself out of one's grip. If one accidentally depresses the trigger while changing a bit, it can instantly bind your fingers, the cord, and the switch - in the "ON" position! It's happened to me, and one COULD get hurt. Actually, it's perfectly possible to change bits WITHOUT letting that happen. One just has to consciously and deliberately avoid pressing the trigger. But probably, for most people, it is far safer to unplug this drill first. Milwaukee should give CLEAR warnings in their instructions.

All in all, and despite the issues I've noted, this tool is invaluable for what I use it for, and once the switch problem cured itself, and after I learned to change bits without depressing the trigger, I've had no other problems.

*Permit me to slightly amend the part above about safety. I thought I could change bits (actually in my case sanding discs), without pulling the trigger. I was wrong. I let down my guard for about 2 seconds, and in a flash, the chuck, key, cord and my fingers were were tightly bound together, with the switch ON. I had to yank the plug out of an outlet to turn it off. This time I came away with slight smashed, bloodied fingers. This tool should ALWAYS be unplugged when changing bits, unless you're willing to risk a nasty surprise.

One question I have regards another VERY similar tool Milwaukee makes, their 0375-6 Close-quarter drill. Unfortunately the specs (on Amazon) give some parameters for one, and other parameters for the other, without describing any significant differences, making them very difficult to compare. The only major difference that IS obvious is that that one costs $300, while this one is only $116. Could that drill be THAT much better than THIS one? I'd welcome answers to this question.

As another reviewer noted, this drill can be very dangerous. I was changing bits the other day and while I was tightening the bit using the chuck key, the hand holding the body accidentally pressed the trigger trapping two fingers between the body and the chuck key. I could not remove my fingers. I finally had to pull the plug which released the pressure. I almost lost the tip of my finger in this accident. I will be returning this drill to Amazon today and getting the Bosch or other model with a safety trigger. I realize the instructions call for unplugging the tool while changing the bits, but honestly how many people do that with their drill?

I will say this drill has tons of power as evidenced by my chewed up fingers.

The Milwaukee close quarter is the best power tool I've bought in a long time. Gets the job done with power and with ease. I do agree with the guy who is getting rid of his on one score: The large trigger, which is part of what makes the tool so easy to use, can be a hazard if you're not paying attention. It is indeed very easy to activate accidentally, and especially when changing (ouch) bits. It just takes some getting used to. It's like a fine sports car--a perfect performer once you get used to its quirks!

Very powerful, very useful tool. Made it easy to run wiring in wall the right way (through center of studs and joists, not through notch). Lost 1 star because yes, it is tricky to change bits; you need to remember to pull the plug or keep your hand well away from the trigger. Milwaukee definitely should have included a center off on the reversing switch. The problem is the huge trigger that's easy to press unintentionally. However it is very useful to be able to reach it in some awkward places, so I am glad it's big.

The comment about the plastic housing covering the bottom of the chuck is correct, but it is necessary to protect your hand. It's a good thing, and doesn't cause a problem unless you spin the chuck with the key inserted. I haven't done that yet, and am grateful for the warnings. Treat EVERY tool with respect EVERY TIME and you will be safe.

This drill IS bulkier and heavier than I expected, but I got used to it quickly, and wouldn't trade its bulk for less power. Easily drilled through doubled 2x4 sill plate. Glad some folks hated it, because I was able to get mine as refurbished a lot cheaper!

Do not fool yourself. no matter how many times you have changed a bit without unplugging the cord, this thing will get away from you. The large design and location of the trigger makes it hard not to inadvertently bump the trigger when changing bits. The chuck key will wrap around and may make the cord wrap onto the trigger making matters even worse. Found this out the hard way the first time I used it. It ripped the cord up, and split the case below the chuck. Keep hands clear or better yet UNPLUG!