Customer Reviews

Milwaukee 5378-20 7.5 Amp 1/2-Inch Hammer Drill

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

4 1/2*. For the money this is a great drill. I am not a contractor, just a busy DIY'r who needed a 1/2 drill, which it is perfect for. It would probably make a very good second 1/2" hammer drill for a contractor who had the even higher-end Milwaukee's or a SDS Bosch for the hired help to set anchors or such. Two different tool-store types recommended this model and mentioned that for around their own places it was what they used. I drilled a half-dozen 6" deep 3/4" diam anchor holes to mount a heavy gate with in an old concrete filled (probably not the old, hardened stuff), rebar reinforced cinder block wall using a Bosch Blue Granite hammer-drill bit. Each hole took a little over 2 minutes, trying to keep the RPM's down like it recommends on the bit packaging (400RPM), and pulling it out several times to get out some of the debris. Also drilled a 12" deep 1" diameter hole straight through a solid Juniper tree stump (as well as a good sized chunk of the water pipe that was directly below the stump) using a Greenlee Naileater auger bit in about 15-20 seconds (email me at rcxrc@yahoo.com if you really must know why. I'd rather not embarass myself here, in this Forum). I called Milwaukee and asked about the suspiciously similar appearance of this drill to the Bosch 1/2" hammer drills (and priced very closely) as well as the "Made in Germany" stamped on the bottom of the handle and the identical chuck, & was told that indeed this model was made for Milwaukee by AEG in Germany. AEG, from what I am told, is owned by the same parent company that now owns Milwaukee, and that AEG also makes some Bosch products. AEG (again, from what I am told by some local tool-types) was very, very well respected in the construction biz here a few years ago, but no longer is sold directly here in the U.S. I have many future use plans, not 'nuff space to get into (ok, real quick. Drilling hole in garage floor for drain pipe (using pilot holes first), anchors in fire place to hold up future mantel, anchors in fire place to mount cap, anchors in patio for foundation studs of patio cover, hole in street curb for drain outlet for flood-prone area of yard (using pilot holes first) etc, etc). Notes: The side handle does not have full 360 degree rotation like most of the others in this class that I have seen. It has about 30 degree settings all the way around that it can be turned to. Also, unlike many other models, the side handle is not moved to a new position by first rotating the handle itself, but instead is loosened via a rotating wing-nut on the other side of the handle. The handle itself is stationary (one of those tool types said it prevented the handle from shaking loose and moving during hammer drilling???) The same wing-nut, loosened only slightly, also allows movement of the adjustable depth bar. There are only 2 things I would have liked added: the Bosch-style depth bar, which is graduated with inch-markings, and I believe the Bosch may have also had a speed control dial on the face of the trigger (or am I thinking of the SDS models? I'll have to double check and edit this review if not so). Overall, I'm very satisfied with this drill. No regrets, and couldn't be happier with the performance, or the value. (And it complements my 11A Orbital Super Sawzall perfectly).

Update: 7/2010 = while I have had nothing but great service from my drill, I have seen many user website comments that Milwaukee and AEG's quality have suffered greatly in the past few years since my review (as well as that of most tool companies). *Reportedly* many of their products (particulary "consumer / hobbyist / light duty use versions) are now made in Asia, and the quality isn't quite what it used to be (particulary AEG's). Tool companies are selling out to each other at warp speed, and it's hard to tell who owns who now. The outer shell and labelling might say one thing, but you really don't know what is being used inside as far as motors, brushes, electronics, etc. Not "buyer beware", but more "buyer get educated". Do your research. It seems most tools we think we know and are familiar with aren't the same ones we might have known a decade earlier. Best of luck!

This drill appears to be somewhat of a normal sized drill. Don't let that fool you. This thing is a monster in disguise. Strong, powerful, and will not quit. I normally use a 14.4 cordless drill. When the drill catches in some material, I am able to release the trigger, with no harm done. On this Milwaulkee corded model running on 110 AC I had an experience I will not forget. I was drilling into some concrete, and must have angled the bit. It caught and although I was holding it very securely it spun so hard that it broke off the depth rod. More importantly, I got a feeling of, I just got bumped by a shark. If I did not let go at the right time, it seriously would have broken my wrist. So the other reviewer who mentioned that is right on the money. I was in a local Milwaukee factory store to replace the broken handle and depth rod, and he suggested I run it at the higher speed which has less torque.
The 1/2" chuck is nice for larger bits, and the metal chuck with a KEY guarantees that you are going to get a no slip bit.
Adjustability is nice with two speeds, and hammer and non hammer options easily swithcable.
If you are drilling concrete for a living all day long, then of course the SDS drills, with bit capacity of greater than a foot, are the way to go. If you are a contractor, who occassionally drills through concrete, and want a drill that will handle most any job then this is the one to buy. This thing will bury a 1/2" x 12" long bit without slowing down.
I don't use the drill that often, but it is a blessing when I need it. Concrete with rocks in them will stop a normal drill. The tip of the bit sits on a rock and spins, the hammering percussion crushes the stone.
Milwaukee makes industrial level equipment, and this drill although a standard size bears that kind of performance. Highly recommended. I will be buying more Milwaukee equipment in the future. I thought at first that it didn't look like the best equipment, but don't let the looks fool you. Go Red-Get a Milwaukee.

I had to change the header on this as I'd own 6 or 7 drills if I could afford all of them. I took back the DW236 as it just didn't have enough rpm's for me. This tool on the other hand has what it take's in my opinion. Two speeds, weight, and a good feel. I bought it, returned it for the Dewalt and then returned the Dewalt for this model again! Drove my wife crazy! But, this was the tool to own after all. It drilled through the old 2 x 6's with no problem. Quiet too! Has plenty of drive and the option of the hammer drill is nice to have for any concrete work that may come up around the house. The only drawback to it is they don't supply you with a case for it. Milwaukee should upgrade this kit to come with a case. That would make it even better than it it. I'd also like to see the depth gauge in the silver color rather than black as it may be easier to read. Another cool tool now in my collection. Don't pass it up for the money! Similar to the Bosch model 1100 series. nice!

I've had this drill for a number of years and always liked the balance and it's good power for the size, but several issues always bothered me. The secondary grip doesn't in place, the plastic depth rod is a joke, the reverse switch is easy to bump during gloved use, no case is provided and it is easy to bump the hammer/drill mode switch during use. Recently mine burned out and the repair estimate was almost as high as the cost of a new one. So, time to go shopping. The similarities between the Bosch and Milwaukee tools makes me think they probably have a common factory origin. Looking at the Bosch hammer drill line I found a very similar tool but which addresses all of the shortcomings of the 5378. My replacement is a Bosch 1199VSRK. It is built a bit more ruggedly than the Milwaukee version, has a metal depth rod, a sturdier secondary handle and comes with a good case. I've seen the 1199VSRK as a reconditioned tool on Amazon for about $80, which is a screaming bargain. Bosch also offers a lower end 1194VSRK which looks very similar to Milwaukee's 5378. The 1194 is almost identical to the 5378 and between them I would choose on price, but the 1199 is the one to get IMO.

This drill is one serious piece of equipment in terms of power
to weight ratio. Do not while drilling,under any circumstance,
engage the trigger lock or it will beat you like a rented mule.
The only real drawback for this and all Milwakee drills is the
reversing switch. It is right next to the trigger and engaged
with a light touch. I don't know how many times I've
inadvertantly done this to my great annoyance. They should
stiffen it up or put it somewhere else. This has not detered

me from buying Milwaukee drills as they beat all competors
hands down as does their whole line of equipment. I'd give this
drill 10 stars if I could, now do I get a free case for my
drill after this great review?

i chose this drill originally for boring in concrete, which it does great. since then i have used it with 1" auger bits into wood and had to hold on for dear life! this tool has power! I have also used it to stir dry wall compound. although i dont recommend this! it spins to high rpm's for mixing and you definately run the risk of burning out a good drill. mine is still kicking and drillin', though! deducted a star for no box.

Have used this drill for about 2 weeks, and love it. It drills through cement like butter (but it's loud - wear ear protection).

I used another hammer drill prior to purchasing this one, and highly recommend a KEYED chuck. The loaner drill had a hand-chuck, and I couldn't get the drill bits tight enough, even though I felt like I was about to break the drill. The keyed chuck is essential for hammer operation.

Wish it had a storage box, but apart from that, this drill is super.

Nice balance, lots of power and solid construction throughout. I haven't used the hammer as much as the drill. This and a cordless drill/driver are probably all the "average" DIY'er will ever really need.

I read lots of reviews, but rarely write them. I am a part time remodeler. I have used this hammerdrill for 3 months. It has worked flawlessly for me. I have only used it so far to install tapcons in concrete slabs and in some precast concrete. I have only used it to drill up to 1/4" holes so far and it works great. Hammerdrill function is powerful and smooth. It is a little bulky in tight spots, but always seems to be able to maneuver it to work some how. This drill is longer than some and very powerful. I haven't used the drill function but I am sure it will be good. I have several different brands of tools and Milwaukee makes excellent products-particularly drills. Very strong and durable. A keyed chuck can be a pain, but is really the only way to go for a hammerdrill or any larger drill for boring 1/2" or bigger holes. Highly Recommended.

Purchased this Model today locally and it did not dissapoint. It ate thru concrete block like I eat thru a Chinese buffet after a full days work. Strong, yet quieter than most, well balanced, and not as heavy as some. Would definitely recommend fo rthe occasional user (like me), have no idea how well it will hold up in the long run. 3 Year warranty was a plus, as Bosch drill of comparable size only had 1 year....