Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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36 of 38 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Worthy of Amazon's First SIX-Star Rating, January 28, 2006
I've used Milwaukee's 18v drill for years (I own two of them) and they've never failed me. By far, the best cordless drill available... until now. When Milwaukee came out with their V28 line, I was intrigued, but I didn't need a new drill. Besides, the 18v drill I had worked fine, I didn't think it was necessary to upgrade (especially for the price). When it came time to buying a hammer drill, I looked again at the V28 hammer-drill and decided to buy one, figuring it would at least allow me to combine two tools into one and save the room in my car. I ended up getting a LOT more then I expected.
First, the belt clip is amazing. I didn't think twice about it when I read the drill's description, since I have a holster that works fine. The holster's now in the garbage as the belt clip is absolutely ingenious. Now I can easy attach the drill to my belt without looking and it's fully secure. With one hand I can push down on the latch and detach the drill for use... a marvelous idea. Best thing about it is I can also use it with my V28 flashlight when I need to.
Another thing I really like about this new drill is the bit holder... I always liked the idea of DeWalt's drill's holding the single bits, but Milwaukee provides a place for two. However, the only downside to this is if you use the drill in the hammer-drill setting, the bits tend to slide out after prolonged use.
Then there's the power... one of my first uses was drilling a 1" hole at an angle through two old 1x10 joists and a 2x4 in order to run a wire. I've done it several times with my old 18v, but I always end up having to reverse back a bit then start again to get a bit of momentum. If I can, I normally leave the job up to a corded drill to make things nice a quick. Not anymore... the V28 ripped right through the wood without the slightest problem. The power difference between the 18v and the V28 is shocking... you'd think you were using a corded drill.
The hammer-drill function was another big plus for me... I used this drill side by side with another corded Milwaukee hammer drill to drill numerous holes into a concrete foundation. The cordless worked just as well as the corded... no difference at all, except I wasn't lugging around a cord.
Lastly, there's the longevity of the charges... usually I'll go through at least one full battery and charge it on the site. Again, not anymore. I rarely need to use the second battery during a single day.
If I could, I'd give it six-stars. This thing is just incredible.
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43 of 51 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
not as good as the hype, February 23, 2006
Ive had this hammer drill for about 7 months now and can say it is the best cordless drill on the market for endurance.
The company claims it has 600in lbs of torque in actuality 600in lbs of torque is not near enough to be compared to a corded drill.
the drill will power a 2-9/16 self feed bit and I did get thru over 20 holes in redwood 2x on one charge but the motor stalls many times trying to keep that bit turning.
The fit and finish of the tool are not milwaukee impressive and the cheap chinese plastic pieces integrated into the tool are unacceptable for a $400.00 tool.
Overall you are paying for the battery which is very impressive but the tool itself is not. Milwaukee says "cut the cord" but they need to add about 200in lbs of torque to make that happen. the drill is larger than 18v units and slightly heavier.
If you dont earn money with your tools and you dont have it to burn I would pass on this one.
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Most powerful, longest-lasting charge, of any cordless hammer drill/driver, October 18, 2007
Milwaukee 0724-24 V28 Lithium-Ion 1/2-Inch Cordless Hammer Drill/Driver Kit
Cons:
- much heavier and larger than 14 or 15.6 volt drills. However, it seems no heavier or larger than my Bosch Brute 18v drill/driver.
- the main switch sometimes pinches my finger, where it meets the red frame. I scraped some of the sharp edge around the switch which seemed to fix it.
- should have a way to connect a safety strap; to wrap around my hand when working on a ladder, so the tool can't be dropped.
Pros:
- 28 volt Lithium-Ion batteries; the highest voltage available, and longest lasting, batteries; latest battery technology. If you can afford a professional-grade cordless tool, get one with NiMH or Lithium-Ion batteries. NiCad is cheaper, but it's old and inferior technology.
- V28 power. 600 in lbs. of torque is more than any 18 volt tool. Even though it lacks the maximum torque of many corded 1/2" drills, it handles 99% of my heavy drilling. I might used a corded drill once per work week. (Doesn't count using a Milwaukee SuperHawg for the really big holes.)
- Press the button on a V28 battery and 1 to 4 LEDs will shine, indicating remaining power. You'll know if it needs a charge BEFORE climbing the ladder, etc.
- Excellent ergonomics; comfortable grip, good switch function, plenty of clutch choices, excellent side grip (when needed).
- Battery is reversible if it the normal mounting gets in the way.
- Excellent chuck; 100% steel to take the pounding of the hammer-drill function. Once tightened, bits rarely come loose.
- Good speed choices so you can work faster: 0-600 (lo) and 0-1800 rpm (hi); other cordless drills use lower speeds to get decent torque ratings - not this one.
- Superb trigger control. E.g., when driving 3" stainless steel screws into decking, the speed can be slowed to under 20 rpm.
- Terrific tool-belt-hook. Slide the receiver slot onto the hook and it locks in place. Tool holsters are pathetic by comparison. This is really important when working on a ladder, since you don't want to drop this expensive tool. Although the drill is heavy when hanging on your tool belt, once it's properly secured to that hook, it won't fall off. Removing it is simple; grab the handle, and press down on the release catch with your thumb.
- Tool is guaranteed for 5 years, parts and labor. (Register online at Milwaukee dot com.) Batteries are guaranteed for 2 years at full replacement, and prorated for 3 more years.
Other:
- Choose drill or hammer-drill by turning the black steel ring behind the clutch ring. The hammer function is for light use only (i.e., it is NOT a rotary hammer). But of course, it's a much smaller tool. It works fairly well for small holes in concrete, and really well when drilling into mortar, soft brick, or cinder block. It's just about perfect for drilling those 3/16" masonry holes for Tapcon and similar screws.
- This drill is too big and heavy to by my primary light drilling tool. For those jobs, I still use one of my two Panasonic 15.6v drill/drivers (the best light-weight cordless drills on the market, IMO). This isn't a "con" of the Milwaukee V28 drill; powerful drills are heavy.
Summary:
I have to agree with Fine Woodworking's 2008 Tool Guide, which calls Milwaukee's cordless line-up, "the best tools for serious work".
Consider buying this hammer drill/driver as part of the Milwaukee 0928-29 V28 Cordless 4-Tool Combo Kit. For [only] $200 more, you also get the V28 Sawzall, the V28 circular saw, and the V28 flashlight. All are excellent and designed for day-in day-out contractor use.
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