Time For a New Drill

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I burnt up the chuck on my current drill and it won't hold on to bits anymore, I think it's time for an upgrade.  Of course, it's going to be a Milwaukee because there are none better.  That was an easy decision, but I can't decide between the tried and true 0234 model or the newer and more powerful 0299/0300 model.  The general concensus is that corners had to be cut during production of the new model to keep the price the same as the old.  But, I haven't heard of any failures of the newer drill so is it really that cheesy?  Do I really need the extra power?  I have lots of experience with the 0234 and they are absolutely indestructable.
Reply:Absolutely indestructible?  None better?  Is the stripped chuck on a Milwaukee?It's hard not to go for a more powerful model when it comes to drills and grinders, if they are in the budget at all.
Reply:Why not just get a new chuck?                       MikeOl' Stonebreaker  "Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes"Hobart G-213 portableMiller 175 migMiller thunderbolt ac/dc stick Victor O/A setupMakita chop saw
Reply:I have Jacobs chucks on all my drills.   One of the best tool purchases I've ever made.
Reply:My current drill is an old Black and Decker model with a 3/8ths inch chuck.  It's a good drill and everything else is fine, but it's just not worth repairing and I need a 1/2 inch drill.I believe the Milwaukee drills do come with a Jacob's chuck.  That should mean it's durable and a replacement should be easy to find.It is hard not to get the more powerful unit, especially when they both cost the same ($120).  But, the 0234 is a better made drill so I need to make the decision of quality or power (not saying the 0299/0300 is a poor quality drill).They are indestructible, I've only ever seen one broken Milwaukee tool and that was a cracked gear case on a grinder, probably from being dropped.Last edited by 76GMC1500; 05-30-2006 at 12:10 PM.
Reply:Now, I'd be the last one to deprive you of the excuse to get a new drill, but you can get a replacement 3/8" "Jacobs" chuck at Home Depot for, I think, less than $20.  I notice, however, that they are now made in China and have pressed steel shells.If it was my drill, I'd get a new drill and a replacement chuck to have a spare.  (That's why I have a storage "problem.")awright
Reply:Bought the 0234-6.  It has fewer gimmicks than the newer model (I hate gimmicks) and I didn't have to go to Home Depot to buy it (I hate Home Depot).  The Jacobs chuck on the Milwaukee definately isn't made in China nd doesn't have a pressed steel shell.  In fact, it's ground.I don't think the chuck on the Black and Decker is removable.  It's a cheasy plastic unit and I'm supprised it went as long as it did.  I think I'm the one that ruined it anyways.  The chuck was getting stiff because it was clogged with rust from using the drill to run wire wheels and such.  I used a Teflon lube in the chuck and it never held a bit again.
Reply:The real answer here is to get two drills.   Hey it is your money might as well spend it for you.  One should be a D-Handled drill for torque and ease of handling.    1/2" chuck capcity here.    The one nice thing about these drills is that you can really put some force behind the if need be.    Also the right angle adapter can be a life saver.For a pistol grip drill I'd go light weight and fast on the RPM's and likely 3/8".    The one problem with most 1/2" drills is that they geared down to much for general purpose work.    At least that is my take on them.    While likely to void warranties you can buy a 3/8" drill and change the chuck to 1/2" to keep the speed up.   Speed might not be important to you, but if you have to use speed bits in wood or drill a lot of rivit holes it does make a difference.   Consider concurrently here, getting one of the new battery powered drills Milwaukee has.   The first drill I grab is my 14 volt battery powered unit, they have come a very long way.     Further Milwaukee has made very interesting claims about their new battery technology.    Of the two choice here I'd go with the battery powered unit.As to the idea that Milwaukee drills don't break, well if you put your mind to it you will find a way.     My really old battery powered unit eventually died.   I've had chucks go bad and other issues.    The one thing you did mis, that is very positive, about Milwaukee hardware is the quality of the variable speed electronics.     The pistol grip drills exhibit awesome low speed control.Oh one more thing, buy a chuck for that old drill.   You can never have to many laying around.    Two or more drills come in handy for things like a round of bore and countersink.
Reply:I already have the 0234 and have am already very happy with it.  So far, I've put a bunch of 1/4" holes in wood and one 1 1/2" hole in some stainless pipe.  The drill is slower than my old one in the wood, but I could care less as I'm not doing production work.  It was harldy phased with the hole saw which is impressive.I personally prefer the AC drills because they are cheaper for me to operate.  I don't need to have 2 EXPENSIVE batteries in standby and I never have to worry about running out of batteries.  I didn't even consider a battery drill.  If I needed it as a scew gun, I wouldn't have even considered AC, but that isn't what I needed.One of the complaints with the newer Milwaukee drills is that the speed control wasn't as precise.  That was the major deciding factor for the 0234.  That, and the shorter overall length (I really should just buy a close quarter drill as well).I guess the primary function of the newer 8 amp drills is turning paddle wheels for mixing so the bulk and speed control weren't as important.That old B&D has treated me right so maybe I should pay it back and refurbish it.  It needs a new cord as well.  I've literally had that drill so hot it was smoking and I couldn't hold on to it anymore (which is saying a lot since it has a plastic case) and it still kept on spinning.  The brushes haven't even begun to wear.  I still don't know if the chuck is removable.  I may just save my money and replace it with a close quarter drill, though.  I can get a used one for $50-$100.
Reply:Originally Posted by 76GMC1500I already have the 0234 and have am already very happy with it.  So far, I've put a bunch of 1/4" holes in wood and one 1 1/2" hole in some stainless pipe.  The drill is slower than my old one in the wood, but I could care less as I'm not doing production work.  It was harldy phased with the hole saw which is impressive.