Makita or Milwaukee Cordless Hammer Drill?

**homehandman** · 31st July 2007, 08:08 PM

Hi lads,
<o></o>
I’m in the market for a new cordless hammer drill. Having read dozens of reviews and opinions, and based on a $700 budget, I’ve narrowed it down t either the

Makita 18V Li-ion 3 spd, or the
Milwaukee 18V Li-ion 2 spd.

<o></o>
I have a few Makita tools, including a 12 V MXT cordless driver drill, although the speed change switch is really annoying and often gets stuck. Has anyone found the Makita Li-ion range to have the same problem?
<o></o>

Which is better cordless drill…for regular trade use in tasks ranging from carpentry to small structural projects? Is the build quality similar? Do both have similar torque?

Cheers,
Matt

**wormdrive** · 31st July 2007, 09:50 PM

Milwaukee make great, tough drills.

The Milwaukee is heavier and less ergonomic than the Makita and that's about the only downside, they really do have some grunt. The Milwaukee also has a "fuel gauge" on the battery, so no more getting off the roof or crawling out from under because of no charge.

**Honorary Bloke** · 31st July 2007, 11:02 PM

Both will provide good service. If you are looking for tough as nails construction and ability to withstand abuse, Milwaukee will always be the go, as Wormdrive pointed out.

**sol381** · 1st August 2007, 08:30 AM

Why not buy a v28 combo.. You get 3 tools for less that what you pay for the cordless drill in australia.

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Milwaukee-4-P...QQcmdZViewItem

I have bought from this mob before and are very good.. All you need to get is a stepdown transformer for the charger about $50 here.

If you just want the drill by itself.

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Milwaukee-V28...QQcmdZViewItem

**RufflyRustic** · 1st August 2007, 09:48 AM

I love using my Milwaukee Drill. Sure, it is a bit of a heft, but the power and torque is great and the 1-2 hr recharge time for the batteries is brilliant.

cheers
Wendy

**Gravy258** · 31st August 2007, 10:44 AM

Originally Posted by sol381

Why not buy a v28 combo.. You get 3 tools for less that what you pay for the cordless drill in australia.

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Milwaukee-4-P...QQcmdZViewItem

I have bought from this mob before and are very good.. All you need to get is a stepdown transformer for the charger about $50 here.

If you just want the drill by itself.

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Milwaukee-V28...QQcmdZViewItem

The $50 step down transformer is only rated at 50/65VA which isn't enough to power the 120v charger at 2.2A drawn. Mine lasted 10 min's then packed up. This forced me to do the maths..
A 264VA rated stepdowner is required. I've got one from Jaycar a MF1082 which is pushing it at 250VA . The $50 ones don't have the protection either. When it packs up it could potentially whack 240v thru your 120V charger.
Happy Days

**Gravy258** · 31st August 2007, 10:50 AM

the $50 stepdown i bought failed after ten minutes. Rated at 65VA.(half an Amp)
The milwaukee V28/V18 charger requires 120V at 2.2A this is a 264VA rated stepdown transformer.
I'm now using a 250A which also has an isolator so as not to zap the charger with 240V
about $129 from Jaycar

cheers

paul

**Ramps** · 31st August 2007, 11:25 PM

Sorry to be radical but out of those two I'd pick the Panasonic 18v

As I saw the panasonic advertised the other day with the impact driver for $669

After talking to many contractors I'd go with this ... or the Milwalkee but not the makita

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