 Worthy of Amazon's First SIX-Star Rating |
| Review Date: January 29, 2006 |
| Reviewer: Steve, Richmond, VA USA |
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. |
Most powerful, longest-lasting charge, of any cordless hammer drill/driver
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| Review Date: October 18, 2007 |
| Reviewer: Victor H. Agresti, Gaithersburg, MD United States |
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-drill 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 [light-weight] Panasonic 15.6v drill/drivers. 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. |
Powerful hammerdrill/driver for worksites
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| Review Date: January 18, 2007 |
| Reviewer: C. Leffler, Rushville, IL USA |
| This cordless drill is a little more than most people really need. It is heavy, not excessively, but noticeably compared to other 14v and some 18v drills. It is made for the situations where you would have pulled out your corded drill but now can use cordless. It is very powerful; very cool technologically; and has a very long battery life. It is a good drill for doing decking, concrete, brute power stuff. This is not the drill to get for hanging rock. I tried using it for that, but my friend with his light and slow 14.4v Milwaukee was able to go faster than me. He could whip his drill around faster and more accurately than I could with this drill. But when it came time for drilling 1.5" holes through the floor joists he stood back while I ripped through 'em! This baby is built for power, pure power!!! The battery power gauge is very accurate and when the battery is dead, it's dead! Overall, a great drill for the right job. |
Workhorse
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| Review Date: July 19, 2007 |
| Reviewer: Mike, Lee, Ma |
| Drill is a little on the expensive side but it is worth every penny. I have been using this drill for about 2 months now and am very happy it. The only problem is that I have to buy another one because my crew is constantly fighting over it. Like all Milwaukee products this drill is an absolute workhorse. |
So impressed I ordered a second one
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| Review Date: December 25, 2007 |
| Reviewer: c.p.r. for your c.p.u., Cedar Crest, NM United States |
Don't let my computer nickname fool you, I just finished a complete remodel of my home, as well as a number of decking and outbuilding construction projects. The real test of the 0724-24 came when a buddy decided to build a deck cover that required drilling holes in a 6" thick concrete pad (why I can't remember). We borrowed a 3/4" Bosch heavy duty hammer drill but the masonry bits just weren't getting the bite they needed to chew through. Rather than go to the store and buy a new $20 bit we decided to try the masonry bits we had lying around the garage. I had my trusty V28 Milwaukee for the framing work and we decided to try a 5/8" masonry bit in hammer mode. In less than a minute the hole was done. The Milwaukee tore through all 6 holes plunging the bit all the way through the pads without incident. We even managed to get all the framing assembled on the same charge.
Pros: Batteries go forever it seems. Hammer mode works great without tearing your arms and shoulders out of socket. Batteries can slip on from the front or the back depending on how you want the drill to balance in your hand (I find the battery from the back very useful when working in a vertical position because it changes the center of gravity). Tremendous torque in both speeds. The high speed will almost rip your arms off if you aren't careful.
Cons: This drill gets very hot, very fast when in hammer mode. Batteries go dead very quickly in the cold. Milwaukee has offered to replace the batteries under warranty for me but this seems to be a Lithium Ion issue not specific to the V28. All of my rechargeable batteries die in mere hours when left in the garage but if I store them inside they hold a charge for months. I can only assume that the cold is the culprit since the garage is about 45 and the house is 65-75 degrees.
Final thoughts: This is a very pricey tool for the casual DIY'er. I bought mine because this was all the store had in stock at the time when my old Dewalt died. The contractors I hired to help with the heavy remodeling work were so impressed that they went out and bought thier own V28's. I have since justified the purchase of a second one so I don't have to keep changing bits during the drill a hole, drive a bolt while on a 24' ladder. I strongly recommend a holster through, makes toting the tools a lot easier than the belt clip that comes standard. |
Outstanding product
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| Review Date: December 31, 2007 |
| Reviewer: Beth A. Doan, Idaho USA |
| A great product to use, lives up to it's reputation as being the best drill on the market. Extremely satisfied with this product. |
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