Replies

1. 
   caseyr | Feb 12, 2008 01:16am | #1

   You may want to give some idea of your intended use of the drill to get more specific responses.

   I have an older, single speed Hole Hawg. It has a lot of torque that can just about twist your arm off if not careful. The shape of the Hole Hawg allows you to put a lot of weight into the drill bit and, if it doesn't dislocate your shoulder, keep control of the drill. The Hole Hawg is not particularly useful in close quarters such as drilling through studs when you have one side of a wall open.

   I have never used the Super Hawg, but it looks like it would be much better for drilling through studs or any place that you can't get directly behind the drill.

   I also have a 1/2 Milwaukee right angle drill. I seldom use any of these drills any more. For or most drilling in studs or other wood, I use my Makita right angle drill and for doing drilling in steel plate, angle, etc, when I have enough room, I use my Jancy magnetic drill. The mag drill works much faster, doesn't threaten to break my wrist, and makes a neater hole. However, it does require a fair amount of space to place it on the steel.

2. 
   davidmeiland | Feb 12, 2008 03:13am | #2

   I have a Super Hawg. It is a great tool, very powerful, dangerous if not used carefully. I use large hole saws and self feed bits and want the power to drive them. If you look at the design, it is fairly compact behind the chuck, which helps when getting into tight spaces.

3. 
   frenchy | Feb 12, 2008 03:34am | #3

   REA

    The super hawg does tend to break gears easier than the regular hole hawg.. That's a good thing,   Far rather spend a hundred bucks having it repaired than a few hundred having my arm repaired..
      Both will snap your arm if you aren't careful!    That side handle isn't there as a nice option.. use it everytime or put your arm at risk..

    On the other hand Those really big self feeding bits (my big one is 4 5/16ths)  won't work on anything less.. But if you need to make a hole  for plumbing or heating thru a 14 inch thick solid ash beam that is what you need.  Just realize that it's stronger than you are so treat it with respect. 

      

4. 
   Pennsylvania Ray | Feb 12, 2008 03:45am | #4

   I have a Hole Hog, which is great for most of the holes I drill, up to 2 9/16. Also have a smaller Milwaukee that I use for auger bits and such, it is lighter and more maneuverable. The Hole Hog scared me big time when I used it to drill a 4 5/8 hole with a self feed bit. It scared me enough that I got a Makita with a clutch on it, like the Super Hog has. For anything bigger than 2 9/16, I'd never again try it without a clutch. So now I have 3 right angle drills. The smallest one gets used the most, but I'm mostly doing wiring.

5. 
   JulianTracy | Feb 12, 2008 04:48am | #5

   I'm not usually one to recommend Ridgid tools - especially in such a Milwaukee (rightly so) dominated category.

   But for the sheer value of this deal, it might be worth a looksee.

   Home Depot is clearing out the $299-$349 Ridgid Holehawg clone for $149.

   Some HD's don't have em anymore, but if they are not on the shelf, I've seen them on display above the pro desk mounted to the wall.

   If you can find one - I guarantee it'll ring up for $149, maybe less.

   Looks to be a 3 speed with clutch. For $149 , might not be a bad buy.

   I myself just picked up a Dewalt super holehawg type drill (the loooong one) used on Ebay for $111 - it's a beast but a nice design.

   JT

6. 
   renosteinke | Feb 12, 2008 05:21am | #6

   I say forget both ... and consider spending a similar amount on the Milwaukee cordless impact driver, with the 7/16" chuck. It will drive the largest selfeed bits through the thickest timbers, without the tendency to break your arm.

1. 
   JulianTracy | Feb 12, 2008 05:56am | #7

   That won't help at all in tight corners and who wants a battery pissing out when you are crouching between trusses...JT

1. 
   renosteinke | Feb 12, 2008 06:06pm | #8

   While I have not make the exact measurements .... impact drivers are naturally more compact. I suspect the impact driver will fit nearly everywhere the Hawg will. You'll always have the cord vs. battery issue. Perhaps Milwaukee makes a corded version ... I'll leave it to you guys to look. As I observed in another thread, I think the heyday of the drill is past - the impacts impress me that much. I'd suggest any doubter take a 4x4 to their local tool dealer, and try the two side by side.