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Need a drill for mixing joint compound.

dpbellus | Posted in Tools for Home Building on February 17, 2010 04:50am

In another post I mentioned that I burned up my hammer drill mixing joint compound.  I’ll be replacing it with a Milwaukee hammer drill.  I also own a Milwaukee hole shooter that I’ve had for years.  However, I have been told that I should not expect a pistol grip drill, even a heavy one, to handle mixing joint compound.  Because, this type of use will wear out the drill prematurely.

I need something that can handle mixing pre-mixed drywall mud, setting type mud, tile mortar and tile grout.  I only have to mix this stuff a few times a year, but I don’t  want to risk burning out my good drills.  Someone suggested a D-handle type drill with reduction gearing.  I suppose I could pick up a used, a recon, or even a harbor freight, since it won’t see a lot of use; more as a fill in to save my good drills.  

I’d like to ask then, what do you use for mixing?  Anyone have experience with a recon or harbor freight D-handle?

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  1. cussnu2 | Feb 17, 2010 05:18pm | #1

    There was a thread on here about a mortar mixer on sale cheap.  Might try searching.

    1. User avater
      xxPaulCPxx | Feb 17, 2010 06:13pm | #2

      The Husky was on sale at HD online for $70 I think.

      1. bubbajames | Feb 17, 2010 09:32pm | #3

        Milwaukees newer 8 amp drills, bosch's 1034, and Htachi VG 1/2 inch drills should all be capable of mixing mud as they did so in a tools of the trade article a while back. I have the 1034 and it is very powerful with triple gear reduction and 767 inch pounds of torque. I also have the Milwaukee 0299-20 and it is strong enough as well. Can't go wrong with either of these beasts...

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