Replies

1. 
   4Lorn1 | Jan 11, 2006 02:47am | #1

   How are you planning to use it? Do you have an existing and satisfactory straight heavy-duty 1/2" drill? Or would a drill with a removable angle drive be beneficial?

   For a long time I have used something similar to this:
   http://www.milwaukeeconnect.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=27&catalogId=40027&langId=-1&productId=284313&mainHeader=Tools&categoryId=189333&mainCategoryId=362&parentProd=281143

   It has given good service and the ability to easily remove or reverse the angle gearing to modify the RPM range or use the drill as a straight model has been beneficial.

   Mostly we use it to run long auger bits, large hole saws and mixing various compounds. The drill has a lot of power in low gear. A bit less than a Hole Hawg but more than adequate. Unlike the more expensive Hole Hawg this line has the a higher possible RPM which can make some jobs easier.

   If your main need is brute force go with the Hole Hawg. If adaptability is more an issue and a bit less toque is alright this unit may be your better choice. These units also can take extensions and various other angle heads which can allow you to drill lines of overhead joists while standing on the floor. Safer and it goes much more quickly.

2. 
   PeteVa | Jan 11, 2006 03:39am | #2

   I have a Hawg, it will flat drill a hole. Now keeping it undercontrol is a whole seperate issue. You have to look and think whenever your are drilling 3-6" holes. The Hawg doesn't seem to care if it's 1" or 6" it cuts but you better have it well braced. I'm 6'3" and 230 and it can toss me aside in a skinny minute. I just did about 50 cuts with a 6" holes saw the other day and was ready to call it a day when the last one was done.

1. 
   4Lorn1 | Jan 11, 2006 04:22am | #3

   Re:"I just did about 50 cuts with a 6" holes saw the other day and was ready to call it a day when the last one was done."So what did you do after the mid-morning coffee break? I joke.Depending on what you were drilling through even a single 6" hole can just about ruin your whole day. Old heart pine with pitch pockets can lock up the hole saw. Superman could break an arm. And having the handle come around and whack your head can cause 'drain bamage'.

1. 
   PeteVa | Jan 11, 2006 04:30am | #4

   "So what did you do after the mid-morning coffee break?" I'm 58 years old so before and after the coffee break I spend a minute in the little green shed, dreaming of days gone by when my hand was full ;-)

3. 
   sandalboy | Jan 11, 2006 05:24am | #5

   I have the super hole hawg, and recommend it. I even connected it (with an adapter that I made) to an 8" earth auger to drill a dozen fence post holes. The motor with it's low gearing had no problem with this. Sometimes hitting a rock would cause the clutch to slip in it. The clutch feature is useful in reducing the risk of it killing you. Several people at work mention people they know have broken bones with high powered right angle drills.

4. 
   joeh | Jan 11, 2006 05:59am | #6

   Every time I put my Hole Hawg back in it's nice red metal case I'm happy if I'm not bleeding.

   That sucker is vicious if it get's a chance.

   Joe H

1. 
   roger g | Jan 11, 2006 08:58am | #7

   I know the feeling but when it happens you don't want to give up. You keep drilling.....catch.....scream..... pain #%#%#%#% keep drilling......... catch again.......a knowing grunt .....more pain #$#@#%#%%#% keep drilling ( really wary now)..... catch.......... scream....cry.....beat the crap out of it but keep drilling.....catch again...... too numb to feel pain.....sobbing....  If it's the last thing you do you're going to finish the 1/2inch hole.

    

    

    

    

    

   roger

5. 
   Huck | Jan 11, 2006 09:46am | #8

   I have the milwaukee - not the hole hawg, but the right-angle drill. I don't use it a lot, but its been a great tool for the times I needed it.

   View Image

1. 
   PeteVa | Jan 11, 2006 03:49pm | #9

   I'll second that Huck. I have the cordless version and use it for 90% of my drilling. Great tool !!!!

2. 
   LeeLamb | Jan 11, 2006 04:22pm | #10

   Like Huck, I also have the right-angle drill, not a HoleHawg. The right-angle head is reversable, giving me another range of speeds - 0-400 rpm and 0 to 900 rpm.  And the right angle head can be removed and I have a 0-600 rpm straight drill.   It, like the HoleHawg, will move you around if a bit binds.  

   I also use a Milwaukee Close Quarter drill (a lot!)  It fits inside cabinets and desks.  It is my main drill for work. I mount a lot of computer security devices and it fits in some tight places. It (red) is the same as a Sioux (black).  3/8" chuck (a darn good one too!), variable speed, reversable, corded - plenty of power and no batteries to babysit.   It is not anywhere near as powerful as the Right Angle and certainly not as powerful as a HoleHawg, but it fulfills my needs to a tee. 

   Good Luck!