Tools, Sharpening and Power Machinery - Hammer Drill - Cordless or Corded

So I am in the market for a new drill. My current POS is a cordless Black and Decker that can barely drive a screw.

I started looking at Hammer drills for the simple fact that they are not much more than their drill/driver brothers, and having the hammer ability I think would be nice. 9 times out of 10 I will be using this for the drilling/driving functionality.

My next project is to install two new outlets outside my garage, which will require me to drill through some brick and concrete blocks. So my question is - will the cordless be up to the task?

Here are the two drills - one cordless - one corded. Both are Milwaukee.

Amazon.com: Milwaukee 0824-24 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Hammer Drill Kit: Home Improvement (http://www.amazon.com/Milwaukee-0824-24-18-Volt-Lithium-Ion-Hammer/dp/B000I20UX2/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1239218833&sr=1-3)

Amazon.com: Milwaukee 5378-20 7.5 Amp 1/2-Inch Hammer Drill: Home Improvement (http://www.amazon.com/Milwaukee-5378-20-2-Inch-Hammer-Drill/dp/B00004T9RI/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1239218997&sr=1-5)

Thanks in advance.

I'd recommend (w/o even looking at the links) that you go with a corded version. Prob nothing wrong with the cordless for brick/cement/mortar..but if you need to do multiple holes in concrete in the future, you'll be glad it has a cord.

Ok, I looked..have you checked locally? We used to sell a Bosch for a little less that looks pretty comparable to the Milwaukee. May have been a clearance item though. Open box and display items are almost always a great deal.

IMO the choice would depend on how you would use the drill. Battery power is nice but batteries loose their charge and eventually need replacing. Corded drills last longer than cordless ones do [don't ask me why] Last year I replaced my almost 40 yr old B&D 1/2" drill. The old B&D still works but doesn't have the power it once did and it has started to wobble - paid about $8 for it new, tried to get my money's worth out of it but........:D

I wouldn't want to be without a cordless drill and they do seem to get better everytime you buy a new one but heavy tasks are usually best done with a corded unit.

Thanks for the advice guys.

A few days ago I was 100% sure on the cordless Milwaukee - but now I'm really on the fence but leaning towards the corded.

I can see the argument that no matter what it's always good to have that powerful dependable corded drill (which hopefully lasts a lifetime)

But I really like the freedom of the cordless - I know, I know....just get both :D


All I can say is .....the power tool "itch" is one expensive itch.

Oh, if you need help scratchin', you're in the right place. As far as the drill goes, consider how much use it will get. If only occasionally, the battery will always be dead when you need it. However, if you do as I do and run one constantly every day, you will get your money's worth out of the batteries. Replacing them will make you cry, however. I would opt for the corded drill for heavier jobs.

Thanks guys - looks like I'll first get the corded drill and keep my eyes open for a sale on the cordless.

One buy one, when you can get two for twice the price!!

Buy a corded hammer drill and when you get ready for a cordless drill it won't need to be a hammer drill - save a few bucks:D

And when you get ready for the "big boy" stuff, let us know. We can make that shopping trip a breeze.