Tools, Sharpening and Power Machinery - Drill Rec. for Tiling

Hi Everyone! I'm going to be tiling my spare bath soon and am looking at corded drills for mixing thinset, mortar, etc. My biggest question is about drill amperage.... Would a 5 amp, 1/2" chuck type drill be a wise choice? Should I go with a higher amp?

A drill of that size should be fine. I use an offset Hole Hawg, but that is totally overkill. I like it because you hold it parallel to the ground and it is low rpm. If you can find a variable speed or multiple speed drill, do that, as you don't need a fast one to mix thinset.

But make sure you stick with a brand name drill.stay away from import no name drills.They may be cheaper but are poorly constructed.

I would not go stricktly on specifications. Since you did not mention a brand it is hard to say if the drill will be up to the challenge. I have a cheap import drill with impressive specifications but it is almost useless. This is another situation where you get what you pay for but if you only have the one bathroom project you should be OK with an inexpensive drill.

Mixing mortar is a tough application. The drill must generate a lot of torque while running at slow speeds which overheats drills not made for the duty. The Milwaukee Hole Hawg is not cheap but it is good if you can afford it.

Great advice everyone-thanks! I was planning on sticking with a name brand model, just not sure which one yet. And I didn't want to drop a lot of $$ for a drill that would be overkill for the job nor go too cheap and get something underpowered. So, this is great:)

But make sure you stick with a brand name drill.stay away from import no name drills.They may be cheaper but are poorly constructed.

I would suggest just the opposite , if there is a harbor freight nearby I would go pick up a cheapo drill

your talking one use to mix thinset to do one room
not a 8 hr a day 6 day a week workhorse

If no harbor freight check flea markets and pawn shops

I have a lot of cheapo tools bought for one job and occasional use afterwords that have worked just fine for me

heres one for 30 should do just fine
Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices (http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Category.taf?CategoryID=101&pricetype=)

The hole hawg's primary purpose is drilling impossible holes to places no one has ventured before. I just like it to mix stuff because it is lateral rather than sanding over the auger and twisting your wrist a lot.
If you're going with a name brand, get a 1/2" chuck, which should carry a pretty stout motor as they are usually gauged to the work the chuck will encounter. I think you mentioned corded, and that is good, as cordless depends on the strength of the battery, which is always dead when I pick it up after my helpers use it all day.

I've sold and dealt with customer problems concerning no name cheapo drills and I wouldn't use one to stir my coffee much less stir heavy materials.I've seen them burn out over far less of a load.the things about them is no consistency,one works fine for years a second of the exact same drill burns out driving in a drywall screw.

If you'll never use it again yes buy cheap but if you'd like to be fairly sure it will work tomorrow trade up to Black and Decker or Skil for a few more bucks.

If all works out well in this bath, then I'll do the tiling in our master bath and kitchen as well. So, I really do need something I can depend on over the next year.
I probably will scout yard sales for drills, but mostly as a backup in case something happens to this, yet to be purchased, drill.
Thanks again everyone :)

Just a thought...if you go with a regular drill instead of a right angle like a hole hawg, try and find one that has or will accept a side handle. As was mentioned it will try and twist right out of your hand.

Pawn shops are great places for these kind of things...they may look bad..but the work just fine.

And there's also ebay and craigslist.