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Online Exclusive:
Craftsman Mini-T Compact Drill
In tight spots, it might just be the ticket
by Tom Begnal
Most woodworkers accept that working in tight spaces is a fact of life. After all, many of us end up building compact cabinets or small drawers, or mounting hardware in some narrow nook under a case piece. Unfortunately, though, when drilling holes or driving screws in such space-challenged locations, the typical electric drill can't be used simply because it's too big.
Now, however, there's a new 3/8-in. corded, reversible drill from Craftsman that just might help. With a head that's only 4-3/4 in. long (about half the length of a typical drill), it goes places many other drills can't.
Powered by a 3.2-amp motor, it offers a keyed chuck and no-load speeds of 0 to 1,500 revolutions per minute. In use, it had plenty of get-up-and-go, as I was able to drill 1/2-in. dia. by 1-1/2-in. deep holes in hard maple with little effort.
My only complaint relates to the trigger switch. In addition to serving as an on/off switch, it also controls the variable speed. And the more you squeeze the trigger, the faster the motor cranks up. But the trigger movement was a bit sticky, so I found it somewhat fussy to control the intermediate speeds.
The molded grip had a comfortable feel. And weighing only about 3 lb., it's easy on the arm and hand muscles. Also, it felt nicely balanced, thanks to the T-handle design.
The Craftsman Mini-T Compact Drill (part number 27996) sells for $140. For more information, contact Craftsman at 800-697-3277 or www.craftsman.com.
Tom Begnal is an associate editor for Fine Woodworking.
Photo: Tom Begnal
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