Just ordered Milwaukee’s 14.4v drill on Amazon based on the review it got in the latest issue of FWW. Can’t wait!! My Sears-Craftsman bit the big one — plus it was an 18v and too heavy for smaller, woodworking-type stuff.
I should note, however, that the model listed in FWW is NOT the one you should order — unless you’ve got a couple of batteries already lying around someplace!! The model listed in FWW is 0616-20. That model does NOT come with batteries. Hence, you want to make sure you order the 0616-24, which comes with 2 batteries and a charger. I wish FWW had mentioned this fact to readers. Therefore, the drill will cost you closer to $200 (not the $140 FWW listed it for — unless you don’t want batteries). Purchasing batteries separately will cost you big $$.
Should also note that this drill is NOT the same one you’ll find at Home Depot. The one at HD has a plastic chuck and belt-clip. I mention this because it looks similar and is also 14.4 volts.
Anyone else have this drill (0616-20 or 24)?
– Toolfreak
Replies
We have a couple of the 1/2" Milwaukees and they are put through hard service.
http://www.voltmanbatteries.com/index.htm
I've used this place to have batteries rebuilt. Cheaper and better than buying new ones. Good service and prices too!
Rick,
Awesome tip. I've got a Panasonic that is absoltely smoked. I'm going to give them a try. Thanks.
Cheers
Kyle
In the past 20 years I have bought a Panasonic, Craftsman (oops!), Dewalt and another Dewalt. Only the Panasonic still survives. 20 years ago Panasonic made everything for the Milwaukee drill except the planetary. I wonder if they still make the guts?
Good luck with the new drill. I have an old (next model after the prototype) 12 volt. Love it, except for the 3 hour charge. Great for the shop. Let us know how it works after a bit of a torture test.
I bought the drill you are talking about and I absolutely love it. I beleive it is around $178.00 on Amazon. You are correct. The 0616-20 is the drill only and the 0616-24 is the kit with the two batteries and charger. The kit is by far the better deal. This drill is very smooth and easy to handle. The reversible battery is a nice balance feature and when I've recharged the battery, it is right at an hour. The power and length of charge on this drill is awesome and when I'm using it I can't help but be amazed at how far tools have come in the last 20 years.
Sincerely
Dan
To "Toolfreak"
I have the milwaukee 14.4volt model #0516-20. I believe this is basically the same model just a couple of years older. Mine has the 1/2" metal chuck and the label says "made in Germany". I saw the newer model that was reviewed in fine woodworking the "0616-20" at an area store and noticed that it pretty much is the same tool except that it now is made in "Czech Republic" if I am not mistaken. Also the newer one has extra little rubber grips on front of the handle-pretty insignificant. I paid $179+tax for the kit with the one hour charger and 2 batteries. Even the plastic toolbox that is included is high quality. As far as performance its great for me...I'm only a hobbyist woodworker/homeowner so often the battery will initially be discharged, but once I put the other (fully charged) one in place the drill is a workhorse. I like the reversing battery feature a lot too and I think the metal chuck (not sure of manufacturer on that) is a quality feature. There are no unpleasant disappointments with this product.
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