May 26, 2011

The Ancient and the Badass: Old Milwaukee Drill

A guy we're working with right now busted this tool out the other day. The thing is solid metal and works like a mule. He said that he's never had to get it repaired (but there were a few years where the trigger acted a little funny) and he's consistently used it for as long as he's had it. This is the best part: he bought it new.....in the late 60s. So this thing is over 40 years old and it still churns on. Badass.

Check out Milwaukee's newer tools here or just check out what Amazon has here.

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Posted by Doug Mahoney at May 26, 2011 6:15 AM

Recent Comments

To imply that a modern Milwaukee or many of its competitor's tools will last as long as this one - is probably wishfull thinking. While some tools of this vintage did get retired from commercial use because they no longer complied with safety standards - or lacked features now expected from modern tools - others are just fine for the right application. I have Milwaukee, Rockwell-Porter Cable, Black & Decker and Skil tools of this 1970's and '80s vintage that are still in productive use. BTW as PutnamEco alludes to - they came with metal cases that took up less room and stored accessories to boot - not the cheap useless blow-molded that now pases for a case. And - for side handles my Skil double insulated D-handle and right angle drills have a side handel that attaches via a collar that grips the area just behind the chuck - like this Milwaukee. That design may be more costly - but is stronger than current side-handle designs

Posted by: fred at May 31, 2011 7:29 PM

Re: Beautiful drill, but such a big motor with a D handle and no side handle is a bit hard on the wrist.
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The Drill I have came equipped with a removable side handle, Clamped to the flat space on the front of the body just behind the chuck.

Posted by: PutnamEco at May 27, 2011 2:28 PM

You've obviously never read what we think about the design of their tool cases...

Posted by: Tool Snob at May 27, 2011 7:44 AM

Could you guys kiss Milwaukee a$% anymore? It is kinda of uncomfortable how you guys blow them constantly.

Posted by: Aaron Thompkins at May 26, 2011 11:44 PM

I have a Black and Decker that's very, very similar (I think the body is 1" shorter, but the chuck sticks out further), and probably about the same vintage. Beautiful drill, but such a big motor with a D handle and no side handle is a bit hard on the wrist.

Posted by: c at May 26, 2011 6:10 PM

Classic, looks modern and vintage at the same. The bolt on the side reminds me of Roy Hobb's Wonder boy.
Check out this one, seems to be the same model but with a little modding done over the years.

http://www.ridgidforum.com/forum/attachments/2663d1202266257-drills-004-medium-.jpg

new cord and the bolt has been painted

Posted by: Kevin at May 26, 2011 1:11 PM

Ah, they don't make them like they used to...that be good or bad. I have a few tools that predate me, but I am only 30 so it's not that hard.

I really like the design though, the lighting bolt is really cool.

Posted by: Tom at May 26, 2011 7:42 AM