can any cordless drills handle 1/2" auger bits? - Electrician Talk - Professional Electrical Contractors Forum

ElectricBill · 10-22-2009, 08:34 PM

Do any of the newer 18+ volt cordless drills have enough torque to handle 1/2" auger bits. I know my 14 volt Makita can't hack it. Needed a new brush block after that experiment.
Any recommendations?
Thanks

william1978 · 10-22-2009, 08:42 PM

I would say that most 18v drills should be able to handle drilling that size hole. I have drilled holes with my 14v dewalt and haven't had any trouble out of it, but don't do it that often.

480sparky · 10-22-2009, 08:43 PM

They can 'handle' a 1/2" auger bit, but it's a question of 'for how long'?

If you're trying to drill out an entire house, get a corded drill.

Frasbee · 10-22-2009, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 480sparky

They can 'handle' a 1/2" auger bit, but it's a question of 'for how long'?

If you're trying to drill out an entire house, get a corded drill.

I agree.

I've used a short 1'' auger for quick holes, but I usually go from speed to torque to finish the hole.

Extended abuse like this would burn your drill up in no time.

electro916 · 10-22-2009, 08:50 PM

Since I got my right-angle drill I only use the cordless with a nail-eater for one of two quick holes.

There was one time when I used my Milwaukee 18v to rough in 2 houses, and it worked quite well.

captkirk · 10-22-2009, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 480sparky

They can 'handle' a 1/2" auger bit, but it's a question of 'for how long'?

If you're trying to drill out an entire house, get a corded drill.

I agree... There ok for a hole or two here and there but thats really work for a corded drill. Your really asking alot of your drill if you are drilling out alot of holes with it daily.....

ElectricBill · 10-22-2009, 08:55 PM

I would just be using the auger occasionally. I'm thinking of upgrading to the 18 volt makita lithium-ion for convenience while crawling around the attic to fish wires.

electro916 · 10-22-2009, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ElectricBill

I would just be using the auger occasionally. I'm thinking of upgrading to the 18 volt makita lithium-ion for convenience while crawling around the attic to fish wires.

Then yea it would work great, for boring holes to fish wires in existing and as long as you are not going from floor to floor, Id actually just use a self-feed bit, they may be costly but a lot easier to lug around in crawl spaces and such.

mcclary's electrical · 10-22-2009, 09:08 PM

My 18 volt milwaukee will drill 5/8 through three studs pretty easy. I've got a 3 speed rigid for roughin in.

480sparky · 10-22-2009, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ElectricBill

I would just be using the auger occasionally. I'm thinking of upgrading to the 18 volt makita lithium-ion for convenience while crawling around the attic to fish wires.

I did just that this past weekend.

MDShunk · 10-22-2009, 09:37 PM

I've roughed in many a house with my Milwaukee 18's and 28's, but I tend to go through drills. I normally use 3/4, 13/16, and 7/8 naileater type bits.

Peter D · 10-22-2009, 10:22 PM

After using a HoleHawg or similar drill for all my rough-in work, using a wimpy little cordless drill for an auger bit is quite a frustrating experience. I've tried a few times but inevitably get out the big guns for using an auger bit.

Peter D · 10-22-2009, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MDShunk

I've roughed in many a house....

Like 10,000 at least?

Toronto Sparky · 10-23-2009, 01:15 AM

Spade bit works better on a cordless.. But only for a few.. Cordless is more for screwing.. or working on a roof..

Jim Port · 10-23-2009, 08:29 AM

My 18V DeWalt would not handle a auger bit until I switched to this style. Now it will drill doubles and the occassional triple.

http://www.irwin.com/irwin/consumer/...rwinProd160002

I just drilled some singles with a 10.8 Hitachi impact. Slow but it worked and it fits in tight spaces too.

480sparky · 10-23-2009, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Port

My 18V DeWalt would not handle a auger bit until I switched to this style. Now it will drill doubles and the occassional triple.
..........

What are doubles and triples?

nolabama · 10-23-2009, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 480sparky

What are doubles and triples?

they come with cheese dude

480sparky · 10-23-2009, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nolabama

they come with cheese dude

I assumed he was at a bar ordering shots.

ArrrrrMatey · 10-23-2009, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 480sparky

What are doubles and triples?

A double is a typical top plate while a triple is a typical top plate with a nailer on top?

Briancraig81 · 10-23-2009, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Port

My 18V DeWalt would not handle a auger bit until I switched to this style. Now it will drill doubles and the occassional triple.

http://www.irwin.com/irwin/consumer/...rwinProd160002

I just drilled some singles with a 10.8 Hitachi impact. Slow but it worked and it fits in tight spaces too.

That bit works good but in my experience it will wear a battery down pretty quick if your using it to rough in a room.