I have had the privilege of being in the trades during a transitional period between old school plug in power tools and the proliferation of cordless power tools. I have seen from the first commercially available cordless drill from Makita, to the newest cordless tools of today from nearly all makers.
That being said, cordless tools have their place, mostly in the realm of the professional user, who use them to make a living, save time, and agravation in pulling out cords. But, with anything, their are advantages and disadvantages, cost being a big one.
A normal person, who does not use power tools alot, will likely be wasting money in investing in a cordless tool system. Of course, this is not for everyone, but by in large, other than a cordless drill, most power tools sit and collect dust. But batteries have a shelf life. Some more than others.
As I am no longer a professional in the field, installing stuff, I really dont have a use for cordless tools. Dont get me wrong, I still have several, such as cordless ratchets, and a few cordless drills (as they are far more controllable for screws...) but I have started to supplement my tools with corded models. One being they really have no shelf life, and two, if I am using the tool, I am likely in my building, where I have endless plugs and cords.
Anyway, back to the good stuff......I came across a rare find: a 2nd gen Hole Shooter, 3\8 chuck, (low amperage, good for use from a vehicle inverter) 1700 rpm drill. This was the first corded drill I ever used in the field for screwing in tub surrounds and drilling holes in tub surrounds to install valves in fiberglass showers. New in box, had not seen the light of day since they stopped making these models in favor of the "Magnum" line about 35 years ago, by memory. I think this unit was a factory replacement model, as it did not come with the side handle. (not retail packaging). Might be wrong, but I remember seeing this packaging when we would break a tool, they would hand these out in the tool crib.
Works like a charm. Made in USA, by the old Milwaukee, not the Milwaukee of today.
I am going to contact Milwaukee and see when this drill was made, and report back.
And yes, I plan to use it....
That being said, cordless tools have their place, mostly in the realm of the professional user, who use them to make a living, save time, and agravation in pulling out cords. But, with anything, their are advantages and disadvantages, cost being a big one.
A normal person, who does not use power tools alot, will likely be wasting money in investing in a cordless tool system. Of course, this is not for everyone, but by in large, other than a cordless drill, most power tools sit and collect dust. But batteries have a shelf life. Some more than others.
As I am no longer a professional in the field, installing stuff, I really dont have a use for cordless tools. Dont get me wrong, I still have several, such as cordless ratchets, and a few cordless drills (as they are far more controllable for screws...) but I have started to supplement my tools with corded models. One being they really have no shelf life, and two, if I am using the tool, I am likely in my building, where I have endless plugs and cords.
Anyway, back to the good stuff......I came across a rare find: a 2nd gen Hole Shooter, 3\8 chuck, (low amperage, good for use from a vehicle inverter) 1700 rpm drill. This was the first corded drill I ever used in the field for screwing in tub surrounds and drilling holes in tub surrounds to install valves in fiberglass showers. New in box, had not seen the light of day since they stopped making these models in favor of the "Magnum" line about 35 years ago, by memory. I think this unit was a factory replacement model, as it did not come with the side handle. (not retail packaging). Might be wrong, but I remember seeing this packaging when we would break a tool, they would hand these out in the tool crib.
Works like a charm. Made in USA, by the old Milwaukee, not the Milwaukee of today.
I am going to contact Milwaukee and see when this drill was made, and report back.
And yes, I plan to use it....
