What's your favorite cordless drill?
Dave Thompson
>Not wanting to be confused for an electron-phobic, I'll admit, my black&yellow, single hand operated, 14.4volt cordless will likely never be replaced by a yankee screw driver. However in the workshop, I find myself using hand drills for pilot holes into hardwood almost exclusively recently. Initially it was because I was concerned about the 14.4 volt batteries being in a freezing unheated shop, and I didn't feel like making the trek indoors to retrieve it. Those replacement batteries can cost about as much as a car battery each, and after 8 years now, both are going down hill fast. Over the past couple of years though, I just grab one of the Millers Falls hanging on the wall out of habit. Ok, now that I got that out of the way....
I find myself tempted to collect a few of these. I really have grown to appreciate the well made and attractive Millers Falls drills. They're common and under valued on e-bay, IMO.
My most used one is a No. 5 (right side). It's a nice size for bits that are 1/4" or less. It comes with a second idler gear to equalize the bearings. It has very smooth action. The handle will hold some bits. Originally it came with 8 bits 1/16 - 11/64. Though when I got it, it had none. It sold for $2.00 in 1915, and weighs less than 2 lbs (according tot he the MF catalog). I think I might have paid $15 on e-bay.
The middle one is a No. 2. The larger size and weight make it a little easier to handle slightly larger bits. Frankly I don't use this one so much. The wood handle wobbles and I can't seem to break free the screw that attaches it to the body. It's so stuck, that I wouldn't be surprised if someone epoxied the threads, or perhaps spot welded the screw in place. Regardles, I haven't found a way to remove the handle wobble without destroying it. It sold for $2.92 in 1915. It's 14 1/2 inches long and weighs in just under 2 1/2 lbs. I think I paid $20 about two years ago. My experience from e-bay was that collectors will bid pretty high for model in good condition. I think I remember seeing No. 2 NIB for ~$120. I suspect these are collectors, only because as a user, I prefer the No. 5, which often seem to be cheap.
I just recently picked up this 980 (left). It's the heaviest at 3lbs 2oz. The white metal ring just inside the main drive gear is actually a speed changer (two speed). By twisting it, one can change the speed ratio from 1:1.5 to 1:4. It has very smooth action. The low non-action handle is nicely positioned for holding the drill while drilling. I only just got this drill two weeks ago. The chuck was initially frozen. With alot of WD40, they work pretty well now, though the jaws don't quite spring back yet without a light touch of the finger.
I've been eyeing a Goodell & Pratt two speed drill for a long time now. I was lured by the gizmo factor of the two speed gear mechanism until I got the MF No 980. All of the ones I've seen are in rough shape.... not quite sure why, but suspect it may have something to do with the age that manufacturing may have stopped.
Enjoy,
Dave
