Milwaukee Compact Drill

When I first got my hands on Milwaukee's Compact Drill, model 1610-1, I was eager to see how it would hold up in real-world applications. This corded drill is designed for large hole drilling and material mixing with a solid 7.0-amp motor capable of delivering an impressive 650 RPM. As someone who frequently undertakes diverse projects ranging from roughing in houses to heavy-duty woodworking, the advertised capabilities were certainly appealing.

One of the first aspects I noticed was the drill's build quality. The Milwaukee 1610-1 feels robust right out of the box. Weighing in at 11.2 lbs, it’s not the lightest on the market, but the weight contributes to its overall stability and power delivery. The drill’s construction is grounded and comes with heat-treated and helical-cut gears, which Milwaukee claims are for quiet performance. Indeed, the drill operates with a smoothness that is quite noticeable, reducing the noise and vibrations typically experienced with other drills in its class.

The drill is equipped with an 8-ft. 2-wire fixed rubber cord. This length gives ample reach for most job sites without needing an extension cord, which is a convenient feature that minimizes setup time and hassle. Additionally, the fixed rubber cord is durable and less prone to damage from the usual twists and pulls encountered during heavy use.

A significant feature I appreciated is its reverse function. This is not always available on drills of this kind, and it proves incredibly useful when you need to back out of a drilling mistake or when extracting the drill bit from stubborn materials.

The 1/2" keyed chuck is another standout feature. While some may prefer a keyless chuck for quick bit changes, I find the keyed variety offers a more secure grip on the bit, especially when working with larger, more demanding bits. This drill handles a 1/2" capacity in steel, which is quite impressive, making it versatile enough for a range of applications from metalworking to wood drilling.

Now, let’s talk power. This drill has it in spades. The 7.0-amp motor ensures that you can power through even the toughest materials with relative ease. I tested it with various types of wood, including hardwood, and the results were consistently impressive. Whether using a flat boring bit, hole saw, auger, or a self-feed bit, the drill maintained a steady speed and showed no signs of stalling or overheating, even when drilling through dense wood or multiple layers.

The ergonomic design deserves special mention. The handle arrangement, with handles directly opposite one another, provides excellent balance and control. This design reduces user fatigue and allows for precise drilling, even during extended use. The lack of a soft grip handle is one minor drawback, but the overall design makes the drill comfortable to use nonetheless.

In real-world applications, this drill has proven to be a reliable workhorse. For example, while roughing in a house, I needed to drill multiple 1-1/2" holes for running electrical wiring. The drill handled this task with aplomb, powering through the top plates of a 9' ceiling without requiring a ladder, thanks to its RPM and torque capabilities.

Another project involved drilling through 16" pressure-treated pylons for a deck construction. The Milwaukee 1610-1 performed admirably, drilling multiple holes without overheating or losing power. This is where the combination of power, speed, and durability truly shines, making it a suitable choice for heavy-duty tasks.

Despite its many strengths, there are a couple of areas where this drill could see improvement. The trigger mechanism, while functional, could benefit from a protective shield to prevent accidental activation. This would enhance the safety and usability of the drill, especially in cluttered workspaces. Additionally, the drill lacks a spindle lock, which can make bit changes slightly less convenient than on models that include this feature.

In conclusion, the Milwaukee Compact Drill, model 1610-1, is a powerful and reliable tool that excels in demanding applications. Its robust motor, ergonomic design, and high-quality construction make it a valuable addition to any toolkit. While it has a few minor drawbacks, such as the absence of a spindle lock and a soft grip handle, these are overshadowed by its overall performance and durability.

I would highly recommend this drill to professionals and serious DIY enthusiasts looking for a dependable, powerful tool capable of handling a wide range of drilling and material mixing tasks. Its impressive power, ease of use, and durability make it a worthwhile investment that will undoubtedly stand the test of time.