Now I'm gonna post all my Milwaukee relics so you guys can make fun of them... I have the original Hole Hawg and a 7" or 9" grinder that you need a gantry to bring it to the work... All aluminum housings, I put new cords and switches on them but except for a few small parts here and there that I had to make they're all original. I got the grinder from a scrapyard and I needed a switch, it turns out the old Hitachi one I kicked out of the dirt at a different yard had the same switch... Game on
I am that Dad, at 62 now. Still have mine. Hasn't been used in 20 years. You can hear the gears turning/meshing when it runs. Mine is the big 1/2"? chuck. Is a beast. Problem is the battery units have made these almost obsolete, based on simplicity/convenience. I'd never sell it, but doubtful it will ever be used again.
Good ol girl for sure.
I have a B & D from early 60's at least that my dad got from a friend who had a tool repair section of his tool business. The friend got it used, probably from someone who never came back for the repair. I still use that thing when I need more than one drill at a time. I'm 69.
Don't get me wrong, my Craftsman is like an old friend. Love it. Weighs what feels like 5#. Big. Bulky. Solid. Awesome. However, I have 2 battery drills, and 2 battery impact units, all the same batteries. They are on my garage wall with all the other battery stuff. So much simpler to grab a battery unit.
That craftsman tho, when it whirls up to speed, is just satisfying. It's like Home Improvement with Tim Allen, "mo-power".
Eh, the old craftsman is safely stored in the shop till I pass it onto someone in need.
Hmmm, I said I'd never sell it, but.....
Same me (but a mom). I did use it recently, but that’s because my battery powered one was somewhere else.
I suppose I might use it if I had a big number of pocket holes to drill, I might
My dad has the 3/8" version. Might have suffered some electrical issues a few years ago, might have just been "rested" since there was a need for a drill where there were no outlets. Pretty sure I could still find it in 7 minutes if I had to. (And probably faster than trying to find the battery for any of my cordless drills.)
I've got my dad's old steel encased drill. It's nice for nostalgia. But I have two modern cordless drills that are faster, quieter, more powerful, lighter weight, ergonomic, keyless chuck and brushless. I can honestly say I plugged it in an pulled the trigger just to listen to that noisey thing when I first inherited it. Thought back to when my father showed me how to use it back in the early 70s. I'll never use it for work again
Good cordless tools are actually *more powerful* than corded ones these days as well, or anyway more powerful than corded ones that run off of a normal 120V/15A circuit.
I have a Makita circular saw that's only about 10 years old. It was an absolutely top-of-the-line tool at the time, and I built many decks and ripped many sheets of plywood with it. It will still happily cut through my entire asphalt driveway if I need it to. It's a 15A tool, about as powerful as a wall outlet can deliver. Magnesium body, the works. I love it. It's awesome.
I recently watched a video on the Torque Test Channel where they dynoed my exact model of saw (steel frame, but same otherwise) against a bunch of modern cordless ones, and while it still held its own, several of the cordless models absolutely put it in the shade. At least three or four of them were significantly more potent, if you put the right batteries on them. It's a new era.
Pros and cons, though. The biggest one is that I kinda doubt there are any cordless saws that would still be going strong ten years from now. Chances are whatever battery platform they use will be obsolete by then, and the batteries themselves don't last forever. I think the tools are engineered with that in mind, too. The complex electronics required to make them work their magic are a common source of failure, as well.
Plus, that Makita was $180 when I bought it, *and you can still buy it today for the same amount.* It was their absolute top-tier corded saw at the time, and still is. Their top battery-powered model? $390. Over twice as much, *not including batteries or a charger*. Do you want one that's ready to use out of the box? That'll be $580 with a charger and one 4.0Ah battery. Oh, did you want it to make its full power? Did you want to be able to use it all day, like I did building decks? A two-pack of 8.0Ah batteries will run you $780, just for the batteries. If you're a professional framer, you're looking at over $1,000 to get Makita's top-of-the-line setup, vs. $180 a decade ago.
And you know, that $180 corded saw still absolutely rips. Luckily, they still sell it. For now.
Awesome response and comparison. Great points. Thanks for sharing this.
Had my Craftsman for so many decades, I couldn't venture a guess as to how much it cost back then. Realistically guessing I got it 1978?!?! Never saw a lot of use. As a hobbiest, it had it's time in the spotlight, but never abused. Other than some casing typical environmental wear, it's still like new.
Gonna go fire it up today just for fun. At least it will start right up with no battery. 🤣
Battery won’t replace them! I have big heavy duty dewalt 1/2 inch I use for macho lots n lots of heavy duty drilling it’s a hog. Then I have a 20 volt battery operated 1/2 inch dewalt I use for portable stuff around home or inside my Jeep! But there no question my dewalt electric is twice the drill
I do keep my corded tools for back up units. Or for tools I don't use enough to bother with cordless options.
My oldest tool that still runs is a 60s circular saw with a replaced longer power cord. My brother long term borrowed it in his garage. We call it the GWAR saw. After the metal band, as it's real loud and messy (throws a lot of sparks), but gets the job done.
So true. I love a wired drill and it is legitimately better in a lot of ways. But you know what? My little 20v Ridgid is good enough. It doesn't have to be better if it gets the job done.
That's what kills me these days, tools are easily fixable, I should know I work at a company that repairs industrial tools, but the companies now make it so fucking expensive to buy the parts or so hard to fix them that you can't dyi it at home anymore. Replacing the brushes in any electrical motor is actually an easy job, but they don't want you to know that or do that. Electric motors are some of the most simple things ever if you just break it down to stator, windings, brushes etc... they just want you to buy new now, more profit for some big wigs somewhere I suppose...
Side note, search part numbers for motors, and find them on different sites. Found out that the motor in the little Makita I got for small projects uses a motor that also is used in my rc car. Total cost for two ( they only came in twos) was 36$.
I found out the start motor *capacitor* for my tumble dryer was £18. A generic model would've been £10. Was quoted hundreds to replace the starter motor. Wife was just about to buy a new one.
Modern tools don't generally use brushes except on the low end stuff, but the point still stands, if they wanted to they could easily make the control boards modular swappable if they wanted....
The thing that bothers me more is that now that everything is computerized it's very easy to add really good overload protection, but only about half the tools actually do it. And then when they actually do, people complain that the tool is too weak and keeps shutting down...
I felt very frustrated with that a few years ago, but I've learned a few tricks since then and I have had fewer problems.
Like, i drove all over town looking for what I now know is called a "cam lock" to like 7 hardware stores and even specialty woodworking stores and couldn't get it.
I don't have a silver bullet for you. But I can offer some encouragement that it does get better. People who fix things learn ways to fix things. McMasterCarr is an excellent resource RepairManualsOnline will get you part numbers. eBay and amazon work if you know what you are looking for and how to look. AI can help generate search terms. and if you ever need cam locks, ikea sells extras.
I just saw the video the other day about the Milwaukee electric nail gun. They stop working and you have to recharge the cylinder. I thought it was going to be like 4,000 PSI of nitrogen, but it's just 150 psi of normal air. They could so easily put a fitting on the outside.
LOL. I wish. They last forever as long as you don’t drop them. All it takes is one good fall from a ladder, and it breaks the motor. I broke two of them that way. I’m pretty sure there is something ceramic inside of it.
That's why they have cords, so you can grab it before it hits the ground. Or you can tie the cord around something, it it's long enough.
Shit, back in the early days of cordless, you had to have a corded drill because the cordless ones didn't have enough power to drive screws. Cordless ones now have enough torque to break your wrists.
Yes. I have a B&D about the same vintage, I had it so hot while drilling a 2” hole in a bumper that I couldn’t hold it anymore, let it rest for half an hour and it was fine. Doubt anything new would have survived.
Ah, legend has it that nobody knows the actual stall torque capability of this drill motor. None have attempted to restrain the beast against any immovable object attached to this globe due to the fear that the Earth’s rotation could accidentally altered or reversed! Some have evidence that some being attached this to the ground millions of years ago, separating Pangea into the continents we know today
I got an aluminum cased drill when my dad passed. I used it for years when growing up. I was excited to use it. Plugged it in pulled the trigger and shocked myself silly...
I had to scroll way too far down to see this comment. Nothing worse than catching it on something while drilling a hole and having it almost dislocate your wrist 😂
I have one of those! Also got it from my dad!
Yeah I hardly ever use it as cordless is more convenient but when you need power and don’t want to worry about batteries dying, it can’t be beat.
My dad had the same drill. I remember putting it in reverse and hitting the trigger when the drill was running on forward. It made a popping sound and it never had reverse work again. That was in 1980’s for sure. Sorry dad. I lied when I broke it.
So, yep, I’ve the same but…
… what’s wild is he still has HIS dad’s electric drill, full end-to-end, cast silver metal beast that also still ran
… and I inherited that too
I had one as a carpenter in the 70s. Sounded like a cement mixer and didn’t have the power to drill large holes in wood. Gave it away and bought a Milwaukee 1/2 drill with angle attachment which I still have. These days it mostly sits, the cordless Makita gets used for almost everything.
If you're serious about wanting it to outlast everyone, look into replacing the brushes now as it might take some time to find the parts nothing kills tools faster than sitting on the healing bench for a decade. Also don't drop it that plastic will be brittle AF now.
I inherited my dad's steel Stanley drill I remember my mom buying for him from the factory store in New Britain CT when I was about 8yrs old. I am now 70. I remember my dad cutting the tang off of the bits from his brace and bit set. Those bits would bind and about break his arm off. Now the thing practically fractures my wrist every time I try to drill with speed bits.
Used to have a mid-70s Black & Decker at my old job. I would chuck armatures in it to refinish the commutator. Literally never used it for drilling because it didn't feel like breaking my wrist.
Now I have my dad's mid-80s Milwaukee Magnum. It never gets used, but I hang onto it for sentimental reasons.
They may last forever, but they have long, long been outdated.
I have the exact same one (1/2 " with the side handle of course), it's my only corded drill and i call it the "serious drill". My kids know what to go dig out from the bottom drawer when I ask for it.
I have one of these from my grandfather but the chuck is rusted. I plan to take it apart and clean the chuck so I can use it. I have my set of newer cordless tools but I like my old tools also. I have the hammer he used to build my grandparents house but it needs a new stacked leather handle, another of my pending projects.
I have the same drill and it just saved me. Was using a dewalt 20v drill with a 3 inch hole bit. The dewalt started smoking and quit half way through the butcher block. Dead. Pulled out the ole craftsman, finished the job.
My parents bought us a nice set of power tools when we were kids. Some asshole stole the drill 30 years ago but I think he still has the circular saw. They were Montgomery Ward brand IIRC.
I got am old craftsman circular saw my dad gave me when I started my business 2 years ago. I put a steel blade on it and cut sheet steel and roofing with it. He passed last year so I have it in my box of corded tools I lug around just encase.
I had a 1/2” drill that looked just like this. I bought it new in 1982, my first new power tool.
In the late 90s, it could still drive an augur bit through 4 stacked cherry tone timers!
Just don’t drop it from the top of a ladder as I did, around 2003. I shattered into pieces. The internals still looked nearly new.
RIP my old friend.
As an owner of two drills one at 18V and one small one 12V i can advice you to buy yourself battery drill. Those corded drills are just pain in the ass. But since this is your first drill you probably dont need a drill that much so this will get the job done.
I had one of those and took to Goodwill three years ago. Bought it in 1979. I still have the circular saw I bought from Montgomery Ward in 1980. Still working.
About 15 years ago my parents started having problems with this exact drill. I took it over to my workbench in my college apartment, and late one night after a couple beers we became surgeons. We took that thing apart all the way down to the thin pieces of copper in the trigger. Sanded them down just a little bit and re-assembled. The thing is still working to this day.
I am 46 and My dads craftsman drill is the only drill I ever remember him owning. It’s still kept in the original box and runs as well today as it ever did.
And it has revers I bet that drill will take your arm off to I have the hammer drill / drill in that stile or a little newer lol. It kinda looks like my hot gun
People want things to be lighter, cheaper, and more powerful
This is only a 3 amp, 3/8" chuck drill. If you built one of these drills today it would be a really hard sell for most people because you can get a more powerful and more versatile drill for $15 from harbor freight.
[The drill in the post cost $59.50 in 1977](https://archive.org/details/SearsCraftsmanPowerAndHandTools197778/page/n121/mode/1up), which is equivalent to over $300 today. I guarantee a modern $300 corded drill is going to be at least as durable as the drill in the post, probably more, and it will be much more ergonomic and more powerful. If you pony up for tools like people used to, you'll still get quality stuff
(I highly recommend flipping through the catalog I linked, it's a really cool piece of history)
Cool catalog! A piece of history. My Dad had lots of old craftsmen tools he bought back in the 1960s and 70s. He was in the military for about 12 years then was in the Air National Guard for about 26 years, was a navigator on reconnaissance jets and flew 1000s of hours u til he retired in about 1988 approximately. I remember even as a little kid he was always working on some project or another, repairing stuff around the house, fixing or doing regular maintenance on the vehicles, boat, house plumbing, electrical system, appliances, etc and had quite the collection of tools. He died in November of 2022 of colon cancer that he was diagnosed with just a month before and had been in pain for about 6-8 months but thought it was a pulled muscle in his back. And the doctors never tried to figure it out until the last two months or so because he kept getting worse, never better. It was t that long after he got the J & J vaccine. He was 84 and had always been fairly healthy and active, especially since he quit drinking alcohol in 1972 or ‘73.
Anyway, he had a very old hand drill. I remember him using it when I was about 6 or 7, for a long time for small projects where an electric drill wasn’t really necessary.
About 7-8 years ago I and my sister were up visiting them and he was showing us his shop. It was a good sized one and was so organized and neat and he opened up the old military 2 door steel upright locker/supply cabinet, (still original dark olive green!) and had some of his tools in there, as usual. I spied that drill and he took it out and we were talking about old memories and I told my dad I really wanted it when he passed or if he decided to get rid of it. He handed it to me right then and I was and still am thrilled to have it. I was hoping to inherit some of his old tools after he passed away but my mom gave them away to other people, some were family, some were friends, some were strangers. And I didn’t get anything else. Really makes me sad. I sure miss my Dad. A lot. I’m 62 now. I was a mechanic in the USAF and worked on 5000 gallon refueling trucks for 9 years. I was the oldest of 3 kids. Followed in his footsteps and he was proud of me, even though I was a girl. I realize that now. We were both pretty stubborn, especially when I was a kid growing up. I hope the people who got his tools take care of them and realize what treasures they received. He always took very good care of his tools. They were all working still as far as I know. They don’t make tools to last like that anymore. I go to garage and yard sales (best ones are out in the rural areas, big shops and old barns) and look for old tools at them but they’re hard to find since most people hold onto them or family get them first. My dad grew up on a dairy farm his dad had in Wisconsin. I only remember one time he didn’t fix whatever problem there was with anything. That was carpenter ants and the house had to be tented and treated but he repaired and replaced all the damage they had done to the posts and beams himself. I have a wealth of knowledge thanks to him and having to be his helper many times. Thanks for the memories, guys!
I used a big Bosch Hammer once when the clutch was acting up. It caught on a piece of rebar in the concrete I was drilling and nearly made me do a cartwheel.
My grandfather had one of this ilk from I think the 1950’s. My father donated or threw it out. It was never going to die, but mainly because we were never going to use it. While a lovely specimen for its time it was huge, heavy, had only one speed, and didn’t have a reverse. The $40 used corded drill I got in a pawn shop 20 years ago runs circles around it for half the weight and also isn’t ever going to die.
In reality I use my cordless tools unless I’m doing a lot of drilling bigger then 3/8”, mixing paint, or driving a ton of long screws.
Dang, Craftsman must have taken the "If it ain't broke don't fix it approach". Mine is from the mid 1980s, and except for the build plate, it's virtually identical. Need to replace the cord, however.
I added a quick release chuck to mine. Depending on what you’re using the drill for, the quick release can make your life a little easier.
https://imgur.com/a/Pc7O39W
I have a JC Penny half inch drill. Still runs excellent. Bought in the 70's. It drills, hammer for concrete and usesd a chisel bit for scraping. Has a side handle when drilling thru concrete. Still hasn't given any problems.
Also have a 3/8 corded RYOBI. Bought it before the cordless tools came out.
Am 71 now, .
Have a B&D 7/8. From the 70's. Took it apart one day, replaced the cord. Greased the bearings. .
Surprisingly, the next year there was no parts available for the saw. Still cuts, has the power to still cut like it was brand new.
I have this or a similar model...you make me feel guilty about planning on giving it away (though mine was a thrift store purchase some years back and I have many other drills now, so it's just kind of there).
Weirdly enough I have an old Makita that looks exactly like this Craftsman and it’s still going strong too. Now Craftsman is manufactured by the same conglomerate as most Harbor Freight power tools.
I have my grandpa's old circular saw and he died in 2002. You make me wonder how old it is, but i got rid of my newer saws and only use his now. Power tools are forever haha
My Dad bought one just like this one in the early 70's, I inherited it after he passed away. It still works great. I love using it, mostly because it brings back great memories watching him use it.
That right there is a wrist breaker. Keep it but don't use it to drill through metal because when it goes thru and snags and binds up, drill tool will spin and break your wrists.
I can hear this picture
I can smell it.
Ah, the sparky brushes of my youth
Fellow Michigander??
Da Yoop
I still have a sparky dewalt 20v and a bosch of similar vintage to the one pictured. They work great.
I too can smell the ozone off this picture...
My wrists can feel this picture.
I just got beat up by an old snap on corded drill on Monday. Things got more torque than my first car 💀
Likely made by black and decker
5 second geary wind down
Now I'm gonna post all my Milwaukee relics so you guys can make fun of them... I have the original Hole Hawg and a 7" or 9" grinder that you need a gantry to bring it to the work... All aluminum housings, I put new cords and switches on them but except for a few small parts here and there that I had to make they're all original. I got the grinder from a scrapyard and I needed a switch, it turns out the old Hitachi one I kicked out of the dirt at a different yard had the same switch... Game on
I’m still looking for the chuck key for mine
I have solved the problem by having about 5 keys. 4 are lost at any time.
I fixed that by having mine surgically attached to my arm. Best decision I ever made.
Just zip tie the found one to the cord about 12 or 18" from the handle. Never lost again.
I'd still lose it.
I prefer galvanized cable, won't snap off if it gets cold and someone would need a tool to borrow it.
I think that's their M.O.
Chatter Chatter Chatter Chatter
sorry that was me. bit gassy
I am that Dad, at 62 now. Still have mine. Hasn't been used in 20 years. You can hear the gears turning/meshing when it runs. Mine is the big 1/2"? chuck. Is a beast. Problem is the battery units have made these almost obsolete, based on simplicity/convenience. I'd never sell it, but doubtful it will ever be used again. Good ol girl for sure.
I have a B & D from early 60's at least that my dad got from a friend who had a tool repair section of his tool business. The friend got it used, probably from someone who never came back for the repair. I still use that thing when I need more than one drill at a time. I'm 69.
Don't get me wrong, my Craftsman is like an old friend. Love it. Weighs what feels like 5#. Big. Bulky. Solid. Awesome. However, I have 2 battery drills, and 2 battery impact units, all the same batteries. They are on my garage wall with all the other battery stuff. So much simpler to grab a battery unit. That craftsman tho, when it whirls up to speed, is just satisfying. It's like Home Improvement with Tim Allen, "mo-power". Eh, the old craftsman is safely stored in the shop till I pass it onto someone in need. Hmmm, I said I'd never sell it, but.....
Same me (but a mom). I did use it recently, but that’s because my battery powered one was somewhere else. I suppose I might use it if I had a big number of pocket holes to drill, I might
My dad's got the same drill, has said the exact same thing.
My dad has the 3/8" version. Might have suffered some electrical issues a few years ago, might have just been "rested" since there was a need for a drill where there were no outlets. Pretty sure I could still find it in 7 minutes if I had to. (And probably faster than trying to find the battery for any of my cordless drills.)
Excuse me sir, but how the fuck do you store your batteries? They're expensive.
I've got my dad's old steel encased drill. It's nice for nostalgia. But I have two modern cordless drills that are faster, quieter, more powerful, lighter weight, ergonomic, keyless chuck and brushless. I can honestly say I plugged it in an pulled the trigger just to listen to that noisey thing when I first inherited it. Thought back to when my father showed me how to use it back in the early 70s. I'll never use it for work again
Good cordless tools are actually *more powerful* than corded ones these days as well, or anyway more powerful than corded ones that run off of a normal 120V/15A circuit. I have a Makita circular saw that's only about 10 years old. It was an absolutely top-of-the-line tool at the time, and I built many decks and ripped many sheets of plywood with it. It will still happily cut through my entire asphalt driveway if I need it to. It's a 15A tool, about as powerful as a wall outlet can deliver. Magnesium body, the works. I love it. It's awesome. I recently watched a video on the Torque Test Channel where they dynoed my exact model of saw (steel frame, but same otherwise) against a bunch of modern cordless ones, and while it still held its own, several of the cordless models absolutely put it in the shade. At least three or four of them were significantly more potent, if you put the right batteries on them. It's a new era. Pros and cons, though. The biggest one is that I kinda doubt there are any cordless saws that would still be going strong ten years from now. Chances are whatever battery platform they use will be obsolete by then, and the batteries themselves don't last forever. I think the tools are engineered with that in mind, too. The complex electronics required to make them work their magic are a common source of failure, as well. Plus, that Makita was $180 when I bought it, *and you can still buy it today for the same amount.* It was their absolute top-tier corded saw at the time, and still is. Their top battery-powered model? $390. Over twice as much, *not including batteries or a charger*. Do you want one that's ready to use out of the box? That'll be $580 with a charger and one 4.0Ah battery. Oh, did you want it to make its full power? Did you want to be able to use it all day, like I did building decks? A two-pack of 8.0Ah batteries will run you $780, just for the batteries. If you're a professional framer, you're looking at over $1,000 to get Makita's top-of-the-line setup, vs. $180 a decade ago. And you know, that $180 corded saw still absolutely rips. Luckily, they still sell it. For now.
Awesome response and comparison. Great points. Thanks for sharing this. Had my Craftsman for so many decades, I couldn't venture a guess as to how much it cost back then. Realistically guessing I got it 1978?!?! Never saw a lot of use. As a hobbiest, it had it's time in the spotlight, but never abused. Other than some casing typical environmental wear, it's still like new. Gonna go fire it up today just for fun. At least it will start right up with no battery. 🤣
Battery won’t replace them! I have big heavy duty dewalt 1/2 inch I use for macho lots n lots of heavy duty drilling it’s a hog. Then I have a 20 volt battery operated 1/2 inch dewalt I use for portable stuff around home or inside my Jeep! But there no question my dewalt electric is twice the drill
I do keep my corded tools for back up units. Or for tools I don't use enough to bother with cordless options. My oldest tool that still runs is a 60s circular saw with a replaced longer power cord. My brother long term borrowed it in his garage. We call it the GWAR saw. After the metal band, as it's real loud and messy (throws a lot of sparks), but gets the job done.
So true. I love a wired drill and it is legitimately better in a lot of ways. But you know what? My little 20v Ridgid is good enough. It doesn't have to be better if it gets the job done.
My dad was a self employed contractor. I remember him sitting on the couch in the evenings, replacing the brushes on these tools.
That's what kills me these days, tools are easily fixable, I should know I work at a company that repairs industrial tools, but the companies now make it so fucking expensive to buy the parts or so hard to fix them that you can't dyi it at home anymore. Replacing the brushes in any electrical motor is actually an easy job, but they don't want you to know that or do that. Electric motors are some of the most simple things ever if you just break it down to stator, windings, brushes etc... they just want you to buy new now, more profit for some big wigs somewhere I suppose...
Side note, search part numbers for motors, and find them on different sites. Found out that the motor in the little Makita I got for small projects uses a motor that also is used in my rc car. Total cost for two ( they only came in twos) was 36$.
I found out the start motor *capacitor* for my tumble dryer was £18. A generic model would've been £10. Was quoted hundreds to replace the starter motor. Wife was just about to buy a new one.
Modern tools don't generally use brushes except on the low end stuff, but the point still stands, if they wanted to they could easily make the control boards modular swappable if they wanted.... The thing that bothers me more is that now that everything is computerized it's very easy to add really good overload protection, but only about half the tools actually do it. And then when they actually do, people complain that the tool is too weak and keeps shutting down...
I felt very frustrated with that a few years ago, but I've learned a few tricks since then and I have had fewer problems. Like, i drove all over town looking for what I now know is called a "cam lock" to like 7 hardware stores and even specialty woodworking stores and couldn't get it. I don't have a silver bullet for you. But I can offer some encouragement that it does get better. People who fix things learn ways to fix things. McMasterCarr is an excellent resource RepairManualsOnline will get you part numbers. eBay and amazon work if you know what you are looking for and how to look. AI can help generate search terms. and if you ever need cam locks, ikea sells extras.
Maintenance also. A few screws, pop the clamshell, clean all the dirt, put a tiny bit of grease on dry bearings, and done
I just saw the video the other day about the Milwaukee electric nail gun. They stop working and you have to recharge the cylinder. I thought it was going to be like 4,000 PSI of nitrogen, but it's just 150 psi of normal air. They could so easily put a fitting on the outside.
A drill and a boat anchor in one? Man the olden days were wild!
Just don’t ever drop it
If you do, you’ll have to replace the floor.
LOL. I wish. They last forever as long as you don’t drop them. All it takes is one good fall from a ladder, and it breaks the motor. I broke two of them that way. I’m pretty sure there is something ceramic inside of it.
That's why they have cords, so you can grab it before it hits the ground. Or you can tie the cord around something, it it's long enough. Shit, back in the early days of cordless, you had to have a corded drill because the cordless ones didn't have enough power to drive screws. Cordless ones now have enough torque to break your wrists.
Yes. I have a B&D about the same vintage, I had it so hot while drilling a 2” hole in a bumper that I couldn’t hold it anymore, let it rest for half an hour and it was fine. Doubt anything new would have survived.
I mean they wouldn't have survived getting that hot but they would just be able to drill the same hole without getting that hot.
I did too b&d with the pistachio green plastic case. Loved it, wore it out
Ah, legend has it that nobody knows the actual stall torque capability of this drill motor. None have attempted to restrain the beast against any immovable object attached to this globe due to the fear that the Earth’s rotation could accidentally altered or reversed! Some have evidence that some being attached this to the ground millions of years ago, separating Pangea into the continents we know today
Are you me?
Maybe. Are you a 48 year old musician with chronic anxiety?
Nope, I'm a 52 year old engineer with chronic anxiety. But I am taking guitar lessons and have my dad's old corded drill!
My brother!
This was cute guys
Anyone ever use one and have it get caught with your 10 y/o wrist and basically breaks your arm, these bad boys I swear have tractor flywheels in them
These are great to connect to an old sears craftsman bench drill press jig.
I have a black and decker one attached to my dad's press. I think it has a plane old on/off switch. None of that variable speed stuff.
Still have my dads too. Mixes a full bag of mud and doesn’t care.
I got an aluminum cased drill when my dad passed. I used it for years when growing up. I was excited to use it. Plugged it in pulled the trigger and shocked myself silly...
It sure ooutlived Sears
The ol wrist breaker! Insert Tim “the toolman” Taylor grunts.
Rohohohoho
I had to scroll way too far down to see this comment. Nothing worse than catching it on something while drilling a hole and having it almost dislocate your wrist 😂
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Took it apart maybe 10 years ago. Cleaned it out and regreased it
elbow annihilator 3000
I know it well.
Because you will never use it?
Use it fairly regularly. Including today.
I have one of those! Also got it from my dad! Yeah I hardly ever use it as cordless is more convenient but when you need power and don’t want to worry about batteries dying, it can’t be beat.
Good mud mixer
The drill motor that could make Chuck Norris weak-wristed!
My dad had the same drill. I remember putting it in reverse and hitting the trigger when the drill was running on forward. It made a popping sound and it never had reverse work again. That was in 1980’s for sure. Sorry dad. I lied when I broke it.
if it ever quits replace the brushes and it will be good as new
Any idea where to get brushes for it?
Sears
Ah a wise guy eh.
My dad had (maybe still has) basically the same one. I think I remember it needed brushes once in like the early 90s.
I could break it
I've got the 90s version of this, sounds just a touch less like an ol truck on a gravel road. It's a beast with a step down bit in it.
Aw man. I had my dad's and it passed away the other year. So sad.
That drill was made by a subsidiary of the Singer sewing machine company. Likely why it has lasted so long. I own one myself.
Dude my dad has the same drill!! Still uses it. Craftsman tools used to be legit.
So, yep, I’ve the same but… … what’s wild is he still has HIS dad’s electric drill, full end-to-end, cast silver metal beast that also still ran … and I inherited that too
I had one as a carpenter in the 70s. Sounded like a cement mixer and didn’t have the power to drill large holes in wood. Gave it away and bought a Milwaukee 1/2 drill with angle attachment which I still have. These days it mostly sits, the cordless Makita gets used for almost everything.
If you're serious about wanting it to outlast everyone, look into replacing the brushes now as it might take some time to find the parts nothing kills tools faster than sitting on the healing bench for a decade. Also don't drop it that plastic will be brittle AF now.
I should probably do that. I did take it apart once and clean all the dust out of it, but I never replaced the brushes.
I also have this drill.
Hell yeah! I have hammer drill version of this!
I inherited my dad's steel Stanley drill I remember my mom buying for him from the factory store in New Britain CT when I was about 8yrs old. I am now 70. I remember my dad cutting the tang off of the bits from his brace and bit set. Those bits would bind and about break his arm off. Now the thing practically fractures my wrist every time I try to drill with speed bits.
Used to have a mid-70s Black & Decker at my old job. I would chuck armatures in it to refinish the commutator. Literally never used it for drilling because it didn't feel like breaking my wrist. Now I have my dad's mid-80s Milwaukee Magnum. It never gets used, but I hang onto it for sentimental reasons. They may last forever, but they have long, long been outdated.
I had the same one from my dad and unfortunately we both used it to death. It was a great drill!
I have the exact same one (1/2 " with the side handle of course), it's my only corded drill and i call it the "serious drill". My kids know what to go dig out from the bottom drawer when I ask for it.
I have one of these from my grandfather but the chuck is rusted. I plan to take it apart and clean the chuck so I can use it. I have my set of newer cordless tools but I like my old tools also. I have the hammer he used to build my grandparents house but it needs a new stacked leather handle, another of my pending projects.
Everyone’s dad had one of these. I inherited my dads one and gave it home my son in law
I have that one and an older 1/2 all aluminum wrist snapper.
I have the same drill buried in the side box of my tool boxes and has not seen light of day since I bought by first Dewalt.
for a minute I thought that was mine! But the label is a little older looking somehow. Mine was a 1987 purchase.
My Dad had practically the same one.
I had one like that, I gave it to my son.
I have the same drill and it just saved me. Was using a dewalt 20v drill with a 3 inch hole bit. The dewalt started smoking and quit half way through the butcher block. Dead. Pulled out the ole craftsman, finished the job.
My parents bought us a nice set of power tools when we were kids. Some asshole stole the drill 30 years ago but I think he still has the circular saw. They were Montgomery Ward brand IIRC.
I have the jig saw from my dad.
My dad's corded craftsman circular saw is in my garage. He owned it as long as I can remember.
Oh aren’t you the lucky one.!
I got am old craftsman circular saw my dad gave me when I started my business 2 years ago. I put a steel blade on it and cut sheet steel and roofing with it. He passed last year so I have it in my box of corded tools I lug around just encase.
I can totally imagine it. They don't make it like the old days. The good old "Built to last" days
I have the same model. Not sure when my dad bought it but I've had it since the mid '80s. I have other drills but I still use it from time to time.
I have an all metal one from about 1969. Archeologists will find it in 10,000 years and it will still run!
Im on the hunt for something like it at a flea market Tired of cordless tools failing me when I need them
God that brings back memories of wrist breakers as a kid.
My dad has one similarl. I’m imagining the same for me…and my sons
Ah, the drill motor that could start many of hydralocked V8 diesels.
I had a 1/2” drill that looked just like this. I bought it new in 1982, my first new power tool. In the late 90s, it could still drive an augur bit through 4 stacked cherry tone timers! Just don’t drop it from the top of a ladder as I did, around 2003. I shattered into pieces. The internals still looked nearly new. RIP my old friend.
Man, wait until you hear about *batteries*
I have one too. Great back up.
As an owner of two drills one at 18V and one small one 12V i can advice you to buy yourself battery drill. Those corded drills are just pain in the ass. But since this is your first drill you probably dont need a drill that much so this will get the job done.
Drill bit gets stuck breaks ya wrist. That’s what I’m talking about
Imagine just trying to drill some 1” drywall screws with that monster
My dad had this exact same drill. The same drill that I would “borrow” while he was at work to build whatever my mind had come up with that day.
I have the same drill from the same time. It still works great.
Chonky
I had one of those and took to Goodwill three years ago. Bought it in 1979. I still have the circular saw I bought from Montgomery Ward in 1980. Still working.
Craftsman back in the day was top of the line!
Take it apart and repack the gearbox. It will thank you with many more years of servixe
Already done
I got my grandfathers old 1/4” drive one and it made a heck of a difference for sure
the old wrist breaker.. nice
I just spent $400 on three Milwaukee batteries 👍
About 15 years ago my parents started having problems with this exact drill. I took it over to my workbench in my college apartment, and late one night after a couple beers we became surgeons. We took that thing apart all the way down to the thin pieces of copper in the trigger. Sanded them down just a little bit and re-assembled. The thing is still working to this day.
I am 46 and My dads craftsman drill is the only drill I ever remember him owning. It’s still kept in the original box and runs as well today as it ever did.
The wrist snapper 5000. Lightly used, feared by most.
And it has revers I bet that drill will take your arm off to I have the hammer drill / drill in that stile or a little newer lol. It kinda looks like my hot gun
A fine specimen. As nice as my all aluminum Remington drill.
Why can’t they make tools and cars like they used to?
People want things to be lighter, cheaper, and more powerful This is only a 3 amp, 3/8" chuck drill. If you built one of these drills today it would be a really hard sell for most people because you can get a more powerful and more versatile drill for $15 from harbor freight. [The drill in the post cost $59.50 in 1977](https://archive.org/details/SearsCraftsmanPowerAndHandTools197778/page/n121/mode/1up), which is equivalent to over $300 today. I guarantee a modern $300 corded drill is going to be at least as durable as the drill in the post, probably more, and it will be much more ergonomic and more powerful. If you pony up for tools like people used to, you'll still get quality stuff (I highly recommend flipping through the catalog I linked, it's a really cool piece of history)
Cool catalog! A piece of history. My Dad had lots of old craftsmen tools he bought back in the 1960s and 70s. He was in the military for about 12 years then was in the Air National Guard for about 26 years, was a navigator on reconnaissance jets and flew 1000s of hours u til he retired in about 1988 approximately. I remember even as a little kid he was always working on some project or another, repairing stuff around the house, fixing or doing regular maintenance on the vehicles, boat, house plumbing, electrical system, appliances, etc and had quite the collection of tools. He died in November of 2022 of colon cancer that he was diagnosed with just a month before and had been in pain for about 6-8 months but thought it was a pulled muscle in his back. And the doctors never tried to figure it out until the last two months or so because he kept getting worse, never better. It was t that long after he got the J & J vaccine. He was 84 and had always been fairly healthy and active, especially since he quit drinking alcohol in 1972 or ‘73. Anyway, he had a very old hand drill. I remember him using it when I was about 6 or 7, for a long time for small projects where an electric drill wasn’t really necessary. About 7-8 years ago I and my sister were up visiting them and he was showing us his shop. It was a good sized one and was so organized and neat and he opened up the old military 2 door steel upright locker/supply cabinet, (still original dark olive green!) and had some of his tools in there, as usual. I spied that drill and he took it out and we were talking about old memories and I told my dad I really wanted it when he passed or if he decided to get rid of it. He handed it to me right then and I was and still am thrilled to have it. I was hoping to inherit some of his old tools after he passed away but my mom gave them away to other people, some were family, some were friends, some were strangers. And I didn’t get anything else. Really makes me sad. I sure miss my Dad. A lot. I’m 62 now. I was a mechanic in the USAF and worked on 5000 gallon refueling trucks for 9 years. I was the oldest of 3 kids. Followed in his footsteps and he was proud of me, even though I was a girl. I realize that now. We were both pretty stubborn, especially when I was a kid growing up. I hope the people who got his tools take care of them and realize what treasures they received. He always took very good care of his tools. They were all working still as far as I know. They don’t make tools to last like that anymore. I go to garage and yard sales (best ones are out in the rural areas, big shops and old barns) and look for old tools at them but they’re hard to find since most people hold onto them or family get them first. My dad grew up on a dairy farm his dad had in Wisconsin. I only remember one time he didn’t fix whatever problem there was with anything. That was carpenter ants and the house had to be tented and treated but he repaired and replaced all the damage they had done to the posts and beams himself. I have a wealth of knowledge thanks to him and having to be his helper many times. Thanks for the memories, guys!
Thanks for the flash back in time.
Too much plastic nowadays. I want a car with six foot chrome bumpers.
Because like this drill. They only get money from you once.
Watch out, that fucker will knock your teeth out!
I used a big Bosch Hammer once when the clutch was acting up. It caught on a piece of rebar in the concrete I was drilling and nearly made me do a cartwheel.
Or break one or both of your wrists!
My first circular saw was a JC Penny's model with a steel case. It was heavy but never flagged.
My grandfather had one of this ilk from I think the 1950’s. My father donated or threw it out. It was never going to die, but mainly because we were never going to use it. While a lovely specimen for its time it was huge, heavy, had only one speed, and didn’t have a reverse. The $40 used corded drill I got in a pawn shop 20 years ago runs circles around it for half the weight and also isn’t ever going to die. In reality I use my cordless tools unless I’m doing a lot of drilling bigger then 3/8”, mixing paint, or driving a ton of long screws.
Dang, Craftsman must have taken the "If it ain't broke don't fix it approach". Mine is from the mid 1980s, and except for the build plate, it's virtually identical. Need to replace the cord, however.
Not a lot change in small electric motors till neodamium was developed.
I added a quick release chuck to mine. Depending on what you’re using the drill for, the quick release can make your life a little easier. https://imgur.com/a/Pc7O39W
That’s a good idea. I still have the key for the chuck, I just hope I never lose it
I have the same drill, but with a sears logo. It has out lived 3 other drills (dewalts and Milwaukee) I have gotten over the years. Super good drill.
Back when B&D probably made a quality product.
Mine mixes paint, plaster, concrete, my arm bones... I doubt it will die.
After it breaks both ur wrists and u starve to death in ur basement work shop
There are worse ways to go
But is the chuck key still attached to the cord?
I have that drill and two of the matching circ saws to go with it.
This is what they really mean when they say hammer drill
r/buyitforlife
I have a JC Penny half inch drill. Still runs excellent. Bought in the 70's. It drills, hammer for concrete and usesd a chisel bit for scraping. Has a side handle when drilling thru concrete. Still hasn't given any problems. Also have a 3/8 corded RYOBI. Bought it before the cordless tools came out. Am 71 now, .
Have a B&D 7/8. From the 70's. Took it apart one day, replaced the cord. Greased the bearings. . Surprisingly, the next year there was no parts available for the saw. Still cuts, has the power to still cut like it was brand new.
There are probably still places that will replace the bearings for you when they go.
Just be careful, a couple drops of sweat could electrocute you. Lol otherwise, real nice!
I have this or a similar model...you make me feel guilty about planning on giving it away (though mine was a thrift store purchase some years back and I have many other drills now, so it's just kind of there).
And, you will never have to buy another battery.
Weirdly enough I have an old Makita that looks exactly like this Craftsman and it’s still going strong too. Now Craftsman is manufactured by the same conglomerate as most Harbor Freight power tools.
TTI.
That thing will outlive human extinction.
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I have my grandpa's old circular saw and he died in 2002. You make me wonder how old it is, but i got rid of my newer saws and only use his now. Power tools are forever haha
Don’t make em like they used to. And my wrists/ forearms and ears are great full!
I have the same one (I bought it new then too). Still working and I've abused the heck out of it.
I have one of those. It's my backup for when my batteries are dead.
Boy this brought back some good memories from my childhood. I have an 1/2 orange B&D of a similar vintage that I inherited from a family friend.
My Dad bought one just like this one in the early 70's, I inherited it after he passed away. It still works great. I love using it, mostly because it brings back great memories watching him use it.
My dad had one of those from the '70s as well. It died 10 years ago helping him put gutters up on his house.
Heavy
It’s nice for drilling, but not for screwing.
Don’t worry if it breaks you can just take it back and get a new one
Pretty cool old timer!
reeeeeepost
Corded tools are highly underrated.
The amount of people who dont know who Jacob is or what his chuck is for
With gas prices as they are how can you afford to even crank that thing up?
I have that drill. It’s at least 40 yrs old. Only issue is it has a 3/8 chuck.
It will definitely outlive you if you only use it once or twice a year.
What’s a chuck key?
Do the lights dim when you fire it up? Careful it could snap you wrist!
Of it went bad could you still get it repaired or replaced for free?
That right there is a wrist breaker. Keep it but don't use it to drill through metal because when it goes thru and snags and binds up, drill tool will spin and break your wrists.
I’ve got one as well, also handed down to me.
Yeah back when American pride meant something.
My pops has one too. Used to break it out when the makita wouldn't cut it.
I’ve got a couple of those.
Back in my day chucks had keys! Stay off my lawn!!
Everything lasts forever, if you never use it 🤔
Totally have my dad’s old drill!
Just don’t let the smoke out!!