Milwaukee 1680-20 Super Hawg Drill Review Heavy Duty Power and Comfort Tested

Description

Robust Design and Build Quality

Using the Milwaukee 1680-20 Super Hawg 13 Amp 1/2-Inch Joist and Stud Drill, I immediately noticed its solid metal construction and hefty 14.7-pound weight, which screams durability. This isn’t a lightweight drill for casual tasks; it’s built for serious, heavy-duty wood framing jobs. The all-metal ratcheting keyless chuck impressed me with its firm grip on bits, reducing slippage during intense drilling. The red metal body, classic to Milwaukee, feels rugged and reliable in hand. The soft grip Roto-Lok handle, which rotates 90 degrees left or right and has three adjustable positions, adds a surprising amount of comfort considering the tool’s weight. This design feature really shines when working in tight, awkward spaces, which I encountered often on job sites.

Powerful Performance with Versatile Speeds

Powered by a 13 amp motor delivering up to 1750 RPM, this drill packs enough punch to bore through wood frame construction effortlessly. I appreciated the two-speed settings—a high gear for fast drilling and a low gear featuring a clutch for torque control. The clutch in low gear is a handy feature, preventing bit stalls and kickbacks during stubborn drilling tasks. Even when drilling large 1.5-inch holes in hardwood joists, the drill maintained consistent power without bogging down. The easy-turn gear shift knob made switching between speeds fluid and reliable, which is a relief when switching from delicate to heavy drilling tasks.

Comfortable Handling and Ergonomics

This heavy drill could have been exhausting to operate, but the soft grip handle design and the Roto-Lok handle’s three-position adjustment helped me maintain control and reduce fatigue. I found the ability to rotate the side handle 90 degrees left or right invaluable, especially when drilling at odd angles or in confined spots. The tool’s weight is a factor, though; it demands upper body strength for extended use. My coworker, who has smaller hands, found the grips comfortable but noted that the weight made long sessions feel tiring. The added side handle included in the package provided extra stability during more demanding operations.

Key Benefits of Using This Drill

• Robust 13 amp motor for heavy-duty wood drilling
• Dual-speed settings with clutch control for versatility
• Durable all-metal chuck ensuring superior bit retention
• Ergonomic Roto-Lok handle with three positions for comfort
• Soft grip design reducing hand fatigue during prolonged use

Areas for Improvement

• Weighing in at nearly 15 pounds, this drill can be cumbersome for continuous overhead work or for users with less upper body strength.
• The corded design limits mobility compared to cordless models, requiring access to power outlets on site.
• Despite the powerful motor, the drill lacks modern electronic features such as variable speed triggers or built-in LED lights for low-light conditions.
• The high RPM setting may cause bit overheating if not carefully managed during sustained drilling.

Product Comparisons with Industry Rivals

Comparing this drill to similar right-angle models like the DeWalt DWD520K and the Bosch GWB13RE, the Super Hawg stands out with its higher amperage motor and metal chuck, offering tougher drilling capabilities. The DeWalt’s lighter weight and cordless options provide more portability but less raw power for joist and stud applications. Bosch’s model offers variable speed triggers and a compact design but lacks Milwaukee’s clutch for torque control. The Milwaukee drill excels in power and durability, making it ideal for professional framing and construction, whereas competitors target users needing lighter, more versatile tools for general-purpose drilling.

Value Proposition and Price Worthiness

Considering its heavy-duty features and robust build, this drill offers strong value for professionals who regularly tackle demanding wood drilling tasks. Its durability and power justify its investment, especially when safety and consistent performance are priorities. While some users might prefer lighter or cordless alternatives for convenience, the price to quality ratio holds firm for those needing a reliable corded drill that won’t quit on tough jobs. The included side handle, chuck key, and holder add to the overall package, making it a complete tool right out of the box.

Practical Use and Real-World Experience

A memorable moment with this drill involved my brother, who’s a carpenter, using it to bore multiple holes through thick joists on a remodel project. Despite the drill’s weight, he praised its steady torque and appreciated how the Roto-Lok handle allowed comfortable positioning even in cramped basement areas. My kids were curious about the noise and power but stayed safely away thanks to the side handle’s firm grip. Personally, I found the clutch feature a saving grace, especially for avoiding stripped screw heads and bit slips during precision work. The sturdy build means it’s more of an investment tool than a casual DIY machine, but that’s exactly what it’s designed for.

This tool is not for everyone, but for those in wood frame construction or heavy-duty drilling, it offers a balance of power, control, and ergonomic customization that’s hard to beat. Its limitations are mostly related to weight and cord dependency, which users must weigh against the performance gains. Overall, it’s a reliable, tough drill that performs exactly as you’d expect from a Milwaukee product.