[C320-list] Using right angle drill for halyards

[Charles Mueller via C320-list]

Is anyone using a Milwaukee right angle drill and adaptor for raising the main halyard? I'm thinking about investing, but wanted to see if anyone else had tried this.
Chuck Mueller
#676
Northwind 2000 C320
Holland, MI

[David Crosby via C320-list]

I have one. Works great. I make a point of recharging the battery after each outing.

Note, I have in boom furling, so instead of slides, I have a continuous bolt rope. With slides, I would recommend going slowly in the event a slide catches. You could probably tear things up quickly.

David Crosby
#006
Alizé
Carlyle Lake, IL

[Gary Magnuson via C320-list]

After my shoulder surgery, I bought one with the adapter and it has been
great. There is so much torque that you have to be careful. I sail on lake
superior and the boat is on the hard Oct til May, so I remove my wind
indicator from the mast top. That means nast trips, fall and spring. The
beast hauls my 230lbs with no problem. I also have the ATEN mast climber,
but the drill rig is a lot less effort.

Gar Magnuson
Time A Weigh # 205
Bayfield, Wisconsin

[Bill Allen via C320-list]

Do you have a model number on the drill and from where do you get the adapter?

Bill Allen
Pegasus #536 (1998)
Grand Rapids, MI
(Home port is Northport, MI)
Sent from my iPhone

> On Dec 16, 2025, at 9:14 AM, Gary Magnuson via C320-list <c320...@lists.catalina320.com> wrote:
>
> After my shoulder surgery, I bought one with the adapter and it has been

[Tong Yi via C320-list]

Hello all. To add my 2cents to the convo. bought a bit on Amazon in
preparation to buy the drill. The bit size is half inch not the normal
household drill size. I assume the Milwaukee you ate referencing is half
inch with ample power.

Tony G.
Teachers pet #787

[Charles Mueller via C320-list]

I'm looking at the Milwaukee model 2807-20. I've already ordered the Ebrmeiwo 7431 adaptor on Amazon, which was only $14. I appreciate the comments, before I take a really big leap.

Chuck Mueller
Northwind #676
Hollland, MI
________________________________
From: C320-list <c320-lis...@lists.catalina320.com> on behalf of Bill Allen via C320-list <c320...@lists.catalina320.com>
Sent: Tuesday, December 16, 2025 9:38 AM
To: C320...@catalina320.com <C320...@catalina320.com>
Cc: Bill Allen <BA1...@comcast.net>; c320...@lists.catalina320.com <c320...@lists.catalina320.com>; C320...@catalina320.com <C320...@catalina320.com>
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Using right angle drill for halyards

[Gary Magnuson via C320-list]

The Milwaukee catalog number for the right angle drill is 0721-20. I tried
to buy from my local electrical supply house that deals in Milwaukee
equipment. They disputed that Milwaukee didn't make a 28volt model. They
were surprised when I later brought it in for show and tell. The adapter
for the winch is half inch, with a triangular shaft, so it will not slip in
the chuck. To store, I made a holder from a piece of split plastic pipe
that snaps on to the drill, mounted to a 1/2 inch pice of teak, with a
heavy velcro back, attached to the port side cabin top. To minimize any
impact damage to my fiberglass, I cut a sleeve from an old wetsuit to cover
the front drill section. I am 500 miles from the boat, so pictures are not
an option till spring. Hope this helps.
Gary Magnuson
Time A Weigh #205
Bayfield, Wi.

[Ferris Wills via C320-list]

Hi,

I bought and use a Dewalt 20v Brushless Atomic for $100 and it works very well. I use it in “low” speed and it cranks the main up with no issue. Never a lack of power and it can raise sail dozens of times before needing a recharge (3ah batt). It accommodates the 1/2” bit that drives the winch. I can also use it as a drill as needed.

Only problem I have is it’s awkward to see if the battens are clear of the lazy jacks from under the dodger. But that’s an issue if I raise sail with the handle too 😂

This has worked very well for me over the last three years.

Happy holidays,
Ferris (Argo, #505)

Typos by iPhone

> On Dec 16, 2025, at 7:49 AM, Gary Magnuson via C320-list <c320...@lists.catalina320.com> wrote:
>
> The Milwaukee catalog number for the right angle drill is 0721-20. I tried

[Dan Petticord via C320-list]

Harbor Freight makes a Hercules 1/2in 20v right angle drill. It is about
90 bucks. A buddy at our marina with an O'Day 34 uses one on his halyards,
and I have been contemplating one over the cold winter. I have a
collection of Hercules cordless stuff on the boat (drill, multitool, wet
dry vac, floodlight) and they work great. Not as good as my Milwaukee
stuff at home, but much less painful if one goes over the side.

--
Dan Petticord

[Bill Allen via C320-list]

That Milwaukee looks like it probably has a lot more power than your average right angle drill. A friend/professional rigger tried a lesser version (DeWalt I believe) and it didn’t have enough power to take him (or, anyone) up the mast. He ended up getting something that was designed to do that which also had a remote control do that he could do it himself.

The more standard units are probably fine (as others have attested) for halyards.

Thanks to all of you!

Bill Allen
Pegasus #536 (1998)

Grand Rapids/Northport, MI

Sent from my iPhone

> On Dec 16, 2025, at 10:49 AM, Gary Magnuson via C320-list <c320...@lists.catalina320.com> wrote:
>
> The Milwaukee catalog number for the right angle drill is 0721-20. I tried

[Gary Magnuson via C320-list]

Yes, this unit cost $499.00 in 2017 as I recall. It has the 28 volt battery
pack.