I am interested in buying a new corded hammer drill, as I have a few signs and awnings to install this year. My old hammer drill is underpowered.
I will be drilling mostly 5/8" holes.
To drill those holes in brick, I will have to use the tool on a step ladder
So here is the problem, I wanted to invest in a decent rotary hammer, but have never used one before. Is it safe to use on a ladder???
My gut is telling me that it is probably not safe, and better off just replacing my old unit with a standard hammer. I am interested to hear some thoughts from people who have used rotaries before.
I would be inclined to go with the rotary (Hammer/Drill) Since there are less vibrations than the Hammer only. But, it truly depends on the individual and physical strength. One thing is certain. Your footing (Especially on a ladder) must be steady and sturdy. For the most part (or never) the hammering tool should not be held over the head. The best control in terms of grip and power, is when it's facing your chest.:thumbsup:!
I'd actually suggest a SDS+ rotary hammer, especially for 5/8" holes. All of the roto's that i've owned in the last decade have had clutches to keep them from overpoweing an individuall. A plain old hammer drill with a 5/8" bit will have it's hands full.
I've got a Bosch Bulldog, and it is great. Very easy to control, it's similar to an impact driver in that it delivers a superior function while reducing torque feedback. Very often I can drill a vertical hole one handed. You will know it's SDS because it will say SDS!
Yes. Where tools are concerned there's no compromising on quality. Unfortunately, some brands that are out there (Thankfully, only very few.) are of inferior quality. Paying a few dollars more at the outset will pay dividends in terms of productivity and safety.:thumbsup:!
I wold have no reservation about using a 1" rated & under roto hammer on a sale ladder. It is somewhat subjective though, as I assume I'm much younger (& more than likely naive) than you are. We go through at least one or two of these tools a year also, as we use them everyday, so I'm sure I'm far more comfortable with it.
If you decide ot go with a hammerdrill, I would reccommend at least buy a quality SDS+ bit for the 5/8" holes you're drilling. Standard shank bits tend to be garbage nowadays, and can be junk in no time due to the faster RPM's put out by the hammerdrills.
Kidding, a hammerdrill is more of a "jack of all trades, master of none" kind of tool IMO. They spin faster, provide less percussion force, and have a standard style chuck.
A rotary hammer is a concrete specific drill only. They have either an SDS+, SDS, or spline shank chuck that requires special, but superior, bits.
They spin far slower than hammerdrills, but hammer/pound much harder.
The other advantage is that most of them have a feature to turn off the rotation, so you can intall a chisel bit to perform chipping work.
The choice of a safe type of drill to use on a ladder depends a lot on you. Some of the larger SDS drills are quite heavy and require constant two handed operation. On the other hand a rotary hammer will do the work without you really having to lean on it.
Based on the posters requirements, the $79 reconditioned one might be best, though I'd rather have one that does hammer only for spade bit and pulling up tile.
it didn't occur to me that there are other uses for a 3rd mode (hammer only) such as pulling up tile. I may consider upgrading to the bulldog if the hammer only mode is useful. Is it a lot faster or easier to break up ceramic tile than a cold chisel? Are there other uses?
You don't need a rotary hammer to drill into brick. Pick up an impact driver, it's compact, safe to use on a ladder, and perfectly suited to drill into brick. Rotary hammers are primarily used to drill into hard concrete.
The "impact" on impact drivers is in the direction of rotation. There isn't a hammering action.
I do agree that you don't need a rotary hammer to drill into brick. I've drilled plenty into my brick with a corded hammer drill. Just need good bits & swap them when dulled. That said 5/8" to me is getting on the large side & if I had lots to do I would be looking to borrow or buy a SMALL rotary hammer (with a chisel only function for future uses).
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