rotary hammer drill or standard hammer

spark plug

There's no consensus. That's spark plug's opinion. There are a lot of exceptions. for example, if someone is holding the ladder. But if someone is working alone, I'd certainly be hesitant of using an electric rotary Hammer.!

xxPaulCPxx

Here ya go:
Bosch SDS drill style at $199

It's got all the features you will ever need in this type of tool.

PaliBob

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.

For your application I would probably use a relatively compact Hammer Drill with a 'D' handle for more control, similar to the previously recommended Bosch Bulldog
http://www.toolking.com/bosch-11224v...-reconditioned

"Spade" accessories are not used for drilling, but only for digging using the "Hammer only" mode.

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xxPaulCPxx

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.

PaliBob

SDS-Plus Spade Chisels are available, as are SDS-Plus wood chisels. I have both types.

For digging however the Digging Spades are only available in the larger shank SDS-Max sizes. These are in the 4-1/2" range.


http://www.amazon.com/Bosch-Steel-Clay-Spade-HS1922/dp/B0009H5PBS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1273222362&sr=1-1
.

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gramps416

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?

Shrute

I've used the Bulldog to chip around protrusions I had to make thru block walls, came in handy.

Leah Frances

DH is looking at rotary hammer drills tonight for me. Thanks for the useful info.

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mlt139

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.

midwestcoast

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).

Rotary hammers are fun. Just did 1 1/2" holes last week through up to 13" of concrete with one of these beasts : http://www.amazon.com/Bosch-11245EVS.../dp/B00004SUPS
At 25 lbs I was very glad the holes were in the floor