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Debating a Hammer Drill

3.6K views 16 replies 10 participants last post by  jomama45  
#1 ·
I have an old Milwaukee 18 voThere are only a couple of people that I'd loan tools to. lt hammer drill. Its finally time for a new one. I want to spend about 100 bucks. I like milwaukee and makita. Would you go cordless or corded? I have a 18 volt makita litium drill i love, but I want something with a little more power, and a hammer function.
 
#3 ·
epson makes a good point as the corded versions are much more heavy duty than the cordless unless you don't have a source of AC where you are working. Then the current models of Lipo hammer drills -1/2", 12VDC- by Milwaukee or Ridgid would be my best guess. Two charged batteries should get you through nearly a full day and if you get the DC vehicle charging cord you can match the corded ones hole for hole.
 
#4 ·
Bought a DeWalt corded hammer drill about 2 months ago after my harbor freight starter gave up (didn't take long). It was about $100 from HD. I remember going back and forth between that and a Milwaukee, don't remember exactly why I chose the DeWalt, but I love it!

For hammer drill, definitely corded.
 
#5 ·
Why would anyone want to debate a hammer-drill?:)

The things are really droll and have no personality, they talk back continuously.

Now on the other hand a radial arm saw is a totally different animal. Radial arm saws come already educated and they are easy to talk to. I would much rather debate a radial arm saw any day.:)
 
#6 ·
#7 ·
How much masonry work are you planning on doing? The rotary hammer might be an overkill. You will def. like the rotary hammer better if you have thick concrete (like foundation walls) that you need to drill large holes into. For most uses, like putting tap-cons into a concrete floor/wall, the smaller hammer drill would be adequate.
 
#17 ·
We have a few of the SDS plus rotary hammers similar to what you posted. For a DIY'er, they may seem overkill, but they'll probably last the better part of a lifetime. Don't be scared of SDS bits, they don't cost much more at all and are far higher quality. I'm absolutely positive we have gotten 500-1000+ holes out of some of the SDS bits. They're just a far superior bit in construction. The combination will also drill much faster than any hammer drill/smooth shank bit. You can drill the small (5/32") Tapcons with that roto hammer as well if its variable speed. You just can't push he drill too hard. 3/16" and up is wide-open and the fastest way to drill small holes. If you have alot of concrete & masonry drilling to do in the future (and need to buy a grinder anyways) I actually think the SDS is a better value.

If you really want to spend some money, look into cordless SDS.............. :whistling2: