What is Svopes? Hadn’t Heard Of Them…Til Today

[Rodango]

Hi all, was looking at SDS Max or Plus cordless/brushless hammer drills*, trying for a deal on Dewalt or Bosch, maybe even Makita as I am set with batteries and chargers for these three systems (have a couple of Milwaukee batts, but only 2.)

In searching I ran across ’Svopes’ brand, primarily at HD and Lowes. Honestly, Svopes looks like a typo, but there are enough entries so that it looks like a thing. My brief impression is that they competing at the middle and lower end, maybe with a unique offering in, for instance, this category: an extended shaft core-drill.

So who is Svopes? Are they Finnish or a Chinese brand? A rebrand (**cough** Vvr) or a manufacturer? Anyone have experience with their tools, longevity, quality, warranty?

* also asking about cordless/brushless, vibration isolating, SDSMax or + hammer/drill suggestions: looking for as much capability as possible ~≦$230

 

[cgrutt]

Never heard of them but appears to be Chinese.

https://www.trademarkia.com/svopes-90320477

 

[Sal Bandini]

Reconditioned Bosch for the win!

Only 1 left.

Factory Reconditioned Bosch 18V EC Brushless Lithium-Ion SDS-Plus Bulldog 1 in. Cordless Rotary Hammer Kit (4 Ah)

Factory Reconditioned Bosch 18V EC Brushless Lithium-Ion SDS-Plus Bulldog 1 in. Cordless Rotary Hammer Kit (4 Ah)

www.cpooutlets.com

 

[Sal Bandini]

Didn't notice you already had the batteries. Here's a tool only version.

Again, only 1 in stock

Factory Reconditioned Bosch 18V Brushless Lithium-Ion SDS-plus 3/4 in. Cordless Rotary Hammer (Tool Only)

Factory Reconditioned Bosch 18V Brushless Lithium-Ion SDS-plus 3/4 in. Cordless Rotary Hammer (Tool Only)

www.cpooutlets.com

 

[driftpin]

I bought an SDS-MAX from HFT, it paid for itself in one usage. It's still going strong, and I recommend the accessory bits, one set is drills, the other is different configurations of heads, narrow chisel, wide chisel, and conical point. I bought it on-sale, it was < $90. This was years ago.

Need a burke bar... Which one?

Edit... Bought a few gutster bars... Working great It's time to get a burke bar. First job is ripping up a kitchen floor with two layers of linoleum and a layer of plywood above the original subfloor. I'm tall and want to use this while standing, so 56", but there are three different ends...

www.garagejournal.com

It's a demo hammer-drill, switching between stationary impact hammer and a hammer-drill. One of my best HFT purchases, ever. I also have a HFT Vulcan Omni-Pro 220 multi-process welder which has served me well. MIG, TIG, stick, and flux-core it does. I have a TIG torch and a MIG gun.

 

[Sal Bandini]

I bought an SDS-MAX from HFT, ...

How long do the batteries last?

 

[driftpin]

How long do the batteries last?

Can you say, "In perpetuity?"

I knew you could!

Yes, I know the OP was talking about cordless. Options for the operational form-factor may cause someone to consider otherwise.

When the Big Red Tools brand wants over $1,000 (tax included) for the M18 Fuel, two batteries and a charger at your friendly Home Depot, a corded tool selling for 1/10 of that might influence someone's purchase, especially if it's a 'once-in-awhile' usage tool, compared to the cordless gee-whiz battery-operated tool.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-M18-FUEL-18V-Lithium-Ion-Brushless-Cordless-1-9-16-in-SDS-Max-Rotary-Hammer-Kit-w-Two-8-0Ah-Batteries-Hard-Case-2717-22HD/300184980

 

[woody 73]

oops my bad, I thought he was asking about the famous scopes trial, of 25.

Scopes trial - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[Rodango]

Yes, I know the OP was talking about cordless. Options for the operational form-factor may cause someone to consider otherwise.

When the Big Red Tools brand wants over $1,000 (tax included) for the M18 Fuel, two batteries and a charger at your friendly Home Depot, a corded tool selling for 1/10 of that might influence someone's purchase, especially if it's a 'once-in-awhile' usage tool, compared to the cordless gee-whiz battery-operated tool.

Thanks for the reasoning. I’m pretty invested in cordless now — once you hit critical mass with battery packs then everyday tools are sufficient for everyday tasks, and cordless bare tools are usually that, beyond which there’s rentals.

I see you like big red. I’ve written about the lockin schemes before; I’m locked in to the yellow. Probably just how I started, but tool for tool I think there’s some savings there — TCO for yellow is typically lower than for red, but despite successful marketing strategies, the tools are not necessarily better, just often more expensive (torque test channel, for instance.). If you watch a repair expert (Dean Doherty [name?]) you’ll walk away wondering, especially how a broken electronic trigger switch can kill an entire tool (more common on mid to higher end red, can happen on yellow, much less common because parts are available and not too expensive on Makita.)

Recently began breaking some locks, tried some generic (gasp!) batteries, added a few other single or pairs of tools (by other brands), and batteries (min of 2@generics), and chargers (also generic.). So far it has been a good and also inexpensive experiment. But I tend to look at measures of success in years, tho how many of those do we have to play with: the time is now.

Back on topic, what is Svopes? I bought a Bosch 5” bandsaw < $200, just couldn’t resist, so I’m gathering info on the SDS +/MAX drills right now. I was sorely tempted to go for a red model of 5” metal cutting bandsaw, but they suffered from two faults that kept me at bay, while it’s nice that there are a lot of models to choose from, getting 5” depth of cut would be well over $300, (same for yellow in this case.) 2, there’s a lot of ‘model dilution’ for these saws, there were a number of different model # saws with nearly the same exact features I could hardly tell apart, and combine that with ‘channel sag*’ — earlier models at inflated prices because the product didn’t sell before the new ones arrived with slightly or vastly different model #’s, renamed features, etc, it takes a phd in red to figure it out. I balked, instead at the price, and one other thing: pain in the a** it may be, but neither of the two main colors has a blade guard on their 5” models. I like my fingers.

* I understand why this happens: it’s largely because people accept what’s in front of them, listen to what they’re told; and the vendor supplying the stock at the big box has old inventory carried forward into a new product era at the old pricing model

 

[Sal Bandini]

Can you say, "In perpetuity?"

I knew you could!

Yes, I know the OP was talking about cordless. Options for the operational form-factor may cause someone to consider otherwise.

When the Big Red Tools brand wants over $1,000 (tax included) for the M18 Fuel, two batteries and a charger at your friendly Home Depot, a corded tool selling for 1/10 of that might influence someone's purchase, especially if it's a 'once-in-awhile' usage tool, compared to the cordless gee-whiz battery-operated tool.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-M18-FUEL-18V-Lithium-Ion-Brushless-Cordless-1-9-16-in-SDS-Max-Rotary-Hammer-Kit-w-Two-8-0Ah-Batteries-Hard-Case-2717-22HD/300184980

It was a trick question. Of course there is no battery so in perpetuity is the wrong answer.

Nice to pick one of the most expensive and largest size drill, too. And with 2 8Ah batteries! If you noticed, OP said he had batteries already, was looking for possible hammer/drill as an option, < $230, so that would mean NOT anything remotely close to the HD kit. I gave him suggestions that fit the requirements. You told a nice anecdotal story that didn't meet them. I'm not too surprised, though, since that's how 90% of GJ threads go.

 

[driftpin]

OK I surrender! Peace-out.

I have several bandsaws, including a Delta floor-standing gearbox model for metal and wood. A new HFT Bauer portable bandsaw, and a HFT Hercules on a vertical/horizontal bracket, presently used in the vertical plane. All are corded 120V. I also have a Craftsman wood bandsaw, a floor-standing cabinet.

I have more Milwaukee than Bosch or Dewalt (I have all three), and they're all corded. My cordless tools are Craftsman 19.2V and I have many: 2 reciprocating saws, a side grinder, a 6-1/2" sidewinder saw, a 1/2" impact tool, a 1/4" impact tool using male hex shafts; multiple drills up to 1/2", a couple of trouble lights, one is fluorescent, one is filament; and probably something else I forget. These are homeowner-grade cordless but they do OK for me. At whatever point they wear-out, I'll make the jump to either Yellow, but probably Red.

 

[T444e]

Hi all, was looking at SDS Max or Plus cordless/brushless hammer drills*, trying for a deal on Dewalt or Bosch, maybe even Makita as I am set with batteries and chargers for these three systems (have a couple of Milwaukee batts, but only 2.)

In searching I ran across ’Svopes’ brand, primarily at HD and Lowes. Honestly, Svopes looks like a typo, but there are enough entries so that it looks like a thing. My brief impression is that they competing at the middle and lower end, maybe with a unique offering in, for instance, this category: an extended shaft core-drill.

So who is Svopes? Are they Finnish or a Chinese brand? A rebrand (**cough** Vvr) or a manufacturer? Anyone have experience with their tools, longevity, quality, warranty?

* also asking about cordless/brushless, vibration isolating, SDSMax or + hammer/drill suggestions: looking for as much capability as possible ~≦$230

Never heard of Svopes. It sounds like you're looking at rotary hammers, not hammer drill. I'd get a name brand corded rotary hammer over a no name, even used name should be better. I believe SDS+ is common upto an 1-1/4 anything larger is SDS Max which is a larger hammer. I wouldn't anticipate much at the $230 price point. I have a Milwaukee (largest at the time I bought it) M18 SDS+ and have no complaints. I also scrapped a Bosh spline drive (SDS Max equivalent, more or less) worn out (very well used before I aquired it), haven't had a reason to replace it. But I don't currently have the capability to run core bits. I would rent an SDS Max hammer over purchasing if only needed for the occasional core.

 

[Rodango]

Never heard of Svopes. It sounds like you're looking at rotary hammers, not hammer drill. I'd get a name brand corded rotary hammer over a no name, even used name should be better. I believe SDS+ is common upto an 1-1/4 anything larger is SDS Max which is a larger hammer. I wouldn't anticipate much at the $230 price point. I have a Milwaukee (largest at the time I bought it) M18 SDS+ and have no complaints. I also scrapped a Bosh spline drive (SDS Max equivalent, more or less) worn out (very well used before I aquired it), haven't had a reason to replace it. But I don't currently have the capability to run core bits. I would rent an SDS Max hammer over purchasing if only needed for the occasional core.

Ran into Svopes @ Lowes, thought it was unique, but then it was returned by a similar search @ HD. I’m guessing it’s a Ch brand.

I recently bought an electric, corded jackhammer for < $150, guess the brand? Hint: lots of v’s in the name. If it chisels out some granite under a sidewalk I’ll consider it paid for. Real ones rent for more than that! I drill enough brick and block to warrant what I now see as an SDS+ drill/hammer tool. I’d like for it to have all three functions, hammer, drll and hammer+drill separately available. And really love the potentials offered by cordless tools, I’m fully invested in the concept.

Aside from brand loyalties, batteries already owned, etc, it looks like one good way to step through the maze off different cordless SDS+ tools (I call them drills, but whatevva) is ft•lbs delivered. An order of magnitude between 1.4 and 2.6, IIRC the numbers correctly. If every beat of the many bps delivers that amount of theoretical impact, minus friction, losses from holding the tool, humidity, Tuesday, etc, that’s a big difference in the work potential, and it turns out, in the price.

 

[tarbellb]

If you were wondering if Svopes is a Chinese rebrand vs dedicated hardline tool maker
I present This Svopes item sold through Lowes







I can tell you were I would place my bet.

Sounds like you have 3 big name tool battery platforms already,
just shop around and buy the first deal you find on them?

 

[JradM]

There are a whole slew of Chinese power tools that use Dewalt, Milwaukee, Bosch... etc., batteries. If you're considering a tool of that tier, why not also stick with your preferred battery platform?



I only bring it up because I bought and SDS-Plus drill "for Dewalt" myself recently. I owned a hammer drill for a decade without ever using the hammer function. A few months ago my garage burned down with that drill inside - and two weeks ago I needed to drill some small holes in concrete. Figures.

Anyway, because I know I may go another decade without needing to do that again, I didn't want to spend much. But I also wasn't going to be near an electrical outlet for these holes (or I might have just bought the $25 corded hammer drill from Walmart). This felt like a reasonable solution.

I would NOT do that if you plan to use this tool regularly or for work.

 

[tarbellb]

How would you rate the performance of your generic Dewalt powered SDS?????

 

[Rodango]

How would you rate the performance of your generic Dewalt powered SDS?????

I was wondering that too. Just looked it up, well it looks identical, on amzn: $53. Gotta wonder if it’s a decent tool and whether it will hold up for very long.

 

[JradM]

How would you rate the performance of your generic Dewalt powered SDS?????

It totally works. I don't know if it's completing with the 2.5X more expensive Dewalt, but it put holes in the concrete.

I gave it a careful look-over when I bought it - I would not consider it Dewalt-class build-quality. It's probably closer to Ryobi (I know Ryobi now has "HP" tools that are quite good, and some examples are surprising, but I mean the Ryobi-quality you find in the gift-center section).

The rubber over-molding had some leftover flashing, the plastic case feels a bit more plasticky to me (what's the genuine article - probably FRN? This feels more like PVC to my fingers), the side handle feels cheap (but functions adequately) and the chuck was a bit finnicky to insert the bits (not bad, but it behaved like the tolerances were tight). Nevertheless, it works and I'm not unhappy with my purchase. If current me was advising two-weeks-ago-me about whether to order that tool from Amazon, I'd still say to buy it. I was never going to spend the money on the real-deal.

 

[Rodango]

Thanks for the report! Good to know what the yuan gets one these days
And that’s what I’d expect. Dewalt mostly competes at the top, and while sometimes it’s a better value, well, often vs the red, it’s up there pricewise. I only buy on sale or find deals. Lately I’ve switched brands to get better value, yep, got some Bosch in the house - their broken marketing can lead to some good deals, but it means batteries (generic) and charger (generic) too. Same with Makita, but I did get the classic (corded) grinder GA7021, and at least one ‘for Makita’ cordless tool, a really nice impact gun

 

[dutchgray]

I own two cordless Makita SDS drills.
One Is the smallest and lightest they do in 18v and the other is the big twin battery one they have been making for years, both excellent tools in their own way.