Corded Hammer Drill Recommendations

[NUTTSGT]

Well I did something I generally don't do, let somebody borrow a power tool. When the neighbor returned my hammer drill it didn't work. He tried to replace it with a new one but I told him not to worry about it. Why? Now he has one and won't need to borrow one again.


My current non-working is a 10 year old Cman, 1/2" drive hammer drill, probably 6 amp. I'm going to take it apart and see if it's the trigger as it doesn't smell burned up. If I do buy another I'm leaning towards a Dewalt DW511.


Anybody got any suggestions or recommendations ? I know you guys do, let's hear them.

 

[Jd34]

I really like my Milwaukee hammer drill

This might help:

 

[kramarj]

I think this is the one we have(or very similar)- http://www.boschtools.com/Products/Tools/Pages/BoschProductDetail.aspx?pid=11253VSR#benefits

We have had it for quite a few years now. I would go buy another one if it messed up and wouldn't even think about it. We don't use it everyday, but it has had it's fair share of use and still works great.

 

[nickelTwin]

I have had or still have Craftsman, pro grade Black and Decker, Hitachi, Milwaukee and Bosch hammer drills. I like the bosch the best and the Hitachi second.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I think this is the one we have(or very similar)- http://www.boschtools.com/Products/Tools/Pages/BoschProductDetail.aspx?pid=11253VSR#benefits

We have had it for quite a few years now. I would go buy another one if it messed up and wouldn't even think about it. We don't use it everyday, but it has had it's fair share of use and still works great.

I currently have access to a SDS type hammer drill. I'm needing something with a regular style chuck.

 

[LB-1911]

Well I did something I generally don't do, let somebody borrow a power tool. When the neighbor returned my hammer drill it didn't work. He tried to replace it with a new one but I told him not to worry about it. Why? Now he has one and won't need to borrow one again.


My current non-working is a 10 year old Cman, 1/2" drive hammer drill, probably 6 amp. I'm going to take it apart and see if it's the trigger as it doesn't smell burned up. If I do buy another I'm leaning towards a Dewalt DW511.


Anybody got any suggestions or recommendations ? I know you guys do, let's hear them.

I currently have access to a SDS type hammer drill. I'm needing something with a regular style chuck.

I would take a hard look at this one -

Bosch® 1/2" 2-Speed Hammer Drill
Model Number: HD19-2

8.5-amp motor
0-1,000 10-3,000 RPM
0-17,000 10-51,000 BPM

Package Contents: Hammer Drill, 360° Auxiliary Handle, Chuck Key, Depth Gauge, Carrying Case

http://www.menards.com/main/tools-h.../bosch-1-2-2-speed-hammer-drill/p-1629694.htm

Good Luck in your quest.

 

[stg454]

Bosch Bulldog

 

[kctyphoon]

something worth considering - if you think you could have use for it, you can take the opportunity to go with an SDS style chuck, and choose a model like bosch that has a lock out function for the drill, so it can also be used a chipping gun or scraper too.. just something worth thinking about if your budget allows..

if you dont think youll need that (cause not all sds drill offer rotation lock out), any premium brand will do fine. my ulility compnay uses dewalt and hilit mostly. just buy what you like.

 

[acer66]

I currently have access to a SDS type hammer drill. I'm needing something with a regular style chuck.

What about an adaptor instead?
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Bosch-1-...-Metal-SDS-Adapter-Chuck-1618571014/100149879

I use that for wood bits sometimes or the odd non sds masonry bit.

something worth considering - if you think you could have use for it, you can take the opportunity to go with an SDS style chuck, and choose a model like bosch that has a lock out function for the drill, so it can also be used a chipping gun or scraper too.. just something worth thinking about if your budget allows.

Very good point, mine has that function and I use that quite often.

 

[zkling]

Hopefully it is just the switch or cord. Sometimes if people use the cord as a leash to hard it will just pull a connection out of the switch.

That dewalt is fine. Friend of mine has one for occasional homeowner use. You will get more features and possibly life out of a Milwaukee or Bosch, but how often are you going to be using this?

I somewhat agree with the the compact SDS and drill chuck recommendation. Although it can be a bit cumbersome over all length wise, and more difficult to use single handed.

If you have a good compact SDS with a adequate selection of bits it would be a toss up between a chuck adapter or a replacement basic hammer drill. Depending on your anticipated uses.

 

[NUTTSGT]

something worth considering - if you think you could have use for it, you can take the opportunity to go with an SDS style chuck, and choose a model like bosch that has a lock out function for the drill, so it can also be used a chipping gun or scraper too.. just something worth thinking about if your budget allows..

if you dont think youll need that (cause not all sds drill offer rotation lock out), any premium brand will do fine. my ulility compnay uses dewalt and hilit mostly. just buy what you like.

I guess I should correct myself. The one I currently have, on permanent loan, is a Milwaukee rotary hammer. It's not really a hammer drill and it does have the lock out feature. I've used it for a fair amount of concrete work also.


I will check the Bosch linked above.

 

[KnurledNut]

I have never been disappointed with Milwaukee's hammer drills.
For your needs, I would consider the 5387-20 8.5A.

My go to when i need corded is a Milwaukee sds+ with homemade chuck adapter.

 

[zkling]

Example of what I was talking about. I find it next to impossible to single hand the SDS with adapter.

I have never been disappointed with Milwaukee's hammer drills.
For your needs, I would consider the 5387-20 8.5A.

My go to when i need corded is a Milwaukee sds+ with homemade chuck adapter.

Details please.

 

[kctyphoon]

ya know - one more thing probably worth asking, cause i dont remember seeing it on here, is exactly what your gonna use it for, or expect to use it for.. if its just for 3/16 or 1/4 holes for some plastic anchors or something silimlar - then a small pistol grip like you posted is fine.. anything bigger then its worth at least thinking about a larger model..

personally im not fond of adapters.. most times they are too big, too long, and can introduce some wobble into whatever ive tried - altough i have not tried an sds to 1/2" chuck adapter.. i think the milwaukee one is like $50 - so its almost the same price as the drill you posted - and total overkill for small holes in my opionion.. i know the advice here can go overboard really quick - so youre probably gonna be the best judge of what you need, or just want...

 

[NUTTSGT]

Good News I took it apart and checked it out. The verdict is the switch is bad. The guilty party.





Now for the bad news, the switch is no longer available.



In true GJ fashion, life+lemons= new tool.

 

[NUTTSGT]

ya know - one more thing probably worth asking, cause i dont remember seeing it on here, is exactly what your gonna use it for, or expect to use it for.. if its just for 3/16 or 1/4 holes for some plastic anchors or something silimlar - then a small pistol grip like you posted is fine.. anything bigger then its worth at least thinking about a larger model..

For small items like 3/16 or 1/4 holes for tapcons, I reach for my Dewalt 18V hammer drill. When it's a larger project (holes for 1/2 rebar) or more than a few holes, I would grab my 1/2" drive corded Cman.

 

[LB-1911]

Now for the bad news, the switch is no longer available.

Might be able to source a switch at

Eurton Electric
http://store.eurtonelectric.com/powertoolswitches.aspx

or

Allied Electronics
https://www.alliedelec.com/customerservice/customerservice.aspx


http://www.ereplacementparts.com/craftsman-hammer-drill-parts-c-158286_159102.html


Then you'll have a "spare".

 

[GirchyGirchy]

I have a DeWalt DW511 and it's a good drill, plenty of power and works great in concrete, brick, etc. I didn't like the keyed chuck however so I replaced it with a Rohm keyless.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Might be able to source a switch at

Eurton Electric
http://store.eurtonelectric.com/powertoolswitches.aspx

or

Allied Electronics
https://www.alliedelec.com/customerservice/customerservice.aspx


Then you'll have a "spare".

In my searching, I saw a reference to Eurton but I forgot while searching.

Thanks.

 

[LB-1911]

In my searching, I saw a reference to Eurton but I forgot while searching.

Thanks.

Another possibility -

http://www.ereplacementparts.com/craftsman-hammer-drill-parts-c-158286_159102.html

Good Luck

 

[KnurledNut]

Details please.

Heres my original post with pics:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=204713

 

[NUTTSGT]

I decided to go with the Milwaukee one. As soon as I picked it up, it felt "right" in my hand. The price was $99 plus I had a 10% off coupon so it didn't break the bank either. I believe it'll work fine for my needs.

Sounds like some guys were happy with the Bosch though. I checked them out while I was at HD today. There was another Milwaukee one in stock but along with the Bosch units, they seem to be long in the nose, if you will. I looked at the Dewalt DW511, which I originally considered but it felt cheaply made.

 

[Strouty]

Nutts, one really cool aspect of this drill is that is turns 2800 RPMs, most of the others turn less than 1000 RPMs. I bought some specialty drill bits years ago and they needed to turn 2500 RPMs.

 

[Strouty]

Here are the bits I was talking about.

https://www.baddogtools.com/tools/tools/multipurposedrillbits.html

I saw them in use a trade show, there were probably ten people watching the demo. The guy drilled through a glass brick, then he went directly into concrete block, then he drilled through a brake rotor, then he proceeded to slam the drill bit tip first into the steel counter. A few of us ducked and the rest just had a dumb look on their faces. I guess they had no idea that a normal bit would have most likely broken. I bought the full set and have only used them a few times, but they do work.

 

[signcrafter]

For small items like 3/16 or 1/4 holes for tapcons, I reach for my Dewalt 18V hammer drill. When it's a larger project (holes for 1/2 rebar) or more than a few holes, I would grab my 1/2" drive corded Cman.

I have a question about the need for a small hammer drill like you are talking about. I have a half dozen hammer drills, from my 18V cordless to a large 1 9/16" bosch sds max. In between I have a milwaukee sds plus and a smaller milwaukee hammer drill with a keyed chuck like the one you just bought. I never use my milwaukee keyed chuck hammer drill. I bought it 15 years ago as one of my first hammer drills but now I don't really see a use for it.

For tapcons drilling 3/16 or 1/4 holes I go with the milwaukee sds plus using the tapcon sds bits. It's 10 times as fast as my 18V hammer drill and easier and faster then the keyed chuck milwaukee. You don't have to push at all really, the drill does the work. Whereas the smaller keyed chuck hammer drill you have to push.

So I guess my question is if you have an 18V hammer drill and a sds rotary hammer drill I don't see why you would need a small keyed chuck hammer drill? I personally just don't see a use for it but maybe I'm missing something? A real sds rotary hammer is a little heavier then the little milwaukee but they are so much nicer to use, just goes through concrete like nothing.

 

[Strouty]

Are you questioning a tool purchase? I think this is a man card infraction.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Here are the bits I was talking about.

https://www.baddogtools.com/tools/tools/multipurposedrillbits.html

I saw them in use a trade show, there were probably ten people watching the demo. The guy drilled through a glass brick, then he went directly into concrete block, then he drilled through a brake rotor, then he proceeded to slam the drill bit tip first into the steel counter. A few of us ducked and the rest just had a dumb look on their faces. I guess they had no idea that a normal bit would have most likely broken. I bought the full set and have only used them a few times, but they do work.

Those look quite interesting. Thanks for the heads up.

 

[NUTTSGT]

So I guess my question is if you have an 18V hammer drill and a sds rotary hammer drill I don't see why you would need a small keyed chuck hammer drill? I personally just don't see a use for it but maybe I'm missing something? A real sds rotary hammer is a little heavier then the little milwaukee but they are so much nicer to use, just goes through concrete like nothing.

The rotarty hammer that I have is stashed away and can be a pain to get out. I have no drill bits for that, just chipping bits. If the need arises, I can buy bits for it.

When it just a few holes, I grab my Dewalt 18V, no big deal.

When I have drilled to pin some rebar, I used to grab my Cman and it did a decent job. Honestly, I was impressed with the work it did when I needed it. I believe the new Milwaukee will fill the gap when the Cman died. I guess the other thing I did forget to mention that it will be used for, a corded 1/2" drill. When the time comes and you gotta have a corded 1/2" drill, it will get used for such. As a matter of fact, I think it might be the only corded drill that I have anymore.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Are you questioning a tool purchase? I think this is a man card infraction.

Not a big deal, he's just posing a question. It's understandable, I've asked people about tool purchases before when it didn't seem to make sense to me.

 

[Strouty]

I forget that my sarcasm doesn't always work on the Internet.

 

[captain14]

Ok so when do we get a report on how the drill performs ?

Did you get a metal or plastic case with it?

Let us know if you are able to get a replacement switch for the Cman drill.

Thanks in advance.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Ok so when do we get a report on how the drill performs ?

Did you get a metal or plastic case with it?

Let us know if you are able to get a replacement switch for the Cman drill.

Thanks in advance.

No case but I might be able to make the case from the Cman work. As far as the switch, I'm almost to the point of ditching it and not dicking with it.

I will report back when it gets used. Like I said above, it's also a 1/2" corded drill for me so the first use may not even be for hammer drilling.

 

[signcrafter]

The rotarty hammer that I have is stashed away and can be a pain to get out. I have no drill bits for that, just chipping bits. If the need arises, I can buy bits for it.

When it just a few holes, I grab my Dewalt 18V, no big deal.

When I have drilled to pin some rebar, I used to grab my Cman and it did a decent job. Honestly, I was impressed with the work it did when I needed it. I believe the new Milwaukee will fill the gap when the Cman died. I guess the other thing I did forget to mention that it will be used for, a corded 1/2" drill. When the time comes and you gotta have a corded 1/2" drill, it will get used for such. As a matter of fact, I think it might be the only corded drill that I have anymore.

That makes sense. How big of an sds do you have? Is it sds max or sds plus? Next time you need to drill a hole in concrete you should buy a sds bit and try out the sds and the new milwaukee. Even for small 3/16" tapcon holes I still grab my sds plus. It's a little bigger and heavier then the little milwaukee but it's faster and easier. I only use my 18V hammer drill for holes that an extension cord is a pain to get. Like up on a ladder on the second story or way out in the yard. But if I can get a cord to it the sds is the go to since the tool does all the work and is nicer to use.

The 1/2" electric drill part makes sense. I have used mine for drilling holes in things other then concrete since they are usually pretty powerful drills. Didn't mean to sound down on your new purchase. Just was curious since I think if my 1/2" hammer drill took a **** I don't think I would replace it.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I looked through my PB account for a picture of it and couldn't find one. Go figure. Right now it's buried and not easy to get to so I can't take a quick picture. The next time I have it out, I'll snap a picture. . . . or maybe I'll just dig it out.



No offense taken, all is good.

 

[bcradio]

I have a question about the need for a small hammer drill like you are talking about. I have a half dozen hammer drills, from my 18V cordless to a large 1 9/16" bosch sds max. In between I have a milwaukee sds plus and a smaller milwaukee hammer drill with a keyed chuck like the one you just bought. I never use my milwaukee keyed chuck hammer drill. I bought it 15 years ago as one of my first hammer drills but now I don't really see a use for it.

For tapcons drilling 3/16 or 1/4 holes I go with the milwaukee sds plus using the tapcon sds bits. It's 10 times as fast as my 18V hammer drill and easier and faster then the keyed chuck milwaukee. You don't have to push at all really, the drill does the work. Whereas the smaller keyed chuck hammer drill you have to push.

So I guess my question is if you have an 18V hammer drill and a sds rotary hammer drill I don't see why you would need a small keyed chuck hammer drill? I personally just don't see a use for it but maybe I'm missing something? A real sds rotary hammer is a little heavier then the little milwaukee but they are so much nicer to use, just goes through concrete like nothing.

2 different tools for 2 different types of jobs. You are correct that a sds roto hammer is better for concrete. That is the tools intended use. However, roto hammers do a very poor job when it comes to drilling other masonry types such as brick and block. They will chip the surface on those and not leave a very clean hole. This is where you will want to use the hammer drill. It works perfect in this situation and leaves very clean holes. I would keep your corded hammer drill in case your battery dies on your 18v when you are in the middle of drilling brick or block.

 

[pauls_workshop]

The Harbor Freight one for less than $30 on sale is actually not bad for non-pro use. It has good amperage and holds the bits tight. - Paul

 

[LordPsychon]

I like my PC corded hammer drill - decent, fairly light, hasn't failed me yet. However, I don't do a lot of heavy concrete drilling and if I did, I'd go for a rotary hammer - Bosch or Makita, both look excellent and feel right (to me at least).

 

[sam.coll]

I personally can't stand standard impact/hammer drills the noise just irritates the hell out of me, I go for my Ramset 4kg sds plus every time.

 

[LordPsychon]

I personally can't stand standard impact/hammer drills the noise just irritates the hell out of me, I go for my Ramset 4kg sds plus every time.

That's like comparing a stud gun to a hammer drill.

Typical male...one big bang and it's all over.

 

[sam.coll]

That's like comparing a stud gun to a hammer drill.

Typical male...one big bang and it's all over.

Not comparing a Ramset gun to a rotary hammer drill if that's what you mean? My rotary hammer drill is a Ramset brand (although made by Bosch) not sure if they are available in the states.

This:

http://www.ramset.com.au/Product/Detail/105/DynaDrill-544

same as:

http://www.gotstock.com.au/electric...r-bosch.html?gclid=CJq8lbmP0sUCFUNwvAodZwgA1g