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Drilling about 2 dozen anchor holes, what drill?

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PCustoms

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Ok, I lied.

Need to drill about 10 holes to retrofit post bases into deck piers, then a few more holes to epoxy some rebar into a slab.

Whatever I get I'll have to order it for to no local stores.

What's a good deal in rotary hammer drills these days?

I tend not to buy anything electric from HF.
 
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dogdog

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I like my Hitachi DH40... SDS Max with rebar cutter bits or Quad cutters. have drill through countless holes in boulders no issues... still beats like new ...

if you are just drilling 10- 20 holes.... HF is not a problem. Just get a good bit. Hitachi, Dewalt, Hilti, Milwaukee bits are my favorite. HF bit ***** but it is cheap at 1/3 of the price (***this was their Worriors brand ones, their new Hercules branded bit and drill looks very good).... Bosch is Ok too not the best ones from HD/Lowes... not too bad. Get the ones with Quad cutters and the ones that says rebar cutters.

I have some one run a garden hose or garden sprayer to the bit for cooling and keeping dust down... instead of vacuum a bit different from post #2
 
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GeoBruin

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PCustoms said:
Ok, I lied.

Need to drill about 10 holes to retrofit post bases into deck piers, then a few more holes to epoxy some rebar into a slab.

Whatever I get I'll have to order it for to no local stores.

What's a good deal in rotary hammer drills these days?

I tend not to buy anything electric from HF.
Click to expand...
Do you want corded or cordless? If cordless, your existing battery platform should probably play a role in the decision.
 
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mike93lx

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I went Bosch for my rotary hammer (
www.homedepot.com

Bosch 8.5 Amp Corded 1-1/8 in. SDS-Plus Variable Speed Concrete/Masonry Rotary Hammer Drill with Carrying Case GBH2-28L - The Home Depot

Acquire a convenient tool to complete your tough tasks at the jobsite with this Bosch Corded SDSPlus Variable Speed Concrete Masonry Rotary Hammer Drill with Carrying Case.
www.homedepot.com
) and am quite happy with it. Last project was thirteen 5/8 holes through my garage slab, which did warm it up a good bit. If it died, I'd likely go for a larger one, probably Sds-max and 6-7 ft lb of energy vs the 2ish that mine is. Like this

www.homedepot.com

Bosch 12 Amp 1-9/16 in. Corded Variable Speed SDS-Max Combination Concrete/Masonry Rotary Hammer Drill with Carrying Case RH540M - The Home Depot

Complete all your chiseling applications in concrete with Bosch Corded Variable Speed SDS-Max Combination Rotary Hammer Drill.
www.homedepot.com

If you ever have to demo a lot of tile, you'll be glad to have it. I really like corded for these infrequently-used tools as I'll likely own them longer than a battery platform
 
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PCustoms

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GeoBruin said:
Do you want corded or cordless? If cordless, your existing battery platform should probably play a role in the decision.
Click to expand...
Should have mentioned, corded.

All current uses are within 20' of an outlet. No reason for the added expense of cordless.
 
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cgrutt

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Not sure if it's a good deal or not but my Hilti TE2 makes short work of anything up to about 5/8". I have a Bosch SDS-Max and strongly prefer the Hilti for small holes in concrete. I've also used it and it works well on bluestone and other stone/bedrock for epoxying rebar for deck footings.
 
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Renegade1LI

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For what you want to do any of the major brands will work, really just look for the best deal. It's always good to go a little bigger and as mentioned a good or new bit.
 
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Hakeem

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Bosch Bulldog is a staple of industry for years and probably the most versatile option for a DIYer. It’ll do 1/4”-3/4” holes with a regular masonry bit and you can use a coring bit to do holes up to 2-1/2”.If $200 is more than you’re looking to spend, rent something. 20-30 holes shouldn’t take more than 1-2 hours.
 
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PCustoms

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Leaflessshadetree said:
How old is the concrete? I've done a lot of holes with a 1/2" HF hammer drill (I don't recommend HF for much of anything). I bought it to abuse and it has lasted many years.

Hilti is the top of the line when it comes to concrete.
Click to expand...
40 years old.

To everyone else: HF is out, there's none local to me and I'm in the buy once, cry once camp with tools. Saving 25-50% but buying junk isn't how I (typically) roll.
 
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bb29510

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i got milwaukee, company has bulldogs and hilti, they all good, but the hilti are dead in water because the other idiots loosing pieces to them
 
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finn

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SDS drill. I bought a Dewalt 20 v which was advertised as suitable for 3/4” or 1” holes in concrete to install my lift anchors. I’ve only used it a couple times since, so a corded would have been fine and saved some money.

I’m partial to Bosch, but any brand would do the job, and last for years in an infrequently used homeowner environment.
 
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GeoBruin

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Hakeem said:
Bosch Bulldog is a staple of industry for years and probably the most versatile option for a DIYer. It’ll do 1/4”-3/4” holes with a regular masonry bit and you can use a coring bit to do holes up to 2-1/2”.If $200 is more than you’re looking to spend, rent something. 20-30 holes shouldn’t take more than 1-2 hours.
Click to expand...
Okay a lot of people in this thread are saying "Bulldog" no doubt because it has an excellent reputation, but I'm going to pick on you because you went further and said it's the "most versatile option for a DIYer".

Assuming (based on the price you specified) that you're referring to this corded, D-handle style model, what makes it "more versatile" than (for example) this Dewalt, or this Milwaukee? I've looked at the specs for all three and they're all very close in nearly every aspect. Even the rotating brush plate which Bosch labels as "bosch-exclusive" is available on the Dewalt.

I just can't figure out what would differentiate them at all other than one's reputation in the space.
 
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tarbellb

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HF makes a pretty damn competent version of this tool=

the corded rotary drill has been about perfected by everyone


go gran yourself the best sale you can find and knock those suckers out

if you are fishing for what's best:
top of the line Hilti and Bosch
or used Japanese made Hitachi
 
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GeoBruin

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PCustoms said:
Should have mentioned, corded.

All current uses are within 20' of an outlet. No reason for the added expense of cordless.
Click to expand...
Understood you prefer corded, and I'm not trying to convince you one way or another, but if you already have batteries (which is why I asked), a cordless tool in the same class is not going to be any more expensive.

Dewalt corded.
Dewalt cordless.
http://Your friend has shared a lin...-SDS-D-Handle-Rotary-Hammer-5262-21/203000510
Milwaukee Corded
Milwaukee Cordless

Bosch cordedhttp://Your friend has shared a lin...r-Drill-with-Carrying-Case-11255VSR/202080348
Bosch cordless
 
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DerekV

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You really can’t go wrong with anything from the reputable tool brands. The reason why I’m not suggesting “brand x” is because you really can’t go wrong with anything from the reputable tool brands.

It’s that simple.

It’s important to note that even HFT SDS drills have a good reputation (seriously).

I will say, I prefer the drop handle ones over the D handle ones as they’re a little more compact. Have fun, let us know what you end up getting (y)
 
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bassJAM

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For one job, I'd rent a tool.

That being said for years I had a corded 7 amp Bosch hammer drill, but then a few years ago found a Boch 18v bare tool SDS drill for a good price and it blows the old hammer drill out of the water.
 
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MoonRise

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Hammer drill is not even in the same league as a rotary hammer (SDS-Plus or SDS-Max tools).

Get or rent an SDS rotary hammer for making holes in masonry.

If drilling holes into wooden deck piers, then a plain ordinary drill of the appropriate size (chuck size) and power level with the appropriate bit will work.

If you have the SDS rotary hammer and want to use it to drill into wood you have to switch it to drill-only mode and probably get an adapter chuck to use plain drill bits in the SDS rotary hammer.
 
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Hakeem

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GeoBruin said:
Okay a lot of people in this thread are saying "Bulldog" no doubt because it has an excellent reputation, but I'm going to pick on you because you went further and said it's the "most versatile option for a DIYer".

Assuming (based on the price you specified) that you're referring to this corded, D-handle style model, what makes it "more versatile" than (for example) this Dewalt, or this Milwaukee? I've looked at the specs for all three and they're all very close in nearly every aspect. Even the rotating brush plate which Bosch labels as "bosch-exclusive" is available on the Dewalt.

I just can't figure out what would differentiate them at all other than one's reputation in the space.
Click to expand...
Haha, fair play .. bold claims deserve an explanation. Your suspicions are correct, I mostly suggested the Bosch because it’s ubiquitous among masons and other tradespeople, that’s all. I think they were manufactured in Switzerland up until recently, but there really isn’t anything to differentiate it on specs or features alone. The millions of hours of real world testing shouldnt Be overlooked, though…

As far as most versatile, I just meant the size range. In my opinion, rotohammers perform optimally at around 25-75% of their range. Trying to drill a 1/4” hole with a big rotohammer and it’ll wallow the hole out. A ”general use” rotohammer is mostly gonna be used for holes in the 1/4”-3/4” size and that’s the sweet spot for a 1-1/8 rotohammer—not that it can’t handle more. Throw a coring bit on the Bulldog and you can make holes up to 2-5/8”.

A refurbished Bulldog would be my vote but if you can get a deal on a different major brand, sure why not.
 
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PCustoms

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Not renting from HD, as the don't rent.

Not sure if the local rental place has any, their hand tools tend to be pretty abused. Besides, I'm not renting. This will be used for at least 2 projects, maybe 3 this summer. Plus all the other times I should have had one.

Again, drilling concrete, not wood. I have 2-3 drills suitable for wood/metal.

Probably order a Bosch, as that's what I've always had access to.

Someone here asked if $200 was out of reach, and no it's not.

Haven't seen much used. Usually I buy something then a week later an almost new one shows up for sale.

Scrolling through Amazon tonight almost bout a DeWalt on sale:

1710200566925.png


Had to do a double take on the small preview pic!
 
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PCustoms

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Alright, one of these:

Bosch GBH2-28L 1-1/8" SDS-plus Bulldog $209 ($159 refurb)

Milwaukee 5262-21 SDS plus $199

​

 
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N_Jay

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PCustoms said:
Not renting from HD, as the don't rent.

Not sure if the local rental place has any, their hand tools tend to be pretty abused. Besides, I'm not renting. This will be used for at least 2 projects, maybe 3 this summer. Plus all the other times I should have had one.

Again, drilling concrete, not wood. I have 2-3 drills suitable for wood/metal.

Probably order a Bosch, as that's what I've always had access to.

Someone here asked if $200 was out of reach, and no it's not.

Haven't seen much used. Usually I buy something then a week later an almost new one shows up for sale.

Scrolling through Amazon tonight almost bout a DeWalt on sale:

1710200566925.png


Had to do a double take on the small preview pic!
Click to expand...
Looks just like the HF and NT hammer drills.
 
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Crazyjake8493

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SDS-plus rotary hammer is plenty for anchor holes. Get a Bosch or Hilti. I've had the same Bosch for years drilling everything up to 1" bits, and a few larger hole saws as well.
 
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