You ever deal with a lawyer? Logic does not matter
Drilling about 2 dozen anchor holes, what drill?
- Thread starter PCustoms
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mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
finn
Well-known member
I’ve read the same thing in at least one lift manufacturer’s installation manual…don’t thru drill the anchor holes. Leave them blind.
The reasoning is that thru drilling tends to spall a cone shaped divot on the underside of the slab at the breakout point, effectively making the slab thinner locally at the anchor.
Makes sense to me. Too bad I read that after I through drilled my holes.
dnschmidt
Well-known member
Most likely a legal matter. If the lift falls over they will not have liability if you didn't follow their instructions. I've found the very best concrete anchors to be the screw type made by Simpson Strong-Tie. It's what Rural Renovators uses to hold up it's post frame buildings. I've use them to hold down my paint shaker and they've proven superior to wedge anchors and expansion shields.
turnthewrench 2.0
Well-known member
I'm on the same boat as the OP. Is this a good option for a non-pro?
ENEACRO
ENEACRO
mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Probably works fine.
Not my choice, but it's likely comparable to harbor freight stuff
For $150, the Bosch I bought was an excellent buy.
Did 6 holes like butter this weekend.
Only thing I "learned" (remembered) was drilling 1/2 to 5/8 is a good chance to stick a bit.....
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turnthewrench 2.0
Well-known member
Went the Bosch route. TY
Show your new tool arrivals
From local hardware store: Knipex nail clippers and bahco bit set From online auction super cheap set of Armstrong 1/2" non-finetooth ratchet and 12pt metric and SAE sockets and safety wire pliers. Another online auction haul: Snap-on 1/2" extension set Snap-on 1/2" shallow sockets 11-19...
www.garagejournal.com
I'm going to strongly suggest no pilot hole.
Between holiday stuff last weekend I grabbed the drill and drilled 4 1/2" holes for my pins without checking, turns out I needed 5/8.
When I dropped to drill out the 1st hole I somehow got the bit stuck. Tried a few things and it only got worse. Ended up snapping the bit with a pipe wrench and cheater.
Not 100% sure why it happened but I'll never drill out a hole again.
RTM
Well-known member
Somewhere in one of the drill bit threads, there was a comment about not stepping up by 1/8" when doing progressively larger holes, too hard on the bit.
Don't know the correct answer, but maybe like around a few of those threads for help?
Don't know the correct answer, but maybe like around a few of those threads for help?
mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Won't matter all that much. If you want to have one around after, buy it. Won't be as good as the rental, but for 10 holes, it won't really matter.
They can be very useful to have on hand
I've done 60+ holes over the past few weeks, and through a comedy of errors (not paying attention and/or me trying to be cheap) I've got 5 sizes of bits and 2 anchors.
My only complaint is a shorter version would have been better drilling under the deck, but I made do with a couple crooked holes.
Things I hadn't planned on when I bought the Bosch, but remembered/found since:
-need to mount the hose reel on the foundation
-have a couple hangers to mount in basement
-have a material rack to hang in basement
-need to pin some blocks to the slab and corefill the wall
-pin new slab section to old slab
mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I doubt it
endangeredspecies
Well-known member
10 years ago, I installed a shed, and used my corded Makita hammer drill to for (4) 1/2" anchors ~ 3" deep into 40-year-old concrete. With 2 brand-new bits. I think I was out there for an hour and a half, just drilling, and the poor Makita was never the same afterward.
2 months ago, when I was building my mailbox, I rented the smallest, cheapest corded Makita SDS roto-drill that HD had. (8) 1/4" anchor holes 2" deep in new concrete, with a used bit with obvious scorching on the tip, took about 20 seconds each, like butter, and I couldn't figure out why I had been dreading it the whole time.
Was $50 for 1/2 day, or $80-ish for a full day.
Now, I'm going to drill (32) 1/4" holes for step anchors over a day or two, then (4) 1/2" anchors to secure a safe the next day, followed by (4) 1/2" anchors to secure a shed 2 weeks later, followed by who-knows-what will come as we move into the house and see what else we need. We do have about 30 (linear) feet of brick on the front of the house, so it isn't completely baseless to think I'll need to drill something into there.
I have a 12V Porter Cable drill with 2 batteries, which I love, and is very powerful. But it's 15 years old, and doesn't hold a charge too long anymore. So I'm afraid I'll be phasing it out soon.
Yard tools are EGO 56V, but I don't think they make a Roto-Hammer. It would be huge.
I have a 20V Max DeWalt compact drill with 2 bateries. It's probably more the drill than the power system, but it doesn't have nearly the torque or driving power of the Porter Cable.
My most recent power tool is the Bosch GDX18V-1800B12 2-in-1 impact driver. Has a charger, and one battery. It's a little more powerful than necessary for driving deck screws and tighening stainless hardware. I love it, but I have only 1 battery for the Bosch system.
All the holes I know I need to drill in concrete are within corded distance of a power outlet. But I love the convenience of cordless, and who knows what the future will hold.
I like Makita, Wilwaukee, and Diablo bits and blades.
I looking at either a 20V-Max Atomic SDS-Plus DeWalt, which I could buy tool-only for $200.
Or a Bosch 18V Bulldog with 1 battery for $210. (Refurb is $185, but I'm not sure I trust it.)
I'm leaning toward the Bulldog.
Anyone here to confirm I should pull the trigger? Talk me out of it? Or recommend something that would better suit my needs and job?
2 months ago, when I was building my mailbox, I rented the smallest, cheapest corded Makita SDS roto-drill that HD had. (8) 1/4" anchor holes 2" deep in new concrete, with a used bit with obvious scorching on the tip, took about 20 seconds each, like butter, and I couldn't figure out why I had been dreading it the whole time.
Was $50 for 1/2 day, or $80-ish for a full day.
Now, I'm going to drill (32) 1/4" holes for step anchors over a day or two, then (4) 1/2" anchors to secure a safe the next day, followed by (4) 1/2" anchors to secure a shed 2 weeks later, followed by who-knows-what will come as we move into the house and see what else we need. We do have about 30 (linear) feet of brick on the front of the house, so it isn't completely baseless to think I'll need to drill something into there.
I have a 12V Porter Cable drill with 2 batteries, which I love, and is very powerful. But it's 15 years old, and doesn't hold a charge too long anymore. So I'm afraid I'll be phasing it out soon.
Yard tools are EGO 56V, but I don't think they make a Roto-Hammer. It would be huge.
I have a 20V Max DeWalt compact drill with 2 bateries. It's probably more the drill than the power system, but it doesn't have nearly the torque or driving power of the Porter Cable.
My most recent power tool is the Bosch GDX18V-1800B12 2-in-1 impact driver. Has a charger, and one battery. It's a little more powerful than necessary for driving deck screws and tighening stainless hardware. I love it, but I have only 1 battery for the Bosch system.
All the holes I know I need to drill in concrete are within corded distance of a power outlet. But I love the convenience of cordless, and who knows what the future will hold.
I like Makita, Wilwaukee, and Diablo bits and blades.
I looking at either a 20V-Max Atomic SDS-Plus DeWalt, which I could buy tool-only for $200.
Or a Bosch 18V Bulldog with 1 battery for $210. (Refurb is $185, but I'm not sure I trust it.)
I'm leaning toward the Bulldog.
Anyone here to confirm I should pull the trigger? Talk me out of it? Or recommend something that would better suit my needs and job?
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sparky 1971
Well-known member
You can buy whatever you want, but the drills you listed don't appear to match up to anything you currently have. You need to drill all of those holes in a few weeks time, but then what. The drill will sit and wait. And wait. Then it will wait some more for you to get it out to use and then, you will need to charge up the batteries, hoping they are still good and you will be the one waiting. If it were me, I would go buy a Bosch with a cord and have it the rest of my life, knowing that I can get it out and use it whenever I want to even if it means having to drag a cord and or a generator. Cords **** and that's the one and only reason I have my M18 Fuel 1-1/8 SDS, but I use it quite often and I have a plethora of other tools that use the same battery. In my garage, for home or loaner outer use, is my 20+ year old Bulldog and I still use it quite a bit at home because it's easier to get it and a cord than it is to dig my Milwaukee out from whatever is piled up on it in the back of my service truck.
This is exactly why I went corded, it will work today and in 5 and 10yrs when I need.
Looks like it's on sale for $135
Bosch GBH2-28L-RT 8.5 Amp 1-1/8 in. SDS-Plus Bulldog Xtreme MAX Rotary Hammer (Renewed) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FHL2NJG?tag=atomicindus08-20
endangeredspecies
Well-known member
I think the batteries DO align with what I've got, but I also have a nice long cord and plenty of outlets.
Thanks for the advice! Corded Bulldog shall be added to cart.
Thanks for the advice! Corded Bulldog shall be added to cart.
sparky 1971
Well-known member
You're right, I missed the Bosch impact, but after skimming it again, still don't see anything listed for DeWalt, but that is a long winded post and I read it fast.
Coach James
Well-known member
I have an old Northern Tool SDS plus and a HF Chicago Electric SDS Max. Both have done fine for me. The HF has drilled multiple, as in now 20 some, 1.5" diameter holes in 4" think concrete that has wire in it. Good bits make a huge difference. I use Bosch and Dewalt bits. A friend that owns a construction/remodeling firm uses the HF Bauer in this model:
https://www.harborfreight.com/power...-type-variable-speed-rotary-hammer-64288.html
He uses Dewalt bits and says the combination does everything his crews need.
Coach
https://www.harborfreight.com/power...-type-variable-speed-rotary-hammer-64288.html
He uses Dewalt bits and says the combination does everything his crews need.
Coach
endangeredspecies
Well-known member
Great Catch!
20V is DeWalt. I had Makita on the brain. Corrected.
I know - I just start sharing details to show the whole picture. Before I know it, I’ve posted a novel. I’ll be better.
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cherrybomb
Well-known member
It's been mentioned, but I really believe the job will have much better results if you focus on the highest quality drill bit,and keep the hole cleaned out.Its hard to beat the Bosch,their reputation has been earned.
endangeredspecies
Well-known member
Got to cut 4 holes with the Bulldog last night. Used a 1/4" 4-cutter Milwaukee bit. Was acting weird, until I realized it was set for Hammer mode. Changed it to Hammer-Drill, and it cut like butter.
I did notice that the 4-cutter bit walks a little at the start on smooth concrete. Will try one of my old Bosch 2-hole bits out tonight and see if it's more accurate.
Also - the depth-set rod is really easy to adjust, but doesn't seem super secure. Set to 2 inches, I went nearly 4 on my first hole before realizing my problem. Anchor seems fine, though.
Happy with the tool in general. Ergonomic, quick, powerful.
I did notice that the 4-cutter bit walks a little at the start on smooth concrete. Will try one of my old Bosch 2-hole bits out tonight and see if it's more accurate.
Also - the depth-set rod is really easy to adjust, but doesn't seem super secure. Set to 2 inches, I went nearly 4 on my first hole before realizing my problem. Anchor seems fine, though.
Happy with the tool in general. Ergonomic, quick, powerful.
When starting out, use drill only until you get a depression started.
And yeah, depth rod is flimsy. Tape on the bit works every time
endangeredspecies
Well-known member
Tape on the bit is exactly what I did, after the depth rod failed me!
I had tight clearance trying to drill under an existing deck, the rod didn't come out of the box on the first several holes.
I tried it, then it went back into the box.
sparky 1971
Well-known member
I've never used the rod. I have a bit designed for 3/8 drop in anchors that only goes to the proper depth. Outside of that, if I need to stop at a certain depth I use a piece of white tape on the bit. In my simple mind it's easier than screwing around with the rod. If anyone needs a Bulldog depth rod, I have one. The Milwaukee rods went in the trash.
endangeredspecies
Well-known member
I discovered that when installing anchors into 40 year old mortar (to replace smaller inserts which have pulled out), it’s best to use drill-only mode, with no hammer at all.
Notgrownup
Well-known member
SDS max get good bits. If its all you will ever do, rent the drill but get a good bit
endangeredspecies
Well-known member
So glad I bought my Bulldog. The way my projects go, I’d need to rent one 5 different times- or, just not complete the job. Looking at it that way, it will have paid for itself before the month is over.