Rotary Hammer

[Coach James]

Anyone have any experience with any of these? I need a rotary hammer once in a long while. Next job is drilling ~10-14, 1" diameter, 4 inch deep holes in concrete. I can rent one for a little over $100 a day but would rather buy. I only use every 3 or 4 years so I don't want to spend a fortune.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=41983

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=47606

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/...stomer driven-_-Recently Viewed-_-Search Page

Thanks
Coach

 

[eschoendorff]

For such a limited use machine, I would chance the Harbor Freight stuff. Why? First, much of the brand name stuff is made in China anyway. Second, I (personally) have not had problems with HF power tools. Third, for the price, you can almost afford to make a mistake.

 

[Coach James]

I was thinking along the same lines. After this job is done, it will probably 2 to 4 years before I use it again.

By then, the rental house will want $150/day for one.

Coach

 

[Uncle Buck]

For such a limited use machine, I would chance the Harbor Freight stuff. Why? First, much of the brand name stuff is made in China anyway. Second, I (personally) have not had problems with HF power tools. Third, for the price, you can almost afford to make a mistake.

I was thinking along the same lines. After this job is done, it will probably 2 to 4 years before I use it again.

By then, the rental house will want $150/day for one.

Coach

That makes 3 of us that share the same thoughts on this!

 

[nissan_crawler]

Hehe, I got a 1/2" sds hitachi for $20, brand new. I haven't had a reason to use it yet, I just coudln't say no.

 

[Uncle Buck]

Hehe, I got a 1/2" sds hitachi for $20, brand new. I haven't had a reason to use it yet, I just coudln't say no.

Now that is just rotten doin that to the Coach! You know he wants one of those, shame on you!

 

[Junkman]

I bought a 1 1/2" Milwaukee at a swap meet for $30........ that was the cheap part. The bits and hole saws for it are what cost the big $$$$$$$. I must have at least $400 invested in drill bits and hole saws. Well worth it when you need it. I can drill up to a 6" hole through 12" concrete. I can go deeper if I put on an extension. The drill keeps going, but your arms get tired long before you are done.

 

[eschoendorff]

I bought a 1 1/2" Milwaukee at a swap meet for $30........ that was the cheap part. The bits and hole saws for it are what cost the big $$$$$$$. I must have at least $400 invested in drill bits and hole saws. Well worth it when you need it. I can drill up to a 6" hole through 12" concrete. I can go deeper if I put on an extension. The drill keeps going, but your arms get tired long before you are done.

To add to this sentiment... If I were going to buy the HF rotary hammer, I would definitely purchase quality bits for it.

 

[Uncle Buck]

To add to this sentiment... If I were going to buy the HF rotary hammer, I would definitely purchase quality bits for it.

No doubt, ya cannot shortcut the bits or cutting tools, it just does not work well at all!