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Old Feb 3, 2008 | 07:36 AM
  #1  
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Hammer Drill

Looking to add a hammer drill to my collection of power tools. Thought I would check and see if any members can provide input in helping make a choice, 1/2" vs 3/8", and whether to go w/ power cord or cordless. Also, are there any particular feature(s) is should look for. Limited budget so likely have to purchase used, not going to be using on a daily basis, have a few projects down the road where a hammer drill would come in handy. Not user friendly when it comes to using power tools so don't think harbor would take the abuse. Any suggestions appreciated. Thank you

dave
 

Last edited by daveengelson; Feb 3, 2008 at 07:50 AM.
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Old Feb 3, 2008 | 07:55 AM
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I like Milwaukee, Got corded and cordless. A little pricey, but they WORK!!!
 
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Old Feb 3, 2008 | 11:27 AM
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only needed 20 or so 1" holes in a floor to mount my lift, so I bought a HF SDS hammer drill on special for $75 including shipping and 4 drills.

it worked great, I cleaned the dust off, put it back in the case, and haven't opened it for 3 years.

should have returned it, but didn't.

point is, for limited use and time is not critical, don't be afraid of HF tools,
you can return if you want for a refund

also, the Chinese tools are improving in quality............it won't be long until the Chinese stuff is as good or better than some US brands
 
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Old Feb 3, 2008 | 11:28 AM
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Definitely go with the 1/2 inch and a GOOD brand. I bought the black and decker orange one and I am not to impressed with it. I already broke the handle off of it and it makes grinding noises and takes like 15 minutes to drill a 3/8s hole deep enough for a redhead screw.
 
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Old Feb 3, 2008 | 11:51 AM
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Ive got all Milwaukee power tools so id vote for the 28v lithium ion hammer drill. I do masonry and it just eats right through whatever ive need to use it for. Also has the meter on the batt so you know when your going to be out of power, and its stronge till the last drop.
 
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Old Feb 3, 2008 | 12:44 PM
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I've got a Bosch, real nice drill, uses quick change bits that can get a bit pricey but love the drill. I own a concrete house so I use it on a regular basis though.
 
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Old Feb 3, 2008 | 03:23 PM
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Appreciate the suggestions, thank you. On impulse, hope did not make a mistake, put in a bid on a Dewalt 1/2" dual action variable speed hammar drill. Comes w/ couple extra bits, case, and side handle. Don't expect it to be go for my max bid, would like to look into couple of other brands. Although, several months ago purchased a Dewalt skill saw on ebay, as is, for $10. Installed a masonry cutting disk and used it to cut cinder blocks and red bricks figuring would dispose once project was completed. Darn tool is still going strong. Thanx again.

dave
 

Last edited by daveengelson; Feb 3, 2008 at 03:25 PM.
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Old Feb 3, 2008 | 03:54 PM
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I have a Milwaukee 3/8 inch. It does great with good bits. Its about 10 yrs old & still going. I wish I'd bought a 1/2 to bore larger holes in concrete.
 
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Old Feb 3, 2008 | 07:50 PM
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The one I use all the time (almost daily, when I do it's for 10 hrs in the day) is from Harbor Freight. I use it more for jack hammer than I do for drilling. But I does really well with concrete work.

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

 
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Old Feb 3, 2008 | 08:38 PM
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Originally Posted by gustav129
The one I use all the time (almost daily, when I do it's for 10 hrs in the day) is from Harbor Freight. I use it more for jack hammer than I do for drilling. But I does really well with concrete work.

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

I bought the same one a couple of years ago.

I've beaten the crap out of it and it still works very well with zero problems.

Steve
 
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Old Feb 3, 2008 | 08:43 PM
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I would buy a Bosch but make sure you get the SDS you can hammer , hammer drill or drill with this one.
 
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Old Feb 3, 2008 | 10:40 PM
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Hilti Hammer drills are tough to beat for concrete work . . .
 
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Old Feb 3, 2008 | 11:17 PM
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Two thumbs up for Hilti!
 
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Old Feb 4, 2008 | 01:02 AM
  #14  
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Heard lot of good things about Hilti tools; unfortunately, used they are out of my price range. With Bosch, found you can order parts direct from the manufacturer and cutout the middleman. Pit fall of being an impulse buyer it's after commiting to a bid do I start wanting to reconsider. Now own the hammer drill mentioned in previous thread. Looks like paid less than half what the item goes for new, $65 including shipping and seems like it's in fairly good used condition. Appreciate the suggestions, thanx.

dave
 

Last edited by daveengelson; Feb 4, 2008 at 01:07 AM.
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Old Feb 4, 2008 | 06:20 AM
  #15  
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I have a Bosch corded and a Dewalt portable. The Bosch hardly ever comes out of the case. I have had zero problems with the Dewalt and it has very good hammer action for a portable.
 
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