I'm on a search for a good Hammer drill that will quickly drill and last for a long time. It won't take too many rentals to justify getting one. The home we are building is a 3 story all concrete. I'll bet there will be a few forgotten holes. When the home is complete, it just makes sence to be able to be able to drill into walls for this and that over time. Rental is $40/ half day plus having to pick up and return time

This is what I've looked at so far;

Bosch, 11236VS. It has three fuctions drill, drill w/hammer and just hammer for demo. SDS mount
$317

Hitachi, DH 38YE, all the above but Spline mount
$379

The Hitachi looks quite a bit more rebust but it does cost more. Lowes has a big display of Hitachi equipment

What are your thoughts?

Patrick T.

Patrick,

What will be the requirements of the drill? How many wholes, what size, how deep...?

ICF Contractor

ICFcontractor,

I need to drill 50 5/8 to 3/4" holes monday to dowl the footer where " not enough" were placed. Also through out the construction all the misc missed sleaves. Exact placement of porch lights and recepticals as called for. The milwalky drill died during a hard day drilling. So it's renting or buy a good one!

I really don't know how much we will use it. It would be nice to think we'd get a sleave put everywhere but with a 3 level conctete house with all floors and roof..... We will be using the Hambro system, I can't remember if the ends are dowled or not.

Patrick T.

Patrick,

I have had great success with the Bosch and the Hilti of the size you will need. Even the Bosch Bulldog would work but it would be quicker with a larger drill.

Eric

Go to www.toolsofthetrade.net   They compare many different tools.  There are several comparisons of rotary hammers and hammer drills on that web site.

I have the Hitachi, and it has performed well for about 4 years. I did locate and purchase a selection of bits, including a 4" and a 3" core bit and shank.

Both drills will perform, especially since the large core drilling is usually only one or two holes per home.

By the way, try to buy a 4.5" and a 3.5" bit for your sleeves. although the 4" works for metal sleeves, 4" pvc takes a little hole adjusting....much easier to just buy the slightly bigger bit!

Jim,

I did get the Hitachi, DH 38YE. I bought the floor model with a 20% discount. Looks beefy! I will now try to get a good selection of bits.

Thanks for all who replied

Patrick T.