What is the best hammer drill?

Tommy2000

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As far as a cordless hammer drill, I search on Google and found this aritcle https://www.powertoollab.com/best-cordless-hammer-drill/ A cordless drill, it would depend on the type of work you are going to do. The Makita brand offers a lithium-ion battery that charges in 1/2 the time as a dewalt. Dewalt though is very popular for their durability. I myself is partial to Bosch brand, I also have a Hilti cordless that does not get much use. but my friend told me that they are expensive, and don't go less than 18 Volts. What is the best hammer drill? Do you have any suggestions?
 

jfrech

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I did a whole set of research on this 2 weeks ago. I like DeWalt because some of their tools are made in the USA. Hammer drills are one that is.

One question. Do you want a hammer drill or a rotary hammer. They are different tools but can perform similar functions but also a few different. One big diff is the chuck. The hammer drill has the typical twist lock chuck and 3 claws that come out and grab the bit. A rotary hammer uses something called a SDS bit, these are more expensive, limited choices at a home depot, but can do things like chisel tile off a floor.

A hammer drill is adding some amount of hammer action through a set of gears that bounce. A rotary hammer has a piston that actually hammers the mechanism - and providing a much improved hammering action.

This is the set I ended up getting https://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-20-Volt-MAX-Lithium-Ion-Cordless-Hammer-Drill-Impact-Driver-Combo-Kit-2-Tool-with-2-Batteries-3Ah-Charger-and-Bag-DCK290L2/202922445

A hammer drill you can use for fasteners like screws etc. Can't do this with a rotary hammer.

PS a impact driver is a totally different tool :)
 

christoph

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audioarcher

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It really depends on what you need the hammer drill for. I tried using my Millwaukee hammer drill to drill holes in concrete to install concrete anchors. It kind of works, but is slow going. Also it only really works for small holes. I ended up buying a Bosch corded roto-hammer, like the one I was using at work. I thought about buying a cordless Millwaukee, but I did not want to spend the extra money. All the big name tool makers, like Millwaukee, Dewalt, Makita,Hilti, and Bosch make good tools. I've used them all in my work. I'm a commercial construction plumber. I would stick with the upper end models of each brand. Also I would recommend picking a brand and sticking with it. That way you have batteries and chargers that work on all of your tools.
 

Folsom

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Normally Hilti tools from Liechtenstein are said to be (among) the best.
https://www.hilti.com/#nav/products

While it REALLY depends on your use, Hilti is the defacto company for working daily on concrete. The entire company is based on concrete work. In the EU they're considered a good company, and none of the brands like Dewalt or Makita are considered professional tools.

But are you doing a ton of work or need to make 2 holes? You can rent a bigger hammer drill for doing a couple, and blaze through it (an SDS hammer drill).
 

Alrainbow

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I use almost always MILLWALLKIETOOLS , the reason is simple . There are plenty of stores owned by MILLWALLKIETOOLS that can fix and warrentee there products. If your tool is too old they have great discounts on used or new as well.
Second place is dewalt but less stores for repairs.
 

christoph

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Hilti uses components from Bosch in their tools. So if you need Hilti just buy blue Bosch and save at least half the price
Are you sure?
I find that hard to believe... :rolleyes:
 

bonzo75

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Sounds like the goldmund, lexicon and Barclays CD player model
 

Alrainbow

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It's true but not all parts in fact you'll go crazy trying to use other than Hilti parts.
For repare Hilti has great service. Mail in and mail back for my company best service. I do drop off tools local but don't have to pic up. They warrentee well as well. But when a tool is closed out they don't repair but do offer discounts on new models If the topic is best it needs defining there is no best in all categories.
Service three lead
Hilti
MILLWALLKIE
DeWalt
The above in no order is best overall
Parts available and drop off service centers local

After this list it's a serious drop off
Even though rideged and millwallkie owned by one CORP it's clear they don't care about ridged
 
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Folsom

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That’s just one low level sander that is a Bosch. Bosch doesn’t make most of the things Hilti sells.

But yes, sometimes companies use other’s stuff if they like it. Fien’s quick change drill is a Metabo. You can save like $200 by getting the Metabo.
 
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Alrainbow

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A point to be made. Lipo life and the rest of them batteries don't like to stay fully charged so don't leave them in storage this way half is better.
 

Gew

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I'd go for Ryobi if you're an DIY-kind-of-guy, it's really good value.
If you have the dough and want pro-level ergonomics, go for Bosch blue line.
 

HughP3

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Agree Bosch is good stuff, I also like Milwaukee Fuel 18 stuff for bat power.
 

Hi-FiGuy

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While it REALLY depends on your use, Hilti is the defacto company for working daily on concrete. The entire company is based on concrete work. In the EU they're considered a good company, and none of the brands like Dewalt or Makita are considered professional tools.

But are you doing a ton of work or need to make 2 holes? You can rent a bigger hammer drill for doing a couple, and blaze through it (an SDS hammer drill).
I have drilled a S-Ton of holes through walls, ceilings and floors in and around downtown Los Angeles buildings of all types.
The Hilti is a 100% duty cycle tool, it goes until you cant, every day all day.
 
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Folsom

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I have drilled a S-Ton of holes through walls, ceilings and floors in and around downtown Los Angeles buildings of all types.
The Hilti is a 100% duty cycle tool, it goes until you cant, every day all day.

Yep. Even if one of their cheaper less-concrete products is made by Bosch, their main stays are another thing. (the Bosch might be made by Metabo)
 

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