Time to upgrade my drill (drilling into brick etc)
Discussion
Please get an SDS drill. A hammer drill just doesn't do it. You need SDS which is a percussion drill. It's different. By the time a hammer drill has wound its way in to make a decent hole, the hole has got too big.
My Makita cordless SDS is brilliant, but I already have bought in big time with Makita batteries (more than 10) and chargers. Have a look at a 240v SDS if you don't want to go cordless. That Titan is great, but a bit big for every day.
My Makita cordless SDS is brilliant, but I already have bought in big time with Makita batteries (more than 10) and chargers. Have a look at a 240v SDS if you don't want to go cordless. That Titan is great, but a bit big for every day.
UTH said:
Ganglandboss said:
UTH said:
I don't do a huge amount of drilling, so not sure I need to spend £500 on a drill that is exclusively for drilling into brick walls, so is there something for a couple of hundred ££ that does it all very well? Having said that, my current crappy drill is fine for putting holes in wood etc, but trying to drill into brick walls is a mega pain in the arse, so maybe I do need something specialist?
It does not sound like you need an SDS. It sounds like you just need something better than a crap drill you paid £40 for 15 years ago.Something that cheap would be particularly crap, and will struggle with a 5.5mm hole into brick for a red plug. A new 18V battery drill, such as a DeWalt, Bosch, or Makita etc. will be perfectly fine for drilling into brick for fixings.
An SDS drill will go into brick like butter, but they are not good all-round drills. You can get an adapter with a conventional chuck for drilling wood and metal etc., but they tend to wobble. They are also heavier and not particularly good ergonomically.
Unless you are wanting to drill straight through walls on a regular basis, or use SDS chisels, something like this will be perfectly fine.
https://www.toolstation.com/dewalt-dcd709d2t-gb-18...
As above, do you think this would do the job, would seem sensible to stick with the same brand I already have batteries for: https://www.einhell.co.uk/p/4513960-tc-id-18-li-so...
I pesonally wouldn't use an SDS to drill holes for shelves or much under 10mm. As mentioned, they are big and can be quite cumbersome bits of kit. The Einhell one you've posted does look a bit crap though. 10 seconds on screwfix shows twin packs from quality brands can be had for around £200.
Not very man maths, but unless you anticipate using a drill/driver a couple of times a month, i'd get some decent bits and try first with the old drill.
Not very man maths, but unless you anticipate using a drill/driver a couple of times a month, i'd get some decent bits and try first with the old drill.
UTH said:
Ok, Einhell is out, but there do seem different opinions on SDS or not SDS......I am certainly more in the category of putting small shelves up, hanging pictures, hosepipe reel etc into brick rather than needing to fit a new water pipe through a thick wall etc.....
I think what others pointed out are good points. The sds is big and heavy and you wouldn't need that. I have an sds as I needed it but I also have a battery bosch smaller drill for the jobs you mention.If you'd like a new drill, then i think you'll struggle to go wrong here.
https://www.screwfix.com/p/dewalt-100-year-dcd100m...
Leaves you £30 for some bits and you're all in under £150.
Done.
https://www.screwfix.com/p/dewalt-100-year-dcd100m...
Leaves you £30 for some bits and you're all in under £150.
Done.
UTH said:
Ok, Einhell is out, but there do seem different opinions on SDS or not SDS......I am certainly more in the category of putting small shelves up, hanging pictures, hosepipe reel etc into brick rather than needing to fit a new water pipe through a thick wall etc.....
Unless you live in a bunker you don't need SDS for those jobs. It would be like going shopping in a Hummer.Get a new pack of good quality masonry bits first - either way you'll need them.
For occasional use you don't need to spend extra for a top brand IMHO, unless you just like having nice stuff... which isn't a crime...
Simpo Two said:
UTH said:
Ok, Einhell is out, but there do seem different opinions on SDS or not SDS......I am certainly more in the category of putting small shelves up, hanging pictures, hosepipe reel etc into brick rather than needing to fit a new water pipe through a thick wall etc.....
Unless you live in a bunker you don't need SDS for those jobs. It would be like going shopping in a Hummer.Get a new pack of good quality masonry bits first - either way you'll need them.
For occasional use you don't need to spend extra for a top brand IMHO, unless you just like having nice stuff... which isn't a crime...
Thanks all, I think I've got a fairly got idea of what I need, just work out how much I drop ££
davek_964 said:
I bought an SDS last year (went for corded, since cordless ones seemed excessively expensive). It's something I wish I'd bought years ago - drilling into brick is pretty much instant.
Having said that - a mate has "Piranha" drill bits and reckons that they are just as good when using a normal drill.
A normal drill even with your mates bits in you still have to put weight behind it and push it through the wall. Ask him to drill a 7mm hole into concrete with a normal hammer drill while you do the same with your SDS, no way are they just as good.Having said that - a mate has "Piranha" drill bits and reckons that they are just as good when using a normal drill.
SDS simply drills itself into the wall as long as the bit is not blunt, been using SDS since the late 80's when corded 110v ones were around £300 a pop, prices have dropped no end since, 110v now you can pick up for a little over £100. They are a god send when up a ladder drilling, with a normal hammer drill you cannot get the purchase on the drill in situations like that, sds simply hold it up and it drills away.
UTH said:
A few people have said SDS might be a bit too much for what I'd need it for? Lack of finesse...?
Sds drills come in various power levels, high power ones can blow bricks apart if you aren’t careful, drilling near the edge of a brick can damage them if your pushing hard as it would effectively chisel it apart rather than drill the brick, some bricks can also be prone to disintegrate ion more than others.Go for a lower powered one as you don’t need anything more with your use case, sds is the way to go though- there’s no need for expensive bits with sds as cheap ones work well enough
£89 dewalt at wickes
https://www.wickes.co.uk/DEWALT-D25033K-GB-SDS%2B-...
This also does chisel only mode if you have any tiles to remove.
£40 corded Einhell
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/394954370842?gad_source...
If you want cordless einhell sds is cheap enough if this is the right battery type for what you have, this won’t have the power to knock walls down but will drill small fixing holes nicely for£40
https://www.wickes.co.uk/Einhell-Power-X-Change-TE...
Also on anazon with 1 battery and charger for £60
Edited by Yabu on Monday 11th March 18:29
DeWalt are not what they were, a bit of a 'fashion victim brand' now.
I have a DeWalt angle grinder, it's OK, but the brushes are not DIY changeable.
It's OK for amateur use.
Bought that about 3 years ago?
Likewise Bosch. I have an ancient Bosch hammer drill, with really great speed control, no slack in the bearings after 30-odd years, only thing it's needed was a new mains cable.
I inherited a much newer one which is an annoying Mickey Mouse thing by comparison.
I have a Bosch SDS drill too, but again that's quite old, from when I lived in a house made of hard stone.
It's been fine, seen a lot of abuse. It's model number is "GBH..something." which seems apt!
If I bought another SDS drill, I'd get one with 'roto stop' so you can use it for chiseling masonary.
I have a DeWalt angle grinder, it's OK, but the brushes are not DIY changeable.
It's OK for amateur use.
Bought that about 3 years ago?
Likewise Bosch. I have an ancient Bosch hammer drill, with really great speed control, no slack in the bearings after 30-odd years, only thing it's needed was a new mains cable.
I inherited a much newer one which is an annoying Mickey Mouse thing by comparison.
I have a Bosch SDS drill too, but again that's quite old, from when I lived in a house made of hard stone.
It's been fine, seen a lot of abuse. It's model number is "GBH..something." which seems apt!
If I bought another SDS drill, I'd get one with 'roto stop' so you can use it for chiseling masonary.
Promised Land said:
davek_964 said:
I bought an SDS last year (went for corded, since cordless ones seemed excessively expensive). It's something I wish I'd bought years ago - drilling into brick is pretty much instant.
Having said that - a mate has "Piranha" drill bits and reckons that they are just as good when using a normal drill.
A normal drill even with your mates bits in you still have to put weight behind it and push it through the wall. Ask him to drill a 7mm hole into concrete with a normal hammer drill while you do the same with your SDS, no way are they just as good.Having said that - a mate has "Piranha" drill bits and reckons that they are just as good when using a normal drill.
SDS simply drills itself into the wall as long as the bit is not blunt, been using SDS since the late 80's when corded 110v ones were around £300 a pop, prices have dropped no end since, 110v now you can pick up for a little over £100. They are a god send when up a ladder drilling, with a normal hammer drill you cannot get the purchase on the drill in situations like that, sds simply hold it up and it drills away.
Big SDS drills are for demolition work. Just buy the smallest, cheapest (corded), weakest SDS drill you can find. Even the Lidl/Aldi ones should be fine for home use. A £50 SDS drill will go through brick and concrete much faster than any £300+ hammer drill from the big brands.
I bought one of the Titan ones, but wish I bought a lighter less powerful one.
I bought one of the Titan ones, but wish I bought a lighter less powerful one.
SDS is overkill.
Get a Dewalt 18V from Screwfix. I got one last year for doing loads of battening out in an old victorian house with a mixture of all types of brick. It goes through everything without issue and without shaking the s
t out of the rest of the wall like my SDS does. It's a Dewalt 778 and they are often around £130 with 2 x 5Ah batteries, charger and case in the Screwfix refurb dept. They are like new.
Get a Dewalt 18V from Screwfix. I got one last year for doing loads of battening out in an old victorian house with a mixture of all types of brick. It goes through everything without issue and without shaking the s
t out of the rest of the wall like my SDS does. It's a Dewalt 778 and they are often around £130 with 2 x 5Ah batteries, charger and case in the Screwfix refurb dept. They are like new.Personal view.
I’d get a corded SDS for the bigger jobs that come up. It’ll be cheaper corded, generally more powerful and no, batteries to charge.
I have a Bosch one I’ve had for a decade and goes through brick or concrete like butter.
At least you have the right tool for the job when it comes up.
Mine has variable speed and a nice trigger for control,
Pair it with a decent battery drill driver which is very convenient round the house for the smaller jobs.
Makita one I have is decent, came with 2 batteries and a case for around £100.
I’d get a corded SDS for the bigger jobs that come up. It’ll be cheaper corded, generally more powerful and no, batteries to charge.
I have a Bosch one I’ve had for a decade and goes through brick or concrete like butter.
At least you have the right tool for the job when it comes up.
Mine has variable speed and a nice trigger for control,
Pair it with a decent battery drill driver which is very convenient round the house for the smaller jobs.
Makita one I have is decent, came with 2 batteries and a case for around £100.
The little Einhell sds above will probably be fine for small stuff. Used to use things like Hilti at work but we’re probably doing 300 holes a day into reinforced concrete.
For the odd hole I have used the bosch multipurpose drill bits for years. Great on brick, just run in rotary mode so you don’t blow the face out, very easy to do with sds.
https://www.toolstation.com/bosch-expert-cyl-9-mul...
For the odd hole I have used the bosch multipurpose drill bits for years. Great on brick, just run in rotary mode so you don’t blow the face out, very easy to do with sds.
https://www.toolstation.com/bosch-expert-cyl-9-mul...
This is what I use for SDS: https://ffx.co.uk/products/makita-makita-hr004gd20...
(No messing around with pilot holes when drilling 32mm through double skin walls, but turn the power down and you can still put up shelves with it. Not cheap, but good enough that I’ll buy another if anything happens to it)
This is what it replaced (and my wife / elderly father in law now use): https://ffx.co.uk/products/makita-makita-dhr202z-1...
(Can’t do anywhere near as much as the XGT but served me well for at least a decade)
This is the current model of what that replaced (which is at least 15 years old and still going strong for jibs when corded makes sense due to amount of use in one place): https://ffx.co.uk/products/makita-makita-hr2630-2-...
Makita’s top 18v combi drill (the one with side handle) is a great all-rounder and with the right bits would get most simple jobs done.
Don’t fall into the trap of thinking all Makita/Dewalt are the same quality. The top ones from each brand are noticeably better made than the ones they bundle into the basic kits, but often not that much more expensive.
(No messing around with pilot holes when drilling 32mm through double skin walls, but turn the power down and you can still put up shelves with it. Not cheap, but good enough that I’ll buy another if anything happens to it)
This is what it replaced (and my wife / elderly father in law now use): https://ffx.co.uk/products/makita-makita-dhr202z-1...
(Can’t do anywhere near as much as the XGT but served me well for at least a decade)
This is the current model of what that replaced (which is at least 15 years old and still going strong for jibs when corded makes sense due to amount of use in one place): https://ffx.co.uk/products/makita-makita-hr2630-2-...
Makita’s top 18v combi drill (the one with side handle) is a great all-rounder and with the right bits would get most simple jobs done.
Don’t fall into the trap of thinking all Makita/Dewalt are the same quality. The top ones from each brand are noticeably better made than the ones they bundle into the basic kits, but often not that much more expensive.
Edited by LooneyTunes on Tuesday 12th March 07:15
Yabu said:
Sds drills come in various power levels, high power ones can blow bricks apart if you aren’t careful, drilling near the edge of a brick can damage them if your pushing hard as it would effectively chisel it apart rather than drill the brick, some bricks can also be prone to disintegrate ion more than others.
Go for a lower powered one as you don’t need anything more with your use case, sds is the way to go though- there’s no need for expensive bits with sds as cheap ones work well enough
£89 dewalt at wickes
https://www.wickes.co.uk/DEWALT-D25033K-GB-SDS%2B-...
This also does chisel only mode if you have any tiles to remove.
£40 corded Einhell
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/394954370842?gad_source...
If you want cordless einhell sds is cheap enough if this is the right battery type for what you have, this won’t have the power to knock walls down but will drill small fixing holes nicely for£40
https://www.wickes.co.uk/Einhell-Power-X-Change-TE...
Also on anazon with 1 battery and charger for £60
Annoyoingly that £40 cordless one doesn't seem to want to let me click or collect or deliver......it's £99 at my local tool station though. HmmmmmGo for a lower powered one as you don’t need anything more with your use case, sds is the way to go though- there’s no need for expensive bits with sds as cheap ones work well enough
£89 dewalt at wickes
https://www.wickes.co.uk/DEWALT-D25033K-GB-SDS%2B-...
This also does chisel only mode if you have any tiles to remove.
£40 corded Einhell
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/394954370842?gad_source...
If you want cordless einhell sds is cheap enough if this is the right battery type for what you have, this won’t have the power to knock walls down but will drill small fixing holes nicely for£40
https://www.wickes.co.uk/Einhell-Power-X-Change-TE...
Also on anazon with 1 battery and charger for £60
Edited by Yabu on Monday 11th March 18:29
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