Cordless SDS Drill

Scotsman84 · Dec 9, 2011

Hi All

This is my first post on here so thought I'd introuce myself, Im 27, a first year Adult Trainee in Scotland and really loving my new career as an Electrician. I came accross this forum via one of the guys from college.

As i've just started out im in the process of building up my kit, im fine for hand tools but im looking for a decent drill, I dont mind a used one or refurbished, can anyone recommend a place where I can have a look, moreover if anyone is selling off any kit be great to have a chat.

Cheers Everyone

All the Best
Scotsman84

HandySparks · Dec 10, 2011

Welcome to the forum Scotsman.
I bought a Makita BHR241 a couple of years ago and it copes well with any size of SDS bit you're likely to need. However, if I'm using a large size core bit then I prefer to use my old mains drill as you can use up a couple of batteries on a difficult wall.

It's worth planning your cordless tools. I plumped for the Makita 18V LXT range as I had good experience with their older cordless drills. They do a good choice of tools, all using the same batteries, so for later buys you can just get the "bare" tool without the batteries and charger.

supasparxs · Dec 10, 2011

I personally use Panasonic (mine is an old one but I understand that the new ones are really great)
I know people swear by DeWolt, Rybo, Makita, and Borche.

less people tend to by hiliti, but that seems to be a matter of cost rather than quality.

when looking for a drill try to get a higher voltage and higher amp hour as possible.
normally 24 volts is the highest (however Hilti do have a 36 volt drill)

you may have seen discontinued drills in shops bragging that they have 12v and 1.6 AH (this size would be for a drill driver) avoid these as they won't last a day.

shop around on -line and you'll get a bargain.

personally I wouldn't buy a second hand drill from ebay, as the history of second hand plant is unknown

if you've had a toolbox stolen, or a van broken into, you'll know what I mean.
but even without the possibility of buying stolen plant, a second hand drill may have been abused and the gearbox, armiture or batteries maybe on there way out.

good luck

Richard

supasparxs · Dec 10, 2011

HandySparks said:
Welcome to the forum Scotsman.
I bought a Makita BHR241 a couple of years ago and it copes well with any size of SDS bit you're likely to need. However, if I'm using a large size core bit then I prefer to use my old mains drill as you can use up a couple of batteries on a difficult wall.

It's worth planning your cordless tools. I plumped for the Makita 18V LXT range as I had good experience with their older cordless drills. They do a good choice of tools, all using the same batteries, so for later buys you can just get the "bare" tool without the batteries and charger.

good point Handysparks

it maybe wise to get the similar range of battery plant.
that way you'll have spare chargers and if then same voltage spar batteries

I have 2 24 volt drills 9one effectively retired) with 2 useful batteries

I also have 1 x impact drill, 1 x drill driver and 1 x metal cuttrer 9cordless skillsaw for steel) all these are 15.6 volts
(4 working batteries)

for all the plant listed here the same charger will charge all of the batteries.

This isn't exclusive to Panasonic, all the manufacturers do it, so if you decide what you want based on the whole range rather than one drill, it won't restrict you in the future