SDS and Combo Drill Recommendations

[RDB85]

I’ve been asked by work to get some power tools. Currently I’m using what the other engineers have. But I would like to get my own. I am after recommendations.

 

[tony clark]

i have the makita combo drill and 18v and 36v sds all very good for me

 

[Dan]

I would have thought this thread would have had more replies by now! lol Everybody on here loves tools it seems!

Search results for: 'Sds'

www.electrical2go.co.uk

Or - oh no Superlec don't sell actual drills just bits by the looks of it. So yeah, just E2Go for drills sponsor-wise I think.

 

[Andy78]

I use Milwaukee M18 and M12 tools for everyday work. Excellent relaibility and performance. The fuel series are the better ones, but if you're on a budget the ones labelled "brushless" sold in screwfix and toolstation are ok, just older models is all.
I'd also look at Makita and Bosch professional if you are looking at a platform to build a kit on.

 

[ferg]

I'm a DeWalt fanboy.
18v brushless stuff for me.

Milwaukee stuff is very good too The guys I know with it have nothing bad to say about it.

The Makita combi drills seem not to last, based on the opinions of others who have had them.

You can get some good deals on kits but make sure you check the exact model numbers in the kits as some key tools can have lower spec versions.

 

[Dan]

https://www.NoLinkingToThis/p/milwa...-brushless-cordless-sds-plus-drill-bare/561fj

This one of 'em?

 

[ferg]

https://www.NoLinkingToThis/p/milwa...-brushless-cordless-sds-plus-drill-bare/561fj

This one of 'em?

I'm not convinced a 12v SDS would be up to much other than very light duties.
I could be wrong though... It happened once before... a while back.

 

[JAWS]

That will all depend on your budget. Just remember big brands like Makita, Dewalt, Millwaukee etc will all have different models ranging from budget normally sold in B&Q, Wikes etc then the middle range normally sold in Screwfix and then you have their top models normally online unless you live close to the retailer.
Most SDS drills will range from £100 up to around £600-£700 for the brands top models. Personally my favourite SDS of all time was a Hilti superb bit of kit, you then have the Makita 36v the Dewalt 54v's Bosch 36v all great bits of kit.

 

[Andy78]

I'm not convinced a 12v SDS would be up to much other than very light duties.
I could be wrong though... It happened once before... a while back.

I have that little guy. Got it in a twin set with the 12V combi drill. Both are really good little tools with plenty of grunt used with their 6Ah batteries. I mainly use the sds for smaller masonry drilling, usually 5.5mm and it will go all day doing that. I have used it with 16-22mm masonry bits at 600mm long and it will just about cope with that, but it takes a while and drains the batteries quickly. The 18V sds is definitely the boy for that stuff.
The main reason for the 12V stuff is weight saving. I can use the 12V sds all day one handed no problems, but the 18V is much heavier.

 

[Timbo]

Wot Andy said.
I've been using Milwaukee for 12 years now. Only had one drill fail, I wore it out - my first 12v combi drill, lasted 8 years.

 

[RDB85]

Milwaukee looks good. Is the M18 Fuel range good? As I’ve found a Combi Drill for £250 online brand new. Should be £350.

Or would this be better:

Milwaukee M18SET2B-513B 18V Li-Ion Cordless Combi Drill, SDS Hammer Drill & M12 LED Torch Kit 2 x 5.0Ah 18V & 1 x 1.5Ah 12V

Milwaukee 3 piece kit: • M18BPD 18V Li-Ion Combi drill • HD18HX 18V Li-Ion SDS Hammer drill • M12TLED Torch • 2 x 18V 5.0Ah red Li-Ion batteries • 1 x 12V 1.5Ah red Li-Ion battery • Charger and carry case M18BPD 18V Li-Ion Combi drill • High performance 4-pole motor • No load...

www.toolstation.com

I’ve also seen this Dewalt for £200 online:

DeWalt DCK266M2T-GB 18V XR Cordless Brushless Combi Drill & Impact Driver Twin Pack

When you're faced with a task involving lots of different surfaces, choose this brushless twin drill kit comprising a combi drill and impact driver. This package comes with two 4.0 Ah Lithium-Ion batteries for minimum downtime on the job, as well as a multi-voltage charger and kit box to...

www.toolstation.com

 

[Andy78]

Milwaukee looks good. Is the M18 Fuel range good? As I’ve found a Combi Drill for £250 online brand new. Should be £350.

Or would this be better:

Milwaukee M18SET2B-513B 18V Li-Ion Cordless Combi Drill, SDS Hammer Drill & M12 LED Torch Kit 2 x 5.0Ah 18V & 1 x 1.5Ah 12V

Milwaukee 3 piece kit: • M18BPD 18V Li-Ion Combi drill • HD18HX 18V Li-Ion SDS Hammer drill • M12TLED Torch • 2 x 18V 5.0Ah red Li-Ion batteries • 1 x 12V 1.5Ah red Li-Ion battery • Charger and carry case M18BPD 18V Li-Ion Combi drill • High performance 4-pole motor • No load...

www.toolstation.com

I’ve also seen this Dewalt for £200 online:

DeWalt DCK266M2T-GB 18V XR Cordless Brushless Combi Drill & Impact Driver Twin Pack

When you're faced with a task involving lots of different surfaces, choose this brushless twin drill kit comprising a combi drill and impact driver. This package comes with two 4.0 Ah Lithium-Ion batteries for minimum downtime on the job, as well as a multi-voltage charger and kit box to...

www.toolstation.com

The Milwaukee M18 Fuel range is the best out there at the minute. The combi drills have the highest torque of any available combi drill and mine minces through joists no problems. the combi drill is the M18FPD2 or M18FPD for the previous version. I think they are essentially the same tool, just the newer FPD2 is slightly lighter and smaller.

£250 is just slightly on the cheaper side of the going rate for a new version Fuel combi with 2 x 5Ah batteries and a charger. I can find that deal at £270 on quite a few websites I have had tools from before.

The toolstation Milwaukee items there are older dated stock with a bit less power, but still good. I have that combi, bought it 6 years ago and still going good although I did have to replace the trigger once.

The DeWalt kit looks a good deal if you need an impact driver. Not used DeWalt myself though so can't comment on it really.

 

[RDB85]

The Milwaukee M18 Fuel range is the best out there at the minute. The combi drills have the highest torque of any available combi drill and mine minces through joists no problems. the combi drill is the M18FPD2 or M18FPD for the previous version. I think they are essentially the same tool, just the newer FPD2 is slightly lighter and smaller.

£250 is just slightly on the cheaper side of the going rate for a new version Fuel combi with 2 x 5Ah batteries and a charger. I can find that deal at £270 on quite a few websites I have had tools from before.

The toolstation Milwaukee items there are older dated stock with a bit less power, but still good. I have that combi, bought it 6 years ago and still going good although I did have to replace the trigger once.

The DeWalt kit looks a good deal if you need an impact driver. Not used DeWalt myself though so can't comment on it really.

Thanks Andy. This the the Milwaukee Fuel one: Milwaukee M18 FPD2 FUEL Combi Drill

I would rather have an SDS than an Impact. So it’s older stock. There is one on eBay for £300. So I’m not sure what to do. As the Milwaukee Fuel one for £250 looks a bargain based on what’s they go for online.

 

[Andy78]

Thanks Andy. This the the Milwaukee Fuel one: Milwaukee M18 FPD2 FUEL Combi Drill

I would rather have an SDS than an Impact. So it’s older stock. There is one on eBay for £300. So I’m not sure what to do. As the Milwaukee Fuel one for £250 looks a bargain based on what’s they go for online.

Got a link to the deal you're looking at ? Like I say £250 is good but only just cheaper than £270 .. which is readily available.

 

[RDB85]

Got a link to the deal you're looking at ? Like I say £250 is good but only just cheaper than £270 .. which is readily available.

Can’t find it now. This any good:

Cash Converters

 

[Andy78]

Can’t find it now. This any good:

Cash Converters

Hmmm, yeah looks good, but cash convertors ? Never know where it's come from.

What you go for depends on your budget really

You could buy a Fuel combi but if you then still need a sds to match the batteries then it's another £200 for a body only sds. So around £470 in total.

The toolstation kit honestly looks quite good for the price, even if it is older models. If it's a starter kit and budget is key then go for that. The batteries will last for years if you ever fancy upgrading to Fuel stuff.

 

[RDB85]

Hmmm, yeah looks good, but cash convertors ? Never know where it's come from.

What you go for depends on your budget really

You could buy a Fuel combi but if you then still need a sds to match the batteries then it's another £200 for a body only sds. So around £470 in total.

The toolstation kit honestly looks quite good for the price, even if it is older models. If it's a starter kit and budget is key then go for that. The batteries will last for years if you ever fancy upgrading to Fuel stuff.

It’s gone from Cash Converters, but your only saving £70 online. It’s a good saving but you don’t have a guarantee.

That same kit from Toolstation is £300 on eBay brand new. Ideally I have a budget of £200 - £300. As I’m just starting out.

 

[Andy78]

It’s gone from Cash Converters, but your only saving £70 online. It’s a good saving but you don’t have a guarantee.

That same kit from Toolstation is £300 on eBay brand new. Ideally I have a budget of £200 - £300. As I’m just starting out.

If you register your tools with Milwaukee you get a 3 year warranty anyway.

This site has a clearance sale on if you fancied a browse

Clearance | Cheap and Discount Tools | ITS.co.uk

Your home of incredible offers in all our departments. Check out huge savings on these clearance tools.

www.its.co.uk

 

[RDB85]

If you register your tools with Milwaukee you get a 3 year warranty anyway.

This site has a clearance sale on if you fancied a browse

Clearance | Cheap and Discount Tools | ITS.co.uk

Your home of incredible offers in all our departments. Check out huge savings on these clearance tools.

www.its.co.uk

That’s good to know. Any recommendations from ITS?

 

[Andy78]

That’s good to know. Any recommendations from ITS?

Not really but thought there might be some deals lurking about in the sale

 

[RDB85]

Not really but thought there might be some deals lurking about in the sale

I will see what I can find and post it up on here.
[automerge]1569686825[/automerge]
Not really much in offer. I may try eBay and see about a kit.

 

[Bradneil]

Hilti all the way! Although the price is a lot more it will outlast the other common brands and the service provided is second to none. My sds was 4 years old at the time and developed an intermittent fault. It was picked up, fixed and back at my door within 4 days and cost me £25 for the repairs!

 

[Andy78]

Hilti all the way!

Not sure that is doable for someone who needs a combi and sds with a starting out budget of around £300

 

[RDB85]

Hilti all the way! Although the price is a lot more it will outlast the other common brands and the service provided is second to none. My sds was 4 years old at the time and developed an intermittent fault. It was picked up, fixed and back at my door within 4 days and cost me £25 for the repairs!

I would love Hilti but I dont have it, maybe when I am fully qualified and earning the big boys money, I can look at it.

 

[Cbuk2k2]

I personally don’t think you can buy a buy a bad power tool these days. Even the Ryobi type stuff is actually OK. Don’t be fooled into buying Hilti or any of the really flash stuff.
[automerge]1569696699[/automerge]

I would love Hilti but I dont have it, maybe when I am fully qualified and earning the big boys money, I can look at it.

Personally I don’t think Hilti are worth the premium. Unless you’re in some specialist drilling application and actually need a fancy core drill I think you’re largely paying for a name.

They used to have first rate for service but they’ve shut most of their local branches and their reps seem thin on the ground these days.

 

[telectrix]

SDS...24V Hitachi for me. my combi and impact are AEG. ..110V stuff is Makita.

 

[Cbuk2k2]

@telectrix how do you find the AEG gear? Don’t think I’ve ever seen one in the flesh.

 

[telectrix]

@telectrix how do you find the AEG gear? Don’t think I’ve ever seen one in the flesh.

brill.had combi and impact for 11 years. had to replace motor in combi but that was due to abuse.4"hole saw in cement board. took all the teeth off the saw, took 25minutes to get through 8mm.

 

[Phil Thompson]

Milwaukee looks good. Is the M18 Fuel range good? As I’ve found a Combi Drill for £250 online brand new. Should be £350.

Or would this be better:

Milwaukee M18SET2B-513B 18V Li-Ion Cordless Combi Drill, SDS Hammer Drill & M12 LED Torch Kit 2 x 5.0Ah 18V & 1 x 1.5Ah 12V

Milwaukee 3 piece kit: • M18BPD 18V Li-Ion Combi drill • HD18HX 18V Li-Ion SDS Hammer drill • M12TLED Torch • 2 x 18V 5.0Ah red Li-Ion batteries • 1 x 12V 1.5Ah red Li-Ion battery • Charger and carry case M18BPD 18V Li-Ion Combi drill • High performance 4-pole motor • No load...

www.toolstation.com

I’ve also seen this Dewalt for £200 online:

DeWalt DCK266M2T-GB 18V XR Cordless Brushless Combi Drill & Impact Driver Twin Pack

When you're faced with a task involving lots of different surfaces, choose this brushless twin drill kit comprising a combi drill and impact driver. This package comes with two 4.0 Ah Lithium-Ion batteries for minimum downtime on the job, as well as a multi-voltage charger and kit box to...

www.toolstation.com

I have this dewalt pair, since February 2017, have a spark and apprentice working with me, so get plenty of use and still going strong, also have the 273 model sds, again no issues, bought at same time.
Also dewalt comes with a 3yr warranty too.

Mate has the M18 and it feels alot heavier than the Dewalt, and the chuck doesn't stay grippy for long, which makes it difficult to open to release drill bits, also their sds quarter turns to release bits, whereas the Dewalt us pull bavk to release.
Apart from that I don't believe there is any difference, heard they both use same motors and batteries, if that's true or not I don't know.

 

[RDB85]

I have this dewalt pair, since February 2017, have a spark and apprentice working with me, so get plenty of use and still going strong, also have the 273 model sds, again no issues, bought at same time.
Also dewalt comes with a 3yr warranty too.

Mate has the M18 and it feels alot heavier than the Dewalt, and the chuck doesn't stay grippy for long, which makes it difficult to open to release drill bits, also their sds quarter turns to release bits, whereas the Dewalt us pull bavk to release.
Apart from that I don't believe there is any difference, heard they both use same motors and batteries, if that's true or not I don't know.

Thanks Phil. I may stick with Dewalt just because I like some of their range. Plus batteries are readily available. I may look at a Dewalt Combi and Impact. Then look at an SDS Bare Unit? Would you have any recommendations for a Dewalt SDS?

 

[telectrix]

Would you have any recommendations for a Dewalt SDS?

i have... ... bin/skip.

 

[RDB85]

i have... ... bin/skip.

Not a fan Tel?

 

[Leesparkykent]

Dewalt for me....Used/had them all and always gone back to Dewalt in the end.

 

[Phil Thompson]

This is the model I have

DeWalt DCH273N-XJ 18V XR BL SDS Plus Rotary Hammer Drill Bare Unit

The DEWALT DCH273N Brushless XR SDS Hammer has a category-leading high-speed drilling performance at more than 90 holes (10 x 80mm) per charge. It's compact, lightweight design provides improved comfort and support during extended operating periods.

www.ffx.co.uk

 

[telectrix]

Not a fan Tel?

had a dewalt 24V sds. less power than a £50 aldi cheapo. then it died trying a 12mm hole in a bit of brick.

 

[Phil Thompson]

That must be a long time ago Tel, my 18v does 25mm holes with a metre long bit and a bit of light tracking work too, and can't fault it, at times I consider buying another body only for when we are busy.

 

[telectrix]

That must be a long time ago Tel, my 18v does 25mm holes with a metre long bit and a bit of light tracking work too, and can't fault it, at times I consider buying another body only for when we are busy.

they must have improved then. mine was pre Li-Ion. metal halide or whatever. i retract my comment if you'll retract your not cool.
[automerge]1569754293[/automerge]

i have... ... bin/skip.

comment retracted. apparently deWalt are OK these days.

 

[Phil Thompson]

Retracted @telectrix lol

 

[RDB85]

I did also look at Metabo and Bosch Professional. I suppose when you look at it you have to consider the whole range. Milwaukee or Dewalt seem the popular choice. I found that kit on eBay with 10% off for £273 posted which seems good value. But then I found that Dewalt kit for £200. It then comes down to costing for the other drill whether it’s an Impact or an SDS including batteries which would be the most cost effective option.

 

[Phil Thompson]

The 2 brands with most options are makita and dewalt. Imo makita is not what it was back in the day.
So dewalt has to be the best option for choices of tool variety.

I have 2 combo drills, 2 impact drivers, sds, angle drill, electricians stapler, floodlight, angle grinder, multi tool and circular saw.

My mate with the milwaukee M18 range has sent his sds back for repair 3 times in 2019 and his combi drill is away at the minute and was away a few months ago for a new trigger switch, he thinks my multi tool is more powerful as well, personally I didn't like his as the battery goes in at an angle and doesn't stand up straight. So needs laid down every time.

 

[Andy78]

The 2 brands with most options are makita and dewalt. Imo makita is not what it was back in the day.
So dewalt has to be the best option for choices of tool variety.

I have 2 combo drills, 2 impact drivers, sds, angle drill, electricians stapler, floodlight, angle grinder, multi tool and circular saw.

My mate with the milwaukee M18 range has sent his sds back for repair 3 times in 2019 and his combi drill is away at the minute and was away a few months ago for a new trigger switch, he thinks my multi tool is more powerful as well, personally I didn't like his as the battery goes in at an angle and doesn't stand up straight. So needs laid down every time.

As a M18 user I've not had anywhere near this many problems. SDS is solid and takes heaps of abuse (CHX model) I have had a trigger replacement on an older combi (M18CPD model) But that was after 4-5 years of daily use. That's the only repair I have ever had to do on any of my M18 kit.
Yep the multitool is a bit basic but does the job. I do like the DeWalt multitool though, very nice bit of kit indeed.

 

[RDB85]

The 2 brands with most options are makita and dewalt. Imo makita is not what it was back in the day.
So dewalt has to be the best option for choices of tool variety.

I have 2 combo drills, 2 impact drivers, sds, angle drill, electricians stapler, floodlight, angle grinder, multi tool and circular saw.

My mate with the milwaukee M18 range has sent his sds back for repair 3 times in 2019 and his combi drill is away at the minute and was away a few months ago for a new trigger switch, he thinks my multi tool is more powerful as well, personally I didn't like his as the battery goes in at an angle and doesn't stand up straight. So needs laid down every time.

Thanks for that Phil. Certainly interested. Only thing with Dewalt that is confusing is the model numbers for each. Being new to it, it’s a mind-field as I am not sure what’s good and what’s bad.

 

[telectrix]

thing is, as you say, it's a minefied. once you make your choice... 1 brand so interchangeble batteries, you're stuck with it. a trade fair like elex is a good idea, so you can see what;s on offer and handle the tools, find out what's best for you. maybe even get a good deal.

 

[RDB85]

thing is, as you say, it's a minefied. once you make your choice... 1 brand so interchangeble batteries, you're stuck with it. a trade fair like elex is a good idea, so you can see what;s on offer and handle the tools, find out what's best for you. maybe even get a good deal.

That would be a good idea. Bit far for me to go though. Shame there is not something in the North West.

I could go the Wholesalers and Toolstation etc but they are limited in what they have. There is a Power Tool Centre Ltd, 49-51 London Rd, City Centre, Liverpool L3 8HY they seem to have quite a bit of stock. Might try there.

 

[123]

Makita stuff is still more than good, just stay away from the basic models as they are more for DIY. I've the DHP481 brushless combi drill and it's an absolute weapon.

@RDB85 I'd recommend trying out and having a play with as many different brands as you possibly can - get a feel for what you like using. Personally in the past I found the Milwaukee stuff too bulky and cumbersome, typically after I had bought it. What works well for others, might not be best suited to you.

 

[rapparee]

I am a firm believer in Hitachi or Hikoki as they have re-branded themselves. I've invested in their 18v range, so that's that.

FFX (folkstone fixings) usually do a good price.

Once you go with one brand, you will be stuck with it for life. The batteries are interchangeable so you can have 3/4 batteries and have a load of tools that fit them.

 

[Phil Thompson]

I agree about the brand thing, having lots of batteries to fit all tools is much easier than having to wait for ones to charge up if you've a machine that's hard on them or been using 1 alot on a day.

 

[telectrix]

elex do manchester, butit's usually June.

 

[RDB85]

One of the lads in work has this set. It’s nice:

DEWALT 18V Combi Drill Plus Hammer (Pack of 2): Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools

Shop DEWALT 18V Combi Drill Plus Hammer (Pack of 2). Free delivery on eligible orders of £20 or more.

www.amazon.co.uk

 

[JAWS]

One of the lads in work has this set. It’s nice:

DEWALT 18V Combi Drill Plus Hammer (Pack of 2): Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools

Shop DEWALT 18V Combi Drill Plus Hammer (Pack of 2). Free delivery on eligible orders of £20 or more.

www.amazon.co.uk

Stay away from manufacturers cheap range like this they are simply not very good. Brushless is the way to go mate, yes you pay more but it will be worth it long haul.