Whats the Best Core Drill? - Top Core Drills

[ExArmy]

untill now i have somehow managed to get by by getting somebody else on the job to core out holes, or i've borowed a core drill, but it looks like i'm gonna actually have to buy one now!

2 options here, i know someone who just uses a big sds max drill for this, and i know someone with a proper core drill. what is the difference?

also regarding the core bits themselves, you can get expensive ones, or cheap ones. I haven't really weighed it up yet, but someone told me in theory an expensive set is never going to last 4 times as long as the cheap set, and the cheap sets are a quarter of the price?

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[Strima]

All depends what you need them for and how often you use them. I got a cheap set of Ryobi core drills and they've done well enough chucking holes through block work, brick just takes a little more time and patience. Got them for the SDS as they're not used often and haven't found them too bad on the wrists.

 

[amlu]

been using those diamond ones, something like thise
Toolstation > Power Tool Accessories > Core Drill Bits > Premium Dry Diamond Core Drill Kit

gives a nice clean cut, you drill it without hammer action. expect to spend good 30 minutes especially when you have engineering bricks in the wall.

did last two holes using a cheapo 110mm one borrowed from the builders.
Toolstation > Power Tool Accessories > Core Drill Bits > TCT Core Drill

you drill using hammer mode and its a little bit messy. it gets really hot you got to have a break every ten minutes or so.
does the job too, they last for around 5-10 holes max... 2 teeth gone already.

no need for sds max, i was using 800watts bosch sds 2400.

 

[amlu]

good dust mask, googles, ear protection a must with this job

 

[Richard Burns]

2 options here, i know someone who just uses a big sds max drill for this, and i know someone with a proper core drill. what is the difference?

Core drills are designed for the expected torque, if you are drilling lots of holes then get a core drill, if you are just doing the odd one then you can use the SDS drills, but expect them to take a battering over time.

 

[RAD_22]

If you intend to drill alot and want to make the job easy get the marcrist core drill. Really good peace of kit.
It does also help spending a little more on a premium core set instead of a budget one. Also do not core using hammer action, this is why people wonder why the teeth are snapping off or do not last long.

Hope this is of some help.

 

[ExArmy]

Core drills are designed for the expected torque, if you are drilling lots of holes then get a core drill, if you are just doing the odd one then you can use the SDS drills, but expect them to take a battering over time.

still not getting the difference, apart from 70W of power on the more expensive core drill.my makita 2470 SDS max has 780W and it cost me £100, but the 8406 has 850W, and it's about £250

 

[Richard Burns]

I haven't actually looked into the design of the drills, however the expectation is that core drilling does not require high speed but does require high torque, SDS drills need to be flexible in providing high speed, high torque,etc.
So the more specific design of core drills is better for that specific purpose.
I would expect that the motor design is such that for core drills the windings are designed to take greater currents when the motor is almost stalled, the clutch system should be better so that there is not the sudden peak in torque on release and I believe SDS drills do not like operating the clutch (if then even have a clutch).
Overall I have burnt out one SDS drill in drilling core holes, however I think core drills do not tend to burn out, unless heavily abused, oh yes and you cannot accidentally use them on hammer action and damage the bit.

 

[sedgy34]

good dust mask, googles, ear protection a must with this job

You could also get some earphones and play a bit of rock whilst drilling it will seem faster lol

 

[Lucas]

We use the DeWalt core drill from screwfix and a set that is about £160 and comes in a little suitcase. Brilliant gear, I used to core holes out wrong but now I do it properly (Use a pilot for 20mm, take it out and core untill through first course and then put extender piece on for second course)