I am not a big DYI but do the necessary things around the house. Sofar my sub $50 drill has been ok, but lacks the power to f.e. drill holes in the brick facade that is on the front of my house. I am starting to look around for a bit more powerfull drill and since I do have to drill the occassional hole in brick I figured a hammer drill would be my best bet. I don't care too much about it being cordless and am looking at the following ones that seem to be in the same price range ($130-140):
Bosch 1194AVSRK
Bosch 1199VSR
DeWalt 505K
Milwaukee 5378-21
Any recommendations for these (or others)? In general are these overkill for my needs and is there a good site for reviews.
I can also get a reconditioned (with 1yr factory warranty) Bosch 1199VSRK for around $120. Would that make a good choice?
Thanks for any info,
Bas
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Others might disagree with me....but, from personal experience, my ancient (20 year old) Craftsman 1/2" hammer drill has performed beautifully for occasional DIY work. I have used it for heavy duty stuff (such as screwing down Hardibacker and driving lag screws), as well as drilling through ceramic tile and brick. I also used it for a long time as my primary drill before I ever bought my first cordless drill.
That said (again, in my experience), I'd vote for a cheap 1/2" hammer drill for occasional use and for those times you NEED a 120v drill. And get yourself a really good pro-quality cordless--say a 14v--for the rest of the time. Those things are just so handy; MOST of the time you'll use that one.
Now if you were doing lots of work with concrete, I'd upgrade....but for occasional use, save your money.
Regards,
-k2 in CO
Moderator, Miscellaneous Forum
http://www.bobvila.com/BBS/Miscellaneous
That said (again, in my experience), I'd vote for a cheap 1/2" hammer drill for occasional use and for those times you NEED a 120v drill. And get yourself a really good pro-quality cordless--say a 14v--for the rest of the time. Those things are just so handy; MOST of the time you'll use that one.
Now if you were doing lots of work with concrete, I'd upgrade....but for occasional use, save your money.
Regards,
-k2 in CO
Moderator, Miscellaneous Forum
http://www.bobvila.com/BBS/Miscellaneous
My old B&D "Industrial" HD finally gave up the ghost after years of abuse and I purchased one of the Bosh units for $140 new on ****** w\ free shipping. I read a couple of reviews that said the owners had trouble with it so I gave it a test right out of the box. I put in one of their "Blue Granite" 3/4" bits and proceeded to drill through 13" of pink granite. This is far harder than any concrete you will ever encounter. It took about 30 minutes with me applying all of the force that my 200 lb frame could muster. It almost wore me out but the drill performed without a hitch. The gearbox was pretty toasty but I could detect no overheating from the motor. In normal use this unit should serve you quite well.
