Which hammer drill is better to buy for homework. What do you focus on when choosing a perforator for your home? The fundamental principle of the hammer drill

Perforator - a productive tool for processing concrete, stone and brick, is required for the overhaul of an apartment. The power of the device is dozens of times greater than the impact drill, so drilling and chiselling of hard materials with it is very fast. Hammer drills vary in design, function and equipment. How to choose an inexpensive hammer drill for the home from the models on the market, how to operate the device correctly and safely?

What is a hammer drill and what is it used for?

A perforator is a tool designed to destroy hard non-metallic surfaces, drill holes in building structural elements and gouge grooves in walls. By appointment, the puncher can be industrial and for home use. The difference in this case is determined by its power and equipment. A common drive for this tool is an electric motor, but there are professional models with hydraulic and pneumatic drives.

How is it different from an impact drill

Impact drill - a tool for drilling holes in various materials. To facilitate processing hard surfaces it has a mechanism that pushes the drill in the axial direction. With all its advantages, an impact drill is not designed to destroy concrete and is inferior to a hammer drill in terms of impact force. It is impossible for a drill to make a groove or a deep hole in a monolithic wall.

Drill or perforator: what to choose for apartment renovation

Impact drill or hammer drill - what to choose? For home use, it is enough to have a powerful impact drill in the arsenal. But when conducting overhaul residential or utility room with the replacement of thermal, electrical or plumbing communications, you can’t do without a puncher. For example, a number of homework is given, the implementation of which will facilitate and speed up the puncher:

• dismantling building structures(walls, foundation elements, concrete screed, windows, doors);
• drilling holes for fastening pipe clamps, brackets, anchor bolts;
• drilling holes of large diameter (100–200 mm, etc.) in brick and concrete walls.

Criteria for choosing a home power tool

For an objective and right choice perforator, there are a number of criteria, the main ones are:

• perforator power;
• device type;
• impact strength;
• number of operating modes.

Additional criteria:

• availability of equipment;
• engine location;
• the presence of a protective sleeve;
• availability of additional functions;
• dimensions and weight.

Power and impact force

Power and impact force are the determining parameters when choosing a hammer drill for a particular type of work. Conventionally, perforators are usually divided into four groups according to power and impact force. There are no standard restrictions and norms for choosing a tool from a particular group. For homework, it is recommended to choose a tool of low and medium power, its abilities are quite enough for repairs.

Table: tool groups by power and impact force

Operating modes: drilling, chiseling and chasing

The work of the perforator provides for three main modes of operation: drilling, drilling, slotting. For convenience of switching of the modes on punchers toggle switches are provided. By turning the toggle switch and setting it opposite a certain marking, we determine the operating mode:

• drilling - the toggle switch is set opposite the "drill" icon;
• drilling - the toggle switch is installed opposite the “drill + hammer” icon;
• chiselling - the toggle switch is installed opposite the "hammer" icon.

Sometimes the manufacturer equips rotary hammers with additional features, for example, a blow with a turn of the chisel. This mode facilitates the destruction of particularly hard surfaces, most often used in professional models. In home use, three main modes of operation are sufficient.

Professional Models perforators have a higher cost and design complexity.

Engine location: horizontal and vertical

According to the location of the engine, rotary hammers with a horizontal and vertical orientation of the drive are produced.

Rotary hammers with a vertical position of the engine have higher power, greater torque, the motor in this case is better cooled. Disadvantages: high body weight, stringent requirements for lubrication and maintenance intervals. A hammer drill of this design is better suited for work in a vertical plane: drilling holes and cutting grooves in the floor and ceiling. It is convenient to hold the tool with one hand and work from the waist.

The horizontal position of the engine is optimal for work in the horizontal plane:

• installation of plasterboard structures;
• wall drilling;
• dismantling tiles;
• arrangement of facade work;
• wall chasing;
• drilling niches for electrical equipment.

Models of this design are simpler, have less weight, and are unpretentious in maintenance.

The location of the engine is not decisive when choosing a rotary hammer. For use at home, a device with horizontal position motor. If you need to use the tool for professional purposes, it is better to have a separate, more powerful rotary hammer with a vertical motor orientation in your arsenal.

Why do you need a protective sleeve

Protective clutch - a design feature of rotary hammers (sometimes drills). The clutch is designed to protect the tool when the drill or drill is jammed. There is a clutch inside the instrument case.

It is almost impossible for a non-professional to visually determine the presence of a protective sleeve in a perforator. Whether it is or not, you can find out in the passport of the instrument. In models up to 4–4.5 kg, such a clutch is implemented due to a spring-loaded gear and a mating washer with protrusions corresponding to each other. When the maximum allowable torque is exceeded, the washers scroll, while emitting a characteristic crack.

Models of rotary hammers of higher power are equipped with spring-cam and magnetic protections. Professional rotary hammers are equipped with couplings that are designed and set for a certain amount of torque. In budget models of rotary hammers, “symbolic” couplings are often put, the moment of operation of which is difficult to predict.

Additional functions

Some models of rotary hammers have additional features. Below are descriptions of some of them:

• reverse - allows you to change the direction of rotation of the cartridge;
• soft start - a system for monitoring the magnitude of starting currents in the engine;
• automatic regulation of the number of revolutions - the electronic system maintains constant shaft revolutions when the load on the tool changes;
• drilling (drilling) depth limiter - a special metal rod-ruler with or without a scale, designed to limit the depth of the hole. Useful for repeated drilling to the same depth;
• vibration protection - vibration damping mechanism to protect the hands of the worker;
• safety (protective) clutch - protects the tool and the hands of the master from jerking the body when the drill is jammed.

Equipment: chisels, drills, crowns for concrete

An important criterion when choosing a perforator for the home is the availability of additional equipment. Purchasing a rotary hammer without accessories may seem like a good idea, but afterwards, buying each necessary element individually, you can overpay. Moreover, prices in the market for consumables for power tools have been growing for many years.

The most common rotary hammers with SDS-plus cartridges. Check the instructions for the punch, which cartridge system your model uses. It is these drills, drills and others cutting tools should be purchased.

The equipment of the perforator significantly expands the range of its application. Depending on the type of work performed and the power of the perforator, the set of equipment includes the following list of cutting tools:

• drills of various diameters and lengths;
• drills of various diameters, purposes and lengths;
• chisels of various widths;
• channel chisels;
• crowns of various diameters;
• peaks;
• additional cam-type chuck for drilling with standard drills;
• mixer for the preparation of building mixtures.

Rating of the best rotary hammers for home

Hammer drills are produced by German, Japanese and American companies, including Bosch, Makita, Hitachy, Metabo, DeWALT, and others. Despite the fact that now all production is located in China, brand owners strictly monitor product quality. The section contains the most practical perforators for home use, their main characteristics and cost.

Table: which puncher to choose for the home

The perforator is an indispensable assistant in dismantling work. With it, you can perform drilling, chasing and destruction of solid structures, applying for this a minimum of physical effort. Although percussion equipment of this type is considered professional, it is often used in domestic settings. Modest in terms of performance, a model of such an apparatus will not be superfluous in household. How to choose a perforator for an ordinary user? Since the tool is not cheap, the approach must be responsible and comprehensive - key performance indicators, functionality, user reviews, etc. are taken into account.

Optimal type of perforator

At the first stage of selection, one should decide on the basic belonging of the instrument to one or another category according to the main classifications. In particular, the design and power supply system should be determined. As for the structural device, there are horizontal and vertical perforators for the home. Which to choose? Models of the first type with a horizontal engine are more like drills. In essence, this is an electric drill, but supplemented with an impact function - a kind of jackhammer. This option is easy to use and is good choice for a beginner, but complex operations for the destruction of concrete and brick structures he can hardly perform on a large scale. The vertical configuration is characterized by power and more efficient system cooling - accordingly, the device will be able to work at high loads.

Now you can go to the power system. Network and battery models are fundamentally separated. As the reviews show, the first ones have a greater power reserve, while maintaining a compact body and lightness. The presence of a battery pack makes the design heavier and reduces maneuverability. Although, the addition of weight in the case of a perforator can also be a plus, since the stabilizing effect increases, which is important when hard work. How to choose a rotary hammer by type of battery? It is worth focusing on lithium-ion cells (Li-Ion). They have no self-discharge effect, small size have a high energy potential and are undemanding in maintenance. But, one should also take into account the capriciousness of the Li-Ion block when working at low temperatures and the price factor - rotary hammers with such power supply are 10-15% more expensive than other models.

Choice by technical specifications

The performance range varies depending on the model class. So, the initial level is represented by devices weighing 3-4 kg and with a power of 800 watts. The impact energy in this case is 1-2 J. It turns out a low-power device that is suitable, for example, for electrical wiring, but it is better to entrust serious work with chiselling and deep gating to more productive versions. How to choose a hammer drill for homework medium difficulty? The power potential in this case may also not exceed 1000 W, the main thing is the impact energy. It is desirable to carry out dismantling operations with chiselling with a tool with a force of 3 J or more. This is enough to perform a major overhaul with the creation of large-format holes and openings in the wall. But, as a household drilling machine, such a tool is no longer used.

Manufacturers also produce heavy punching equipment designed for domestic tasks. Models of this class are designed to form 40 mm holes and breaks stone walls. But in addition to power, it is worth noting the structural reliability and functionality of such rotary hammers. What is the best device to choose from this segment? To perform complex responsible tasks, it is better to purchase models with a power of at least 1200 watts. Accordingly, the impact energy will also be considerable - about 13 J. The influence of high loads on the electrical stuffing is also taken into account. It would be useful to provide for protective systems and fuses. However, additional options should be considered separately.

How to choose a perforator by functionality?

Continuing the topic of safety and protection of the tool itself, we can highlight the soft start system, overheating protection, fan cooling of the engine, etc. From the point of view of performance, the possibility of reverse (reverse) movement and changing the position of the bit will be significant. In particular, Bosch uses to correct working equipment own Vario-Lock mechanism. As for the reverse, it can be useful in cases where the drill goes to the side or gets stuck in a rigid array with a rebar grip. But how to choose a rotary hammer if you plan to use different nozzles in addition to large-caliber shanks? It is advisable to give preference to SDS-max or SDS-plus keyless chucks. They not only expand the list of nozzles available for use, but also facilitate the process of changing them without connecting an additional tool.

To carry out pinpoint operations under heavy load, electronic speed control will also be required. This function is useful if you plan to work with materials of different degrees of density. The most modern versions automatically adjust to the working basis by estimating the pressure on the drill and the degree of pressing the start button. Another question is no less important - how to choose a hammer drill for homework, taking into account auxiliary functional accessories? In this part, it is worth providing for the laser guidance of the drilling point, LED illumination and a safety clutch. All this contributes to high-quality drilling with precise centering of the working body. For greater reliability, an anti-vibration system should also be provided, which reduces the effect of vibrations on the accuracy of the orientation of the drill.

Model Makita BHR242RFE

A device with an unusual configuration of power stuffing, which combines a balanced design and high power with a low impact force of 2 J. Users consider it the borderline version of an impact drill between the professional and household segments. That is, if there is a question about how to choose a good universal-purpose puncher, then you can refer to this particular proposal. The operational feature is that the power filling is focused on performing short operations, but with high peak power. In comparison, full-fledged professional models are designed to withstand high loads over long working sessions.

Also this model represents the accumulator class. The lithium-ion unit has a small energy reserve of 3 mAh, but this is enough for the same household repair activities. An additional battery is included in the kit. Here it is important to reveal some of the nuances of the non-stop operation of rotary hammers for the home. Which device to choose in terms of autonomy? It is desirable that a balance be struck between capacity, charging time and the duration of the workflow. It is this advantage that distinguishes the BHR242RFE modification. While the energy of one block is replenished, the master can work with the second for several hours. As for other advantages, the model is also equipped with vibration protection, dust isolation and thoughtful body ergonomics, which traditionally distinguish Makita power tools.

Model Bosch GBH 18

This device has a blue color, which indicates that it belongs to a professional group according to the German manufacturer's proprietary classification. However, the cost of 14 thousand rubles. allows many home users to acquire such an assistant. Moreover, in terms of ergonomics and optimization, this is one of the best rock drills with a lightweight design. Yes, the performance is low - only 1.7 J at 18 V. Also, the processing parameters are not impressive - for concrete, the drilling diameter is a maximum of 20 mm. But these modest figures for domestic use are not a critical limitation, but in return the owner receives a small, light (2.3 kg) and maneuverable body, as well as a high spindle speed, which allows you to work with small drills. Quite often, professional builders are faced with the question of how to choose the right hammer drill in order to get both a balanced design and not lose power. Of course, in this case, things are not very important with performance, but the convenience of physical handling is on highest level. As the users themselves note, the GBH 18 puncher can be operated even with one hand.

Model "Interskol" PA-10/14,4R-2

Solid domestic rotary hammer, made on a battery basis with the basic functionality of an impact drill. The robust body of the tool provides protection from physical damage, the mode switch is responsible for setting, and the shanks are fixed with a quick-release chuck. By the way, the SDS-plus retainer accepts drills with diameters of 5, 6 and 8 mm. Also, for work in hard-to-reach places, the developers have provided a backlight. What is also important in this model is the operational versatility with a wide coverage of work operations - this is also confirmed by reviews of the rotary hammer. Which tool to choose for both impact drilling and fastening hardware? This is a popular question of ordinary home craftsmen who do not need specialized functions, and the “omnivorousness” of the device comes to the fore. And the creators of the model in question just offer the implementation different tasks at the average power potential. As a result, concrete with metal can be processed with a diameter of 10 mm, and wood - up to 20 mm. And within the framework of the same production process, without changing the tool, the operator will be able to be distracted without a hitch and tightening the screws.

Model DeWALT D25144K

This time around, the focus is on high performance, as evidenced by the 3.2 J impact mechanism, supported by a 900-watt engine. The perforator also works successfully in shockless mode, which can be switched to after replacing the standard SDS-plus chuck with a conventional three-jaw grip. In other words, this is the same universal design, which is suitable for working in screwdriver mode. But, small-format fast operations with constant movements around the site are not the best format for using this version. Yet the design of a powerful impact drill is designed for more solid tasks. And how to choose a rotary hammer for repair, so that it combines compactness, lightness, versatility and performance? On the one hand, this is a contradictory combination of characteristics, and on the other hand, the rejection of the battery pack while maintaining the usual network drive, at least guarantees not to exceed the weight at average power. It is in this configuration that the D25144K modification is proposed, but, as users note, you will have to pay for ergonomic advantages with strong vibrations and noisy operation.

Model AEG PN 11 E

It should be noted right away that this puncher belongs to the highest class and is estimated at 45-50 thousand rubles. What does the owner of this unit get? 1700 W motor, 27 J impact energy and 11 kg of weight. That is, the model has practically no restrictions in terms of application - at least within the framework of tasks that, in principle, are available for a perforator as such. At the same time, the owners do not so much emphasize the versatility with a wide range of operations under their control, but the ease in solving quite standard repair tasks.

Of course, for such a cost, you can count on the presence of innovative systems. Gearbox carbon brush wear indicator, idle speed limiter and soft start are just some of the useful options that positive side noted in the reviews. Which hammer drill to choose for the home so that it combines reliability, endurance and ease of manipulation is also a common question asked by amateur craftsmen who understand these qualities. It cannot be said that the AEG PN 11 E demonstrates record performance and can compete with small-sized counterparts in terms of ergonomics, but the developers still found a certain balance. Despite the weight of 11 kg, the model effectively copes with drilling tasks without a heavy load on the hands - this is facilitated by the thoughtful design of the body and the high speed of the operation.

Rating of the best models

Each of the above models has its own advantages in different aspects of the application. Their combination, taking into account the cost, will answer the question of how to choose a hammer drill for homework. The rating below focuses on the most popular and quality models available on the market for ordinary users:

1. Bosch GBH 18. The main quality of this device is balance. It concerns both the immediate working qualities and the price tag. The model is a little beyond the cost range of a strictly domestic class, but a modest overpayment for high German quality fully justifies itself.
2. Makita BHR242RFE. The Japanese brand is a direct competitor to Bosch, but the class of this model is higher than the previous offer. The difference in price is 10 thousand rubles, and this, even taking into account higher operational data, is not suitable for every amateur master.
3. "Interskol" PA-10 / 14,4R-2. On the contrary, a budget option that is in good demand. But, this rotary hammer still cannot compete with Makita products in terms of reliability and durability of the element base.
4. AEG PN 11 E. For unique combination characteristics and an abundance of modern functions with increased performance, this device also deserves a place in this ranking, but taking into account the price tag, it is far from the first position.
5. DeWALT D25144K. In general, a good model that can compete with each of the analogues below in terms of individual qualities, however, the imbalance in the balance between ergonomics and power makes it a specific proposal designed for a narrow segment.

When evaluating these options, you should rely on your workflow requirements. In some cases, performance will come to the fore, in others - reliability, and in others - functionality. Perhaps, as a compromise solution, it is worth choosing a Makita puncher worth 24-25 thousand rubles. This is a lot of money for home appliances, but you can be sure that all hammer drilling tasks will be completed without unnecessary worries.

Conclusion

A perforator is a tool that is certainly useful and in some way irreplaceable. However, the average homeowner needs it only on rare occasions. More often, a standard electric drill is used, which is cheaper, more manageable and lighter. How to choose a perforator for apartment renovation in order to cover as many tasks as possible? You can go in a slightly different way. The main difference of the perforator is the presence of the function of the percussion mechanism. But today it is also provided for some drill models. For example, battery versions with a voltage of about 24 V may well replace a corded puncher. For the right choice, it is only necessary to calculate specific technical parameters and superimpose them on the processing capabilities of the target surfaces and building materials.

The hammer drill is designed for drilling holes in solid building materials such as: concrete, brick, stone. Of course, a small hole in concrete can also be drilled with a conventional drill equipped with a drill bit with a Pobedite tip. However, a powerful hammer drill with a percussion mechanism will cope with this task much faster. In addition, some rotary hammers can operate in mini jackhammer mode, which makes it easy to remove tiles and plaster from walls.

Hammer drills are often equipped with an SDS chuck that securely holds the bit and was designed for professional construction power tools.

In this article, we will tell you how to choose the right hammer drill for your home and give a list of the most popular models with the main characteristics.

Rotary hammers, like electric drills with a percussion mechanism, combine drilling with frequent impacts. Drilling combined with impacts makes it possible to drill dense grades of concrete, stone and brick. The design of the impact mechanism of the perforator differs from the design of the impact mechanism of a drill or screwdriver. The hammer drill, which is designed for longer and harder work, uses a piston. In an electric drill, blows are made using ratchet wheels.

In addition to being more reliable and more powerful, the impact mechanism of some rotary hammers can be used without rotation. This allows the hammer to be used as a small jackhammer. On sale there is a huge selection of different accessories for rotary hammers, including drills, chisels, chisels, peaks and others. Adapters are available for the SDS chuck to allow the use of conventional round shank drills. When using an adapter, the impact mechanism must be turned off.

Drills for the SDS chuck are distinguished by the presence of several grooves on the shank. This, firstly, allows you to more securely fix the drill in the chuck and eliminate slippage. Secondly, the drill can move back and forth regardless of the chuck. Installation of the drill is very simple and can be done without any additional tools. Larger rotary hammers designed for drilling very big holes, equipped with SDS-Max cartridges. Before purchasing drills and other accessories, make sure they are compatible with your rotary hammer chuck.

Perforators differ in the type of power supply (mains and battery), in power, in the frequency and strength of impacts, in the number of revolutions per minute. These characteristics affect the maximum drill diameter and how hard the material can be drilled with the tool. A more powerful tool is usually heavier. The choice depends on what is more important to you, mobility and ease of use, or the ability to drill and chisel harder building materials.

In addition, when buying, you should pay attention to the ergonomics of the puncher, how heavy, comfortable, and balanced it is. Also, you should pay attention to what material the cartridge is made of. Cartridges made of metal are more reliable than cartridges with plastic parts. And if the keyless chuck is quite suitable for a drill or screwdriver, then for a puncher its strength will be clearly not enough.

Puncher operating modes

Hammer drills with two modes of operation allow you to drill wood, metal and concrete in drilling mode. The hammer drill mode is used for drilling holes in dense concrete, brick and stone.

If you are looking for a cordless rotary hammer for continuous work, then you should also consider the capacity of the battery when purchasing. Batteries for long-term use have a capacity of 4A * h or more. Some punchers from Makita and DeWALT are equipped with batteries with a capacity of 4A * h. The Hitachi electric tool is completed with batteries, with a capacity of 5A*h.

More expensive perforators have a third mode of operation, in which it becomes possible to turn on the percussion mechanism without rotation. This mode is used for removing plaster, tiles, chiselling concrete and hard soil. Some rotary hammers have the fourth position of the mode switch - neutral mode, which allows you to set the chiseling equipment at the desired angle.

Hammer drill size and weight

A rotary hammer is a powerful power tool that is designed for drilling hard building materials. However, this does not mean that it should be bulky and heavy. Increasingly, rotary hammers are equipped with brushless electric motors. This reduces the overall weight of the tool. Cordless rotary hammers are lighter than cordless rotary hammers. The higher the voltage and capacity of the battery, the heavier it is.

Which hammer drill is better to buy for home

• Number of speeds: 1
• Maximum number of revolutions: 2300 rpm
• Maximum beat rate: 5800 bpm
• Maximum impact energy: 1.7 J
• Cartridge type: SDS
• Power supply: from the network
• Power consumption: 550W
• Maximum concrete drilling diameter: 20 mm
• , case
• Weight: 2.2 kg
• Price: 4999 rubles

• Number of speeds: 1
• Maximum impact energy: 2.7 J
• Cartridge type: SDS
• Power supply: from the network
• Power consumption: 780 W
• Operating modes: drilling, hammer drilling, chiselling
• Maximum iron drilling diameter: 13mm
• Additional functions: reverse, spindle lock, electronic speed control, spindle lock
• Weight: 2.4 kg
• Price: 6316 rubles

• Number of speeds: 1
• Maximum number of revolutions: 1400 rpm
• Maximum beat rate: 4900 bpm
• Cartridge type: SDS
• Power supply: battery
• Battery type: Li-Ion
• Battery capacity: 5Ah
• Battery voltage: 18V
• Battery Charging Time: 1h
• Operating modes: drilling, hammer drilling, chiselling
• Maximum drilling diameter in wood: 30mm
• Maximum iron drilling diameter: 13mm
• Additional functions: electronic overload protection, reverse, spindle lock, anti-vibration system, electronic speed control
• Included: additional handle, drilling depth gauge, case
• Weight: 3.5 kg
• Price: 55600 rub

• Number of speeds: 1
• Maximum speed: 950 rpm
• Maximum beat rate: 4700 bpm
• Maximum impact energy: 2 J
• Cartridge type: SDS
• Power supply: battery
• Battery voltage: 18V
• Operating modes: drilling, hammer drilling, chiselling
• Maximum drilling diameter in concrete: 24 mm
• Maximum drilling diameter in wood: 27 mm
• Maximum iron drilling diameter: 13mm
• Additional functions: reverse, spindle lock, electronic speed control, anti-vibration system
• Includes: additional handle, drilling depth gauge
• Weight: 3.3 kg
• Price: 12246 rubles

• Number of speeds: 1
• Maximum number of revolutions: 1100 rpm
• Maximum beat rate: 4500 bpm
• Maximum impact energy: 2.8 J
• Cartridge type: SDS
• Power supply: battery
• Battery type: Li-Ion
• Battery capacity: 3A*h
• Battery voltage: 36V
• Battery Charging Time: 1.3h
• Operating modes: drilling, hammer drilling, chiselling
• Maximum drilling diameter in concrete: 26 mm
• Maximum drilling diameter in wood: 32mm
• Maximum iron drilling diameter: 13mm
• Includes: additional handle, drilling depth gauge
• Weight: 4 kg
• Price: 32490 rubles

• Number of speeds: 1
• Maximum number of revolutions: 1100 rpm
• Maximum beat rate: 4600 bpm
• Maximum impact energy: 2.1 J
• Cartridge type: SDS
• Power supply: battery
• Battery type: Li-Ion
• Battery capacity: 5Ah
• Battery voltage: 18V
• Operating modes: drilling, hammer drilling, chiselling
• Maximum drilling diameter in concrete: 24 mm
• Maximum drilling diameter in wood: 26mm
• Maximum iron drilling diameter: 13mm
• Additional functions: reverse, spindle lock, electronic speed control
• Includes: additional handle, drilling depth gauge
• Weight: 3.1 kg
• Price: 28413 rubles

• Number of speeds: 1
• Maximum number of revolutions: 1250 rpm
• Maximum beat frequency: 5000 bpm
• Maximum impact energy: 2.5 J
• Cartridge type: SDS
• Power supply: battery
• Battery type: Li-Ion
• Battery voltage: 18V
• Operating modes: drilling, hammer drilling, chiselling
• Maximum drilling diameter in concrete: 26 mm
• Maximum drilling diameter in wood: 32mm
• Maximum iron drilling diameter: 13mm
• Additional functions: safety clutch, reverse, spindle lock, anti-vibration system, electronic speed control
• Includes: additional handle, drilling depth gauge
• Weight: 4.6 kg
• Price: 12907 rubles

A perforator is a unique tool, not a single repair, not a single construction can do without it. There are a lot of recommendations on how to choose the right hammer drill for home or work, but for you we have collected the most useful ones.

Builders and amateur craftsmen willingly share their experience in using various models, reveal professional secrets and talk about the fatal mistakes of bad choices. An analysis of the numerous reviews on the forums will help you decide which puncher to buy for homework or on construction site which models are suitable for highly specialized work, and which can be called universal.

What is better hammer drill or impact drill?

When deciding to purchase a new tool, many are wondering what is more rational to purchase: a hammer drill or an impact drill. There is no universal answer to this question, because everything directly depends on the features of the upcoming work.

These two tools are capable of performing the same function - drilling concrete or brick, but structurally they have little in common. The mechanism of an impact drill will not provide a performance equal to a hammer drill, even if its power consumption is close to 1 kW.

No less significant is the principle of operation of the percussion mechanism, if the puncher (in most cases) is pneumatic, then in the drill everything is arranged somewhat differently: the gears slip relative to each other. With regular drilling hard materials methodical, natural wear of parts is added to the low power of the drill.

An impact drill, having a low weight and dimensions, is used for drilling products made of metal, wood, plastic, ceramics or other soft materials. Unlike a hammer drill, a drill can make neat holes of very small diameter. This is a convenient and practical tool that is rational to use for drilling concrete or brick only "on the occasion" when you need to hang a shelf or curtain.

The puncher, in turn, was created to work on concrete, here is an approximate list of tasks when you need to purchase such a tool:

• Installation of windows, doors, plinths, stretch ceilings.
• Electrical work - forming a strobe for laying cables, drilling holes for sockets.
• Fastening furniture or appliances to the wall (when the work is regular).
• Chip of old tiles.
• Creation of window or door openings.
• Removal (chipping) of excess concrete, demolition of the old foundation.

When installed with the appropriate equipment, the hammer drill can easily cope with drilling any other materials, but is more suitable for medium and large diameter holes. A specific model is chosen for certain types of work; there are also relatively universal modifications of a wide range of actions.

Criteria for the right choice of perforator

The general criteria for a successful purchase are very similar to the rules for purchasing equipment in general. When considering which hammer drill is better to choose for solving your problems, you should pay attention to the brand and the presence of a service center. For Chinese-made models, the choice of spare parts is relatively wide, but components for professional-level devices have practically no analogues. Even if the unit is designed for a long service life, a service center is still needed, because carbon brushes wear out over time, the gearbox needs to be lubricated periodically. It should also be borne in mind that not every tool can be serviced independently due to the complex design.

There is an opinion that professional-grade appliances are a priori better than household appliances, but this is a big misconception. Models for amateurs have a smaller resource, are inferior in terms of functionality and electronics, but are capable of performing all types of work. Professional hammer drills are designed for long-term, intensive use in various conditions, which can be expressed in increased protection against dust, the presence of control and monitoring electronics, and high technical performance. When it comes to small volumes of work, the difference between professional and amateur equipment will be imperceptible.

An important criterion is the class of the instrument. The user must correctly assess the upcoming volume and type of work, this will help determine a number of suitable models. If a own experience not enough, you can turn to the knowledge of the masters, they will tell you how to choose a good puncher and not spend extra money.

General classification of punchers and their purpose:

• Simple tools with a mechanical impact will be useful for drilling wood and metal, for example, for drilling logs. screw drills. Concrete and brick work should be limited to rare use.
• Lightweight with "pneumatics" - models with a horizontal engine and a power of not more than 700 watts. Such perforators are suitable for repairing an apartment and laying engineering communications, because they easily drill concrete, brick, metal, wood.
• Medium. This category includes the most powerful horizontal models with high impact force and all “vertical” rotary hammers with an SDS-Plus cartridge. A tool of this class is suitable for intensive use, including drilling and chiselling load-bearing walls, where concrete is very durable.
• Heavy. According to your settings given type perforators surpasses all other models. They are distinguished by increased productivity and are used mainly for chiselling, for example, creating or expanding door or window openings, and are used to demolish an old foundation. The technical feature of this class is high parameters of power and impact force, large mass, cartridge type SDS-Max.

If you decide which drill to choose for concrete or brick - stop at the model with pneumatic impact. It is impossible to visually determine the type of mechanism, and not every seller will give a full consultation. It is easy to understand the issue: for models with a mechanical shock on idling vibration is felt, and pneumatics form a blow only under load, directly during drilling.

Types of rotary hammers straight and vertical

Structurally, all perforators are divided into two large groups:

• Horizontal or straight.
• With vertical arrangement engine or L-shaped.

Horizontal type models are presented in a rich variety of modifications, the power of such tools does not exceed 1 kW. They are compact in size and light in weight. If you want to pick up an inexpensive but good puncher, pay attention to models of this type, among them there are many successful versions at affordable prices.

Models with a vertical engine are more productive. Due to the special design of such tools, the level of vibration is reduced, a powerful electric motor is installed, and, accordingly, the mass is larger. The power consumption of various models varies from 900 W to 1.5 kW, as a rule, rotary hammers up to 1 kW are household. When choosing such equipment, you should follow the rules of operation, especially for amateur power tools. The lower part of the engine, where the vents are located, is not always equipped with a dust protection system, resulting in a high probability of ingress of abrasive particles.

Energy and impact frequency

According to the parameters of the perforator, one can judge its capabilities. The frequency and force of impact are key factors that characterize the productivity and speed of drilling. Impact energy is measured in joules (J), for horizontal models the average is 1.5-2.7 J, the limit value for tools of this class is 3.2 J. More powerful vertical hammers with an SDS-Plus cartridge have an average impact force of 3 up to 7 J, and in productive and heavy SDS-Max, the parameter reaches 12.5 J.

Impact frequency at horizontal devices rarely exceeds 4000 beats / min, but there are professional models where the figure reaches 4,300 beats / min, like the Hitachi DH26PC. The limit value of 5,800 beats / min is for the Bosch PBH 2000 RE household rotary hammer. For minor repairs in an apartment or in a country house, this indicator does not play a decisive role, but you should pay attention to it, the value should not be too low. Modifications with an L-shaped engine, designed more for chiselling, the impact frequency of such devices is somewhat lower - about 3600 beats / min (Bosch GBH 4-32 DFR-S).

Summary: the impact force is especially important for intensive chiselling, the higher the indicator, the more efficiently the tool will cope with the tasks. The impact frequency determines the drilling speed.

How to choose the power of the perforator

Exclusively in terms of power, rotary hammers are chosen among models of the same class. This indicator is not the main factor when buying, more important is the ratio of this value to such characteristics as the strength and frequency of impact. As the experience of the masters shows, the power difference of 650 - 750 W is not critical, if we are not talking about drilling load-bearing walls or foundations.

Among the recommendations on how to choose a hammer drill for the home, experts do not single out a specific range. Modifications with power up to 700-720 W will cover all household needs. For construction, refurbishment or redevelopment, choose between horizontal models (average 800W) or heavy chiselling models (1.1-1.2kW or higher).

Shaft speed

The number of revolutions of the perforator is of a certain importance when performing specific work, but by and large this parameter does not play a significant role, especially when choosing an amateur class tool.

Craftsmen who are professionally engaged in repair or construction recommend choosing models with a high rotation speed for producing holes of small diameter or for working with thin walls, thin beams. If the task is to drill thick monolithic walls or logs, a high speed will unnecessarily overheat the tooling, which will somewhat accelerate its wear.

Drill attachment type

Another important division of perforator models into groups is according to the type of equipment or the type of fastening of the drills. Today there are two main modifications: SDS-Plus and SDS-Max, and equipment is grouped similarly.

ammo SDS Plus installed on all light and medium models, as well as household and low-power devices with a vertical engine. The equipment is drills with a diameter of up to 32 mm, peaks, a chisel with a similar fit.

Hammers with mounting type SDS Max- these are always powerful models with a vertical engine and high impact force. Equipment for such tools starts from 12-14 mm in diameter and reaches 52 mm, the length of the drill varies from 310 mm to 1 m. soldering is usually 2.

Unlike a drill, a drill chuck is almost always built-in, like the Makita HR 2450, to use conventional drills with a cylindrical shank, a special adapter is installed from SDS-Plus to a conventional drill chuck. Among the offers from the best manufacturers of rotary hammers, there are modifications with a replaceable cartridge - Makita HR 2450 FT, here you can remove the regular cartridge for drills and put a special cartridge for drills. Naturally, this is more convenient than a combination of an adapter and a second cartridge, but an additional accessory increases the final cost of the tool by a third.

Owners of models with the SDS-Max mount type can choose an adapter for installing SDS-Plus cartridges. Interchangeable chucks are not available for conventional cylindrical shank drills.

Power type

Choosing good model for home or work, the user must decide on the type of power supply: mains or battery. With network punchers, everything is very clear, the unit is connected to an outlet or extension cord, respectively, if there is no electricity, the tool will not work.

When thinking about buying a cordless hammer drill, you should be aware of all the features of such a technique:

• The operating time is limited by battery capacity.
• Between the built-in and replaceable battery, you should choose the second option. Even better if the battery type is Li-Ion - they are much lighter than Ni-Cd.
• Wireless models are very convenient when working on a roof, in a country house or in a garage without electricity, but in terms of power they are several times inferior to network punchers.
• The acquisition will be rational in conjunction with a network tool. The mobile model comes in handy when connecting to the network is not possible or requires a lot of preparation, and the amount of work is small.

Number of operating modes

Depending on the modification, this power tool can have 2, 3 or 4 modes of operation:

1. drilling;
2. impact drilling;
3. chiselling;
4. turn of the snap (used to set the blade in a comfortable position).

Dual Mode Rotary Hammers- these are tools for narrow specialization, there are models where they combine drilling / drilling with impact or drilling with impact / chiselling. Such models are purchased for a certain range of tasks or in pair with another tool.

Tri-mode– universal models for a wide range of purposes. If you need a tool for various works around the house - this is the best hammer drill among analogues. The fourth mode with the rotation of the blade is convenient, but in practice this function is not critical, you can choose a comfortable position in the drilling mode.

The method of setting the mode for models with a horizontal engine is always the same- a round regulator in the upper or lower part of the case. In "vertical" switching, on the other hand, there are two types: similar to "horizontal" or in the form of two separate regulators. In practice, there is no significant difference between them, the user can choose what is more convenient for him.

Features that may be useful

When evaluating the functionality of the puncher, you should be aware of the basic options. Often, sellers talk about them as a unique feature, but in practice, this is just the minimum technical equipment. These features include reverse, its absence is rather an exception to the rule. The reverse stroke will help remove the tool if it is stuck in the material. Here you should pay attention to the type of switch, it’s good if it is placed with a separate key, and not located at the start button, similar to a hammer drill.

Locking the tool in the on position and an anti-tamper button are the usual basic options.

If the task is to choose a reliable hammer drill for work, you should pay attention to the presence of additional functions:

• Overload clutch or KickBack Control technology is a useful safety option. When the equipment is jammed, the electronics blocks the engine, protecting the operator from inertial impact.
• Automatic switch-off when the carbon brushes are worn out - will help protect the tool from breakage.
• The vibration dampening system, like the GBH 2-24 Professional model, is found mainly in professional rock drills. The option is very useful - it protects hands during regular, long drilling.
• Soft start when drilling reduces the load on internal mechanisms, this feature is most often found in powerful models.

AT professional equipment the higher price segment may have other options, for example, a dust extraction system, like some Makita rotary hammers. It's no less useful technologies, which significantly increase the final price of the unit. How rational the overpayment will be depends on the type and conditions of the work.

Compliance with the rules of operation is a guarantee years tool service and this applies to all models. First of all, you need to study the user manual, where there is always a general list of requirements.
It is important to know that time continuous work never indicate, for a household class instrument, the limit is 4-6 hours a day with regular breaks. Professional models can work for 8-12 hours with rare stops and are superior in reliability to amateur grade rotary hammers.

The most common cause of breakdowns is the ingress of concrete or brick dust, abrasive particles into the body. This happens in three cases: if you do not clean the tool after work, if you work in a very dusty room household tool or lay the hammer drill on a dusty floor until the engine stops completely (common failure on models with a vertical engine).

The result is not warranty repair and replacement of the main parts, regular cleaning of the tool will help to avoid such breakdowns. It is useful to carry out scheduled maintenance of the tool in an authorized service, where the master will open the puncher, lubricate the gearbox, check the condition of the carbon brushes, and remove dust.

Which company to choose a perforator?

The number of manufacturers of such a popular tool as a puncher is in the hundreds of brands. It is best to give preference to one of the leaders in the industry, because the concept of "brand" means not only increased cost, but also own developments and technologies, verified designs, and rich experience of engineers. Among the popular manufacturers of high-quality rotary hammers in terms of price-quality ratio, the following stand out:

• Bosch
• Makita
• DeWalt
• Interskol
• Metabo

In order for the purchase to be successful, you should clearly understand what a new tool is for, what tasks may arise during the repair or construction process. Much has been said about how to choose a puncher yourself and which model is best for home or work, but in conclusion, you can add one more helpful advice from professionals - purchase only the model that fits comfortably in your hands. The right combination specifications and decent ergonomics will be the key to productive work and long tool life.