drilling brick - need better drill

[diykat]

hi

I have a (probably cheap) cordless drill, which is absolutely hopeless at drilling into brick - I've been trying to put a hanging basket bracket up, and also want to put some shelves up in the outbuilding/shed. Could anyone recommend a decent but low priced drill that would do the job? - Have seen quite a few, but not sure what I need and how much I should spend on one.

thank you

 

[Softus]

Although I generally avoid Wickes, you could do a lot worse than buy one of their budget range SDS drills (aka SDS+).

Whatever you do, concentrate on getting SDS - you won't regret it.

I wouldn't bother with cordless, unless you really really want to be able to drill one handed, up a ladder, a long way from any power, outside in the rain.


PS Did I mention that SDS is an important feature?

 

[diykat]

whats SDS? lol

I don't think I want another cordless one... it gets irritating having to wait for it to charge, or it running out of power on me... grr.

thanx

 

[Softus]

A reasonable description is here.

 

[Tozzy]

An SDS drill shouldn't be your first or main drill.

Original source //www.diynot.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=57426]here

I agree because for your requirements, you can quite simply get the job done by using a cordless drill (which you already have) with the right drill bits with still the same ease and ability . You're probably using worn bits. Trust me, I was in the same position last week . I was drilling into brick with a 'Bosch Cordless Drill Driver 12V' using very blunt bits. I was thinking about buying a hammer drill but, realised that I'd still need to buy bits for it separately, so I bought the bits first to test them out. I would advise you to do the same if you wish before buying an expensive drill.

You need this:

http://www.homebase.co.uk/webapp/wc...001&langId=-1&catalogId=4551&productId=255608

For £21 inc. delivery, I think this is a great bargain. Irwin are very expensive. By the way, I do own that set above and can tell you that with my Bosch Cordless Drill Driver using the bits in the set, I managed to drill into brick without any difficulty . The case alone is worth £20. Very heavy duty stuff there .

But, if you want to upgrade and get a more powerful drill, please do this. Make sure that the drill bits come with it though.

Oh and SDS stands for 'Special Direct System' .

Hope this was of some help to you .

 

[JohnD]

You need this:

I think you might get by with just this

then you can spend the remaining £20 on booze and fags

 

[diykat]

hi

thanx for the advice folks

The link to the SDS explanation page was very useful - helped me figure out what features I want.

Btw - the drill bit i was using was brand new, and I was even using the smallest one to start with.

I've decided I should spend a bit more and go with Bosch PBH 2200 RE SDS Rotary Hammer and Chiselling Machine 89.99 from Argos:

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Produ....DIY+power+tools>C$cip=36669.Power+drills.htm

I've read the 1 (positive) review on Amazon about this drill, but do any of you have any more information on this one? - and bad things about it?

thank you

 

[big-all]

just a thought!!!!

you are using masonary bits with the little wings at [often tipped with red ] the end like the single drill shown in johnd,s post!!!!

also on maximum speed and hammer action if you have it

 

[diykat]

Hi

The bit I was using was masonry with the red tip, current cordless drill has little power (even after charging all night) and no hammer action on it.

thanx

 

[eggplant]

current cordless drill has little power (even after charging all night) and no hammer action on it

very much a large part of your problem !
A decent cordless would do you fine - with a couple of batteries and a fast charger, but of course the cost would be more than the bosch from argos - which will do the job just fine for you. Please do yourself a favour and dont buy cheapo drill bits.
Whats the voltage of your cordless? the fact it doesnt have hammer would indicate that its a low voltage one really for use as a screwdriver.

 

[Tozzy]

Please do yourself a favour and dont buy cheapo drill bits.

You mean like the cheapo set I bought? What if they work and do the job though?

 

[diykat]

hi

whats in that bit drill set thing? i was looking at it on the website but it didnt show a contents list or any descriptions - pic too small to see really as well. i'm going to see how i get on with the new drill and what comes with it, then maybe i will buy that set i think

 

[Tozzy]

Hi diykat,

I agree that the picture is too small and that there isn't much of a description on the website. I can take you some pictures of my set to show you what is included if you like . I guess I bought mine blindfolded (as in I had to hope what I was ordering was what I wanted because there wasn't a description.)

I can get pictures, but please bear with me . I'll try and get them within the next few days. I'll save this thread to my favourites so I don't forget.

I'll tell you what though, I'm glad someone is interested in the set. I thought I was the only one .

 

[eggplant]

Tozzy, you are obviously pleased with your set of drills. I kept out of the other discussion as it looked like it may turn into a bit of an argument.
I think the point is that usually large sets of drills such as the one you purchased are usually crap to say the least, I havnt tried or seen the set you have so I wont comment on its quality, but I will say I usually pay between £3 and £30 per bit (SDS masonry) and as another example, I pay about £1.50 for what I call a "standard" 5mm hss bit. The last purchase I made (excluding the ones from Scrit) was just short of £20 for a set like this (but metric - cant find a pic) andandhttp://www.dewalt.com//Produc...hotos/DEWALT/ACCESSORIES/LARGE/1/DW1169_1.jpg
As I said, I wont comment on this particular set, but I have seen and used similar sets in the past - then I buy a real bit and have the right sized hole rather than a hole thats just that bit big, I can drill the hole in half the time, and my bit is still as sharp as the day I bought it.
My honest opinion is to buy the bosch you are looking at or a similar model, and if its just the few holes you need to drill for your hanging baskets and shelves, then buy yourself one decent quality bit of 5.5/6mm or 7mm depending on the plugs for about about fiver if that - and spend the rest on beer and fags.

 

[diykat]

yay i got my new drill drills the holes in seconds!

one thing i did notice bout it though... bit worried bout is that is seems to flash electric lookin bluish colour inside when im usin it - it this normal n safe? thanx