is my drill dead

[seneca]

Hi,
i've got a black and decker kr650 and have been trying to drill through a 2 brick thick wall with a fairly chunky bit. Managed to get through once, but whilst on a second hole, the drill suddenly went dead. There was a bit of a burning smell, but nothing unusual. I fear the worse. I've left the drill for a number of hours to cool down and changed the fuse, but nothing doing. Is it dead? are there any ways of telling?

If it's a gonner, can anyone recommend a decent replacement? I hear bosch power drills are pretty good. I'm looking for a good all rounder, but one that can go through brick without difficulty. What are percussion drills? and are they better than regular hammer drills?

thanks

 

[JohnD]

Hammer
Hammer drills have a pneumatic action, giving around 5,000 blows a minute to the rotating bit. This provides most of the force, so high speed isn't necessary.

Hammer drills are best for sustained or heavy-duty drilling in hard materials, such as granite or very hard concrete. For light jobs, with no hammer function, they're slow and can be awkward to handle.

Chisel attachments can be added for removing lumps of masonry.

Percussion
Percussion drills rotate at around 3,000 revs per minute (rpm) but for more power their hammer action pounds the turning drill bit at around 40,000 blows a minute.

Simple DIY jobs, and softer stone, such as limestone or light concrete, are no problem. Hard stone, such as granite, produces strong vibration and noise because you need to push harder to activate the hammer action.

Most percussion drills have one gear but two gears give better screwdriving control.

Rotary
These basic drills are ideal for simple DIY tasks, such as drilling holes to hang pictures. They rely on fast rotation (around 3,000rpm) so are best for small holes or on softer materials such as wood, metal or plastic.

SDS and normal drill bits
Most hammer drills need special ridged 'SDS' drill bits. These fit into grooves in the drill's chuck (rotating part), allowing the bit to be propelled forward. To drill without hammer action - for small holes in metal, say - you need a normal bit

with acknowledgements to Which?


You need to decide your budget between £50 and £150

 

[big-all]

worth trying to rotate the drill [power off] incase you have burnt out segments then you can throw it
or if the brushes have worn out then you can spend between £5 and £10 on brushes


ooorr not bother and use a heavier drill for bricks next time

 

[seneca]

I can rotate the drill end by hand. It seems to turn easily enough. It's just that when I plug it in nothing happens. Not even a slight sound or any signs of life. Do drills normally just go dead when their time is up? I thought they'd be sparks and lots of smoke. Not even a whimper with mine. In the past I have drilled through concrete with not much difficulty, so was surprised when it came a cropper with a humble brick.

 

[seneca]

or if the brushes have worn out then you can spend between £5 and £10 on brushes

where do you get brushings from and is it possible to replace them myself, or is it something only a specialist can do?

 

[big-all]

yes easy to replace brushes if your practicle at taking things appart taking basic notice and assembling in reverse you can get them at your local proper tool shop or tool repair shop
if you order here youll have postage
http://www.mtmc.co.uk/black_and_decker_spare_parts.asp

look up the right section then your drill number

 

[breezer]

years ago, mate and i were on a job with a B & D corded drill (them were the days) when the drill gave up.

I didnt know you could get THAT MUCH oil in a drill, he was covered in it and i was on the floor laughing