Hammer or Rotary Hammer for Drlling in Bricks

randombrick on 12/02/2020 - 12:13

Hi All,

I want to get my garage organised and so planning to install a few things - hooks to hang a roof rack tray and other stuff, a peg board for tools, and maybe some small shelves. I am not very handy with tools and generally just muddle through.

I read differing opinions on hammer vs rotary hammer when drilling into bricks. Will the non rotary suffice for simple jobs? I have read that rotary hammers can make a mess of bricks if you are not careful. I will be getting a corded one (likely an Ozito) as I don't see a need for cordless at the moment.

Drill Bits: I will be getting propery masonry bits to suit the drill (13mm vs SDS).

Home & Garden Drill Power Tool

Comments

  • No Username on 12/02/2020 - 12:21
    +1

    This will do the job.
    https://www.bunnings.com.au/ozito-13mm-710w-hammer-drill_p62…

    Rotary Hammer might be a bit too extream for the job.

  • c64 on 12/02/2020 - 12:22

    i used a rotary hammer with 20mm sds drill bit on a brick and it went through cleanly and easily

  • [Deactivated] on 12/02/2020 - 12:57
    +3

    Rotary hammer. Even a cheapie will do. Spend more on bits.

    Cheap bits are practically impossible to centre and when it heats up, it bows (well, more quickly and severely. All bits will bow if heated.)

    If the bit is bowed, either your hole will be wider and the bolts won't hold or the hole will not be straight and the bolts won't insert.

  • greencomet on 12/02/2020 - 13:23
    +2

    Rotary hammer with SDS bits will go trough brick like butter, you'll be there a month of Sundays with a hammer drill.

    • Euphemistic on 17/02/2020 - 10:44

      Hammer drill will be fine. Done it heaps of times. Not saying a rotary with SDS isn’t better, but may not be necessary.

  • Hithere on 12/02/2020 - 13:23

    When I drill holes in bricks or concrete I always start the hole off with hammer disabled and once the hole has been started switch to hammer.

    This ensures a more 'on centre' and neater finish to the hole.

    Drilling a small pilot hole first will also ensure a more accurate hole, under 13mm not really necessary, just makes the job a little easier. YMMV

    • randombrick on 12/02/2020 - 14:18

      I will keep that in mind - about starting without hammer.

      I do use pilot holes almost always.

  • trex on 12/02/2020 - 13:48

    If its only a few holes, buy a hammer drill and save your $$$.

    • randombrick on 12/02/2020 - 14:00
      +1

      Yes, it's only a few holes at the moment. However, maybe a rotary will be more versatile.

  • randombrick on 12/02/2020 - 13:58

    Sounds like rotary may be a better buy. The cheapest Ozito rotary is $99 so not heaps expensive. Plus the 3 year warranty at Bunnings will be useful.

    Alternately, I can get a Makita or similar on gumtree for the same price.

    Out of curiosity, where does a hammer drill make more sense than a rotary then (ignoring the price difference)?

    • [Deactivated] on 12/02/2020 - 14:15
      +3

      No. Hammer drills will take too long. Unless you have less than a dozen holes and you're never going to drill masonry holes ever again, just get the rotary.

      • Euphemistic on 17/02/2020 - 10:47

        Disagree. I now have a rotary with SDS but used a basic hammer drill for years for the occasional hole.

        Getting a hammer drill might be better for drilling wood etc if making shelves.

    • c64 on 12/02/2020 - 14:22

      a rotary hammer also has a chisel for smashing things up :)

    • pjetson on 13/02/2020 - 15:52

      where does a hammer drill make more sense than a rotary

      Maybe if you want to drill through other than concrete and brick?

      A hammer drill takes normal drill bits, while a rotary hammer only takes SDS bits. So, if you also want to drill into wood or steel with normal drill bits, a hammer drill would make more sense.

      Although, you can get an adaptor chuck for rotary hammer drills so that you can use normal drill bits with them - Bunnings seems to have one for $15.

      On the other side of the ledger, though (as @mtg points out), you can use a rotary hammer drill as a mini jackhammer with chisel bits by selecting "no rotation" mode.

  • UnknownUser74 on 12/02/2020 - 15:10
    +1

    I would have a look at your local Cash Converters. Picked up a German Made Bosch Professional Hammer Drill for $50 in good condition. Cash Converters sometimes have sales on Power tools, wouldn't hurt to pop down and have a look.

    *Must sure to a buy good quality drill bits, Bunnings have Kango 2 point or 4 point drill bits (German Made).

    • c64 on 12/02/2020 - 15:12

      i agree. just make sure you know the value of items because in some cases i've seen them asking for more than what they are worth brand new

      • UnknownUser74 on 12/02/2020 - 15:14
        +2

        Definitely, sometimes they charge more the what the item costs brand new.

  • Peter Enis on 12/02/2020 - 16:11

    The $24 XU1 hammer drill from bunnings would do the job if you just want the cheapest product.

  • randombrick on 26/05/2020 - 19:57

    So follow up on this: Three months after my post, I went ahead and bought a Ozito Hammer Drill. I liked the idea that it would be useful for timber as well.

    Forgot to pick up drill bits. I was too anxious to try out so decided to try with some unused ALDI masonry bits. Took me almost 10 minutes for a 45mm deep hole with the 6mm bit. This was with spraying water to cool.

    I am guessing that's not normal? Probably because the brick is a lot harder. So do I stick with the hammer drill + better bits or should I switch to a rotary (assuming Bunnings are willing to take it back)?

    • Euphemistic on 27/05/2020 - 07:12

      That sort of drinking should only take seconds. Well under 1min with a hammer drill. Try some better bits. Lots of Aldi stuff that is good, but their drill bits and screws are terrible.

      • randombrick on 27/05/2020 - 08:51

        I will take your advice. Off to Bunnings to pick up some bits and will try again.

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