How to choose a puncher.

A hammer drill is a powerful device that combines the functions of a drill, jackhammer, screwdriver. It can be used for a variety of jobs: mounting metal and wood profiles, mixing mortars, removing concrete and brick structures, as well as drilling. Before choosing a puncher, you need to decide on its intended purpose.

Manufacturers have created a wide range of devices for gypsum plasterboards, dismantlers, installers of facade structures, as well as home craftsmen. So, a perforator for expanding doorways and demolishing walls will be inconvenient for fastening metal profiles (too heavy), and a "household" device will not withstand intensive work at a construction site. A few tips will help you cope with the task and find the perfect solution for your needs.

Contents:

    The characteristics of the punch, affecting the choice of technology

    The number of operating modes

    The classic hammer drill is capable of performing such functions as drilling (mixing mortar, tightening bolts), hammer drilling (punching a concrete surface), chiselling (dismantling). Devices of the SDS class have all the indicated modes and are universal. Rotary hammers of the SDS-max type are deprived of the hammerless drilling function, therefore, they are suitable only for specialized construction tasks. (on concrete). To increase the indicator to 68-80 mm, it is necessary to use stone crowns. The SDS-max fastening system ("heavy equipment", designed for drills with a rear diameter of 18 mm) is professional and is used in hammer drills with an impact force of up to 33 J. The maximum diameter without a crown is 53 mm, with a crown - up to 160 mm. Another option is the SDS-Quick system (quick clamping device), which is equipped with some Bosch rotary hammers. It is not suitable for powerful chiselling and drilling due to the nature of the head.

    SDS Mount
    SDS Max Mount

    SDS Quick mount

    Power supply

    Most of the models on the market are networked, that is, they are connected directly to an outlet. For work at high heights, as well as in special conditions, cordless rotary hammers are provided. Since hammer drilling and chiselling require a lot of energy, such tools are not very convenient to use, and their cost is quite high. As for the pneumatic alternatives (they do not give a spark during operation), they can be categorized as exotic at all: in our latitudes they practically do not occur.

    Impact energy

    The indicator directly affects the intended use of the device. Domestic hammer drills have an impact energy of up to 2 J: this is enough to drill a wall, remove old plaster, break a brick. However, a more powerful solution is required for façade works, chipping hard rocks. The higher the impact energy, the easier it is to drill concrete, chop bricks, granite.

    Motor power

    Most models on the market operate in the 600-800W range. This is enough for domestic needs, but not for professional use. The higher the power, the more durable the device, but also the higher the level of energy consumption. Therefore, for dismantling brick, concrete walls, a perforator of 1000 W and higher is required.

    Idling speed

    The faster the drill rotates, the more it heats up, respectively, there is a risk of breakage or grinding of the active tip. For impact drilling of a foam block, much less effort is required than when working with a brick or concrete wall: a non-professional can make too deep holes. Adjusting the number of revolutions allows you to adapt the hammer drill for certain needs.

    Thus, all of the above characteristics are interrelated. Thus, the drill attachment system affects the number of operating modes and impact energy. SDS devices are designed for chiseling, hammering and conventional drilling, and therefore can be used for domestic and some professional needs. However, the impact energy and the maximum hole diameter are limited, which narrows the scope of the technique.

    Devices with SDS-max fasteners are good for dismantling walls, chipping deep channels in concrete, removing porcelain stoneware, self-leveling floors. However, their heavy weight makes them unsuitable for applications such as suspended ceiling rails. The absence of the "drilling" function does not allow mixing mortars and cutting holes in ceramic tiles.

    The main characteristics of Bosch rotary hammers:

    1. G or P (GBH, PBH). The first option (blue body color) is for professional needs, the second (green body) is for everyday tasks.
    2. Figures (2-26, 3-28, 4-32, 5-38, 3000). They indicate the weight of the device without a nozzle to the nearest gram, while on professional and household models they are indicated differently (2-26 or 3000).
    3. The letter "d". Chiseling mode.
    4. The letter "r". The presence of a reverse (reverse).
    5. The letter "f". Denotes a replaceable hammer drill chuck.

    Since the Bosch technique is the most popular on the market, it is advisable to check the compliance of these parameters when purchasing a hammer drill.

    Tips for choosing a hammer drill:

    1. Hammerless drilling is required for tasks such as making holes in tiles, wood (for example, drilling holes with crowns), and for mixing the solution. For the demolition of walls, expansion of door and window openings, this mode is not required.
    2. When choosing a rotary hammer for professional work, pay close attention to its weight. The more the device weighs, the harder its daily operation will be, the greater the load on the spine and arms.
    3. Reverse (reverse) is necessary to extract a stuck drill or bit from the formation to prevent breakage. In this case, the installer does not risk his health so much, and it will be more convenient for him to work.
    4. Additional options. These include reverse, adjusting the number of revolutions of the device, anti-vibration protection and other useful innovations. Theoretically, you can do without them if the hammer drill will be used for domestic needs. But for professional use, the options can be very useful, making work more comfortable and productive.
    5. Equipment. To work with a hammer drill, you need drills, chisels, crowns and much more. If the manufacturer supplies them complete with equipment, then this is a definite plus, although they will not be enough for a long time. But without a case (suitcase), you should not buy a puncher: since the device is quite heavy, it is rather difficult to carry it in a bag.
    6. Dust collector. Some alternatives are also equipped with a dust extraction system. Such perforators are necessary for professional work in the conditions of functioning facilities (shops, hospitals, office buildings).
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