SDS PLUS rotary hammers: the best models and features of the tool
Choosing a good hammer drill is not an easy task. It’s one thing - the technical specifications declared by the manufacturer, and quite another - the instrument’s compliance with them, the period of maintenance-free operation, the accuracy of work and other parameters. In this article we have collected information on SDS PLUS rotary hammers, we will tell you what features these rotary hammers have, in which case you should use this type of rotary hammers, and also consider the best models of rotary hammers with SDS Plus mounts.
Features of rotary hammers with SDS PLUS chuck
The SDS (Special Direct System) system is designed for fastening a drill shank, chisel or other equipment and is used in light and medium perforators. It allows you to fix a snap with a simple movement and replace it in a matter of seconds.
The SDS PLUS shank has a diameter of 10 mm; it is installed in the power tool holder to a depth of 40 mm. The locking balls securely fix it in the grooves. The diameter of the drill used can reach 32 mm. Drilling can be carried out in shock and shockless mode.
SDS PLUS rotary hammers are ideal for home use. Such a puncher copes well with drilling stone, concrete and other hard materials. Lightweight rotary hammers are used to drill holes from 4 to 16 mm in diameter and are rarely used as a percussion instrument since their impact force is quite small. Medium punchers are designed for drilling holes with a diameter of 16 to 25 mm and for dismantling.
In terms of chiselling, SDS PLUS rotary hammers can handle small to medium impact loads. For example, they can be used to dismantle tiles or masonry. But work on the gating should be carried out with caution, since the small diameter of the tool shank does not have significant strength and can break under strong shock loads. In addition, this can lead to premature wear of the lock balls of the SDS PLUS cartridge.
Another drawback of SDS Plus punchers is that, due to the small diameter of the shank, drills with a diameter of 18 mm or more are observed misalignment. The drill begins to "walk", which affects the usability and quality of work performed.
Next, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the rating of SDS PLUS rotary hammers based on user reviews and ratings.
Best horizontal SDS PLUS rotary hammers
Bosch GBH 2-26 DFR
The hammer has 3 modes of operation, and its weight is only 2.9 kg. An engine with a power of 800 W provides a shock force of up to 2.7 J and allows you to drill holes with a diameter of up to 30 mm in wood.
+ Pros of Bosch GBH 2-26 DFR
- The model is made of solid materials, good assembly pleases.
- Rubberized handles and ergonomics provide confident work with a puncher.
- Even if your hands are wet, the equipment will not slip.
Durability. Many users have noted confident work for 7-10 years. Often the only thing that has to be replaced is brushes. - Power. Concrete 800 mm thick and 350 grades is not a problem for GBH 2-26 DFR. The main thing is to periodically lubricate the drills during operation.
- Extended Warranty. When registering on the Bosch website, a 3 year warranty is provided.
- Long network cable. Provides freedom of movement when performing work.
- Cons Bosch GBH 2-26 DFR
- High price.Good German quality along with good components do not allow you to sell the model frankly cheap.
- Scanty rigging. The model comes with a case, interchangeable and quick-clamping chucks. Drills and chisels are not standard.
- Expensive repair. Over the years of active use, the mechanisms wear out, new German parts are not cheap.
- When used as a drill it is heavy.
Conclusion. The equipment copes with the dismantling and mixing of mortars. However, regular use as a mixer or jackhammer significantly reduces the service life. Bosch repair is expensive.
Dewalt D 25 134 K
The puncher works in the modes of drilling, drilling with impact and chiselling. Power of 800 W allows drilling concrete with a drill diameter of up to 26 mm and making holes in metal with a diameter of up to 13 mm.
+ Pros of Dewalt D 25134 K
- Infinitely variable speed. It allows you to perfectly configure the equipment for processing a specific material.
- Comfort of operation. Achieved by the rubberized rear handle.
- It is convenient to drill holes with the same depth, due to the configuration with a depth gauge.
- Operational safety. A safety clutch protects equipment and the user from jamming the nozzle.
- A sufficiently large impact force allows you to perform specific tasks.
- Vibration suppression handle. Reduces stress on the hand and allows you to continuously use the hammer for several hours.
- Cons Dewalt D 25134 K
- The operator may accidentally press the lock button on the handle.
- Not large enough storage compartment in the suitcase. When leaving the facility, you must additionally take a box or bag with augers and chisels.
- Expensive repairs. When a nozzle or cartridge is worn out, new accessories will cost a lot.
- The material for the manufacture of the drilling limiter is plastic. With constant use with concrete and stone, it quickly loses its visual appeal.
Conclusion. The model copes with hole drilling and impact loads. Not recommended for mixing solutions. Provides high accuracy and accuracy of drilling.
Bosch GBH 2-23 REA Professional 611250500
The puncher is designed for use in domestic conditions, as well as during repair and construction works. The electric motor power is 710 watts, the impact force is 2.3 J. It works in the drilling and drilling with impact modes.
+ Pros of Bosch GBH 2-23 REA Professional 611250500
- Convenience of work. Light weight makes drilling walls and ceilings as comfortable as possible. The hand practically does not get tired.
- Minimum dust. A standard dust collector removes more than 95% of small particles, the tool is ideal for working in residential premises.
- Good hit. Feels like a perforator hits more than the specified 2.3 Joules.
- Convenient case provides comfort during transportation.
- Cons Bosch GBH 2-23 REA Professional 611250500
- Expensive supplies (o-rings, filters).
- The need to regularly clean the dust collector cartridge.
- The seal between the body and the filter of the vacuum cleaner fails over time.
Conclusion. The hammer drill is designed exclusively for drilling holes. Thanks to the dust collector, when working on the ceiling, flying particles of dust and concrete do not fall into the eyes, and garbage does not appear in the room. The model is ideally suited for the installation of suspended ceilings and other works that require cleanliness.
Makita HR 2432
Rotary hammer with dust extraction system. It works in 3 modes, allows you to adjust the speed. At a power of 780 watts, the impact force is 2.2 joules.
+ Pros of Makita HR 2432
- Effective dust removal. The resulting particles fall into the bag. It is easily removed and emptied, does not interfere with work.
- Shockproof suitcase. If necessary, you can even sit on it.
- Setting the drilling depth. Allows to make identical deepenings.
- Work safety. After drilling, the drill is placed in the dust collector, the user will not be able to burn himself.
- Cons Makita HR 2432
- Large pieces of concrete and brick do not crawl into the dust collector.
- A dust collector may interfere with operation.
- Around the drilled hole, a dusty spot with a diameter of 30-35 mm is formed.
- The difficulty of drilling with one hand.
Conclusion. Ideal for indoor use. The dust extraction system ensures cleanliness. All small particles enter the pouch, not the lungs and eyes of the operator. The hammer drill is designed for drilling, including with impact. For other purposes, it is better not to use it.
Bosch GBH 2-28 F
The hammer drill is perfect for drilling and chiselling, it has a function of turning the bit. The increased power of 880 W provides impact force up to 3.2 J.
+ Pros of Bosch GBH 2-28 F
- Precise start of drilling thanks to speed control.
- Comfort of operation due to vibration damping system. The hand does not get tired even with prolonged exertion.
- High cutting power and impact force.
- A 4 meter long cable provides freedom of movement.
- Good hit when chiselling. Effectively performs dismantling work.
- Cons Bosch GBH 2-28 F
- Dear spare parts, in case of serious damage it is more advisable to buy a new tool.
- When drilling the ceiling, do not hide from dust due to the additional air channel that inflates it.
Conclusion. The model copes with drilling (including impact) and with chiselling. The function of turning the bit provides the ability to work at different angles. A universal hammer drill that will drill a hole in concrete will drill metal and perform demolition work. It has a large power reserve.
AEG KH 24 IE
With a power of 800 W, the impact force can reach 2.4 J. A light weight of 2.8 kg reduces the load on the arm.
+ Pros AEG KH 24 IE
- Pleasant sensations at work. It does not hit the hand, it’s nice to hold the tool, the ability to perform operations with one hand. Rubberized grip.
- Great power. Enough for deep drilling and dismantling.
- Ergonomic shape. The reverse switch is conveniently located, so you can change the operating modes with one hand without distractions.
- Unprecedented guarantee of 6 years.
- Reasonable cost.
- Cons AEG KH 24 IE
- Not big enough case with plastic fasteners. If necessary, take a few nozzles with you have to take additional care of the box or bag for them.
- There is not enough click-lock when switching mode. It is not always clear to the operator whether the tool has switched or not.
Conclusion. In practice, the hammer drill copes with its main tasks - drilling and drilling, as well as small and medium dismantling loads. It successfully tolerates rains, low temperatures and dirt.
Dewalt D 25263 K
The rotary hammer has a power of 900 W and an impact force of 3 J. It confidently copes with dismantling and with good accuracy drills and drills holes. Equipped with a safety clutch to protect the user from personal injury.
+ Pros of Dewalt D 25263 K
- High precision work. Achieved thanks to an ergonomic extra handle and backlight. A convenient grip on the main handle makes it easy to drill holes in the ceiling.
- Operational safety. The manufacturer has implemented protection against jamming of the drill; improved design of the air ducts prevents small particles from entering the operator’s eyes.
- Light load on the hands. The moderate weight and anti-vibration system allow the operator to comfortably use the power tool.
- Cons Dewalt D 25263 K
- Brush motor. At high speeds, the friction of the brushes increases, their wear increases, sparks may appear.
- Insufficient fixation of switching of operating modes.
- Insufficient cable length. 2.5 meters is not enough for many to move freely around the work area.
Conclusion. The optimum ratio of price and quality. Excellent drilling parameters, vibration protection dampens vibrations.The increased power makes the tool an excellent solution for carrying out simple dismantling operations.
Hitachi DH22PH
The manufacturer offers a light and easy to use model. The weight of the puncher is 2.1 kg, it easily lies in the hand and provides an impact force of 1.4 J.
+ Pros of Hitachi DH22PH
- Easy. The light weight of the tool reduces hand fatigue and allows you to work continuously for several hours.
- It has a huge resource of work and high reliability.
- Convenience of work. Ergonomic shape and additional handle make the operation of the tool comfortable. Thanks to the mode lock button, even continuous operation does not cause problems.
- Infinitely variable speed. The operator can adjust the punch according to the material being processed.
- Cons Hitachi DH22PH
- Cable lengths of 2.5 meters are not always sufficient for free movement.
- There are no pockets for drills and other nozzles in the case.
- Marked plastic, gives off some smell.
Conclusion. One of the best lightweight power tools in its class. It copes with drilling holes, does it with high accuracy.
The best SDS PLUS rotary hammers
Makita HR 2811F
The rotary hammer has a power of 800 W and an impact force of 2.9 J. The maximum spindle speed is 1100 rpm, and the frequency of impacts is 4500 per minute.
+ Pros of Makita HR 2811F
- Good alignment of the drill chuck. When using a drill with a small diameter, axial runout is absent.
- Heavy enough. This can be useful when performing laborious percussion work. Increases productivity.
- Big soft start button. The tool is sensitive to the movements of the operator and immediately responds to them.
- Long power cable. It is convenient to work with a puncher at the facility.
- Cons Makita HR 2811F
- The cartridge is the model’s weak point. Some equipment owners have changed it under warranty.
- Difficulties in working with one hand. They are explained by the design features of the model and increased weight.
- Limited use of the extra handle. It is set only at fixed angles.
Conclusion. The model is more suitable for domestic use, with prolonged constant loads, the risk of engine failure increases. It copes with both dismantling and drilling and drilling. The increased weight makes it easier to carry out some dismantling work. Spot lighting increases the convenience of drilling and chiselling in low light conditions.
Bosch GBH 3-28 DFR
With an electric motor power of 800 W, the impact force of a hammer drill reaches 3.1 J. It is capable of working on concrete with a drill with a diameter of up to 28 mm.
+ Pros of Bosch GBH 3-28 DFR
- Compact dimensions - the tool length is shorter than models with a direct engine.
- Good vibration protection. When hollowing, the hands practically do not feel bumps.
- High power.
- Cons Bosch GBH 3-28 DFR
- The vertical engine design and impressive weight greatly complicate the tasks of drilling and chiselling at a height above shoulder level.
- During prolonged use, grease is blown out of the cartridge. Not practical to use in a residential and clean room.
Conclusions. Powerful enough punch. It is problematic to drill holes with a diameter of 6 mm or less. It does an excellent job of dismantling brick and concrete structures, as does drilling / drilling holes in various materials. It is hard to work with the ceiling for a long time.
Metabo KHE 3250
The German hammer drill is equipped with a reliable Metabo Marathon branded engine. The ergonomic design of the case allows you to work without using a handle. The force of impact 3.1 J allows you to solve complex problems.
+ Pros of Metabo KHE 3250
- High power. The puncher confidently works with a 82 mm crown on concrete, but when it hits the reinforcement it wedges a little.
- Convenience of operation.It lies well in the hands when drilling and drilling, has a balanced weight.
- Good protection of the anchor from overheating and damage by trash, increases durability.
- High precision drilling. The depth gauge regularly performs its work and allows you to make the right number of recesses of the required depth
- Cons Metabo KHE 3250
- Not suitable for drilling holes in ceilings. Bulky and heavy, for such work it is better to use rotary hammers with a horizontal engine.
- After dusty operation, the instrument must be purged
- When working with one hand, the start button may be accidentally pressed.
Conclusion. The rotary hammer is equipped with Variospeed (V) electronics that allows you to adjust the rotation speed and ensures a smooth start to the job. In addition to drilling holes, the punch is well suited for dismantling and even chipping.