Drills

[huwg]

I've got a few dewalt batteries for other tools. Has anyone had success with dewalt's underground, for bolting etc.? Any recommendations?

 

[2xw]

I've just bought a DCH072 and used it underground for stuff - it's super light and gets about 15-20x 8mm*15cm holes out of a battery, however I think it uses smaller batteries than the normal DeWalt ones - maybe a bigger drill from the range might suit.

It seems fairly robust and managed to stay in one piece being dragged through a very long rocky crawl with just some bits of foam matts protecting it

 

[Pipster]

I had a DCH072 too - it was excellent. Light and small. Robust too*

The only down side for me was that it didn't have hammer only mode for use with a flat chisel. May not be an issue for you but worth considering.

* Although I wrecked it using a core drill forcing it at angles and pressures that they are aren't designed for! My own fault!

 

[huwg]

I think hammer mode might be useful for non bolting activities, though I've not got much experience in widening.

 

[PeteHall]

I'm sure it's been said before in other threads, but a heavier duty drill is preferable for widening caves, where you are likely to want longer, larger diameter holes (subject to choice of widening technique). These heavier drills are more likely to have a hammer only function.

For bolt climbing or exploratory rigging, something much lighter is usually preferable, as it's easier to handle and you'll generally only be drilling short 8mm holes. The hammer only function isn't usually an option with these lighter drills, but that's not really what you'd want to use them for anyway.

Horses for courses.

 

[Jester]

My digging group has a little Dewalt DCH172, mainly used for bolting or P&F, but it has been used to finish 1000mm x 12mm shot holes if the bigger Hilti's batteries don't quite get the job done. It works well and we've not broken it yet.

We've also got a slightly bigger 18v Dewalt (not sure exactly which one) with a hammer only setting, which is currently broken. Not sure what exactly is broken yet, but it's seen some tough use in pretty horrible muddy places.

​

 

[huwg]

Sounds like there isn't really a good bolting and capping drill, so pick one or the other. Cheers for the pointers.

 

[cap n chris]

Personally I find the Dewalt drill batteries are an absolute sod, bordering on impossible, to swap out while caving whereas Bosch are lemon squeezy peasy.

 

[Babyhagrid]

Sounds like there isn't really a good bolting and capping drill, so pick one or the other. Cheers for the pointers.

Capping only needs a small 8mm hole , the same as small through bolts. A smaller drill should be able to manage this.
An 8mm hole requires 1/3rd the amount of rock removal as a 14 mm hole for plugs and feathers.

 

[Cantclimbtom]

Be aware while Makita is generally good for the larger drills and other tools. But... if you were considering a small drill driver as lightweight drill for small holes while climbing etc (so accepting a weaker rotary hammer) then be aware most of them have a tendency to get stuck in rotary hammer mode no matter whether you select screw, drill or rotary hammer. That bit of their gearbox is a real Achilles heal. If you've got DeWalt batteries don't be tempted by any really good deals you see to get a small Makita.

 

[amw]

I get on well with the Makita 18V setup, just bought a new one.