New bolting drill recommendations

[undergroundHP]

Hi all
It is time I purchased a new drill for bolting.
It needs to be a Makita as I have all the batteries.
Any recommendations for a good drill for bolting.
Thanks

 

[pwhole]

DHR242 or 243 - that model comes with a removeable chuck so you can add a regular drill chuck to it - very handy for other jobs! Mine's had some serious use over several years now , and is still going fine, including several hosing-downs to get rid of a coat of mud.

Photo by Craig Brailsford

 

[georgenorth]

Hi all
It is time I purchased a new drill for bolting.
It needs to be a Makita as I have all the batteries.
Any recommendations for a good drill for bolting.
Thanks

If it’s only for bolting then I’d definitely go for the smallest/lightest drill in the battery range you have.

Assuming you’ve got 18V batteries then I guess this will be the DHR 171:

DHR171 - Rotary Hammer LXT®

Product

www.makitauk.com

I’m really tempted to get one myself! I’ve had a DHR 242 for 9 years which has been bombproof, but it’s a bit overkill for bolting.

 

[pwhole]

I've found the extra heft to be worth it sometimes - especially swapping the rotary bit for a chisel bit to break off an unruly bit of rock

 

[andrewmcleod]

I _believe_ from brief Googling that the DHR183 (which some people on the Dachstein exped had) is only 100g heavier than the DHR171 but much better (1.7J instead of 1.2J impact energy for example).

Incidentally you can get an SDS-plus to 'normal' chuck convertor that you could use in any SDS-plus drill for those household jobs, although it does make it all a bit longer.

 

[Wolfo]

As one of the DHR 183Z owners I could second the advice on this drill. Drilled me up to now ~1000 mostly 6 and 8mm holes in sometimes more than shitty cave and mine sites. Weight is still okay, vibration damping excellent and the amount of holes from one battery top notch. Also heavy enough to drill 12, 16 and even 18mm holes for U-steps in limestone.

 

[IanWalker]

I have the 171 - it was on offer at PowerToolWorld (who I was very happy with)

They currently have the 183 for £118, which seems like a good deal

Makita DHR183Z 18v LXT SDS+ Plus Brushless Rotary Hammer 18mm Body Only

Makita DHR183Z 18v LXT SDS+ Plus Brushless Rotary Hammer 18mm Body Only Makita has created a new class in cordless with 18v LXT new compact tools. The DHR183 SDS+ Plus Rotary Hammer features a compact and lightweight design - by using the same hammering mechanism as used for DHR171 and...

www.powertoolworld.co.uk

The 183 body has a flatter base which might be a benefit for fitting into drybags and Peli Cases

This geeky video might help

 

[Bob Cromer]

Hi all
It is time I purchased a new drill for bolting.
It needs to be a Makita as I have all the batteries.
Any recommendations for a good drill for bolting.
Thanks

My drill recently died on me, very sad funeral, good turnout though

 

[Cantclimbtom]

+1 for the Makita DHR242
I nearly got one then cheaped out last minute for the lighter DHR202 and regretted it.

I've actually gone off Makita as their gearboxes don't seem great quality especially the drill drivers but AFAIK the heavier 242 and the like are immune from that problem

 

[IanWalker]

Worth bearing in mind that DHR242 is 55mm (20%) longer than DHR171. If you bolt in rifts this could be a disadvantage

It's also 1kg (30%) heavier than DHR171. If you bolt with arm outstretched or above your head this will make a difference

 

[Rob]

Yes, I wouldn't choose a 242 if I was doing any bolt climbing. It's definitely the Eldon's capping drill of choice, whereas the 171 is our bolting drill...

Although will be checking out the 183 now.

 

[Badlad]

Watching that video the DHR182 performs best. I've had one for years and still going strong. As well as lots of bolting it has done metre long shot holes when the big drill has broken. It is an old model now but still available by the look of it.

 

[undergroundHP]

After numerous recommendations I today purchased a Makita DHR242.
Have yet to test in anger but it handles nicely.

Next question.... What are you all using for transport protection?
Peli case? Old roll mat?
Any ideas welcome.

 

[tomferry]

I use a ryobi 3 year warranty and cheap . I own 4 x 5ah batteries , normally we use 2 or 3 in a long session . ripped up old wetsuits around it , then in a zip lock bag , this goes inside a dry sack then inside another dry sack . Thats the standard practice for seriously wet trips floating it around .

The dry sacks are £12 on eBay but even with 4x bending over the top, they are not fully waterproof in serious water .

 

[Tritim230]

Don't forget that the drill bits are probably the most important element. A good drill bit will provide greater efficiency and longer lasting battery life. I swear by the Hilti TE-CX range, generally available at a reasonable price on EBay (direct from Hilti they cost a fortune)

As for transport Peli Case (1400) or Explorer 2712 should be fine (don't bother with foam padding, a towel will do).

Matting? I only use for capping. If you want to cap, there is a whole load of items you'll need.

 

[pwhole]

Peli 1400 for me (I have the 243 drill), with the proverbial towel for padding, though I do allow one small strip of foam underneath that to stop it rattling. Two stainless shackles to attach to the security lugs, and then to a short double lanyard that hangs from my harness loops. It's heavier than no case - however - it floats, even with the drill and a battery or two. When I've done Speedwell trips or similar (like big soughs), I just chucked it in the water and let it float along in front.

 

[Rob]

Obvs trip dependant, but we typically wrap the drill in an old towel then put in a dry bag. If the bag leaks the towel soaks up the worst of it, and all add for good impact protection. Cheap, simple, and not too bulky.

 

[aricooperdavis]

Make sure you have a nice big container for your drill bits or they're liable to escape your tackle sack through the small holes that inevitably wear in the corners. A rubber ice-lolly mould with an attached lid works quite well, as long as your bits aren't super long.

 

[Stonedust]

Make sure you have a nice big container for your drill bits or they're liable to escape your tackle sack through the small holes that inevitably wear in the corners. A rubber ice-lolly mould with an attached lid works quite well, as long as your bits aren't super long.

View attachment 21826

A neat idea. I'd go for a small tool roll to keep everything together. £2 upwards, or DIY from your own choice of material.

 

[tomferry]

In the box my breaker came in you got sheaths to keep the chisels in , I tend to use these for carrying drill bits .

Talking of drill bits I have turned to heller or Bosch at the moment , you can get some great deals on eBay .

The heller tri jet designed for cutting natural stone is doing good , I also got a 4 way cutter to try .

Ryobi now also do the 12ah battery , the shear weight of it puts me of . I am happy with the 5ah for holding !