Which drill to get?

[i think it goes]

Hey everyone, looking to get an sds drill for all my caving needs. I know a lot of people favour the Makita brand but there are so many out there I'm not too sure which is the best option. Any suggestions?

Looking for something battery operated (obviously), on the less expensive side of the spectrum and preferably taking up to a 20mm size bit.

Hoping the collective hive mind have some good advice

 

[PeteHall]

Depends what you want it for.

Bolting wants something light for small holes at arms reach.

Drilling 1m long holes for digging wants something much more heavy duty...

 

[topcat]

I chose to go the cheaper route and use an Erbauer from BnQ for light duties. I know I'm not going to use it a lot so paying lots more for better doesn't make much sense for me. Also, caving could easily trash any drill, so cheaper seems better.
Another factor to consider is the length: shorter is better in tight spaces. I have a very short drill bit which I have used to get started, then fed a longer bit into the hole, then added the drill to the bit! Short is good.

For heavy work I use a 36v Bosch which cost three times the Erbauer, but I already had batteries so that swung things in that direction.I

Having the option of different battery size is useful too......a smaller one for aiding above head height, or if you know you are only going to drill a few holes.

But if want to go posh and expensive I wouldn't blame you. Nice tools are nice to have

 

[i think it goes]

Probably looking for something that can do a mix of bolting and digging work. I don't think that 1m+ holes are in my near future but certainly a good 30cm would be useful - I suppose battery life is something to consider here where a few batteries would be a good investment.

I think possibly lighter and more bolting oriented would be a better trade off for me and then can suffer the downsides whilst digging.

 

[Tritim230]

Probably looking for something that can do a mix of bolting and digging work. I don't think that 1m+ holes are in my near future but certainly a good 30cm would be useful - I suppose battery life is something to consider here where a few batteries would be a good investment.

I think possibly lighter and more bolting oriented would be a better trade off for me and then can suffer the downsides whilst digging.

Thanks to Pete's advice on my particular requirement. I purchased a Dewalt 18V SDS Plus DCH172P2-GB. This comes with 2 x 5Ah XR batteries, but I had another DeWalt with 2Ah which helped my decision along with a colleague in GCRG that uses the same, so we can double up in case of rescue . Last time I looked it was £270 from Tooled Up. They also do Easyfundraising which gives a donation to your favourite charity. The drill is lighter and more compact than most. What you lose on impact force is more than made up for by the type of drill bit. I use mine for capping and with a Hilti drill bit TE-CX 8/27 (8mm dia, 27mm) length, most trips a single 2Ah battery does the job. I still have charge left. Keep the drill dry in a good case (Peli 1400 or Explorer 2712 (which is cheaper)).

 

[Rob]

Eldon recently purchased a Makita DHR242Z for all our digging needs which we are very happy with so far. It would be ok for bolting, but if you favour bolting rather than digging then the DHR171Z is lighter.

In my experience, "brushless" is a very worthwhile element.

 

[Tritim230]

Eldon recently purchased a Makita DHR242Z for all our digging needs which we are very happy with so far. It would be ok for bolting, but if you favour bolting rather than digging then the DHR171Z is lighter.

In my experience, "brushless" is a very worthwhile element.

Yes, definitely brushless. I remember being in a confined dig when my friend's brushed motor overheated. I still have 'smell' memory from that episode!

 

[mikem]

& if you have other tools that can use the same batteries, so much the better

 

[PeteHall]

& if you have other tools that can use the same batteries, so much the better

Also, if your mates use the same batteries, so much the better.

 

[i think it goes]

Thanks for all your help everyone! Thinking of going with the Makita DHR242Z as a bit of an all rounder, more on the beefy side so should suit anything I can throw at it well enough.

​

 

[Loki]

I’ve been using makita bhr200 units off eBay £20 ish 2nd hand with aftermarket batteries. The extension cable is good for reducing the weight too. Not done it yet but I’m thinking a 36v e-bike battery would give way more bang for your buck too with a bit of re wiring. Had no problem with the drills so far.

 

[pwhole]

I have the Makita DHR243 SDS with the extra 'regular' chuck, which has come in very handy outside caves, especially with a stepped cone bit for drilling precise holes in conveyor belt! The drill is a beast, and handles SDS chiselling as well as drilling. It did then make sense to get other Makita tools to take advantage of the batteries. But I think any major brand would be satisfactory really. I've tried the smaller drills for bolting and just got bored drilling - I'd rather put up with the extra weight and get it in quick, but admittedly I don't do that much bolt-climbing, so the weight isn't usually that much of an issue. Agree with Rob on the brushless - it has to be. Also they can take some pretty vigorous cleaning - I've regularly hosed mud off mine at the Chapel to no ill effect (without a battery on of course).

Also, it goes without saying that if you buy cheap drill bits you'll regret it. Hilti whenever possible, and always four-point even if not Hilti.

 

[Steve Clark]

When comparing batteries it’s worth noting that a 18v 5Ah battery nominally holds 90Wh of energy. A 36v 2.5Ah battery holds the same.

Do not entertain off-brand/eBay batteries. They just don’t hold anywhere near the stated capacity. Fit for use in a radio and nothing else.

 

[Leclused]

Bolting (8mm) and digging holes <= 8mm - max 400mm

Bosch GBH 18V- L1 or GBH 18V - 21 (newer version)

Digging holes +8mm, 200mm - 600mm (and bolting)

Hilti TE6A 36v or TE4 - 22v. We switched to TE4-22v this year for our new drill
or
Bosch / Makita

Pictures show our big bosch and a an 18v - L1 (in new state, but already replaced by the slightly larger GBH 18V-21). The big bosch is still in use but most of the batteries are becoming end of life.