Cordless or corded SDS drill?

Jaynne

I was wondering if anyone had any experience with cheap SDS drills?

I'm looking to do a bunch of house renovations in the coming months including fitting a new kitchen, bathroom and fireplace and an SDS drill particularly with its chisel function would be ideal.

I currently have a decent Boch Blue cordless but its only a driver and has no hammer function so is useless for drilling into our brick built house.

The two options I've come up with are a nice Bosch blue corded model link or a cheapo Erbauer link or similar.

My budget can't stretch to much more than £150.

I'm very tempted by the Bosch for its weight and bigger punch but cordless is also very handy. Does anyone have any advise?

CashisKing

I would go for something cheaper
http://www.screwfix.com/p/titan-ttb278sds-5kg-sds-plus-drill-240v/97533

I've got the older model of this and it does the job, e.g breaking up bricks when knocking down a wall, chiselling channels for pipes etc.
The battery on cordless ones won't last unless you spend £££.

Jaynne

Two batteries would probably be enough for me given that the one I linked had a 70 minute charger. I'd prefer something a little lighter than the titan if it were cordless hence the Bosch.

BertieUK

For the work that you are contemplating doing you would be best advised to follow the suggested 240v Titan from Screwfix, or spend up to or around £400 for a top of the range cordless, cheaper ones would only last a short duration, your batteries would always be on charge I would think. I suppose it depends greatly on how much you are prepared to pay also you would need electric power for the Titan.

Regards

BobUK

jc808

unless youre in some very weird situations or on a site with no power a cordless sds is overkill (trade only item i feel, ive known builders and even some of them dont have cordless sds) imo

dodgydl

I had a similar thing when I was doing renovations. Finally decided to buy an SDS drill when I could not get through my lounge wall with my Makita cordless drill. Went and bought the Titan SDS drill that has been recommended and although it is pretty bit and a bit heavy it does a great job. I have drilled through walls, concrete and all sorts. Like I said only downside is it is on the weighty side when drilling above your head to put up a curtain rail. But plus side is it doubles up as a small breaker. I took down a concrete pond with it - 3 days solid I had breaking up concrete with the chisel piece that comes with the set. And for the price you cant go wrong (24 months warranty included)

iamcornholio

That screwfix drill, and all others of that shape and at that end of the market are crap, heavy, low power and a waste of time and money. Avoid unless really desperate

A cordless SDS, even the expensive ones with high amp batteries dont last long chiselling. Only consider a cordless if you really need cordless and not for chiselling.

Get the Bosch drill in that link, or an equivalent dewalt one at the same price, and you wont go wrong

mikey72

dodgydl wrote: »

I had a similar thing when I was doing renovations. Finally decided to buy an SDS drill when I could not get through my lounge wall with my Makita cordless drill. Went and bought the Titan SDS drill that has been recommended and although it is pretty bit and a bit heavy it does a great job. I have drilled through walls, concrete and all sorts. Like I said only downside is it is on the weighty side when drilling above your head to put up a curtain rail. But plus side is it doubles up as a small breaker. I took down a concrete pond with it - 3 days solid I had breaking up concrete with the chisel piece that comes with the set. And for the price you cant go wrong (24 months warranty included)

http://www.screwfix.com/p/titan-ttb277sds-3-5kg-sds-plus-rotary-hammer-drill-230v/99935 is a lighter version, and looks like it's got £20 off at the moment. I used to have a similar one, that coped with most diy.

foomanchu

A corded SDS is a must for masonry work & drilling, the 3.5Kg Titan SDS is very good for the money and one of the most powerful in that weight. I find 5Kg like the other Titan a bit draining if chiselling render all day.

phill99

Agree with most of the above. Cordless SDS are only any good if you get a top quality one. If you are going to get only one then a corded one is a must. I agree also, that if this s the only major project you are going to use it on in the foreseeable future, the Titan is ideal.

Also consider popping to your local hire shop as they often sell off ex hire drills etc cheaply, but are always good makes.

Jaynne

Thanks for the advise particularly regarding battery life and chiselling. I think I'll go for the bosch rather than the titan though. Partially its a little lighter but its not like I'm going to stop doing DIY and having a long lasting drill with easy access to spares would be good.

Its probably a bit more than I need but I'd prefer to buy once and buy well.