Power tools over the past few years have made a huge breakthrough in technological development. Manufacturers introduced capacious battery packs, ergonomic handle shapes, functional additions to the segment, and, of course, could not disregard the most crucial part - the snap-in zone. The multifunctional drill chuck for a drill shows an example of how a whole range of different operations can be arranged on the power base of one electric motor. This possibility is just provided by the design of the chuck mechanism.
Ammo Characteristics
The cartridge in the punch system is a metal element, the task of which is to provide a link between the tool and the drive mechanism of the tool. The characteristics of the chuck are mainly considered in two parameters - the thickness of the shank and the diameter of the drill. That is, the locking connector on the side of the punch and the niche of the cartridge in which the drill will be installed. As for the first parameter, on average it is 10-18 mm. This is the size of the tail that integrates into the power tool clamp. The size of the drill itself can be from 4 to 80 mm on average. But it is important to note that the drill chuck for a drill, depending on the type, can cover entire ranges of dimensional values. The mass of cartridges on average is 200-600 g. This value is also determined by the type of cartridge, its mounting system and structural features.
Cartridge classification
The chuck as a mechanism for fixing the drill differs in the type of tail part of the tooling. The four-and six-sided configurations, and also cylindrical forms for a clip are considered traditional. But their displacement from the market assortment began more than 10 years ago, when the SDS-shank family arrived. Perforator cartridges are divided into two main types:
This is not a division into tetrahedral and SDS systems, but it is the cartridge for a punch for a drill of the second group that more often gets a quick-clamping fixing system, since such nozzles are more common and technologically advanced. What gives this mechanism in practice? Getting rid of the use of a special key in the workflow. That is, the master will be able to update the snap-in yourself. In turn, the SDS system as such represents a more significant change in approaches to fixing the shank, and in various ways.
Cartridges are also divided into SDS-plus and SDS-max. In such types, the drill sits so deep that it reduces to zero the probability of its loss during operation.
SDS-plus mechanism
The most common and attractive toolholder format for SDS keyless chucks. The standard diameter is 10 mm, and models for 40 mm drills are more often used for perforators. The locking mechanism has 4 grooves - two closed and open. The former serve the guide wedges, and the latter are responsible for the locking balls. It is noteworthy that the drill chuck for the SDS-plus drill is mainly focused not on professional use, but on the household segment. This is due to the modest formats of the same shanks. Often used for them and drills with diameters from 6 to 12 mm.
SDS-max mechanism
There are no fundamental differences in design between the plus and max versions. In both cases, the chuck reliably covers the shank of the drill, keeping it in the process. The difference is only in size - if the previous version works with shanks of 10 mm, then SDS-max is designed for size 18 mm. However, this feature determines an important condition for using the tool. The larger the format of the cartridge and accessories as a whole, the higher the load that the machine can handle. For example, the Makita drill punch holder for the HR 5001 C model can withstand impact forces of 17.5 joules. This modification of the punch has a power of 1,500 W, which allows it to perform complex drilling operations with diameters up to 160 mm. Obviously, with a 10 mm SDS-plus 10 mm held shank, this performance would not be possible.
SDS-top mechanism
It can be said, this is an intermediate cartridge, which also works on the principle of a 4-segment gripper, but serves 14 mm shanks. As for the drills, they are provided for sizes from 4 to 32 mm. Initially, it was a cartridge for a drill drill for a Bosch drill - the company introduced this format in order to support the lightweight SDS-plus tooling, which was often used for other purposes for working with large formats. The maximum cartridge size is not always suitable for sizes of 14-16 mm, so many craftsmen were forced to risk such elements. Today, the need for SDS-top is rare, because the lower link of the SDS-plus has become almost universal due to the use of improved alloys in the design.
There are other modifications of this system with cartridges, in which there are changes in the mechanism of fixation, but they are used even less often and only for special purposes. For example, in some versions, instead of grooves, tabs are used. This option may be justified in terms of the strength of the fasteners, but the mechanics of the installation itself are more troublesome than conventional SDS devices.
Ammo Makita
The Japanese manufacturer is one of the leaders in the segment of consumables and components for power tools. In the family of the company you can find key models with shanks from 1.5 to 13 mm. Of course, it cannot do without the latest designs of quick-clamping chucks, which are used both as part of lightweight rotary hammers, and for the assembly of heavy powerful machines. By the way, the cartridge for a drill for a Makita punch is performed according to universal principles, which allows it to be used both as part of its own tool and for models of other companies.
Bosch cartridges
Bosch is betting on the development of modern and most popular cartridges, among which are the SDS-plus quick-clamping mechanisms. Moreover, the company clearly segments its equipment for its intended purpose - for wood, concrete, stone and metal. Accordingly, for each type of cartridge special alloys and sizes are used. In addition, the drill chuck for a Bosch drill from 1.5 mm to 13 mm is capable of supporting the reverse function and impact mode. That is, to a greater extent, German components are sharpened to create holes with a professional tool. As for the reviews, users highly appreciate the Bosch cartridges, noting their structural ergonomics, light weight and durability.
Conclusion
The trend in the development of new cartridges and, in general, functional equipment for drilling power tools is gradually moving towards optimization and universalization of elements. The signs of this process are already expressed today in the fact that a powerful hammer drill, due to the wide possibilities of assembling a cartridge and a drill, can carry out a huge range of operations regardless of the working material. In many respects this was facilitated by the drill chuck for the SDS drill, but in parallel, another direction is developing in which adapters and adapters are offered. Binding elements of this type make it possible to use different types of SDS cartridges, regardless of the main orientation of the tool. But it is important to consider that the inclusion of new links reduces the structural stability and reliability of the device.