The puncher is an indispensable tool in dismantling. With its help, it is possible to carry out drilling, gating and destruction of solid structures, applying a minimum of physical effort for this. Although shock equipment of this type is considered professional, it is often used in domestic conditions. A modest model of such an apparatus will not be superfluous in the household. How to choose a hammer drill for ordinary users? Since the tool is not cheap, the approach should be responsible and comprehensive - taking into account the main performance indicators, functionality, user reviews, etc.
Optimum type of puncher
At the first stage of the selection, one should determine the basic belonging of the instrument to one or another category according to the main classifications. In particular, the design and power supply system should be defined. As for the structural device, there are horizontal and vertical rotary hammers for the house. Which to choose? Models of the first type with a horizontal engine are more like drills. In essence, this is an electric drill, but supplemented by a shock function - a kind of jackhammer. This option is easy to use and a good choice for a beginner, but he can hardly perform large-scale complex operations to destroy concrete and brick structures. The vertical configuration is distinguished by power and a more efficient cooling system - accordingly, the device will be able to work at high loads.
Now you can go to the power system. Network and battery models are fundamentally separated. According to reviews, the former have a larger power reserve, while maintaining a compact body and lightness. The presence of the battery pack makes the design heavier and reduces maneuverability. Although, the addition of weight in the case of a perforator can also be a plus, since the stabilizing effect increases, which is important for hard work. How to choose a rock drill by type of battery? Orientation is on lithium-ion cells (Li-Ion). They do not have a self-discharge effect, with a small size they have a high energy potential and are undemanding in maintenance. But, one should also take into account the capriciousness of the Li-Ion unit when operating at low temperatures and the price factor - compared to other models, rotary hammers with such energy supply are 10-15% more expensive.
Technical Selection
The range of performance varies depending on the class of the model. So, the initial level is represented by devices weighing 3-4 kg and a power of 800 watts. The impact energy in this case is 1-2 J. A low-power apparatus is obtained, which is suitable, for example, for performing electrical wiring, but it is better to entrust serious work with chiselling and deep gating to more productive versions. How to choose a hammer for homework of medium complexity? The power potential in this case can also not exceed 1000 W, the main thing is the impact energy. It is desirable to perform dismantling operations with hollowing with a tool with a force of 3 J. This is enough to carry out a major overhaul with the creation of large-format holes and openings in the wall. But, as a household drilling machine, such a tool is no longer used.
Manufacturers and heavy punch equipment designed for domestic tasks. Models of this class are designed to form 40 mm holes and stone wall breaks. But in addition to power, it is worth noting the structural reliability and functionality of such drills. Which is better to choose a device from this segment? To perform complex critical tasks, it is better to purchase models with a capacity of at least 1200 watts. Accordingly, the impact energy will also be considerable - about 13 J. The influence of high loads on the electrical filling is also taken into account. It would be worthwhile to provide for the presence of protective systems and fuses. However, additional options should be considered separately.
How to choose a perforator by functionality?
Continuing the theme of safety and protection of the tool itself, we can distinguish a soft start system, protection against overheating, fan cooling of the engine, etc. From the point of view of operability, the possibilities of reverse (reverse) stroke and changing the position of the bit will be significant. In particular, Bosh uses its own Vario-Lock mechanism to adjust tooling. As for the reverse, it can be useful in cases where the drill goes to one side or gets stuck in a rigid array with reinforcing grip. But how to choose a hammer drill if you plan to use different nozzles besides large-caliber shanks? It is advisable to give preference to the SDS-max or SDS-plus keyless chucks. They not only expand the list of nozzles available for use, but also facilitate the process of changing them without connecting an additional tool.
To carry out spot operations under heavy load, electronic speed control will also be required. This feature is useful if you plan to work with materials of varying degrees of density. The most modern versions automatically adjust to the working basis, evaluating the pressure on the drill and the degree of pressure on the start button. No less important is another question - how to choose a hammer for home work, taking into account auxiliary functional accessories? In this part, it is worth considering the laser direction of the drilling point, LED backlight and safety clutch. All this contributes to high-quality drilling with precise alignment of the working body. For greater reliability, it is worthwhile to provide an anti-vibration system that reduces the influence of vibrations on the accuracy of the drill orientation.
Model Makita BHR242RFE
An apparatus with an unusual configuration of the power filling, in which a balanced design and high power is combined with a low impact force of 2 J. Users consider it to be a borderline version of the impact drill between the professional and domestic segments. That is, if there is a question regarding how to choose a good universal rotary hammer, then this proposal can be addressed. The operational feature is that the power filling focuses on short operations, but with high peak power. For comparison, full-fledged professional models are developed with the expectation of maintaining high loads during long working sessions.
This model also represents a battery class. The lithium-ion unit has a small energy reserve of 3 mA * h, but this is enough for the same household repair activities. An extra battery is included. It is important to disclose some of the nuances of non-stop operation of rotary hammers for the home. Which device to choose in terms of autonomy? It is desirable that a balance be maintained between capacity, charging time and duration of the work process. It is this advantage that distinguishes the BHR242RFE modification. While the energy of one block is being replenished, the master can work with the second for several hours. As for other advantages, the model is also equipped with vibration protection, isolation from dust and well-thought-out ergonomics of the case, which is traditionally distinguished by the Makita power tool.
Model Bosch GBH 18
This unit has a blue color, which indicates its belonging to a professional group according to the corporate classification of a German manufacturer. However, the cost is 14 thousand rubles. allows many home users to get such an assistant. Moreover, in terms of ergonomics and optimization, this is one of the best rotary hammers with a lightweight design. Yes, the operating indicators are small - only 1.7 J at 18 V. The processing parameters are also not impressive - for concrete, the drilling diameter is a maximum of 20 mm. But these modest indicators for domestic use are not a critical limitation, but in return the owner gets a small, light (2.3 kg) and manoeuvrable housing, as well as a high spindle speed, which allows you to work with small drills. Quite often, professional builders also face the question of how to choose the right puncher in order to get a balanced design, and not lose in power. Of course, the performance in this case is not good, but the convenience of physical handling is at the highest level. As the users themselves note, with the GBH 18 punch you can work even with one hand.
Model Interskol PA-10 / 14,4-2
Solid domestic rotary hammer, made on a battery basis with the basic functionality of a hammer drill. The robust tool housing provides protection against physical damage, the mode switch is responsible for the adjustment, and the shanks are fixed by a quick-clamping chuck. By the way, the SDS-plus lock accepts drills with diameters of 5, 6 and 8 mm. Also, for work in hard-to-reach places, the developers have provided lighting. What is still important in this model is its operational versatility with a wide coverage of work operations - this is also confirmed by reviews of the punch. Which tool to choose for performing hammer drilling and twisting hardware? This is a popular question of ordinary home masters who do not need specialized functions, and the “omnivorousness” of the device comes to the fore. And the creators of this model just propose the implementation of various tasks at an average power potential. As a result, concrete with metal can be processed with a diameter of 10 mm, and wood - up to 20 mm. And within the framework of the same production process, without changing the tool, the operator will be able to be distracted without hitches and tightening the screws.
Model DeWALT D25144K
This time the bet is placed on high performance, as evidenced by the 3.2 J shock mechanism, supported by a 900-watt engine. The hammer drill also works in shock-free mode, which can be switched to after replacing the standard SDS-plus cartridge with a regular three-jaw grip. In other words, this is the same universal design that is suitable for working in a screwdriver mode. But, small-format fast operations with constant movements around the site is not the best format for using this version. Nevertheless, the design of a powerful impact drill is calculated on more thorough tasks. And how to choose a rotary hammer for repair so that it combines compactness, lightness, multifunctionality and productivity? On the one hand, this is a contradictory combination of characteristics, and on the other hand, the rejection of the battery pack while maintaining the usual mains drive, at least guarantees not to exceed the weight at medium power. It is in this configuration that the D25144K modification is proposed, but, as users note, you will have to pay for ergonomic advantages with strong vibrations and noisy work.
Model AEG PN 11 E
It should be noted right away that this punch belongs to the highest class and is estimated at 45-50 thousand rubles. What does the owner of this unit get? 1700 W engine, impact energy of 27 J and 11 kg of weight. That is, the model has practically no restrictions from the point of view of application - at least in the framework of the tasks, in principle, available for the perforator as such. The owners at the same time do not so much emphasize versatility with a wide range of subject operations, as much as ease in solving quite standard repair tasks.
Of course, for this cost, you can count on the presence of innovative systems. The wear indicator of the carbon brushes of the gearbox, the idle stop and a smooth start are only some of the useful options that are noted on the positive side in the reviews. How to choose a puncher for the house, so that it combines reliability, endurance and ease of manipulation is also a common question asked by amateur craftsmen who understand a lot about these qualities. This is not to say that the AEG PN 11 E demonstrates record performance and can compete with small-sized counterparts in terms of ergonomics, but the developers still found a certain balance. Despite the mass of 11 kg, the model effectively copes with drilling tasks without a lot of pressure on the hands - this is due to the well-thought-out body design and high speed of the operation.
Rating of the best models
Each of the above models has its own advantages in different aspects of application. Their combination, taking into account the cost, will allow you to answer the question of how to choose a hammer drill for homework. The rating presented below focuses on the most popular and high-quality models available on the market for ordinary users:
- Bosch GBH 18. The main quality of this device is balance. It applies to immediate working qualities, and the price tag. The model slightly goes beyond the cost range of a strictly domestic class, but the modest overpayment for high German quality fully justifies itself.
- Makita BHR242RFE. The Japanese brand is a direct competitor to Bosch, but the class of this model is higher than the previous offer. The difference in price is 10 thousand rubles, and even taking into account higher operational data, this is not suitable for every amateur amateur.
- Interskol PA-10 / 14.4R-2. On the contrary, a budget option that is in good demand. But, this puncher still cannot compete with Makita products in terms of reliability and durability of the element base.
- AEG PN 11 E. For a unique combination of characteristics and an abundance of modern functions with increased performance, this device also deserves a place in this rating, but taking into account the price tag, it is far from the first position.
- DeWALT D25144K. In general, a good model that can compete with each analogue of the following in individual qualities, but the imbalance in the balance between ergonomics and power makes it a specific offer, designed for a narrow segment.
When evaluating these options, you should rely on workflow requirements. In some cases, performance will come to the fore, in others, reliability, and in others, functionality. Perhaps, as a compromise solution, it is worth choosing a Makita puncher worth 24-25 thousand rubles. This is a considerable amount for home appliances, but you can be sure that all the tasks of hammer drilling will be completed without unnecessary worries.
Conclusion
The puncher is a tool, of course, useful and in some way indispensable. However, an ordinary homeowner needs it only in rare cases. More often, a standard electric drill is used, which costs less, is easier to control and easier. How to choose a puncher for apartment renovation in order to cover as many tasks as possible? You can go a little different way. The main difference between the punch is the presence of the function of the impact mechanism. But today it is provided for some models of drills. For example, battery versions with a voltage of about 24 V may well replace the power drill. For the right choice you only need to calculate specific technical parameters and impose them on the possibility of processing target surfaces and building materials.