this post was submitted on 23 Feb 2024
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The icon is a little different to what I've seen on others and I don't know how to tell otherwise. I have a job that involves drilling through a breeze block wall about 20cm and I don't want the expense of buying an SDS if I can help it.

This drill was given to me a long time ago, hence not knowing what I have here.

Thanks!

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[–] [email protected] 3 points 9 months ago (1 children)

You've probably got your answer already, and some of this is already covered, but just in case, have some extra (too many) words:

Yes, that is the hammer function on a combi drill.

The functions on the clicky twisty bit are Hammer Drill (masonry), Drill (wood, metal, plastic), then your screwdriver settings, numbered 1-17 or whatever, which are basically to limit the torque at a certain amount. At 1 you can only drive a screw into warm butter, at the highest number, you can sink a screw far too deep into some timber - some middle number will stop it flush with the surface, for example. You can screwdrive on Drill mode if you don't care for the torque limit.

That drill will maybe do the job, though it's very dependent on the hole diameter. You mention 20mm (2cm) elsewhere.

Without looking at the full spec, assuming it's cordless, that drill's likely good for a 10mm hole in masonry. A bog standard £25 corded hammer drill from Argos will probably do you a 13mm hole (but you'll need a socket and extension). An SDS drill (corded or cordless) will likely do 25-30mm.

An SDS drill bit should do your 20cm deep hole with little issue. A normal masonry bit will possibly wear out a couple of times, depending on the concrete type/density.

I'd have a poke at it with a size 5/6/7 masonry bit that you don't mind replacing, and see how easy the material is to go through - some aerated concrete blocks could be drilled through with a sharp pencil :) Give it a 5 second burst, and if you're all the way in, you're probably fine. If you've barely scratched the surface, you'll want an SDS drill.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 9 months ago

Very helpful, thank you!