| Location | Meadowbank |
| Manufacturer | Bosch |
| Model | GBH 18 V-EC |
| Weight | 4 |
A cordless hammer drill is a power tool great for drilling holes in walls: stone, brick and concrete when you don't have access to mains power. It needs to be used with specific type of drill bits, called masonry bits. It has a hammer mechanism inside the drill which will deliver concussive blows behind the masonry bit to assist in drilling into hard material like brick and masonry.
Smaller hammer drills usually have a couple of settings allowing you to turn off the mechanism and just use the normal drill in wood, metal or plastic. Bigger hammer drills usually only have one setting: hammering but it makes them more powerful. But for proper power, rotary hammer drills are the best.
Is this the the correct drill for your project? This one specifically about the different between rotary hammer and hamme drills: https://www.familyhandyman.com/article/drilling-into-concrete-tools-rotary-hammers-and-hammer-drills/ or our more general guide for choosing the best drill for the job: https://edinburghtoollibrary.org.uk/guides/
WHAT IT DOES
SDS drills are high powered drills usually for drilling into masonry, concrete or brick. This version has three settings - drill for wood or metal, hammer drill for masonry/brick/concrete and hammer only for chipping at stone (like a small breaker).
What is an SDS drill? Answer is here - https://www.its.co.uk/blog/buying-guides/what-is-an-sds-drill/
ABOUT THIS TOOL
Suitable for drilling through steel (up to 13mm), masonry (up to 24mm) and wood (up to 27mm)
Cordless - works with 18v Makita batteries and chargers
Depth stop and extra handle for really heavy duty drilling
This might be more drill than you need! Check out our handy guide to make sure it’s the right one for your task:
https://edinburghtoollibrary.org.uk/guides/#drill
SAFETY INFORMATION & PPE
Safety glasses – Essential
Ear protection – Essential
Dust mask – Recommended
Safety glasses, ear protection, and other PPE are available for a suggestion donation in both of our depots.
Please note that you will need special SDS drill bits for this drill, such as
- Auxiliary handle – Essential especially when drilling large diameter holes into masonry or into wood using a flat bit, or hole saw, to protect you if the drill jams.
- Safety glasses – Essential
- Ear Protection – Essential
- Dust Mask – Recommended
- Work Work Gloves (with grip material) – Recommended for comfort and grip when drilling for long periods
YOU MAY ALSO NEED
- Drill bits – Essential suitable for the type of screws you are using, or width of the hole you are drilling.
HOW TO USE IT
Fit the auxiliary handle to steady the drill and protect you if the drill jams.This is important when drilling large diameter holes especially into masonry, and into wood using a flat bit, or hole saw. Here is a video about the safe use of the auxiliary handle: https://youtu.be/oGphjIuyDg4?t=10
For drilling holes, use a higher speed. Consider using a centre punch drilling a smaller pilot hole first to guide the hammer drill. Back-out of the drill hole frequently while drilling to allow the drilled material to be removed from the hole and avoid overheating and bluntening the drill bit.
For driving screws, turn off the hammer setting, use a slow speed and set the torque clutch to a low number to start, increasing gradually if necessary.
INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEOS
Note this video is a general introduction and is not specific to this exact tool. We always advise reading the manual if provided below, especially the safety advisories, before using any tools.