I'm just starting out with DIY projects and got my first drill for Christmas, specifically the Dewalt DCD771C2. Now, I'm moving into an apartment with brick walls and need a tool to help me drill into the brick to hang a pot rack, shelves, art, and secure bookshelf brackets. I've been getting mixed recommendations on whether to get a hammer drill or an SDS rotary hammer. I'm also a bit overwhelmed by the number of models available. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
3 Answers
Looking at your situation, I'd lean toward a hammer drill. They’re perfect for hanging items in apartments and offer much more versatility for everyday DIY tasks. An SDS is great for heavy-duty work, but I’d save that for when you need to drill significantly larger holes or work with tougher materials. Also, don’t forget to grab some good masonry bits; they make all the difference!
It really boils down to how often you plan to drill into masonry. If it’s just for light tasks like you're mentioning, stick with a hammer drill – it's portable and easier to handle. However, if you anticipate taking on bigger projects down the road, consider investing in an SDS like the DCH172B or something similar. Just ensure it’s compatible with your battery system from the DCD771. You want things to work seamlessly, right?
For your needs like hanging shelves and art, a hammer drill will do just fine! I use mine for similar projects on cinder blocks and brick without any issues. Sure, the SDS looks cool and works great on tougher jobs, but it's really overkill for the occasional hole in brick. Plus, I've had good luck with the hammer drill for size 3/16 holes and the bits are more versatile overall. If you're looking to keep it simple, go for the hammer drill, and consider checking out videos for DIY dust collection setups while you’re at it!
Totally agree! Unless you’re planning on some serious frequent drilling, a modern hammer drill should be perfect. And trust me, the SDS can be a bit much for smaller tasks.
That's solid advice! I've got a hammer drill and it's great for pretty much everything you'd need around the apartment.