Hey everyone! Last week I tried drilling into concrete using a 2904 hammer drill, but honestly, it didn't perform too well. I don't drill into concrete often, but next time I need to, I want a better experience. Should I opt for an M12 or M18, and what size would you recommend? Thanks for any advice!
5 Answers
What exactly are you drilling into? I got my HVAC team the 5/8" M18 SDS, and it really simplified their work and was a better option than the M18 hammer drills they kept breaking while drilling concrete. They used it with Simpson drop-in anchors, and it worked great!
It really depends on your specific needs! If you can share some details like the diameter and depth of the holes you’ll be drilling, and the type of material (like concrete with rebar or just CMU), you’ll get better advice. The M18 fuel hammer drill can handle concrete, but it's not the same as a dedicated SDS drill. If you're doing masonry work, look into the M12 or M18 SDS drills instead—they might fit your needs better!
I'm drilling 3/16 to 1/2" diameter holes, around 5-6" deep, mostly for tapcons or fasteners in concrete and concrete with rebar.
It depends on your usage frequency and hole sizes. I have both a 1" and a 1 1/8" 18v SDS drill, and they are much smoother and quieter compared to the 2904. They've held up well after five years on job sites. If you're doing occasional small holes, a 12v could work, but for larger jobs, go with 18v!
I went a completely different route for my needs. I need to drill 4 5/8" holes through concrete block, so I just ordered an M18 1 and 9/16 SDS max rotary hammer. It might be overkill for 5/8" holes, but better safe than sorry!
I considered getting the biggest one, but I don’t really need that much power. I’d rather save some cash and get another useful tool instead. Seems like the consensus is that M18 is the way to go over M12 for this kind of work!
If you're looking to wait for a sale, the M18 5/8" (2908) could be a good fit for now. Sometimes you can snag a deal on the 2912 or 2915 with batteries included, which might be around the same price. If weight is a concern, the M12 (2508) is lighter, but honestly, for your needs, I'd stick with the M18.
I mostly drill 3/16" for tapcons, and the largest I'd go is 1/2".