I’m choosing between the Dewalt DCD805 and DCD1007 for general use, but I also need to drill holes in concrete deck footings. I won’t be doing concrete work often. Is one a better pick, or should I consider a rotary hammer?
Will either of these drills be enough for concrete footings?
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For a few small holes, either hammer drill may be adequate with a decent masonry bit and the drill set to hammer mode. How easy it is will depend a lot on the hole size, depth, and how hard the concrete is.
I’d pick between the 805 and 1007 based on the rest of your tool needs and the kit price, rather than assuming either one will feel like a dedicated concrete tool.
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If you have several holes to drill, or they’re fairly wide or deep, a rotary hammer is the better tool for the concrete part. It’s designed for that kind of work and should make the job less of a slog than a hammer drill.
If the holes are modest and occasional, a hammer drill is a reasonable compromise. Go steadily, don’t force it, and pause if the bit or drill is getting very hot. Concrete with reinforcing steel can also slow things down.
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I’d decide this by the holes, not by the model numbers. Check the required diameter and depth first. For a small number of ordinary anchor holes, a good masonry bit and either hammer drill could be enough. For bigger or repeated holes, borrow or rent an SDS rotary hammer instead of asking a cordless drill to do that job.
The impact driver in either kit won’t substitute for the hammer drill when drilling concrete.
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