Greenworks 24V SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer Delivers Budget-Friendly Concrete Drilling And Chipping

Hammer drills have their limitations and when you reach them, it’s time to get your hand on a rotary hammer for bigger holes in concrete and to gain the chipping function. The Greenworks 24V cordless SDS-Plus rotary hammer has an attractive price tag, but can it get the job done? We got it in our hands to find out.

Greenworks SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer Performance

Speed and Power

This rotary hammer brushless motor delivers up to 1,000 RPMs, 4,500 BPM, and 2.0 Joules of impact energy (1.48 ft-lbs). Let’s digest those numbers for a minute. The RPM and blow rate are a little on the low side compared to something like Ryobi’s HP Brushless 1-inch rotary hammer. As we’ll see, though, there’s also a pretty big price difference between the two, so we’ll withhold judgment based on that context.

The power level puts this model on par with 1-inch rotary hammers. If you’re new to this class of tool, that’s the maximum recommended bit size. The sweet spot for drilling efficiency is going to be around 5/8-inch and you’ll notice a slowdown as you move up from there even though the tool is perfectly capable of working under those loads.

It’s also an effective range to get into light chipping applications. If you’re cutting a channel in concrete and need to break it into manageable pieces to remove, you can do that. It’s also good for popping up tile on flooring or backsplashes when you’re tackling some DIY repairs or replacements.

Mode Selection

This Greenworks 24V cordless SDS-Plus rotary hammer has a 3+1 mode selection dial like you find on Pro-level models. A dial on the side lets you quickly switch between the three drive settings: Rotary Drilling Mode, Hammer Drilling Mode, and Hammer Mode. In addition to the drive settings, there’s also a position to adjust your chisel angle located between Hammer Drilling Mode and Hammer Mode.

To switch modes, you press the button on the end of the dial and turn it to the mode you want. The button will pop back up as it hits the detent in each mode, so just press it down as you turn to override the modes you want to skip.

Greenworks SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer Design Notes

From tip to tail this rotary hammer measures a compact 12.5 inches and stands 8.5 inches tall. It weighs 5.9 pounds as a bare tool and 7.6 pounds with a 4.0Ah battery. You’re perfectly welcome to use the smaller 2.0Ah battery, but in most cases, the additional runtime of the larger battery is the way to go.

One thing that’s a bit different from other cordless rotary hammers is that the battery slides in from the front and locks in a bit toward the front. It balances the tool nicely and is particularly noticeable when you’re drilling horizontally.

The adjustable forward grip aids in keeping the tool stable while in use. Like other rotary hammers, you can rotate the handle 360°. If you find the depth rod gets in the way, you can flip the handle around and reverse its position.

Finally, there’s a two-finger trigger to reduce some of the finger fatigue that can set in when you have applications that keep you working longer.

Additional Features

• Tether ready
• LED light
• Adjustable depth rod
• Compatible with SDS-Plus bits
• Works with all Greenworks 24V batteries

Greenworks 24V Cordless SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer Price

The Greenworks 24V SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer retails for $129.99 as a bare tool and $159.99 as a kit. The kit includes a single 24V 4.0Ah battery and a charger. We also found a kit on Amazon for $177.99 that adds a few bits to help get you started. Greenworks backs this rotary hammer with a 3-year limited warranty.

We mentioned earlier the price difference between Greenworks and some of your other options. The Ryobi P223 runs $189 as a bare tool or $239 as a kit with a 4.0Ah battery. That’s significant. Even Skil’s brushless RH1704-1A is $199 as a single-battery kit. Essentially, you’re getting the benefits of a brushless rotary hammer at a price we usually only see brushed models. That’s a win.

The Bottom Line

When your DIY projects or home repairs get to the point where you need a rotary hammer, it’s hard to ignore what the Greenworks 24V cordless rotary hammer has to offer for the price. The design is solid and while it’s possible to get higher performance, you’ll need to open up your wallet quite a bit more to get it.

Click here to check out last-minute deals from Greenworks!

Greenworks SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer Specifications

• Model: Greenworks HMD401
• Power Source: Greenworks 24V battery
• No-Load Speed: 0-1,000 RPM
• Impact Rate: 0-4,500 BPM
• Impact Energy: 2.0 J
• Drilling Capacity: 0.94 in. (concrete), 0.5 in (steel), 1.25 in. (wood)
• Weight: 5.9 lbs. (bare),
• Length: 12.5 in.
• Height: 8.5 in.
• Warranty: 3-year Limited tool warranty
• Price: $129.99 (bare), $175.30 (kit)

The post Greenworks 24V Cordless SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer Review appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Milwaukee 2916 M18 Fuel SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer Improves D-Handle Power

Milwaukee is no stranger to the rotary hammer game with plenty of options for concrete and masonry drilling. Still, the company loves to improve upon its own formula and the Milwaukee 2916 M18 Fuel 1 1/4-inch SDS Plus rotary hammer is the next entry in the lineup. We’re diving in to see how its speed and power can help your productivity on the job.

Milwaukee 2916 M18 Fuel SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer: The Big Deal

Performance

Milwaukee tells us that you can expect speeds up to 30% faster with this SDS Plus model compared to SDS Max rotary hammers when drilling 3/4-inch holes. It also shaves up to 6 pounds from the overall weight compared to 2 9/16-inch SDS Max rotary hammers.

Those claims make sense considering SDS Plus tools tend to run at higher speeds and are generally more lightweight compared to their SDS Max counterparts. Milwaukee’s own 2717 tops out at 450 RPM and weighs 12.2 pounds bare. On the other hand, you get 810 RPM in a tool that weighs 9.2 pounds bare with this model.

Of course, it’s impact energy where the larger SDS-Max rotary hammers make their money. On that note, Milwaukee’s brushless motor provides 3.65 ft-lbs of impact energy for this model. Among the longer D-handle style cordless rotary hammers, most peak at 1 1/8-inch with less impact energy than Milwaukee offers. If you’re looking for the strongest performance in this style, the Milwaukee 2916 is it.

With an M18 RedLithium High Output XC6.0 Battery, you can expect to drill up to twenty-five 3/4-inch holes per charge. Using this same battery will also net you up to 50% more power than M18 RedLithium XC batteries, as well as run up to 50% cooler.

Design

Milwaukee designed this rotary hammer with a D-handle layout which provides balance to the tool, as well as optimizes it for downward drilling. Built-in vibration control also contributes to a more comfortable experience.

It also features AutoStop Kickback Control which shuts down the tool in a bind-up situation, preventing over-rotating and enhancing your safety.

To further emphasize safety, this tool is compatible with the M18 Fuel HammerVac 1 1/4-inch Dedicated Dust Extractor to prevent you from inhaling harsh dust while you work.

Additional Features

• LED light
• 360° rotating side handle
• Forward/reverse function

Milwaukee 2916 M18 Fuel SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer Price

You can find this rotary hammer starting in October 2022 at your favorite Milwaukee retailer. The bare tool retails for $499. The kit, including two M18 RedLithium High Output XC 6.0 batteries, a rapid charger, and a carrying case, sells for $749. Milwaukee backs your purchase with a 5-year warranty.

Need the bare tool? Pick it up for $499 by clicking here.

Specifications

• Model: Milwaukee 2916-20
• Length: 18.3 in
• Width: 3.6 in
• Weight: 9.2 lbs
• Voltage: 18V
• Chuck capacity: 1.25 in
• Chuck design: Keyless
• Material: Glass-filled nylon

The post Milwaukee 2916 M18 Fuel 1 1/4-Inch SDS Plus Rotary Hammer appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Hilti TE 60-22 SDS MAX Rotary Hammer Makes Impressive Transition To Nuron System

Moving tools from Hilti’s 36V system to the Nuron 22V system doesn’t seem like too big of a challenge considering there are 2 x 22V (44V) options. But moving the 36V SDS-MAX TE 60 to a single 22V battery? There have to be some trade-offs, right? Our team got our hands on the Hilti Nuron TE 60-22 SDS-MAX cordless rotary hammer to find out.

Hilti Nuron TE 60-22 SDS MAX Rotary Hammer Performance

The Hilti TE 60-22 is their strongest cordless model yet, matching the previous version. The brushless motor produces up to 340 RPM, 3,300 IPM, and 6.0 ft-lbs of impact energy. It’s also capable of drilling holes in concrete up to 1 9/16 inches making it perfect for setting post-installed rebar connections.

Along with hammer drilling tasks, it’s a great option for tackling medium-duty demolition work such as removing tile or breaking up smaller sections of concrete. There’s also a 1/2-power mode button if you find yourself needing to back off a bit.

What’s really neat about the TE 60-22 is that it maintains the same working specs as its 36V predecessor, the 36V TE 60-A36. One of the benefits of the Nuron technology is it gives you the drilling and chipping power you’d expect from a higher voltage system using a single 22V battery. Even against Hilti’s corded TE 60 hammers, the Nuron model matches the speed and impact rate with slightly higher impact energy.

Hilti Nuron TE 60-22 SDS MAX Rotary Hammer Design Notes

Ergonomics

As with many of Hilti’s tools, the look and feel of this rotary hammer inspire confidence in its quality, though it’s understandably heavier than Hilti’s lower-powered cordless rotary hammers. It’s just over 18 pounds with the recommended Nuron B 22-255 battery. That said, it’s a whopping 4 pounds lighter than the previous 36V version as a bare tool. With the B22-255 battery, it’s only 0.8 pounds heavier than the full-featured corded TE 60-ATC-AVR.

Hilti beefed up the rear and side handles to help you maintain control. Additionally, there’s a 4-finger trigger and lock-on switch that help reduce fatigue while you’re drilling and chipping.

Mode Selection

The Hilti TE 60-22 retains the 2-mode selection dial from its predecessor letting you quickly alternate between the hammer drill mode and chipping mode. Simply turn the dial located on the left side of the tool body to your desired setting and you’re off to the races.

In addition to the two working modes, there’s also a position to adjust your chisel angle between the Hammer Drilling and Chisel modes.

Onboard Tech

Hilti equipped this rotary hammer with both their Active Vibration Reduction (AVR) and Active Torque Control (ATC), matching the best corded TE 60 Hilti offers.

AVR provides increased shielding from excessive vibration. While it doesn’t completely eliminate all vibration, there’s definitely a noticeable difference felt in your hands. With a rotary hammer this strong, it’s crucial to reduce your fatigue over the course of a day.

The ATC instantly stops rotation if it senses the bit starting to bind up protecting you from uncontrolled spinning. This is especially important when using larger bits and drilling around rebar to avoid injury to your hands or wrist.

Nuron Benefits

In addition to the performance the Nuron battery system offers, there are also some tech benefits. The pack stores diagnostic and health information—even if you’re using it on multiple tools. When you put the pack on the charger, it can upload that data and help you manage the entire tool crib more effectively.

Check out our deep dive on Nuron tech here.

Hilti Nuron TE 60-22 SDS MAX Rotary Hammer Price

The Hilti Nuron TE 60-22 Rotary Hammer retails for $1,011 as a bare tool. As usual, Hilti has an a la carte-style system so you can choose the batteries and chargers you need. With this model, we highly recommend going with B 22-225 batteries to get the power and runtime you need for this class of tool.

Here’s the cool thing: the tool with two batteries and a charger is actually less than the corded version by over $200!

If you’re looking to outfit your entire crew, consider going with Hilti’s fleet program to help manage cost, maintenance, repair, theft, and loaners. The TE 60-22 runs $31.25 per month as part of the Fleet Management Program.

Hilti TE 60-22 SDS MAX Rotary Hammer Comparison

The Bottom Line

Hilti did so many things right with the development of the TE 60-22 for the Nuron system. Performance that tops corded models and matches the 36V version combined with a ridiculous drop in weight and incredibly attractive pricing makes the TE 60-22 the go-to rotary hammer for its class.

Hilti Nuron TE 60-22 SDS MAX Rotary Hammer Specifications

• Model: Hilti Nuron TE 60-22
• Power Source: Hilti Nuron B 22 battery
• Chuck Type: SDS MAX (TE-Y)
• Weight: 14.06 (bare), 18.13 (with Nuron B 22-255 battery)
• Impact Power: 6 ft-lbs
• No-Load Speed: 340 RPM
• Blows Per Minute:3300 IPM
• Hammer Drilling Capacity: 1/2 in. – 2 3/16 in.
• Optimal Hammer Drilling Range: 23/32 in – 1 9/16 in.
• Length: 21 in.
• Warranty: 20-year
• Price: $1,011 (bare tool), $31.25 (fleet pricing)

The post Hilti Nuron TE 60-22 SDS MAX Rotary Hammer appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Makinex Lift Assist Lets the Pneumatic Hammer Do The Work

With the average pneumatic jackhammer operating at 1200+ blows per minute, it’s safe to say that demolition work can take its toll on your equipment and your body. This work results in back strain from repeatedly lifting a heavy tool. It can also be difficult to maintain the right angle on the chisel as the day drags on. In response to this abuse, the Makinex Lift Assist attaches to your pneumatic hammer to bring the chisel up and out of the concrete after each plunge.

To say it reduces stress and fatigue on your body is an understatement. It simply makes for more effective demo hammering. The folks at Pro Tool Innovation Awards liked the concept so much, Makinex received a PTIA Award in 2021 for the Lift Assist’s innovative design.

What’s the Big Deal?

The Makinex Lift Assist weighs 9 lbs and attaches to most pneumatic hammers in the 60-90 lb weight range. Once attached, the lift assist uses what looks like a hydraulic foot to push against the ground. This lifts the hammer back up to make the next cut.

The Makinex produces 350 lbs of lift force. This not only lifts the tool back up but also pulls the buried chisel out of the ground for a smooth exit and transition into the next cut. It operates on the same airline that your pneumatic hammer already uses, so no additional power or air source is required.

The Makinex Lift Assist is compatible with pneumatic hammers from APT, Ingersoll Rand, Tamco, Atlas Copco, Michigan Pneumatic, Chicago Pneumatic, and more.

To see the Makinex Lift Assist in action, click here.

Other Features

• Maintenance is identical to maintenance on your jackhammer: anytime the hammer is oiled, the Lift Assist is oiled
• Solid, durable build
• Made in the USA

Pricing

For the time being, you can purchase the Makinex Lift Assist through the Makinex website by clicking here. We expect that it will soon begin to show up at any of the major construction retailers that deal in Makinex tools. For now, Makinex sells it directly. It retails for $1,290, and it comes backed by a 1-year warranty.

Makinex Lift Assist Specs

• Model: Makinex LA90-350
• Weight: 9 lbs
• Weight with Hammer: 99 lbs
• Width: 3 in.
• Height: 26 in.
• Made in the USA
• Warranty: 1 year
• Price: $1,290

The post Makinex Lift Assist for Jackhammers and Demo appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Makita Designs the HM1502 for Heavy Demolition Projects

The Makita HM1502 43 lb. demolition hammer lacks AVT vibration control, but hits with all the power of the larger HM1512. Makita designed this demolition hammer to blast through lower wall zones and floor foundations up to 8-inches thick. Makita also engineered it specifically to tackle trench digging and even tamping applications.

What’s the Big Deal?

The engineering team at Makita has opted for an inline body design that makes it an ideal solution for working in narrow spaces. This design also improves the tool’s balance and maneuverability.

The Makita HM1502 Demolition Hammer uses a 15-amp motor that can piledrive 36.2 ft-lbs. of force into whatever job it is you’re doing. It excels at breaking up concrete, and—with the right 1-1/8″ steel bit—it can even tackle digging and tamping quickly.

Makita has also included a Soft Start feature that ramps up the speed and force of the hammering action after you pull the trigger. The benefit here is that the demo hammer won’t take off on you when you fire it up. You can also fit the HM1502 with an optional Makita dust extractor (VC4210L or XCV13) to help keep your jobsite OSHA Table 1 compliant.

Other Makita HM1502 Features

• LED Power Lights indicate switch failure or cord damage
• LED Service Light notifies the user approximately 8 hours before the brushes need to be replaced
• Extended Life Brushes allow for more work between service intervals
• Automatic Brush Cut-Off protects commutator from damage for longer tool life
• Easy-to-operate slide switch with lock-on is positioned to be activated without releasing the handles
• Side handle swivels 360° for increased maneuverability
• Rubberized ergonomic soft grip provides more comfort
• Makita Motor Advantage engineered with field core interlocking steel laminations, dual ball bearing armature and more copper commutator bars, increasing energy transfer efficiency for more power and longer tool life
• Durable blow-molded rolling tool case for safe storage and easy transportation

What’s the Diff?

You might be wondering what the differences are between the Makita HM1502 and the other new Makita demolition hammer, the HM1512. Basically, the two designs are pretty similar with the main feature of the latter being the inclusion of anti-vibration technology (AVT). This offers some improvement to the general comfort level, but at the expense of a seemingly marginal amount of impact force.

Pricing & Availablity

We found the Makita HM1502 43 lb. Demolition Hammer for $999. It comes with a 1-year warranty, and it’s available anywhere you find Makita tools. If you want AVT vibration control which shaves more than half the vibration, expect to pay around $300 more for the Makita HM1512.

Makita Demolition Hammer Specs

• Model: Makita HM1502
• Amps: 15 amps
• Impact Energy: 36.2 ft.lbs. / 49.1 J
• Blows Per Minute: 1,300 BPM
• Vibration Measure: 14.5 m/s2
• Noise Level: 106 dB
• Soft Start: Yes
• Bit type: 1-1/8 in. Hex
• Length: 31-3/4 in.
• Cord Length: 16.4 ft.
• Weight: 43.4 lbs.
• Warranty: 1 year
• Price: $999

The post Makita HM1502 Demolition Hammer appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Makita AVT Demolition Hammer Breaks Up Concrete With Maximum Comfort

Makita has just launched two new 15-amp demolition hammers. We recently covered the 43 lb. HM1502 Demolition Hammer, and today, we’re looking at the Makita HM1512 45 lb. Demolition Hammer with AVT. This demolition hammer has been equipped to dig trenches, tamp, and bust through all manner of concrete up to 8-inches thick. And, with its anti-vibration technology, it works hard without shaking the teeth out of your head.

What’s the Big Deal?

With the 43 lb HM1502, we mentioned the inline body design that keeps the demo hammer slim enough to work well in narrow spaces. The Makita HM1512 Demolition Hammer has the same frame as well.

This demo hammer features a 15-amp motor that can drop 48.5 J of impact energy at 1,300 bpm. This is slightly less than the other model.

However, where the Makita HM1512 AVT Demolition Hammer excels will be in the vibration department. The counterbalance system inside the tool, which Makita has based on the seismic engineering that protects buildings from earthquake shocks, dramatically dampens the vibration felt from this inherently violent tool. It also includes vibration-reducing handles that soak up more of the force to your hands.

We also like the Soft Start feature that smoothes out start-ups and increases accuracy, as well as the Soft No-Load function that increases the tool life by reducing the speed of the motor while it’s idling. And, for OSHA Table 1 compliance, the HM1512 works with Makita’s dust extraction solutions as well.

Side by Side Comparison

The main difference between the two models revolves around the inclusion of anti-vibration technology (AVT) on this model. This feature greatly improves general comfort level, particularly important with day-in,day-out work. But, the trade-off is a seemingly marginal amount of impact force, of which the slightly smaller HM1502 has more. We love that you get less than half the vibration. That matters when you do lots of demo.

Pricing & Availablity

You can pick up the Makita HM1512 45 lb. AVT Demolition Hammer for $1299. It comes with a 1-year warranty.

Makita Demolition Hammer Specs

• Model: Makita HM1512
• Amps: 15 amps
• Impact Energy: 35.7 ft.lbs. / 48.5 J
• Blows Per Minute: 1,300 BPM
• Anti-Vibration Technology
• Vibration Measure: 6.5 m/s2
• Noise Level: 106 dB
• Soft Start: Yes
• Bit size: 1-1/8 in. Hex
• Length: 31-3/4 in.
• Cord length: 16.4 ft.
• Weight: 45 lbs.
• Warranty: 1 year
• Price: $1299

For more information, click here.

The post Makita HM1512 AVT Demolition Hammer appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Makita Corded 1-3/16-inch Rotary Hammers Feature a Design to Increase Accuracy

Makita just launched two 1-3/16-inch corded rotary hammers to increase the accuracy and ergonomics for concrete formers, plumbers, electricians, HVAC techs, ironworkers, and general contractors. The SDS-Plus HR3001CK and HR3011FCK rotary hammers feature a niche size in the market at 1-3/16″, and they feature an L-shape design that makes these tools more accurate and comfortable to use.

Makita 1-3/16″ Rotary Hammers

The Makita Rotary Hammers carry a nearly identical feature set. In addition to the SDS-Plus chucks that accommodate the somewhat unusual 1-3/16″ bit size, both have three modes of operation: “rotation only”, “hammering with rotation”, and “hammering only”. While set to the hammer-only mode, you can set the bit angle at a variety of positions.

Both Makita rotary hammers draw 7.5 amps, cranking out 3.9 J of impact energy and providing up to 4,500 blows per minute. In either of the rotation modes, you can expect a no-load speed of up to 840 rpm. Both of the Makita 1-3/16″ Rotary Hammers feature Constant Speed Control, which automatically applies additional power to maintain speed under load.

Makita HR3001CK vs HR3011FCK

While both models feature a vibration-absorbing rubberized grip, the HR3011FCK has the benefit of Makita’s Anti-Vibration Technology. In our experience, this internal counterbalance system does a great job of killing a lot of the vibration that can plague these hard-hitting tools.

The inconveniently-named HR3011FCK can also work with the DX10 on-board Dust Extractor. This addition can bring the rotary hammer into OSHA Table 1 compliance. The HR3001CK doesn’t give you this option, however.

Finally, both of the Makita 1-3/16″ Rotary Hammers feature large, multi-finger variable speed triggers and an LED work light.

Pricing

While the HR3001CK seems like it might take a while longer to make it to shelves, you can find the HR3011FCK rotary hammer now. It retails for $319. Both of the Makita 1-3/16″ corded rotary hammers come with a 1-year warranty.

For more information about the Makita Rotary Hammers, click here.

The post Makita 1-3/16-inch Rotary Hammers | HR3001CK and HR3011FCK appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Hilti Next-Gen Combination Hammer Drills 40% Faster in Reinforced Concrete

The Hilti TE 70-ATC with AVR presents a next-generation SDS-Max Combination Hammer with 10.7 ft-lbs of impact energy. According to Hilti, this is the most powerful combi-hammer in its class. They say it can help commercial contractors and tradesmen drill up to 40% faster in reinforced concrete and demolish more concrete than any of its competitors.

Safety and Performance

Clearly, Hilti continues making improvements to its concrete drilling and chipping tools. As they do so, we love that they continue to place safety and productivity at the forefront. The Hilti TE 70-ATC with AVR provides tradesmen with a tool that has really low vibration for its class while maintaining best-in-class performance. How low? 8.3 m/s^2. That number may not mean much to the uninitiated, but it’s low for a tool of this size and power.

This reduces the risk of potential injury during use—but does so without hindering the productivity of this 22-pound hammering tool. Compared to the smaller Hilti TE 50-AVR we looked at earlier this tool really brings better features and more power for those larger jobs.

With an eye toward user safety, Hilti has included both the Active Torque Control and Active Vibration Reduction technologies on the SDS-Max Combination Hammer. ATC stops the tool body from spinning uncontrollably if the drill bit binds up. It does this through the use of a magnetic clutch that activates as soon as the tool encounters a dangerous bit-stopping obstruction. Meanwhile, the AVR controls the vibration of the tool so that you don’t tire yourself out so quickly.

How Hard Does the Hilti TE 70-ATC Hit?

These safety features seem particularly important for a tool that hits as hard as this one. The Hilti SDS-Max Combination Hammer features a brushless motor to allow it the control it needs to work effectively. It’s ideal for use in hammer drilling in concrete, masonry, and stone with rotary drill bits between 15/32–2-5/32″ in diameter. Ideally, you’d use it with ~3/4″ bits or larger.

Users will unlock the full potential of the Hilti SDS-Max Combination Hammer by using the TE-YX and TE-YPX chisels in flat and pointed formats. These chisel bits were designed to withstand the power of this tool in particular. They feature a state-of-the-art wave design, polygon construction, and self-sharpening technology to offer high break resistance with little-to-no sticking or jamming.

The Hilti SDS-Max Combination Hammer also includes a universal detachable power cord that fits a variety of other Hilti tools. This makes for quick cord changes should you cut or fray your power cord. It also accepts the DRS-Y dust removal system, which collects up to 95% of dust.

Pricing and Availability

The Hilti TE 70-ATC/AVR SDS-Max Combination Hammer is available now through the Hilti website or through a Hilti store. You can pick it up for $1,999.

One of the better features surrounding this tool, as well as all of Hilti’s products, comes down to the 20-2-1 warranty. Hilti offers 20 years of repair or replacement of defective parts, two years of no-cost repair that includes wear and tear, and a guaranteed one-day turnaround at a repair center.

Hilti Combination Hammer Specs

• Model: Hilti TE 70-ATC/AVR
• Single impact energy: 10.7 ft-lbs
• Full hammering frequency: 2830 impacts/minute
• Hammer drilling speed: 245 RPM
• Triaxial vibration value for hammer drilling into concrete: 8.3 m/s²
• Optimum Hammer drilling range: 25/32 to 2-5/32 in
• Active Torque Control (ATC)
• Active Vibration Reduction (AVR)
• Detachable Power Cord
• Weight: 22 lbs.
• Warranty: 20 years on defective parts, 2 years no-cost repair, guaranteed 1 day in and out repair
• Price: $1,999

The post Hilti TE 70-ATC SDS-Max Combination Hammer appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Since we cover so many concrete tools, we get a lot of questions about these from readers. We figured it might be a good time to answer the question of exactly how does a rotary hammer work. Hopefully, this article appeals to both tradesmen who use these tools daily as well as those who just love to understand technology. For our part, we love peering inside any tool to see how it works. Tools are often a lot more interesting on the inside than the outside—and this is certainly the case for rotary hammers.

Of course, the best information comes from the source. So, partnering with us to deliver the inside scoop is Trey Sklar, Power Tools Business Unit Manager for Hilti North America.

How Does a Rotary Hammer Work? We Ask Hilti

Pro Tool Reviews (PTR): As we understand it, Hilti has a pretty robust past with respect to rotary hammer tools. What’s the story on that?

Trey Sklar (Trey): Well, remember that the way you used to drill a hole in concrete was by using a star bit. This was basically a large bit that you would strike with a hammer, rotate, and then hit again. Eventually, you’d get a hole. The first-ever electro-pneumatic rotary hammer tool on the market about 46 years ago in 1967 was the Hilti Torna 765. What made the big leap forward was the electro-pneumatic, or EP, working principle. That’s the foundation behind the rotary hammer mechanism.

Hilti figured out how to make it work and put out the Torna 765 rotary hammer. Soon after, the TE 17 became the first EP tool that was broadly accepted in the market. You can imagine what happened when these new electric rotary hammers showed up on a job site where, previously, the drilling had been a very slow, manual process. Hilti was the exclusive manufacturer of these EP tools for about 10 years.

How Have Rotary Hammers Changed?

PTR: Talk about how rotary hammers have changed from Hilti’s first products until now.

Trey: As time has gone on, there were ways to remove weight from the tool. We learned how to take weight out of certain mechanisms by making them out of lighter materials. This allowed us to increase the power of the tool by redistributing the weight. For example, the TE 3000-AVR 65-pound demolition hammer has a striker weighing 4.9 lbs. This is roughly double the size of a striker in the same size class as most other manufacturers. This has been made possible by technological innovations and adjusting other areas of the tool’s natural mass.

The guide tube, where the piston goes back and forth, has also been switched out to some very advanced alloys. It lasts a lot longer than the original models. There’s now a much longer time between the maintenance periods. Hilti has also done things with the striker and the ratio between that and the piston that provided significant leaps in performance. Any more detail than that, and I’ll lose my job!

What About Vibration?

PTR: I won’t quote you on that…oh wait, I just did! What about vibration—how come these things don’t rip your arms off?

Trey: Vibration reduction is a natural result of the EP mechanism. It’s also an issue of safety and has, as a result, been an area that has gotten a lot of attention. Hilti has gone with a fully decoupled system. The rear handle on our AVR-equipped tools can move both up and down and from left to right in multiple-axis from the tool. Another area of concern is with regard to active torque control. Hilti uses mechanisms that add an additional layer of protection for the operator from an unintended sudden rotation of the tool body due to locking up on a piece of rebar.

What happens sometimes is that a contractor might hit a piece of rebar and jam. This could cause the tool to spin out of the user’s hands or even cause an injury. Hilti’s mechanism includes a magnetic clutch to disengage the motor when the tool body rotates more than 45 degrees in less than half a second. There is still a slip clutch in the tool, but this goes beyond that. This feature adds some weight to the tool, so it’s mostly located in the larger combi hammers like the TE 30-A36 on upwards.

The Difference Between a Hammer Drill (Cam-Action) and a Rotary Hammer (EP) Mechanism

Cam-action, or percussion, in a hammer drill gets you a light hammering on the concrete. It makes a really loud noise because the gears are physically rubbing against each other. You also don’t get as strong a hammer intensity. It’s because of this that hammer drills almost never have chisels, and they are never intended for 3/4″ bits.

The electro-pneumatic (EP) mechanism, on the other hand, uses a system where the drive piston and flying piston never touch. There is an air pocket between them, so you get a much stronger and more efficient transfer of power to the hammering mechanism. It also produces a lot less wear on the tool.

For more information, check out our article on hammer drills vs rotary hammers.

How Cordless Rotary Hammers Work vs Corded

PTR: What are the fundamental design and goal differences between Hilti’s corded and cordless tools?

Trey: Up until this year, cordless tools have been designed for optimal performance with 5/8″ bits or lower. So what you try to do is bring corded performance (or better) into a cordless model. In terms of the internal mechanism, there’s not a big difference or any really significant changes. You’re simply looking to get to that level where the mechanism is efficient enough to deliver a half-day or even a full day’s worth of work on a single charge.

Within the last few years, we’ve seen serial (repetitive) applications in certain size categories convert to cordless tools. These have reaped huge gains in productivity. You measure that by ensuring it drills enough holes per charge, and by ensuring those holes get drilled fast enough to meet the requirements to equal the corded tool. We’re now at a point where we actually have more cordless rotary hammer drills in our lineup than corded. We couldn’t do that unless those tools offered the performance of a corded tool.

Obstacles in Design

PTR: What are the biggest obstacles in designing a great rotary hammer? Where are you constantly trying to improve?

Trey: Designing bigger tools that break the mold. For example, we’re getting into larger categories like the TE 30-A36. This is the world’s first cordless combi hammer, and it can handle drilling 3/4″ and larger holes. And the new brushless TE 3000-AVR demo hammer was designed to compete with the bigger pneumatics. Typically, what contractors have had to decide on is whether to use a less powerful electric tool or a more powerful compressor-driven jackhammer that has lots of vibration. We made the TE 3000 to deliver the power of a 60-pound air hammer in an electric tool that could run off a generator.

PTR: How do you test that to make sure you pulled it off?

Trey: Because of the impact power, we actually decided on industrial size railroad tracks. This is a piece of steel about twice the width of a conventional railroad track. Then, we basically beat the tool to death on it at multiple angles using a rig to run the tool until it dies. Beating a chisel against a railroad track is more abusive than even 10,000 psi concrete. The rig is really cool. It uses a robotic arm, operating the tool 24 hours a day with a chisel until it dies. Believe it or not, the steel actually yields after a while.

Breaking Down the Mechanics of a Rotary Hammer

Big or small, all rotary hammers are more or less the same in terms of how they operate.

1. Pull the trigger or press the on/off button, and the signal is sent to activate the motor.
2. The motor rotates, driving gears, rotating the bit and moving the piston.
3. As the drive piston moves forward, the air pocket between it and the free flight piston is reduced in size. This creates a pocket of compressed air, which in turn pushes the free flight piston. The two pistons do not make physical contact.
4. As the second, or free flight, piston moves forward, it contacts the striker.
5. The striker, in turn, makes contact with the end of the drill bit or chisel, providing the hammer action.

The frequency of the piston cycle (hammering), is much higher than the rotary speed. This means the hammering action occurs numerous times for each revolution of the drill bit.

Room for Improvement?

PTR: Have we hit the pinnacle of what rotary hammers can do? Is there room for improvement?

Trey: There are some opportunities for significant enhancements in drilling speed for SDS-Max tools. We can also get more and more holes per charge on cordless SDS+ tools. Weight reduction is also going to be a significant factor. And one thing that we really tend to focus on is taking things that are mundane and revolutionizing them. We started that with the TE 17 of course. However, the TE 3000-AVR and our new hollow drill bits are other great examples that this innovation is still going strong. Corded drills have been all but replaced by cordless models. I think we’re going to also see cordless rotary hammers dominate the drilling of small diameter holes. Those corded products are going to go away for that type of work.

Wrapping Up How Does a Rotary Hammer Work

Thanks to Trey Sklar from Hilti for speaking with us and letting us pick his brain on how rotary hammers work. I would agree that we’re in the midst of a shift towards cordless for smaller diameter hole drilling. We’re keeping our eyes open to see what Hilti and others do on the bigger products as well.

If you are a product manager and have an interesting story to share about how a particular tool or technology works, please feel free to send us a note at info@protoolreviews.com. We’ll consider using it in a future article and contacting you to get more information.

The post How Does a Rotary Hammer Work? appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Makita Brings All of the Power Without the Vibration

The Makita HM1213C 23 lb. demolition hammer delivers 18.8 ft-lbs of impact energy from its 14 amp motor. And, while this hammer is chock full o’ power, perhaps the more impressive bit of the release is the inclusion of the Makita AVT handle, which drastically reduces the vibration felt when harnessing this power.

Tough on Rocks, Tender on Hands

In our experience, Makita AVT vibration reduction technology works some wonders with mitigating vibrations on violent tools. Many manufacturers have some form of vibration control, but Makita’s is top-notch.

Fortunately, this 23-lb demo hammer employs the two-point AVT system for absorbing vibrations before they reach your arms. First, an internal counterbalance system serves to counteract the motion of the hammer. Next, Makita spring-loads the rear handle to further absorb vibrations that make it through the counterbalance.

The Makita HM1213C has an SDS-Max chuck that allows for 12 different bit angle settings. This lets you position the bit right where you want it. This demo hammer also looks to work with the company’s 196571-4 dust extraction attachment to help keep the job site safer per OSHA standards.

Features

The Makita HM1213C features a soft start function that ramps-up power a bit more slowly for better operator precision. Once moving, the hammer features constant speed control. That automatically applies additional power to the motor to maintain power when chipping. You can set your speed with the variable speed control dial.

The Makita HM1213C demo hammer features a handy “soft no-load” function that automatically reduces the speed of the motor when not in use to preserve the tool’s life and performance. Makita also engineered the motor with field core interlocking steel laminations, dual ball bearing armature, and more copper commutator bars to increase energy transfer efficiency and motor life.

LED light indicators let you know of switch failure or cord damage. A handy service light notifies you approximately 8 hours before you need to replace your brushes. If you have over-exuberant users who fail to change those brushes when needed, an automatic brush cut-off protects the commutator from damage.

Makita Demolition Hammer Specs

• Model: Makita HM1213C
• Amps: 14 amps
• Bit Type: SDS-Max
• Blows per Minute: 950 – 1,900 BPM
• Impact Energy: 18.8 ft-lbs. / 25.5 J
• Vibration Control
• Vibration: 7 m/s2
• Noise Level: 95 dBA
• Breaker/Demo Class: 20
• Length: 22-3/4 in.
• Weight: 23.8 lbs.
• Warranty: 1 year
• Price: TBD

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