Masterforce Cordless Hammer Drill Gets a Big Boost in Performance From New Tech
The Masterforce Boost cordless hammer drill joins the ranks of advanced cordless tools with its Boost technology. Merging better battery and motor tech together, we tested it against the previous FlexPower brushless model to see what kind of difference you should expect.
Pros
- Brushless motor
- Big performance upgrade from the previous model
- More compact and lighter than the previous model
- Impulse mode
- Separate clutch and mode collars
- Metal chuck
- Excellent value
Cons
- On the heavy side
Masterforce Boost Hammer Drill Performance
As you can see from the chart below, the Masterforce Boost hammer drill gets a pretty significant performance upgrade thanks to the updated technology. Even drilling our first few test holes, we could feel the difference.
Masterforce Boost Vs Masterforce Brushless Hammer Drill
| 20V FlexPower (241-0464) | 20V Boost (241-0472) | |
| Speeds | 500/1,850 RPM | 550/2,000 RPM |
| Max Torque | 700 in-lbs | 800 in-lbs |
| Hammer Rate | 6,500/24,050 BPM | 8,000/32,000 BPM |
The performance of the previous model wasn’t bad at all. The speed and torque were on par with other top Prosumer models and it outperformed pure DIY options.
However, the landscape began changing with advanced battery and motor technology. Premium brands took advantage first and now Masterforce and other Prosumers brands have. That’s the Boost difference.
Now, the performance reaches where mid-range professional models are and significantly boosts your productivity. Feel free to use your full range of twist bits, spade bits, and auger bits. Even self-feed bits up to 2 9/16 inches and hole saws up to 3 inches are well within its capabilities.
Impulse Mode
In addition to the 2-speed gearbox on top of the housing, Masterforce also includes an impulse mode you can select on the foot. This mode creates a pulsing action by cycling the motor on and off. It’s nowhere near the rate of an impact driver, pulsing about 100 times per minute.
This mode works in high or low gear and is useful to encourage stubborn fasteners or to get a more accurate start on smooth material surfaces.
Battery Compatibility
Like many advanced cordless tools, you get the best performance when you pair this hammer drill with an advanced Boost battery. However, you can still use your Masterforce FlexPower 20V batteries. You’ll just notice a drop in performance.
Masterforce Boost Hammer Drill Design Notes
The overall design is about a 1/2-inch shorter and a couple of ounces lighter than the previous model. The drill driver version drops another 1/2-inch off of that and is impressively compact for its performance level.
It’s on the hefty side at 3.1 pounds bare. Stick the with 2.5Ah battery to keep the overall weight to a manageable 4.2 pounds.
The handle is agreeably curvy and comfortable for a wide range of hand sizes.
Feature Set
- Metal chuck
- Foot-mounted LED light
- Auxiliary handle included
- Belt clip
- Integrated bit holder
Masterforce Boost Cordless Hammer Drill Price
You can find Masterforce’s latest cordless hammer drill at Menards for $167.97 with a 2.5Ah battery and charger. We’ve seen it under $150.00 with a mail-in rebate offer. Considering its performance, that’s a pretty attractive price tag.
If you don’t need the concrete drilling capabilities of a hammer drill, the drill driver kit is $144.89.
The Bottom Line
With the Masterforce Boost cordless hammer drill, we find an impressive blend of performance and value. It’s a drill that legitimately performs at a professional level with a price that’s well within reach of serious DIYers. If getting a lot of bang for your buck is a big deal for you, Masterforce Boost cordless tools should be on your shortlist.
Specifications
- Model: Masterforce 241-0472
- Power Source: Masterforce 20V Boost or FlexPower batteries
- Chuck Size: 1/2-inch
- No-Load Speed:0 – 550 / 0 – 2,000 RPM
- Maximum Torque: 800 in-lbs
- Blow Rate: 0 – 8,000 / 0 – 32,000 BPM
- Clutch Settings: 24+1+1
- Length: 7.4 inches
- Weight: 3.1 pounds bare, 4.2 pounds with battery
- Warranty: 3 years
- Price: $167.97 kit with 2.5Ah battery
I have a 1/2 inch master force 20 volt flex power brushless hammer drill and it keeps stopping. What is wrong with it.
The link didn’t work, but I found it on menards.com using the SKU: 2410472. However, it comes with the FlexPower battery. The 2.5Ah Boost battery is $69.00 extra.
You mentioned its “impulse” mode, and that got me thinking… Can we see a review of the Masterforce oil impulse impact driver? I have to think it’s a step below the M12/M18 Surges and Makita XST01Z, but how does it fare against the Ryobi QUIETSTRIKE?
At $89 for the bare tool, I have been on the fence about trying one out for some time now.