rotary hammer

Max-Lok Carbide SDS-Max Bit Extension System

Milwaukee Max-Lok Carbide SDS-Max Bit Extension System

So Milwaukee is into innovation – everyone who is even remotely familiar with the company and its product lines can attest to that. But what’s always surprising (to me, at least) is the diversity of areas that innovation touches. Take their new Max-Lok Carbide Extension System, for example. This falls smack dab in the lap of serious concrete professionals who use SDS-Max bits day in and day out. The Max-Lok system is designed to extend SDS-Max rotary hammer bits up to 82.5″. That means you can take your existing SDS-Max bits and bore deeper and into more places than ever before. And you’re not buying expensive and dedicated extended length bits to do it.

Milwaukee 5317-21 1-9/16" SDS Max Rotary Hammer Preview

Milwaukee 5317-21 1-9/16 SDS Max Rotary Hammer Preview

Continuing their expansion of their rotary hammer line, Milwaukee has introduced a new 1-9/16″ SDS Max Rotary Hammer. This new rotary hammer delivers the durability users have come to expect from Milwaukee, with a 10.5-amp motor and 5.5 ft-lbs of impact energy. We’ve picked up and used several of Milwaukee’s rotary hammers and they are a force to be reckoned with. The new hammer is an improvement in that it offers new features to increase efficiency and lower the amount of work (effort) you have to expend in order to achieve the results you need.

Milwaukee 5316-21 1-9/16" Spline Rotary Hammer Preview

Milwaukee 5316-21 1-9/16 Spline Rotary Hammer Preview

Continuing their expansion of their rotary hammer line, Milwaukee has introduced a new 1-9/16″ Spline Rotary Hammer. This new rotary hammer delivers the durability users have come to expect from Milwaukee, with a 10.5-amp motor and 5.5 ft-lbs of impact energy. We’ve picked up and used several of Milwaukee’s rotary hammers and they are a force to be reckoned with. The new hammer is an improvement in that it offers new features to increase efficiency and lower the amount of work (effort) you have to expend in order to achieve the results you need.

Milwaukee 5263-21 5/8" SDS Plus Rotary Hammer Preview

Milwaukee 5263-21 5/8″ SDS Plus Rotary Hammer Preview

It’s the day of rotary hammers, as Milwaukee introduces a new 5/8″ SDS Plus Rotary Hammer in addition to an M18 model we covered previously and a 7/8″ rotary hammer drill that retails for just $199. With regard to the 5263-21 5/8″ model, Milwaukee claims it as the “lightest and most compact” rotary hammer in its class. The tool measures just 10.9″ long and looks like a corded version of the 2605-22 M18 Cordless 5/8″ Rotary Hammer Drill. But get this – it weighs only 4.6 lbs! This is a dream hammer for drilling overhead or when you happen to not have a lot of room to maneuver. Even with its compact form factor, however, this tool has a full 1.5 ft-lbs of impact energy and features an astoundingly fast 0-3700 RPM and 0-4400 bpm. With this kind of performance it’s going to be plenty powerful enough to drill the kind of holes required by professional electrticians, plumbers and other journeymen or professionals.

Milwaukee 5262-21 7/8" SDS Plus Rotary Hammer Preview

Milwaukee 5262-21 7/8″ SDS Plus Rotary Hammer Preview

Lightweight rotary hammers are fast becoming the new tool of choice among professionals who need to drop in some large anchors or drill through concrete or cinder block with a bit more performance than you get out of a cordless tool. Milwaukee has just revamped its rotary hammer platform with a new M18 Cordless rotary hammer, but their 5262-21 7/8″ SDS Plus Rotary Hammer is just the ticket when you’ve got enough work to warrant the extra power and versatility. At just 5.8 pounds, this D-handled tool is going to be able to be used overhead without causing your arms to fall off after the first 2 minutes of drilling. In fact, Milwaukee, in order to keep the price point where it is, opted out of active vibration reduction, relying instead on the low weight to help the user with any overhead work.

Bosch RHH180 Cordless Rotary Hammer Drill - application 1

Bosch RHH180 Cordless Rotary Hammer Drill Review

Using an underpowered tool can ruin your day. If you’ve ever tried to drill into concrete with a standard drill, you’ll have experienced this first-hand. Similarly, a traditional hammer drill, while effective for basic concrete drilling, is not set up for larger jobs that require bigger bits, deeper holes and repetitive drilling. For that you will want a serious tool, and Bosch’s RHH180 18V Cordless Rotary Hammer Drill targets that need precisely. It also includes convenience features like an integrated depth gauge and handle that will allow you to drill to a specific depth quickly and not waste any energy, bit-life or time. It’s also a simple tool to use, with few options and little room for confusion – you just pick it up and go… or rather, IT goes, as you’ll see in the review.

Milwaukee M18 Cordless SDS+ Rotary Hammer Review

Milwaukee M18 Cordless SDS+ Rotary Hammer Review

Milwaukee tried to slip one by us earlier this year, but we caught it. As part of their April 1st push of the new RedLithium platform (which is no joke) the company leaked info on a new M18 Rotary Hammer with SDS Plus technology (2605-22). It’s a 7/8-inch model and comes with either 1 or 2 RedLithium XC batteries. We love it when reviews and projects collide. With the case of the Milwaukee M18 SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer, we couldn’t have asked for better timing. The M18 Rotary Hammer represents one of those cross-over tools. It’s a cordless tool that really attempts to be a corded tool replacement. It’s not for chopping up large swathes of concrete, but it’s also a huge step above something you’d use for routine fastening into block walls. The 2605-22 Cordless SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer Drill Kit is light enough to be used overhead, but strong enough to plow through high density concrete with a 7/8″ bit.