Rotary hammers work well for chipping and drilling in concrete, but they create a lot of dust and vibration. With September 23 right around the corner, the deadline for OSHA silica dust compliance approaches quickly (read more about that here). And with the heavy vibration that comes part and parcel with using a rotary hammer, a pleasant and comfortable user experience is just not part of that particular equation. With those two things in mind, two new Makita rotary hammer models could be a big deal for Pro users. They combine performance with less vibration and efficient dust extraction, as well as coming equipped with HEPA vacuums.
OSHA Compliance and HEPA Filter Dust Extraction
Both the new models of the Makita rotary hammer are compliant with the OSHA respirable crystalline silica rule 29 CFR 1926.1153 under the Performance (Objective Data) Option. David Fernandez, the product manager for commercial products at Makita U.S.A., says this:
“Makita is meeting demand with an expanding line of dust extraction solutions so users can build OSHA-compliant systems. For users seeking simplicity for concrete drilling applications, the HR2651 and HR2661 have the HEPA filter dust extractor built on the tool, with trigger activation for added convenience.”
Both models include a dust extractor attachment, which activates when the tool is running. The HEPA filter captures 99.97% of particles .3 microns and larger. Additionally, the transparent dust container allows the user the ability to see the level of collected material. The dust collection system features a depth stop adjustment that allows for drilling 7-7/16″ deep. Also, each hammer can be operated without the dust extractor system attached.
Test results for the new Makita rotary hammer can be downloaded here.
Anti-Vibration Technology
The new models of the Makita rotary hammer all come equipped with Anti-Vibration Technology (AVT). Makita’s AVT employs a counterbalancing system that greatly reduces vibration. It works by moving a counterweight in the opposite direction of the drive piston.
“Due to its relatively low weight, an SDS-PLUS rotary hammer is often used for overhead drilling applications. With its high frequency of use, less vibration is strongly preferred for this type of application in order to help increase user comfort. The new HR2651 and HR2661 with AVT meet this demand.”
-David Fernandez
Makita Rotary Hammer Performance
Both models of the new rotary hammers deliver 1.62 ft.lbs. of impact energy. Also, they both offer 3 mode operations to be utilized in a variety of applications: rotation only, hammering with rotation and hammering only. These modes can be changed using the recessed hammer function selector on the side of the tool.
Additionally, the Makita rotary hammers feature a variable speed trigger and 40 bit angle settings that allow the user to set the bit at different positions. These rotary hammers also include a torque limiting clutch, which prevents damage to the hammer’s gear by automatically disengaging the gear if the bit binds up.
Bottom Line
Rotary hammers work well for drilling through and chipping concrete and masonry, but they’re messy and violent tools. Makita has done well by tackling both of these issues with their new rotary hammers. With the new OSHA mandate going into effect soon, the addition of the dust collector and HEPA filter is timely, to say the least. And, while these aren’t the first Makita products to include AVT, that particular feature is a welcome one with any rotary hammer. Cutting down on both vibration and silica dust inhalation is key to a better user experience, and it looks like Makita has improved both user safety and comfort.
New Makita Rotary Hammer Specs
- Makita HR2651
- Amps: 7
- Bit Type: SDS-PLUS
- Max Capacity (Concrete Drilling): 1″
- Optimum Range (Concrete Drilling): 1/4″ – 5/8″
- Max Hole Depth: 7-7/16″
- Max Capacity (Concrete Drilling w/ Core Bit): 3-1/8″
- Impact Energy (Joules): 2.2 J
- Impact Energy (ft.lbs): 1.62
- Vibration (m/s²): 12
- Blows Per Minute (Variable Speed): 0-4,600 BPM
- No Load Speed (Variable Speed): 0-1,200 RPM
- Dust Collection: Yes
- Equipped Filter Efficiency: 99.97% of .3 microns
- Hepa Filter: Yes
- Sound Rating (Decibels): 90 dB (A)
- Cord Length: 13.1 ft.
- Overall Length: 16-7/16″
- Net Weight: 8.6 lbs.
- Makita HR2661
- Amps: 8
- Bit Type: SDS-PLUS
- Max Capacity (Concrete Drilling): 1″
- Optimum Range (Concrete Drilling): 1/4″ – 5/8″
- Max Hole Depth: 7-7/16″
- Max Capacity (Concrete Drilling w/ Core Bit): 3-1/8″
- Impact Energy (Joules): 2.2 J
- Impact Energy (ft.lbs): 1.62
- Vibration (m/s²): 9.5
- Blows Per Minute (Variable Speed): 0-4,500 BPM
- No Load Speed (Variable Speed): 0-1,100 RPM
- Dust Collection: Yes
- Equipped Filter Efficiency: 99.97% of .3 microns
- Hepa Filter: Yes
- Sound Rating (Decibels): 90 dB (A)
- Cord Length: 13.1 ft.
- Overall Length: 18-7/8″
- Net Weight: 9.7 lbs.
- Amps: 8
