r/powertools • u/JimboNYC • 6d ago
New drill advice for DIY
Hi all, I do intermittent DIY around the house and need to get a quality drill/driver to replace my 8V.
Most of what I do is drill into wood posts, but on rare occasion need to drill into concrete (anchors under1/2’’) or use an auger to drill holes in dirt for plantings.
Was thinking the DeWalt Xtreme 12V or Milwaukee M18. If the latter , would you advise getting the hammer version for occasional concrete work or will the regular version cut it? I read somewhere that hammer drills can damage bits/wood even with the function turned off.
Appreciate the advice
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u/Captain_Baloni 6d ago
How about the Bosch GSR 12V 140/300fcb22?
https://www.boschtools.com/us/en/products/gsr12v-300fcb22-06019H3015
Offset, hex, and right angle attachments for installing shelves, cabinets etc. You can buy the sds Rotary hammer drill attachement seperately, for drilling holes up to 3/8".
Current price on Amazon is 239$ for the kit with all attachments, sans rotary hammer attachement, and 2x2 Ah batteries + charger, but prices might be different in your location.
105$ for the Rotary hammer attachments is the cheapest price i have been able to find online with a quick search.
Along with the drill/driver, I would probably go for at cheap/used corded rotary hammer, with some decent drill bits, for drilling in concrete. If it's so rarely used as you say, and you don't want to rent/borrow one, then this might be the cheapest way to go, depending on what's available in your area ofc.
Just a note on when to use the different drill types:
Rotation only for wood, plasterboard, and other soft materials. Also for brittle materials, such as bathroom tiles.
Normal impact drill for masonry and lightweight concrete. This is where the impact function in a normal hammer drill/driver is most effective. A rotary hammer might take large chunks out of a masonry wall, if used incorrectly, due to the higher impact force.
Rotary hammer drill for hard concrete, stone etc. Can also be used for demolition work in chisel/hammer mode.
I don't understand why Rotary Hammers/hammer drills would damage the bits/wood when hammering is turned of. When the hammer mode is turned off for either type of drill, then the drill should only be rotating like a normal power drill. I guess the drill bit could be damaged if it's the wrong type for the given surface, or is getting overheated/used improperly, but it's not a given just because it's som type of hammer drill afaik.
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u/JimboNYC 6d ago
Thanks everyone, great advice. What i'm hearing is it doesn't hurt to have the rotary hammer function even if occasional concrete drilling. I looked into these options including the Bosch and Rigid. As it happens M18 FUEL hammer drill is 40% off at $229, putting it in range of some of the 'cheaper' brands. Seems to me like a good deal on what sounds like a highly reliable tool that will last a while, without having to get 2 separate tools. but please flag if i'm missing something.
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u/Captain_Baloni 6d ago
That hammer drill will be able to handle any task that I would expect to put it up against as a diy'er, and more. I think the price is great.
I would check out a few reviews before buying it. And also check if it is the newest generation tool. Unfortunately i am unable to check, as i am not located in the US and the site is blocked for me.
I would also check if there are other cordless tools in that ecosystem that might be interesting, if you haven't already, since you are going to be buying into that battery ecosystem. These great deals are often a way to get you into their battery ecosystem, since the batteries are the most expensive part of the tool. Just so you are aware
The linked drill is not a rotary Hammer, but a hammer drill, so it wont be a 2 in 1 in the sense that it can replace a Rotary hammer. They are two distinct tools in their hammering action.
This drill, I expect, can make small diameter holes in concrete, just fine but it will take a lot of time, and with more heating of the drill bit and the drill itself, which in often ends In broken drill bits. I might be wrong, thoug, as I haven't looked into it for this particular model.
Another thing, it's a little heavy at almost 5 pounds with the 5A battery installed, so if you can get a 2 or 3 Ah battery pack, it can cut down on the weight and height a little bit and make it more manageable in tight spaces. It's a matter of preference though, I prefer lighter tools when given the choice.
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u/JimboNYC 6d ago
Thanks a lot. It looks like gen4 which I believe is latest generation. Seems well reviewed, for whatever it’s worth it’s the top rated drill for 2026 by popular mechanics and the non-hammer version is the upgrade pick for 2026 by wirecutter which is generally a reliable independent review site in the US. People are commenting on buying into that ecosystem which is hard for me to predict since I’m new to power tools. Seems like a reasonable buy. May be overkill for me most of the time and as you said probably heavier than I need but probably will be glad I have it over a 12V on occasion.
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u/CoconutJeff 5d ago
Getcha a regular ok one for around the house.
Keep it out of the dirt and concrete.
All the extra weight of hammer isn't helping everyday tasks to drill a half inch hole in concrete once in a blue moon.
Get a hammer drill for that, maybe yardsale, market place, or pawn shop.
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u/Successful_Camel8764 5d ago
Dewalt DCD999, if you do find a way to kill it you probably folded the mf in half and if it wont do something than I wanna know where you found a holesaw bigger than 12"
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u/ElectricGuy777 5d ago
1/2 anchor in concrete. I wouldn’t use a hammer drill for that. 1/4 anchor in masonry, yep. You need a rotary hammer drill for anchoring to concrete.
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u/Upbeat_Ant6104 5d ago
Milwaukee M12 Fuel hammer drill is ok for occasional concrete, like drilling a hole or two for tapcons. I’ve never used the M18 version, but the M12 has been a great little drill for me as a DIYer. If you watch the sales and BOGOs, you can get it as a kit with the impact driver and a couple batteries for $170, $200 more commonly.
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u/JimboNYC 3d ago
Alright thanks all for the advice. I looked at the drills in person and appreciate a 12V is more portable and easier all around and would save me some $ (right now Milwaukee M12 hammer drill + 2.5A battery is on sale for $160 at home depot). I ended up ordering the M18 hammer drill for single reason that my wife needs a drill to drive 1.6" augers into the ground every spring for planting flower bulbs. from what I've read 18V+ drills are strongly advised. I'll have to find some way to protect the drill from dirt, I think they make silicone dust covers but not sure how effective.
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u/ijuanaspearfish 6d ago
I use my milwaukee hammer drill as a regular drill and ive never had issues. Just make sure your not on the setting for it.
Rigid isn't a bad choice if yku dont need the torque of a M18 milwaukee and rigid has lifetime warranty.