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By considering things like energy-efficient mechanicals, window orientation, and renewable energy sources, homes can be evaluated to meet the energy codes. Here's what the IRC has to say.
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What are you primary uses going to be?
How large of holes, how often?
Milaukee makes a great 1/2" hammer drill for what I would consider light duty.
If you're frequently going to be drilling 1/2" or so holes and many at a time I'd consdier a small SDS drill like the Bosch 1" SDS plus Bulldog, but then you are limited to SDS bits unless you buy a conversion chuck.
From there you get into more serious drills which I do not think are you looking for
I'm mostly going to be using it for drilling repeated 3/16" or 1/4" holes to fasten wood/metal to concrete. I want something that can also handle occasional larger tasks.-T
Hilti.
J. D. Reynolds
Home Improvements
Edited 12/10/2005 12:39 am ET by JDRHI
If one is available, talk to a Hilti rep. Those guys usually have good knowledge to share, and Hilti stuff is real good. Milwaukee would be a good second choice.
I have the Milwaukee magnum 1/2 inch hammerdrill . No problems, but I drill only smaller size holes with it.
Edited 12/10/2005 9:39 am ET by MarkH
Buy Two. Get a little one for the small holes, and a bigger combo breaker for the large holes and small chipping jobs. I like Hilti as well. A lot. But the Boschs are also good. Never owned a Mil, but haven't found fault with much of their other wares that I have.
"If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you. This is the principal difference between a dog and a man." - Mark Twain
A recent issue of JLC had a review of SDS roto hammers (larger than hammer drills, SDS shank bits, no chuck) and they like the Hitachi. It looks a little goofy to me but I might have to get one.
I have a Makita 1/2" hammerdrill that I use for small holes (think Tapcons), but use a Bosch rotary hammer for anything over 1/4", or for repeated drilling. Rotary hammer will take the work right out of drilling concrete. I use SDS max bits, but haven't needed to drill anything over 5/8th with it.
"I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul." Invictus, by Henley.
Don't know about the new Hitachis, but I've got an older one that has taken a lot of abuse and is still working like new.
The heck, you say?
I have the Bosch, a great tool. Have used the Hilti, just as good and the Hitachi, no problems there either.