£25 off a sexy Bosch 18V Li-ion Cordless SDS drill
It’s true Bosch are giving £25 cashback on 18V Lithium ion SDS drills.
Makita BHR202RFE 18V Cordless SDS Plus Hammer Drill
The best 18V cordless SDS drill out there? Quite possibly. The Makita BHR202RFE is a 3 mode drill that delivers bags of power, with lightning fast recharging time, making it a piece of technology that anyone would be proud to carry. It’s not the cheapest drill out there but certainly get what you pay for.
Drilling power
The stats speak for themselves; an 18V cordless SDS drill delivering 1.9 Joules of energy is fairly remarkable – giving you the power to put 20mm diameter holes into concrete and masonry.
• Max drilling capacity in concrete: 20mm, steel: 13mm, wood: 25mm
• No Load Speed: 0-1,100rpm
• Blows per minute: 0-4,000bpm
• Joules: 1.93Js.
Drill weight
This is one area in which the drill can’t compete with the Compact Professional Bosch 18 V–LI (2.6kg). The Makita weighs 3.2kg, still fairly lightweight and its neat design makes it easy to use, even for long periods.
Anti-vibration
Not quite up to the DeWalt 18V drills’ performance for vibration control, the Makita is measured at: RH:14.5m/s2 HO:11.0m/s2
Battery type and performance
It’s here that the Makita excels. The 3.0Ah Li-ion Lithium-ion batteries deliver highly impressive bursts of power and accept more repeated charges giving a prolonged battery life. Perhaps the best thing is the recharging time – a mere 22 minutes with Makita’s fan cooled MAKSTAR charger – so if you have two or more batteries, you really have no excuse for being without a power source.
Chuck type
SDS plus for fast switching of drillbits.
Number of drilling modes
3 modes including hammer only for chiseling work and removing plaster, tiles etc.
Other features worth mentioning
• Electric brake
• Forward/reverse rotation
• Variable speed trigger
• Ergonomic shape with easy pressure and instant control.
Includes:
Please check with each retailer but the standard package includes:
• 2 x 3.0ah Li-ion Batteries
• 22 Minute Battery Charger
• Side Handle
• Depth Stop
• Carry Case.
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Compare this to other drills: 18V SDS drill reviews
Hitachi Dh18Dll4 18V Cordless SDS Plus Hammer Drill
This 18V Hitachi SDS isn’t a bad little package for the money. Whilst it doesn’t reach the same heights as Hitachi’s excellent 24V and 36V cordless SDS drills, it still offers good value for an 18V Lithium-Ion based drill. It has nice extras too including a handy LED work light and quick action clip-on batteries.
Drilling power
The Hitachi Dh18Dll4 delivers a respectable impact energy of 1.4 Joules which is less than the DeWalt, Makita and Bosch 18V drills but still sufficient to handle most routine drilling jobs. And, as with other Hitachi SDS drills, the emphasis is on speed of drilling with a high rotation speed – the ‘fastest in its class’ according to the manufacturer.
• Drilling capacity (diameter): concrete – 16mm, metal – 13mm, wood – 18mm
• No-Load Speed – 0 to 750 /1500 /min
Impact rates – 0 to 3100 /6200
Impact Energy – 1.4 Joules
Drill weight
This is a lightweight model, weighing a comfortable 2.3kg with a nicely balanced design.
Battery type and performance
Lithium-Ion with a fan cooled fast charger. The drill itself features a useful ‘save power’ mode to conserve the battery time.
Chuck type
SDS Plus for quick changing of drill bits.
Number of drilling modes
Two mode action – rotary drilling and hammer drilling
Other features worth mentioning
• Clip-on battery fitting
• Variable speed & reverse
• Electric brake
• Belt hook with built-in LED light
• Replaceable carbon brushes for longer motor life
Includes:
Please check with each retailer but the standard Hitachi Dh18Dll4 package includes:
• Side Handle
• Depth Gauge.
Compare this to other drills: 18V SDS drill reviews
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Bosch GBH 18 V-LI 18 Volt Lithium-Ion Rotary SDS Hammer Drill
Pick up a Bosch 18 V-LI and instantly you’ll be impressed at how light it is. As with their innovative 36 Volt model, the GBH 36 V-LI, Bosch have excelled at producing a really compact cordless SDS drill. 18V drills are all about being lightweight, allowing you to move quickly between jobs and Bosch have met this need perfectly. And with the new generation of Lithium-Ion batteries you can work for longer without interruption.
Drilling power
With high quality components and an impact energy of 1.7 Joules, Bosch have given the GBH 18 V-LI more than enough power to tackle tough demanding joinery and building work. It’s a two mode drill so there’s no rotary stop for chiselling ¬– but to be honest this compact machine is clearly designed for rapid drilling, which it does brilliantly.
• Impact energy: 0 – 1,7 J
• Impact rate at rated speed: 0 – 4.550 bpm
• Max drilling diameter in concrete 4 – 18 mm; steel 13 mm; wood 20 mm
• Optimum range of applications in concrete with hammer drill bits: 4 – 10 mm.
Anti-vibration
| Hammer drilling in concrete | |
| Vibration emission value ah | 16,0 m/s² |
| Uncertainty K | 1,5 m/s² |
Drill weight
Weight including battery: 2,6 kg
Battery type and performance
This is where you get most value for money. Bosch have really gone to town with their Lithium-Ion batteries. You get up to 400% longer lifetime and unbeatable battery runtime; Bosch Electronic Cell Protection (ECP) protects the battery against overloading, overheating and total discharge and Bosch Electronic Motor Protection (EMP) guards the motor against overloading and prolongs lifetime
• In addition, Bosch offer you a choice of 18-volt batteries with 3.0, 2.6, 1.3 Ah so you can choose a power source that fits the type of work you’re likely to use the drill for
• Bosch Hyper Charge: these Li-ion battery are charged to 75% after just half of the charge time
• There’s also no memory effect so if you don’t have time to fully recharge the battery you can use it without worrying about any damage.
Chuck type
SDS-plus for quick switching between SDS drill bits
Number of drilling modes
2 modes. The GBH 18 V-LI is not designed for chiseling work, it’s more about hopping between drilling jobs putting plenty of holes into tricky places at maximum speed.
Other features worth mentioning
• 3 year manufacturer warranty – but you must register online
• Integrated LED light for illuminating the work area, even in dark places
• The batteries have a handy charge level indicator which constantly shows how much energy is left in the battery.
Includes:
Please check with each retailer but a typical Bosch GBH 18 V–LI package includes:
• 2 x 3.0 Ah lithium-ion batteries
• Quick Charger AL 3640 CV
• Auxiliary handle
• Depth stop 210 mm
• L-Boxx.
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The best 18V SDS drills reviewed
We’ve had some pretty heated debates over the best 18 volt SDS drills. Read more
Dewalt DC213KL 18V SDS Plus Hammer Drill
There’s some serious competition for best 18V volt cordless SDS drill and the Dewalt DC213KL is certainly up there. This 3 mode drill is part of DeWalt’s Nano range of Lithium-Ion based powertools, which gives it some serious kick with 2.1 Joules of impact energy. It’s compatible with NiMH batteries too – so you can choose a package that fits your budget. And as with all DeWalt’s cordless drills, vibration control is a priority which means that whilst it’s heavier than the 18V Bosch or Makita, it’s still comfortable to use for long periods.
Drilling power
The Dewalt DC213KL packs a hefty 2.1 Joules which gives you plenty of power for drilling into those housebricks or lintels without too much gritting of teeth or sweating. As it’s a 3 mode drill you can you it for chiseling, so if you buy a chuck adaptor you can pop in your standard metal and wood bits too – so you won’t need to carry another drill.
- Voltage 18 V
- Power Output 300 Watts
- No Load Speed 0-1100 rpm
- Impact Energy 2.1 J
- Max. Drilling Capacity: concrete 20 mm, wood 30 mm, Metal 13 mm
- Blows per Minute 0-4200 bpm
Anti-vibration
DeWalt have done plenty of work in this area, developing an internal mechanism connected to external housings via spring dampeners ensuring significantly reduced vibration, cutting down on user fatigue enabling you to use the drill for longer.
Drill weight
Depends on the battery type you attach to the drill. If you go for the 2.0Ah 18 Volt Lithium Ion battery, the overall unit weight is less than 3kg. With the larger Nickel Metal Hydride batteries the drill comes in slightly heavier – significantly more than the Bosch 18 V-LI we’ve reviewed – but you may think the added weight is worth the extra power.
Battery type and performance
Choose the new 2.0Ah 18 Volt Lithium Ion battery, and you’ll get higher performance and durability with a 25 percent smaller battery which is 200grams lighter. Alternatively you can choose the NiMH batteries and still get a very decent performing drill for less cash.
Chuck type
SDS Plus for quick changing of drill bits.
Number of drilling modes
3 modes including:
- Rotary hammer
- Rotation stop mode for light chiselling applications in plaster, tiles and render
- Impact stop mode for rotary drilling only in wood, ceramic, steel
Other features worth mentioning
- Impressive 19 mm hammer mechanism delivers corded drilling performance
- Neat, efficient gearbox for sustained runtime and lower weight
- Very compact design and rear mounted battery for optimum balance and maximum comfort
- Chunky rubber coated grip to reduce vibration and user fatigue
- Electronic motor brake for extra control
- Modular component design for trouble free servicing
- Compatible with all DEWALT 18 Volt battery packs
Includes:
Please check with each retailer but typically the Dewalt DC213KL comes with:
- 2.0 Ah Li-ion batteries or 1 x NiMh battery (depending on package)
- Charger
- Multi position side handle
- Grease
- Carry case
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DeWalt DC212KA 18V 3.1kg SDS Plus Drill
The DeWalt DC212KA is a 2-function SDS hammer drill with easy-fit, rear-mounted battery. Supplied with carry case, multi-position side handle and grease tube.
The DeWalt DC212KA 18V 3.1kg SDS Plus Drill in detail:
- 2 x 2.0Ah Ni-Cd Batteries
- 1hr Charger
- Variable Speed
- Anti-Vibration Handle
- Lock-Off Switch
- Electric Brake
- Replaceable Brushes
- DC212, 2 batteries, charger, multi-position side handle, grease tube.
Specifications
Maximum drilling capacity in masonry 20mm, wood 30mm, steel 13mm. Max. impact energy 2.1J. Weight 3.1kg.
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