BHC 18 drilling 1" in brick?

[mbrusso]

Hi!
I am considering buying a BHC18 for drilling in masonry for a project, but it requires a 1" hole. Is the drill capable of drilling through normal brick with a 1" bit?  This is for installing a frost free sillcock, and I notice a few electricians on here are already pushing past the 18mm limit mentioning they are drilling 20 mm
I am assuming the BHC also uses the same batteries as my PDC 18 drill
Thank you

Mark

 

[mbrusso]

I should also clarify by "normal" brick, I mean Ontario sized clay brick with type N mortar, (not core filled block etc)

Thanks

 

[six-point socket II]

Hi,

First question, how regularly are you ging to do this?

I wouldn't exactly call drilling 1" / 25mm in masonry out of spec for the BHC but I would make sure I was using the best SDS-Plus drill bit available, which in my opinion are either Hilti TE-CX or the rather new Bosch 7X drill bits. Especially with diameters like this transportation of drill dust/debris are crucial and both type of drill bits excel at that, not to mention the excellent cutting capabilities of the carbide tip/head. Not just carbide edges, but a full carbide head.

For reference:

Hilti TE-CX ->https://www.hilti.ca/drilling-and-demolition/hammer-drill-bits-(sds)/421979

Bosch 7X ->https://www.boschtools.com/ca/en/bo...g-xtreme-rotary-hammer-bits-hcfc2267-27916-p/

Kind regards,
Oliver

 

[rvieceli]

Have you considered renting a big rotary hammer with the required bit instead?

I can usually rent the needed equipment for around $25-30 max

 

[mbrusso]

Hi!
Agreed on bit selection for sure. The cutting tool is critical to good drilling. To answer the other gentleman's post, I typically don't like spending money on rentals when I have such a good arsenal of tools. And part of that arsenal includes good Festool drills like the BHC.

This is for occasional 1" drilling for installing frost free sillcocks (plumbing work) on the outside of homes.

 

[six-point socket II]

Hi!

Then I'd definitely go for the BHC.

Kind regards,
Oliver

 

[waho6o9]

Have you considered renting a big rotary hammer with the required bit instead?

I can usually rent the needed equipment for around $25-30 max

^ This, done.

 

[Brice Burrell]

There are a lot of good options for rotary hammers out there that are a lot less pricey than the BHC.  I have no doubt the BHC is a fine tool, and I'm not trying to talk you out of getting one.

As for bits, I wouldn't be too worried about getting the best bit.  Pretty much any name brand bit will work.  I'd suggest you start with a 1/2", then 3/4" and finish up with the 1".  If you don't think you need the 3/4" in your arsenal you could skip it, although you do need a 3/4" bit in plumbing work.  Good luck.

 

[bkharman]

This is for occasional 1" drilling for installing frost free sillcocks (plumbing work) on the outside of homes.

If it that “occasional”... head to the nearest harbor freight and have at it. I had to drill several holes in concrete footers to do some slip bolts on deck footings recently and did this. Got an off brand for about $40.00 with a coupon and another 20 buck for a bit and I was out the door. 30 minutes after I was back at the site and I was set.

$60.00 sitting on a shelf till the next time I need it. If that was 500+, I would be pissed.

Cheers. Bryan.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[mbrusso]

Last question would be, do the batteries for my PDC Drill fit the BHC?

 

[six-point socket II]

Sure.

Kind regards,
Oliver

 

[mbrusso]

I bought one, and paired it with a Bosch SDS bit.  I am extremely happy with this purchase! The drill is a brute. The homeowner on its first job even complimented on what a nice hole it made! Lol.

 

[six-point socket II]

Perfect! Thanks for sharing how well that turned out

Kind regards,
Oliver

 

[RussellS]

Brick is soft.  A hammer and cold chisel would drill through brick easily.  Concrete is much harder.  Just get an electric powered Rotary Hammer Drill.  Not hammer drill.  Rotary Hammer Drill that uses SDS bits.  You can drill through concrete just like a regular drill goes through wood.  I just use whatever SDS bits I find.  But maybe for big holes the name brand ones are worth it.  Maybe.  I have a Makita rotary hammer drill.  But Bosch, Milwaukee, DeWalt also make them.  All are interchangeable.  $175-200.

 

[mbrusso]

Follow up on some Long term use of the BHC 18 with a 1" bit. The drill has been working flawlessly and without any "Bogging" down of the drill going through hard materials.  I  have been using the drill weekly for anchor pull test work on masonry restoration projects and it handles a 1" SDS bit really well.  It is the envy of the work crews using corded systems.