Are you drilling with a conventional drill? Don’t do that! A rotary hammer like this one from Chicago Electric is what you want.
The cost might make you hesitate. But the question realy is: How durable is this tool? Durability are how long the tool lasts before it breaks.
If you are a homeowner then five year is plenty. If you do larger jobs, then a broken tool mean delay. So don’t get hung up on the cost, consider the mechanics.
Chicago Electric Rotary Hammer Durability Review
Why Choose a Rotary Hammer
There is two types of rotary hammers: mechanical gear driven or pneumatic piston systems. A pneumatic piston system rely on compressed air to propel hammer function. It’s a different method than using mechanical gears.
Understanding Mechanical vs Pneumatic Systems
This is how most rotary hammers work and Chicago Electric models are no exception. If built correctly, it work. And it has been proven over time so the idea isn’t bad; it’s just that execution is what suffers in budget versions.
Housing Quality and Shock Absorption
The housing tell you about shock absorption. High-quality housings soak up energy; cheap plastic vibrate until it cracks. This particular rotary hammer (Chicago Electric) have a heavy feel to it.
It’s solid. And that make for more control because it doesn’t fly around like a chicken with its head cut off. That said, if the internals aren’t mounted properly, repeated use will loosen things over time.
Motor Protection and Thermal Safety
Build quality matter here. Motors fail due too heat, especially on power tools. When a motor is run hot enough, the insulation fail.
Budget motors might not have good thermal protection and they also might not cools well. Make sure your model include an overheat protector. The feature kicks off when tool becomes too hot.
It saves your motor, and all you do is wait a few minutes. If no protector are there, you will damage the tool with prolonged use. Quality of chuck A good chuck grip the bit.
Chuck Maintenance and Bit Grip
The best ones are from premium companies. The cheaper ones like Chicago Electric works but don’t grip your bits as well. Loose fit will cause the bit to wobble back and forth.
That will wear down both the chuck jaws and the bit. If you want a tool that lasts then make sure you keep the chuck sleeve clean and lubed. The life of any tool is dependent on maintenance.
General Tool Maintenance Tips
The better tools will outlast the worse tools as long as you take care of them. Remove all off the dust from the vents. It’s abrasive.
The dust get in the works and destroy components inside. After each job use some compressed air to clean the tool. If yours has carbon brushes check them too.
Carbon brushes can be worn out which lead to overheating, but is inexpensive replacements.
Defining Your Project Needs
Overall, this is a durable rotary hammer for average tasks. But again, don’t expect it to stand up to industrial daily abuse like more expensive tools would of do.
If you’re drilling a couple-dozen hole per year, then it’s a good fit for you. It’ll get the job done without breaking in normal conditions. Just be sure to treat it with respect and keep your expectations in check.
Use the correct bits, keep it clean and give it time to cool down. Buy the right tool for the job. This tool’s for hanging shelves or anchoring fences in place.
It will probably last longer than the job itself. For a full day of foundation framing, however, no. A light duty tool for a heavy duty task, no good; a heavy duty tool for a light duty task, dangerous. Know what you’re doing before buying.
