Review on Berserker SDS Plus Function Vibration Control by John Miranda

If you're like me, I didn't know the difference between a hammer drill and my regular hammer drill. I had a problem drilling four ½ diameter, 4 inch deep holes in 25 year old concrete. A friend lent me a puncher. Wow what's the difference what I tried unsuccessfully for 3 hours I did in about 10 minutes with a puncher. I couldn't believe it and couldn't understand why the punch worked so much better than my punch. I have since discovered the difference between the two. The hammer drill is specially designed to deliver much more impact than a hammer drill. I learned that rock drillers usually use an SDS-Plus drill bit. This is an industry standard bit holding system that uses slotted shank bits to easily secure them in the chuck. As a rule, they are used for drilling concrete. The SDS system blocks the bit's rotation but allows it to slide freely about ½ inch along the shank. Most rock drills use a gear-driven crank that moves a piston back and forth in an air chamber. Compressed air propels the bit and creates the impact force of this type of rock drill, which cuts away the concrete. Drilling in concrete with a hammer drill at night and during the day is different from a traditional hammer drill. After my experience of making holes in concrete that I couldn't finish, I was looking for an inexpensive tool. This is berserk. It pierces through concrete like butter. The tool comes in a beautiful molded plastic case with a carrying handle and clasps. 3 drill bits, 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, corresponding to about 5/16", 3/8" and 1/2", plus 2 chisels, one pointed and one flat (blade width 13/16), both have approximately 8.5" working length. Drills have a 4" working length, single-edged, with carbide on their cutting end. Tool rating: 11.6 lbs, 120 VAC, 60 Hz, 12.5 amps, max. The maximum drill size listed is 32mm (1.25") ) SJ 16 AWG wire, feels like rubber jacket but jacket material is not specified. Cable is slightly longer than 6.5 feet. Short as usual with corded tools, only extension cord required Page Instruction manual is clear, easy to understand and covers all operations There is only 1 button to choose from 4 different functions (drill, impact drill, sliding chisel, fixed chisel) The dial on the bottom of the handle sets the maximum speed range from 1 to 6. There is a distinct click at 6 which I believe is bypassing the speed dial for full speed. There is almost no variable speed on the trigger. After playing with it, I noticed that as soon as I turn the tool on, it runs at about ½ speed. Also, the trigger is more like an on/off switch and will fire the instruments at the maximum speed set on the ESC. The dialing speed control is very convenient and offers a good range of speeds. I ran the tool without the attachment for about 5 minutes to explore the features and test the speeds. It's smooth and has good torque. The bits are easy to install, retract the chuck head and slide the tool into place, loosen the head and your set. Many SDS Plus drills are available from Revain and I plan to purchase additional sizes. In addition, this kit comes with an extra set of brushes and tool lubricant. There is a mount for a depth gauge but no stem is supplied, I think a ¼" steel stem will do. All in all for about 1/3 the price of a well known brand with similar features this is a fantastic tool. I have to I don't drill concrete more than a few times a year, but when I do it's amazing.