Power tools, cordless power tools, power tool accessories

I bought this drill for roughly 100 dollars with shipping off E-bay. This is another great tool that is no longer offered new, but can be found 2nd hand, at a reasonable price.

This drill can be used with or without the hammer feature, and has a variety of speed and torque settings, so it will drill in concrete, steel, wood and other materials

This drill is manufactured by Metabo in partnership with Ridgid tools. Metabo makes great hammer drills, so I took the plunge.

Some of the features of this drill include:
9 AMP EXTENDED MOTOR LIFE WITH HARDENED STEEL GEARS for tool longevity
PULSE MODE for driving screw with damaged heads and for recentering bit on hard, smooth surfaces
HAMMER MODE for clean, accurate holes when drilling in concrete or masonry
IMPACT-GRADE KEYLESS CHUCK for impact drilling. Unique spring-loaded internal clamp holds the bit securely
VARIABLE SPEED DIAL 0-1000 / 0-3000 RPM (no load speed)
AUTO-STOP BRUSHES for extended life
AUTOMATIC SAFETY CLUTCH helps protect operator against sudden kickback if the bit accidentally jams
LOCK-ON BUTTON for continuous drilling
HIGH / LOW SPEED choose the range that fits the application and material
12 FOOT ALL RUBBER CORD WITH BUILT-IN CORD WRAP for added durability and convenience
LIGHTED PLUG to easily identify live tools


Specifications
Input 120V AC 9.0 Amp
Chuck Size 1/2" keyless
Blows per minute 0-19,000 / 0-57,000
RPM 0-1000 / 0-3000 (no load speed)
Net weight 7.0 lbs.


Includes

Drill; auxiliary handle; depth gauge; operator's manual and case

I appreciate the fact that Ridgid put a 12 foot cord on this tool-Many manufacturers do not give you enough cord, and I find myself replacing perfectly good cords on tools simply because they are not long enough for my needs.

This tool comes in a plastic hardshell case that fits the tool nicely. There are durable metal latches, and a nice compartment to store bits and such.

The drill itself is a Bright Orange plastic body with a metal nosing.Appears to be very durable. The side handle has a slot for a depth control rod to prevent you from drilling too deep.

The reversing switch is located on the rear of the tool body, and can be activated from either side. Most drills have reverse above the trigger where it could potentially get hit by accident.

The selector between hammer or rotation only mode is a large black slide lever that would be easy to operate, even with gloves on.

This drill has a dial on the side of the nose that lets you switch between high and low speed drilling. There are 2 dials on the top that further control speed and torque delivery.

There is also a unique pulse mode that lets the drill bump the bit. this feature is great for backing out stripped screws, or starting a bit on tile so it won't walk.


Also unique here is the keyless chuck. It is an all steel design that stands up to the abuse of impacting on concrete. It took some fidling to get used to, and did jam up on me at first. I lubricated it with a silicone spray lube and it seems to work fine now.

I did some test drilling and found it handled a 3/4 inch hammer drill bit in brick without complaint. Fast and smooth drilling here. A 1 inch auger bit was also no problem. It did have some difficulty with spinning a Milwaukee 2&9/16 self feed bit(see my review of this bit), but that is asking alot of a hammer drill. It handled my
Lenox holesaws(see review) without any drama.

Ridgid power tools are available at the Home Depot, and are considered pro grade tools. They supposedly have a lifetime service agreemnt on new tools to the original purchaser. There is a good support network online for Ridgid tools, including a chat forum.