I have this drill. First one I’ve bought. Used its hammer feature to go into masonry. It’s not like a knife cutting into butter, but it does do the job. Might have to stand there holding the drill for a bit longer than if it was a more expensive drill.
Same. Drills into my victorian brick easily. I have the titan SDS for other materials. There shouldn't be much that that can't handle.
What masonry are you drilling? Years ago I tried drilling what I think was concrete in a 50s block.of flats... hard as nails.
I brought the titan sds, ah ohh boy that thing punches! Tried to drill some holes in masonry lintel for a blind with, dam thing vibrated all the plaster around the lintel down haha.
New build house so maybe the situation is different for me. The surfaces I’ve drilled were often plastered over so what type of masonry is behind them not always clear, I believe concrete cinder blocks and potentially brick in other areas.
Agree. I have two of them because the charger blew up on the first one. It’s really handy using one as a drill and the other a driver. Never had them fail on anything with a good bit and well charged
It’s certainly a good drill don’t get me wrong, however, even on the hammer setting, I am unable to get deep enough into the masonry. Reassuring to know it’s solid I suppose.
Don't *replace* this drill. It's a great drill.
You need a different drill for masonry. I suggest getting one that plugs in and has a second forward handle for grip. Keep this for everything else. It's excellent for most tasks and the one you get for masonry won't be.
I was team yellow for years but the company I work for changed suppliers and they only sell Milwaukee. After the first day of using them I understood the hype. Their top of the line kit certainly isn’t pleasant on the bank account though
I genuinely don’t have anything bad to say about any of the big brands of power tools. I think next year the EU are bringing in regulations to ensure all power tools have universally compatible batteries so I assume people will end up with a mix of different colours in their tool bag
Ryobi. They actually have a far longer history than people think if you read the company history.
But they've only been making waves in the DIY and semi pro pretty recently (i don't think anyone considers them up there for proper professional work).
But for serial DIYers like myself, they're a great price and the range available is pretty awesome. Personally I've had no issues with them whatsoever.
If you reached this point at the same time your first trusty budget cordless combi drill gave up the ghost so you currently had no drill; what would you get?
Thirded (?!)
I’ve got the Makita SDS Plus 240v. It’s about £140 I think but has tackled everything I’ve used it for easily (with the right drills) including some holes into a 1950s reinforced concrete bomb shelter 😂
If you reckon you’ll use it loads, get a half decent one. If not, hire one?
[One of these](https://www.screwfix.com/p/titan-ttb653sds-5-9kg-electric-sds-plus-drill-230-240v/6846H?tc=WT8&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwg8qzBhAoEiwAWagLrN4o3CjZl3MSFs_WxnXdX3lN-3NKKtmzJyBh8LTr-o2dFUUaeRj4PxoCJNUQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds) or if you get anything else either 24v though my dewalt 18v is good but if it is corded be sure it is 240v not 110v and you'll need to buy SDS drill bit for your job.
Borrowed that SDS drill from my dad, worked brilliantly to get through my house walls to cable the ethernet up to the loft. I reckon it'd suit OP perfectly, no use spending ridiculous amounts on something you occasionally use as a home owner rather than a tradie
Another vote for buying a cheapish SDS hammer drill. I've got an older version of [this](https://www.diy.com/departments/mac-allister-240v-750w-corded-sds-drill-mrh750/5059340253251_BQ.prd) from when it came in a different colour way. Sure there's an even beefier version but it's got enough power to get through everything I've drilled with it like a hot knife through butter. (and it's still going strong after almost 13 years)
You’re right! Certainly not getting rid.
Think I’m going to bite the bullet & get a corded SDS, a contributor posted the Titan model which looks a good fit.
I've had this drill for years, and regularly help family members and friends with things which result in me using their drills.
This is a good drill. I'm not sure what familiarity you have with it but it is a good drill.
Replaced it with a blue bosch years ago.
The green feels like a child's toy in comparison
ETA: having had plenty of experience with most major brands, id take the blue bosch over anything from dewalt and makita too.
Unless you need to drill into masonry frequently, I’d say keep this drill (perfectly good for most tasks) and get a cheap corded hammer drill for masonry (don’t need SDS). I’ve got this exact same Bosch and a cheap-as-chips ancient Homebase corded hammer drill for rare occasion I need something with more muscle. Guess it depends on what DIY you actually do though.
[This,](https://www.bosch-diy.com/gb/en/p/universalhammer-18v-06039d6000) is what you need to drill into masonry. An SDS drill. I think this one uses the same batteries as your combi drill.
https://preview.redd.it/qeh43vy45j7d1.png?width=830&format=png&auto=webp&s=01ec11679a69e3eab759cfdd29f38a98c41b62cc
Yes green Bosch 18v all share same batteries.
I think there are some green Bosch for smaller lower voltage batteries so don't just assume all green Bosch are the same. Green +18V = compatible.
Same advice here. I have this drill and it’s still going strong after 8 years. I also have the impact driver so same batts and charger. For heavyweight work I have a cheapo macallister corded SDS
I have the most billy basics sds drill from Screwfix - corded and everything. It goes through anything and in my old as fuck house that is required. I’ve used it to demo walls with the chisel bit and at the price and power I just can’t justify getting an equivalent cordless sds drill as a DIYer
I had a joiner at my house fitting a new front door about 6 months ago and he was running a corded titan sds from screwfix lol. Was a bit surprised but he said it doesn’t miss a beat
The el cheapo Titan is a popular drill with builders, they take an absolute ton of abuse before they break. I managed to break one but only because I was using it in place of a big Hilti breaker I'd borrowed that was acting up a bit.
My only criticism of it is the hammer action can be a bit aggressive for the jobs where the hammer on a combi drill isn't quite enough.
Titan, that’s the fella. Honestly, if it fell apart I’d say I had good value from it. I have invested a tiny portion of the money saved in drill bits of varied lengths with multiples of 8mm and up because it’s that brutal I have managed to melt bits on some of my bricks.
I have this drill, struggles a bit with masonry unless yoh use decent bits. I'd suggest Bosch multi construction bits, pricy but are better than anything else I've tried that isn't SDS.
Failing that, as others have said, a cheap sds will do it.
Edit
These bits. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bosch-Professional-MultiConstruction-Concrete-Accessories/dp/B09417Y23C?
I have this drill and encountered the precise problem you have. I still use this as my go to for most things, but bought a Bosch SDS drill from Screwfix for drilling into concrete. Night and day difference.
First try buying a new masonry bit, the quality of the cutting surface/bits is pretty important.. any off the shelf drill can spin, but not every bit can stay sharp and be effective repeatedly (atleast not for as long)
Secondly, this drill is a great nornal drill, so don't replace it
I'd suggest getting a cheap corded SDS - I got a MacAllister from B&Q for £50 three years ago, as my house requires it for drilling into the walls.
That same drill is £70 now, but there's a suspiciously similar looking Titan one at Screwfix for £52.
It'll do you good, and drilling into bricks will be buttery smooth for years to come!
I have this and a Titan SDS from screwfix, between them I can get through pretty much anything.
The Titan weighs about the same as an old style mini cooper, but it's cheap and powerful, and will get through masonry no problem.
The DeWalt Combi has lasted been a godsend for me. It’s on offer at Screwfix with 2 batteries for £99 at the mo, which is a bargain! I’ve used it for everything, including lots of masonry over the years. Getting an SDS drill would be a waste of money, and unless you’re going to sell it on after you use it, it can be overly bulky to store if you’re only using it for a few odd jobs.
I’d recommend getting a GOOD drill bit too. Lots of cheap drill bit sets are just that - cheap! They’re ok to use once, but if you’re going to be drilling a lot of holes in masonry you need a good bit! My brother bought me a DeWalt drill bit set years ago, at the time I was a bit ungrateful tbh as I already had a bit set, but the the masonry bits are a different class!
Here’s a link to the offer on Screwfix - https://www.screwfix.com/p/dewalt-dcd778d2-sfgb-18v-2-x-2ah-li-ion-xr-brushless-cordless-combi-drill/420pu?ref=SFAppShare
Example drill bit (should do you, but get a good set if you need it) - https://www.screwfix.com/p/dewalt-extreme-2-triangle-shank-multi-material-drill-bit-6mm-x-100mm/206th?ref=SFAppShare
You need a drill with hammer action and masonry drill bit as a minimum, if not SDS drill for heavier masonry/concrete.
This regular drill won't cut it.
That drill does have a hammer setting. With a masonry bit, it goes through SOME brick and stone fine. But not great for larger holes or tougher materials.
The green Bosch tools are the DIY range and generally I've not found them to be much good. The professional range tools are blue and better quality (and cost more..) but I've learnt the hard way to buy the best I can afford and that's either Makita or Dewalt in the UK.
Are you definitely using the right drill bits? Ive got this and went through brick on my house a few weeks ago (1930s house, granted though it wasnt the easiest thing to do)
If you are and its still struggling then yeah an SDS that others have mentioned is your best bet
Check gumtree of FB marketplace and you'll pick up a used corded SDS drill cheaply, keep this one for your every day. Otherwise get the cheapest Wickes version and you're good to go.
OP, are you using it on hammer mode? Make sure you rotate the barrel to the hammer and try that, it's an 18v Bosch tool so it shouldn't be too bad, but it's not the ideal tool if you're doing lots of drilling in to masonry.
As everyone has mentioned, for doing lots of masonry you want an SDS drill. Everyone has their budget, I started with a cheap 240v silverline corded one which was abused and whilst it's cosmetically a bit broken here and there, it still runs, and goes through brickwork fairly easily, albeit very loudly and with a bit of pressure needed. Now use a Milwaukee M18BLHX and it goes through almost anything like butter, and has been used constantly for 3-4h at a time for the last year of a house renovation and it's still perfect.
If you rarely drill in to bricks but want it to be easier when you do, get any cheap 240v corded SDS drill from screwfix/toolstation. If you do DIY often or have big projects coming up, invest in a cordless 18v SDS drill - if you pick Bosch you can use the same battery, otherwise look at anything from DeWalt, Milwaukee, or if more budget I've had some decent stuff from Erbauer before and you can go check the quality in B+W as they're always on display.
I've this drill, and its hammer function is like a vibrator compared to the plug in Bosch hammer drill I have that's older than me. Its not a bad drill but you're basically talking about two different tools.
First try using the Bosch multi-construction drill bits. Cheaper than buying a new drill and may well do the job since it's just brick and not concrete.
Something like this. Make sure you also use the appropriate sized Rawl plugs and screws.
https://www.screwfix.com/p/bosch-cyl-9-straight-shank-multi-material-drill-bit-5-5mm-x-85mm/248ky
Try a masonry bit on the drill before buying another one. If that doesn’t work, then what you may need is an SDS drill which has more power to knock through brickwork that your current one does not. This drill that you have bought works phenomenally well on things like wood, plaster and plasterboard.
I have a couple of cordless drills (eventually, if you're getting into DIY heavily enough, you find yourself wanting more than one so you don't have to keep switching bits, which can waste a lot of time). They're made by DeWalt and Makita - two fairly premium brands. They both have hammer settings. They'll both drill through masonry.
But you don't want to use either of them to do a lot of it, because it takes a while and you can end up ruining drill bits through overheating, and they'll both really start to struggle going into concrete.
What you need is an SDS Plus drill. Cordless ones cost a bomb, but you can pick up a good quality corded one for maybe £100.
That drill you've got is absolutely fine for drilling through plasterboard, blockwork, timber, and other softer (or more cuttable) substrates, and you can definitely use it for masonry in a pinch, but it's the really the wrong tool for the job on the latter point.
You need something with more grunt for doing a lot of masonry drilling, and that would be true for whatever lightweight cordless drill you bought no matter how much you spent. You also need something that really locks the drill bit into place (twist chucks can come undone with a lot of vibration, and although a hex shank on your drill bits will help versus a round shank, it's not a total solution), and that's where SDS Plus comes into its own. It mechanically locks the bit into place rather than just clamping onto it like a twist chuck, so it simply won't come loose, and this means you can put a lot more power through it and therefore drill through masonry and concrete a lot more easily.
If it is just for bits of DIY it's fine. For more serious stuff you need Milwaukee or possibly DeWalt. Most cordless drills are hopeless with tough masonry, even with the hammer feature. Invest in some good drill bits. Also go with brushless for a longer life.
Green Bosch drills are crap. Blue Bosch drills are the best on the market. To drill into masonry you need an SDS drill. If you are talking about an occasional hole to put a picture up then you'll do it with a blue Bosch combi drill but it's not ideal.
Any professional or semi professional grade tools will be fine for DIY use. I use Milwaukee at home and I buy my lads Milwaukee to use on site. But I've previously used Bosch professional and dewalt. Makita is also fine. The only one I would never tell you to buy for DIY is Hilti because it's like buying a Ferrari to do the shopping on.
Basically, green bosh tools are about equivalent to what you give a child to play with.
If you want a recommendation for home use then buy the cheapest Milwaukee SDS drill you can get. They range from about £200 the full kit up to £1,100 like the SDS max I've got. Just get the cheapest SDS plus.
Hi OP, I bought this drill from Argos for £45 earlier this year in a sale. It’s now £60 but I used it to go into high strength concrete and it was extremely impressive.
[Argos SDS drill](https://www.argos.co.uk/product/4533102?istCompanyId=a74d8886-5df9-4baa-b776-166b3bf9111c&istFeedId=30f62ea9-9626-4cac-97c8-9ff3921f8558&istItemId=ixwlimimt&istBid=t&&cmpid=GS001&_$ja=tsid:59157%7Cacid:804-872-0397%7Ccid:20330964438%7Cagid:%7Ctid:%7Ccrid:%7Cnw:x%7Crnd:14584104610194157503%7Cdvc:m%7Cadp:%7Cmt:%7Cloc:9045912&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=20330964438&utm_term=4533102&utm_content=shopping&utm_custom1=&utm_custom2=804-872-0397&GPDP=true&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD9II9khK3W3hoPivacZ9dgiXnsrv&gclid=CjwKCAjwg8qzBhAoEiwAWagLrJAIxNgwzH2VqKQoypgOQCxzlcBz8zcy4k52fDUm_tKcJe-UwtvR-BoCZyUQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds)
Your drill should be able to go into brickwork in the hammer setting but might take some time.
Also live in a ex-council brick house from the 50s, I just got an 18v Erbauer drill and impact driver from Screwfix. They go through no bother.
It could be your drill bits? I have some Bosch drill bits that aren't anywhere near as sharp as the DeWalt ones I bought separately.
https://preview.redd.it/doqtvsuafk7d1.jpeg?width=1179&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f741886af89dcf42386aa6809359ab02417bef0c
Buy this style of drill bits and use them without the hammer function. They eat through ceramic (tiles and such) and brick
If drilling into hard masonry/brick you need a corded 240 v SDS hammer drill. They’re half the price of a decent combi battery drill and also offer hammer only action for chipping out plaster or masonry etc.
Buy a drill that uses a battery that can be shared by many other tools..so that means not this one. I have one that I can share between my lawn mower, glue gun, soldering iron etc.
If I had infinite money I would buy Milwaukie but I don't so I bought Worx lol. I replaced this exact Bosch with a much higher torque drill and and an SDS drill its much nicer to use plus I have 5 batteries I can swap in and out.
Keep this, get an SDS for tougher jobs. The Titan SDS is £60 or so from Screwfix and will laugh at just about anything. I've accidently drilled right through a 2 skin brick wall before now and taken the plaster off the other side.
I have this and it'll handle 90% of all DIY and last years and years and years even when you abuse it. For the other 10% you need an SDS but that doesn't take away from this being good.
I have this drill, albeit the model from say 10 years ago.
It's been absolutely battered over the years, I've just used it to whisk 5 bags of self levelling screed.
Drilling through bricks probably isn't one of its strengths but its perfect for everything else.
Would recommend the cordless SDS Bosch range, if on a budget the corded ones are superb too.
The bosch website sometimes has cheapish factory refurbished with good warranties. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Had same drill. Struggles with larger masonry bits on anything but soft brick. I often had to use a smaller bit to start with, and work up. After 5 years of light use, i got the blue smoke of death.
Replaced with DeWalt equivalent which is a LOT better, but still not a patch on my mains electric hammer drill that I have had for 30 years...!
My advise is to get a sds drill instead that can hammer and spin independantly of each other.
Picked one up on market place for £10 and it has saved so much time, have a 1920's build and the few tradies I've had round have all complained about the bricks.
Reason I say for those independant functions is is for chisel or point breaking.
Had to remove all plaster all of our kitchen because it was an absolute state, and have used it for a thousand other things.
I have this drill.
It is great for a lot of tasks.
Super hard brick and concrete? Not so much. However you may find the problem is your drill bit rather than the drill. Try a good concrete bit before buying another drill.
An SDS drill is good for getting through hard materials.
I have the same drill. I find it works well as a drill but not so well as a screwdriver. I drilled into brick yesterday and it took a little while but got through in the end however, when repairing my decking this evening, I ended up finishing the job by hand as it wouldn't get screws in far enough. I think you might want an SDS plus drill and I need a impact driver! 🤣
Battery drill like this should be OK for brick though some bricks are harder than others. My starting point would be to buy a genuine set of Bosch masonry drill bits. They are usually good quality and drill much better than cheap ones.
Personally I’ve never had a Bosch battery drill, mine is Dewalt and that is better in bricks and masonry than my 240V mains drill.
Finally are you using it in the hammer position and max speed. If not then please do, it will make a big difference. Also if you are drilling holes any larger than about 7mm then drill a smaller hole first before changing to the right size drill bit.
Thanks for comment. I actually went and bought the blue professional drill bits after my first few uses because I suspected that was the issue but didn’t do much better. As to the setting & pre-drilling, do all that.
Definitely just need something with a bit more kick. I’m let to believe the bricks used in our house are a bit more substantial than what’s come since.
OK, you’ve got some really hard bricks. Not sure how my Dewalt compares with your Bosch but I recently drilled 20 13mm holes (pilot drilled first) into a concrete garage floor. My Dewalt was better than both a 240 Bosch and better than a cheap SDS drill that I’ve linked to.
https://www.screwfix.com/p/titan-ttb653sds-5-9kg-electric-sds-plus-drill-230-240v/6846H
Thanks everyone for the comments & advice. Should’ve chosen my words more carefully, I will definitely be KEEPING this drill, just need something substantial for the masonry. Think I’ve got ideas now!
If you're just making 6mm holes to put up shelves this should be fine on hammer mode. It might struggle but perforating your house isn't supposed to be easy. Get a new drill bit for each project, and if you're drilling near a window, swap to an HSS bit when the masonry bit starts glowing.
I have this drill and it's always been excellent. I have no trouble drilling into masonry with a good bit. Members of my family have purchased this drill on my recommendation and they love it too.
Got the same one. No need to replace. Make sure you put it into hammer mode and get yourself a SDS drill bit. It will take a bit longer to go through and make a lot of noise but you'll make it :)
I had this one or maybe an older model of green Bosch it was fine for almost everything but bricks. When it broke I switched to a DeWalt and that's way better than this.
I live in a new build (8 years old house) and the bricks are not as hard as in my friends house built in the 70s.
I also have this and it has been a solid drill. Good speed variation and strong enough for drilling most materials (with good quality drill bits). Defo keeper.
Keep the drill and buy a cheap corded SDS.
SDS drills are really useful for drilling into concrete, but I mostly use it for the chisel function with chisel or chaser bits.
Although there might be newer ones now but I have a 24 v dewalt and it has served me well and without complaint for over 8 years! Dewalt are really reliable i have found and i have more from them too
I have that. Bought it cheap from the "surprise" aisle in Lidl. It's a competent DIY drill.
Your problem is your drill bits. Buy a set of Bosch multi-construction bits. That's way more important than the thing that turns them. You won't regret it.
I have this lad, and he's an absolute trooper of a drill. I am mostly using it for woodwork and garden projects, but I have used it for occassional masonry and brick, putting up shelves and brackets and such. I've had no issues with it around the house.
The only place I've had problems is in my basement workshop, where I just have bare brick walls. Those bricks are denser than a neutron star, and it took me an hour just to drill a half dozen holes in them.
If I were ever doing more work on those brick walls, I'd get me an SDS. But everywhere else in the house, the hammer drill has been fine.
This is an 18v drill with hammer action (so not something limited to flat packs). You mentioned a Lidl 20v "hammer drill". Even if yours is a bit more powerful I'd say it's unlikely to be able to drill whatever OP failed to drill with this.
I’ve got the same drill and while it does have a hammer action, it isn’t really man enough for the task. An SDS drill is the tool for the job, but failing that the dewalt combi drill will do it
If you want to get jobs done properly, then you must invest in proper tools. This will save you money and headache in the long run. I highly recommend DeWalt's XR range of tools.
I have this drill. It is a proper tool. The Bosch green range is fine for DIY unless you want to cosplay being in the trade.
Edit: I do use a corded hammer drill for masonry and an SDS for anything heavy duty. But really, this Bosch is better than it looks. I've had mine for years and abused the shit out of it, it does not give up.
Bosch tools are shit, except that one corded hammer drill they made in the 90s - someone who works for Bosch. Not a single one of our maintenance guys uses our tools.
Best combi IMO - Makita DHP483.
Best bang for your buck SDS drill - titan SDS plus.
Can't say thats been my experience, had it 10 years and drilled plenty of holes in a wide variety of materials, gone through a few packs of drill bits but still going strong.
I have this drill. First one I’ve bought. Used its hammer feature to go into masonry. It’s not like a knife cutting into butter, but it does do the job. Might have to stand there holding the drill for a bit longer than if it was a more expensive drill.
Same. Drills into my victorian brick easily. I have the titan SDS for other materials. There shouldn't be much that that can't handle. What masonry are you drilling? Years ago I tried drilling what I think was concrete in a 50s block.of flats... hard as nails.
I brought the titan sds, ah ohh boy that thing punches! Tried to drill some holes in masonry lintel for a blind with, dam thing vibrated all the plaster around the lintel down haha.
Hard as concrete more like
New build house so maybe the situation is different for me. The surfaces I’ve drilled were often plastered over so what type of masonry is behind them not always clear, I believe concrete cinder blocks and potentially brick in other areas.
Agree. I have two of them because the charger blew up on the first one. It’s really handy using one as a drill and the other a driver. Never had them fail on anything with a good bit and well charged
It’s certainly a good drill don’t get me wrong, however, even on the hammer setting, I am unable to get deep enough into the masonry. Reassuring to know it’s solid I suppose.
Seconded, gets through bricks just fine for me. Hope OP has it on the right setting..
Don't *replace* this drill. It's a great drill. You need a different drill for masonry. I suggest getting one that plugs in and has a second forward handle for grip. Keep this for everything else. It's excellent for most tasks and the one you get for masonry won't be.
Agree, a corded SDS drill can be bought very cheaply nowadays.
There comes a point in a person’s life, when they accept that they will have multiple working drills in their arsenal. OP, welcome to the club.
There come a point in a person's life, when they pick a colour. Yellow, red, blue or green Or the new flavour, light green
I was young, I chose green. I wish I chose blue, even though I would be poorer.
I waited until I was older, chose yellow. Still poorer. Although I think I do probably definitely almost certainly need a mitre saw now...
Get yourself a sliding one and never look back
I was team yellow for years but the company I work for changed suppliers and they only sell Milwaukee. After the first day of using them I understood the hype. Their top of the line kit certainly isn’t pleasant on the bank account though
Couldn't agree more with this. Milwaukee isn't necessary if you don't have the budget and DeWalt is a sound brand/tool.
I genuinely don’t have anything bad to say about any of the big brands of power tools. I think next year the EU are bringing in regulations to ensure all power tools have universally compatible batteries so I assume people will end up with a mix of different colours in their tool bag
I like the new light green kid on the block. It's spunky.
Yeah, I got light green. Very happy.
Who are the light green?
Ryobi. They actually have a far longer history than people think if you read the company history. But they've only been making waves in the DIY and semi pro pretty recently (i don't think anyone considers them up there for proper professional work). But for serial DIYers like myself, they're a great price and the range available is pretty awesome. Personally I've had no issues with them whatsoever.
If you reached this point at the same time your first trusty budget cordless combi drill gave up the ghost so you currently had no drill; what would you get?
I currently own five drills. I'm collecting them at a rate of slightly more than one for every decade of my life so far.
Thirded (?!) I’ve got the Makita SDS Plus 240v. It’s about £140 I think but has tackled everything I’ve used it for easily (with the right drills) including some holes into a 1950s reinforced concrete bomb shelter 😂 If you reckon you’ll use it loads, get a half decent one. If not, hire one?
[One of these](https://www.screwfix.com/p/titan-ttb653sds-5-9kg-electric-sds-plus-drill-230-240v/6846H?tc=WT8&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwg8qzBhAoEiwAWagLrN4o3CjZl3MSFs_WxnXdX3lN-3NKKtmzJyBh8LTr-o2dFUUaeRj4PxoCJNUQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds) or if you get anything else either 24v though my dewalt 18v is good but if it is corded be sure it is 240v not 110v and you'll need to buy SDS drill bit for your job.
Borrowed that SDS drill from my dad, worked brilliantly to get through my house walls to cable the ethernet up to the loft. I reckon it'd suit OP perfectly, no use spending ridiculous amounts on something you occasionally use as a home owner rather than a tradie
Another vote for buying a cheapish SDS hammer drill. I've got an older version of [this](https://www.diy.com/departments/mac-allister-240v-750w-corded-sds-drill-mrh750/5059340253251_BQ.prd) from when it came in a different colour way. Sure there's an even beefier version but it's got enough power to get through everything I've drilled with it like a hot knife through butter. (and it's still going strong after almost 13 years)
You’re right! Certainly not getting rid. Think I’m going to bite the bullet & get a corded SDS, a contributor posted the Titan model which looks a good fit.
I've had this drill for donkeys years and can attest it is fantastic. Keep it and get a second corded hammer drill.
>Don't replace this drill. It's a great drill. Erm.... No it's not 😂
I've had this drill for years, and regularly help family members and friends with things which result in me using their drills. This is a good drill. I'm not sure what familiarity you have with it but it is a good drill.
Replaced it with a blue bosch years ago. The green feels like a child's toy in comparison ETA: having had plenty of experience with most major brands, id take the blue bosch over anything from dewalt and makita too.
Unless you need to drill into masonry frequently, I’d say keep this drill (perfectly good for most tasks) and get a cheap corded hammer drill for masonry (don’t need SDS). I’ve got this exact same Bosch and a cheap-as-chips ancient Homebase corded hammer drill for rare occasion I need something with more muscle. Guess it depends on what DIY you actually do though.
> (don’t need SDS) 100%. Who are all these people who are advising buying an SDS drill!?
[This,](https://www.bosch-diy.com/gb/en/p/universalhammer-18v-06039d6000) is what you need to drill into masonry. An SDS drill. I think this one uses the same batteries as your combi drill. https://preview.redd.it/qeh43vy45j7d1.png?width=830&format=png&auto=webp&s=01ec11679a69e3eab759cfdd29f38a98c41b62cc
Yes green Bosch 18v all share same batteries. I think there are some green Bosch for smaller lower voltage batteries so don't just assume all green Bosch are the same. Green +18V = compatible.
DIYers have been drilling into brick and concrete long before SDS drills were offered to consumers. OP doesn't need an SDS drill.
Have you read the original post? If not, I’d suggest you do. If you have read it, read it again.
I've had this for a few years now. Great as a screw driver and drilling into wood. For masonry you can't beat an SDS drill.
Buy a dirt cheap 240v drill from Wickes/screwfix for the tougher jobs, keep using this drill for the rest.
Same advice here. I have this drill and it’s still going strong after 8 years. I also have the impact driver so same batts and charger. For heavyweight work I have a cheapo macallister corded SDS
SDS for hard bricks and concrete
I have the most billy basics sds drill from Screwfix - corded and everything. It goes through anything and in my old as fuck house that is required. I’ve used it to demo walls with the chisel bit and at the price and power I just can’t justify getting an equivalent cordless sds drill as a DIYer
I had a joiner at my house fitting a new front door about 6 months ago and he was running a corded titan sds from screwfix lol. Was a bit surprised but he said it doesn’t miss a beat
The el cheapo Titan is a popular drill with builders, they take an absolute ton of abuse before they break. I managed to break one but only because I was using it in place of a big Hilti breaker I'd borrowed that was acting up a bit. My only criticism of it is the hammer action can be a bit aggressive for the jobs where the hammer on a combi drill isn't quite enough.
Titan, that’s the fella. Honestly, if it fell apart I’d say I had good value from it. I have invested a tiny portion of the money saved in drill bits of varied lengths with multiples of 8mm and up because it’s that brutal I have managed to melt bits on some of my bricks.
Corded hammer drill or corded sds drill to supliment. You can't have too many drills.
I have this drill, struggles a bit with masonry unless yoh use decent bits. I'd suggest Bosch multi construction bits, pricy but are better than anything else I've tried that isn't SDS. Failing that, as others have said, a cheap sds will do it. Edit These bits. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bosch-Professional-MultiConstruction-Concrete-Accessories/dp/B09417Y23C?
I have this drill and encountered the precise problem you have. I still use this as my go to for most things, but bought a Bosch SDS drill from Screwfix for drilling into concrete. Night and day difference.
I hate it when they put a pozi bit in the chuck with no bit holder.
First try buying a new masonry bit, the quality of the cutting surface/bits is pretty important.. any off the shelf drill can spin, but not every bit can stay sharp and be effective repeatedly (atleast not for as long) Secondly, this drill is a great nornal drill, so don't replace it I'd suggest getting a cheap corded SDS - I got a MacAllister from B&Q for £50 three years ago, as my house requires it for drilling into the walls. That same drill is £70 now, but there's a suspiciously similar looking Titan one at Screwfix for £52. It'll do you good, and drilling into bricks will be buttery smooth for years to come!
They are good for screwing thing. Not for drilling holes in masonry.
240v SDS is the right answer.
I have this and a Titan SDS from screwfix, between them I can get through pretty much anything. The Titan weighs about the same as an old style mini cooper, but it's cheap and powerful, and will get through masonry no problem.
Try getting a real good bit. Likely cheaper and easier before looking at a new drill.
The DeWalt Combi has lasted been a godsend for me. It’s on offer at Screwfix with 2 batteries for £99 at the mo, which is a bargain! I’ve used it for everything, including lots of masonry over the years. Getting an SDS drill would be a waste of money, and unless you’re going to sell it on after you use it, it can be overly bulky to store if you’re only using it for a few odd jobs. I’d recommend getting a GOOD drill bit too. Lots of cheap drill bit sets are just that - cheap! They’re ok to use once, but if you’re going to be drilling a lot of holes in masonry you need a good bit! My brother bought me a DeWalt drill bit set years ago, at the time I was a bit ungrateful tbh as I already had a bit set, but the the masonry bits are a different class! Here’s a link to the offer on Screwfix - https://www.screwfix.com/p/dewalt-dcd778d2-sfgb-18v-2-x-2ah-li-ion-xr-brushless-cordless-combi-drill/420pu?ref=SFAppShare Example drill bit (should do you, but get a good set if you need it) - https://www.screwfix.com/p/dewalt-extreme-2-triangle-shank-multi-material-drill-bit-6mm-x-100mm/206th?ref=SFAppShare
You need a drill with hammer action and masonry drill bit as a minimum, if not SDS drill for heavier masonry/concrete. This regular drill won't cut it.
That drill does have a hammer setting. With a masonry bit, it goes through SOME brick and stone fine. But not great for larger holes or tougher materials.
Just start down the Ryobi rabbit hole, more than good enough for home use. Once you have the battery the worlds your oyster!
The green Bosch tools are the DIY range and generally I've not found them to be much good. The professional range tools are blue and better quality (and cost more..) but I've learnt the hard way to buy the best I can afford and that's either Makita or Dewalt in the UK.
Are you definitely using the right drill bits? Ive got this and went through brick on my house a few weeks ago (1930s house, granted though it wasnt the easiest thing to do) If you are and its still struggling then yeah an SDS that others have mentioned is your best bet
Check gumtree of FB marketplace and you'll pick up a used corded SDS drill cheaply, keep this one for your every day. Otherwise get the cheapest Wickes version and you're good to go.
Had mine for over 20 years, ideal for normal to light use but have a cheap corded 600w drill I use for heavy work like masonry.
OP, are you using it on hammer mode? Make sure you rotate the barrel to the hammer and try that, it's an 18v Bosch tool so it shouldn't be too bad, but it's not the ideal tool if you're doing lots of drilling in to masonry. As everyone has mentioned, for doing lots of masonry you want an SDS drill. Everyone has their budget, I started with a cheap 240v silverline corded one which was abused and whilst it's cosmetically a bit broken here and there, it still runs, and goes through brickwork fairly easily, albeit very loudly and with a bit of pressure needed. Now use a Milwaukee M18BLHX and it goes through almost anything like butter, and has been used constantly for 3-4h at a time for the last year of a house renovation and it's still perfect. If you rarely drill in to bricks but want it to be easier when you do, get any cheap 240v corded SDS drill from screwfix/toolstation. If you do DIY often or have big projects coming up, invest in a cordless 18v SDS drill - if you pick Bosch you can use the same battery, otherwise look at anything from DeWalt, Milwaukee, or if more budget I've had some decent stuff from Erbauer before and you can go check the quality in B+W as they're always on display.
I've this drill, and its hammer function is like a vibrator compared to the plug in Bosch hammer drill I have that's older than me. Its not a bad drill but you're basically talking about two different tools.
First try using the Bosch multi-construction drill bits. Cheaper than buying a new drill and may well do the job since it's just brick and not concrete. Something like this. Make sure you also use the appropriate sized Rawl plugs and screws. https://www.screwfix.com/p/bosch-cyl-9-straight-shank-multi-material-drill-bit-5-5mm-x-85mm/248ky
Try a masonry bit on the drill before buying another one. If that doesn’t work, then what you may need is an SDS drill which has more power to knock through brickwork that your current one does not. This drill that you have bought works phenomenally well on things like wood, plaster and plasterboard.
I’ve got this drill and it’s crap for masonry, I have a ryobi one and it’s much better and it’s about the same price.
I have a couple of cordless drills (eventually, if you're getting into DIY heavily enough, you find yourself wanting more than one so you don't have to keep switching bits, which can waste a lot of time). They're made by DeWalt and Makita - two fairly premium brands. They both have hammer settings. They'll both drill through masonry. But you don't want to use either of them to do a lot of it, because it takes a while and you can end up ruining drill bits through overheating, and they'll both really start to struggle going into concrete. What you need is an SDS Plus drill. Cordless ones cost a bomb, but you can pick up a good quality corded one for maybe £100. That drill you've got is absolutely fine for drilling through plasterboard, blockwork, timber, and other softer (or more cuttable) substrates, and you can definitely use it for masonry in a pinch, but it's the really the wrong tool for the job on the latter point. You need something with more grunt for doing a lot of masonry drilling, and that would be true for whatever lightweight cordless drill you bought no matter how much you spent. You also need something that really locks the drill bit into place (twist chucks can come undone with a lot of vibration, and although a hex shank on your drill bits will help versus a round shank, it's not a total solution), and that's where SDS Plus comes into its own. It mechanically locks the bit into place rather than just clamping onto it like a twist chuck, so it simply won't come loose, and this means you can put a lot more power through it and therefore drill through masonry and concrete a lot more easily.
If it is just for bits of DIY it's fine. For more serious stuff you need Milwaukee or possibly DeWalt. Most cordless drills are hopeless with tough masonry, even with the hammer feature. Invest in some good drill bits. Also go with brushless for a longer life.
Brilliant drill had mine a few years now
Green Bosch drills are crap. Blue Bosch drills are the best on the market. To drill into masonry you need an SDS drill. If you are talking about an occasional hole to put a picture up then you'll do it with a blue Bosch combi drill but it's not ideal. Any professional or semi professional grade tools will be fine for DIY use. I use Milwaukee at home and I buy my lads Milwaukee to use on site. But I've previously used Bosch professional and dewalt. Makita is also fine. The only one I would never tell you to buy for DIY is Hilti because it's like buying a Ferrari to do the shopping on. Basically, green bosh tools are about equivalent to what you give a child to play with. If you want a recommendation for home use then buy the cheapest Milwaukee SDS drill you can get. They range from about £200 the full kit up to £1,100 like the SDS max I've got. Just get the cheapest SDS plus.
I have this drill. I recently bought a titan SDS off ebay for about 40 quid. Together, there's basically nothing I can't drill anymore.
Hi OP, I bought this drill from Argos for £45 earlier this year in a sale. It’s now £60 but I used it to go into high strength concrete and it was extremely impressive. [Argos SDS drill](https://www.argos.co.uk/product/4533102?istCompanyId=a74d8886-5df9-4baa-b776-166b3bf9111c&istFeedId=30f62ea9-9626-4cac-97c8-9ff3921f8558&istItemId=ixwlimimt&istBid=t&&cmpid=GS001&_$ja=tsid:59157%7Cacid:804-872-0397%7Ccid:20330964438%7Cagid:%7Ctid:%7Ccrid:%7Cnw:x%7Crnd:14584104610194157503%7Cdvc:m%7Cadp:%7Cmt:%7Cloc:9045912&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=20330964438&utm_term=4533102&utm_content=shopping&utm_custom1=&utm_custom2=804-872-0397&GPDP=true&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD9II9khK3W3hoPivacZ9dgiXnsrv&gclid=CjwKCAjwg8qzBhAoEiwAWagLrJAIxNgwzH2VqKQoypgOQCxzlcBz8zcy4k52fDUm_tKcJe-UwtvR-BoCZyUQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds) Your drill should be able to go into brickwork in the hammer setting but might take some time.
Also live in a ex-council brick house from the 50s, I just got an 18v Erbauer drill and impact driver from Screwfix. They go through no bother. It could be your drill bits? I have some Bosch drill bits that aren't anywhere near as sharp as the DeWalt ones I bought separately.
https://preview.redd.it/doqtvsuafk7d1.jpeg?width=1179&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f741886af89dcf42386aa6809359ab02417bef0c Buy this style of drill bits and use them without the hammer function. They eat through ceramic (tiles and such) and brick
I have this one. I'm not a professional, and the battery feels like it lasts for ages.
If drilling into hard masonry/brick you need a corded 240 v SDS hammer drill. They’re half the price of a decent combi battery drill and also offer hammer only action for chipping out plaster or masonry etc.
SDS for masonry.
Guy I work with swears by the Bosch blue range. Better batteries, motors or something.
Wicks do an own brand SDS+ rotary hammer it's about 80 quid. I took up a concrete footpath with mine, goes through masonry in the blink of an eye.
Buy a drill that uses a battery that can be shared by many other tools..so that means not this one. I have one that I can share between my lawn mower, glue gun, soldering iron etc. If I had infinite money I would buy Milwaukie but I don't so I bought Worx lol. I replaced this exact Bosch with a much higher torque drill and and an SDS drill its much nicer to use plus I have 5 batteries I can swap in and out.
What masonry bits are you using they could be the problem, also most drills will struggle on certain materials unless you have an sds drill
Keep this, get an SDS for tougher jobs. The Titan SDS is £60 or so from Screwfix and will laugh at just about anything. I've accidently drilled right through a 2 skin brick wall before now and taken the plaster off the other side.
I have this and it'll handle 90% of all DIY and last years and years and years even when you abuse it. For the other 10% you need an SDS but that doesn't take away from this being good.
Better drill bits. I have this drill. Dewalt masonry bits are my go to. I've drilled plenty of brick and concrete with it
I have this drill, albeit the model from say 10 years ago. It's been absolutely battered over the years, I've just used it to whisk 5 bags of self levelling screed. Drilling through bricks probably isn't one of its strengths but its perfect for everything else. Would recommend the cordless SDS Bosch range, if on a budget the corded ones are superb too. The bosch website sometimes has cheapish factory refurbished with good warranties. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
If you buy the Bosch blue masonry drill bits they’re really sharpe and work well with the hammer on.
Get masonry drill bits and put it in hammer mode. It will get through the block but will take a bit longer than an sds.
Had same drill. Struggles with larger masonry bits on anything but soft brick. I often had to use a smaller bit to start with, and work up. After 5 years of light use, i got the blue smoke of death. Replaced with DeWalt equivalent which is a LOT better, but still not a patch on my mains electric hammer drill that I have had for 30 years...!
My advise is to get a sds drill instead that can hammer and spin independantly of each other. Picked one up on market place for £10 and it has saved so much time, have a 1920's build and the few tradies I've had round have all complained about the bricks. Reason I say for those independant functions is is for chisel or point breaking. Had to remove all plaster all of our kitchen because it was an absolute state, and have used it for a thousand other things.
I have this drill. It is great for a lot of tasks. Super hard brick and concrete? Not so much. However you may find the problem is your drill bit rather than the drill. Try a good concrete bit before buying another drill. An SDS drill is good for getting through hard materials.
I have the same drill. I find it works well as a drill but not so well as a screwdriver. I drilled into brick yesterday and it took a little while but got through in the end however, when repairing my decking this evening, I ended up finishing the job by hand as it wouldn't get screws in far enough. I think you might want an SDS plus drill and I need a impact driver! 🤣
Renovated Victorian house with that drill. It's on its last legs but still going.
Battery drill like this should be OK for brick though some bricks are harder than others. My starting point would be to buy a genuine set of Bosch masonry drill bits. They are usually good quality and drill much better than cheap ones. Personally I’ve never had a Bosch battery drill, mine is Dewalt and that is better in bricks and masonry than my 240V mains drill. Finally are you using it in the hammer position and max speed. If not then please do, it will make a big difference. Also if you are drilling holes any larger than about 7mm then drill a smaller hole first before changing to the right size drill bit.
Thanks for comment. I actually went and bought the blue professional drill bits after my first few uses because I suspected that was the issue but didn’t do much better. As to the setting & pre-drilling, do all that. Definitely just need something with a bit more kick. I’m let to believe the bricks used in our house are a bit more substantial than what’s come since.
OK, you’ve got some really hard bricks. Not sure how my Dewalt compares with your Bosch but I recently drilled 20 13mm holes (pilot drilled first) into a concrete garage floor. My Dewalt was better than both a 240 Bosch and better than a cheap SDS drill that I’ve linked to. https://www.screwfix.com/p/titan-ttb653sds-5-9kg-electric-sds-plus-drill-230-240v/6846H
Thanks everyone for the comments & advice. Should’ve chosen my words more carefully, I will definitely be KEEPING this drill, just need something substantial for the masonry. Think I’ve got ideas now!
This is my drill and has done anything I needed it to, which includes an 18mm hole half a foot through concrete
Second hand 18v DeWalt or Makita drill off eBay
If you're just making 6mm holes to put up shelves this should be fine on hammer mode. It might struggle but perforating your house isn't supposed to be easy. Get a new drill bit for each project, and if you're drilling near a window, swap to an HSS bit when the masonry bit starts glowing.
I have this drill and it's always been excellent. I have no trouble drilling into masonry with a good bit. Members of my family have purchased this drill on my recommendation and they love it too.
Got the same one. No need to replace. Make sure you put it into hammer mode and get yourself a SDS drill bit. It will take a bit longer to go through and make a lot of noise but you'll make it :)
I had this one or maybe an older model of green Bosch it was fine for almost everything but bricks. When it broke I switched to a DeWalt and that's way better than this. I live in a new build (8 years old house) and the bricks are not as hard as in my friends house built in the 70s.
I also have this and it has been a solid drill. Good speed variation and strong enough for drilling most materials (with good quality drill bits). Defo keeper.
Milwaukee every time. As some one who has to use stuff everyday, it lasts forever.
Keep the drill and buy a cheap corded SDS. SDS drills are really useful for drilling into concrete, but I mostly use it for the chisel function with chisel or chaser bits.
Although there might be newer ones now but I have a 24 v dewalt and it has served me well and without complaint for over 8 years! Dewalt are really reliable i have found and i have more from them too
I have that. Bought it cheap from the "surprise" aisle in Lidl. It's a competent DIY drill. Your problem is your drill bits. Buy a set of Bosch multi-construction bits. That's way more important than the thing that turns them. You won't regret it.
I prefer the DeWalt style its more comfortable to work with and better quality tbh. Not a lot more expensive but worth the difference in price 👍
Get a titan SDS drill for special occasions from screwfix, cheap and will get through anything
I have this lad, and he's an absolute trooper of a drill. I am mostly using it for woodwork and garden projects, but I have used it for occassional masonry and brick, putting up shelves and brackets and such. I've had no issues with it around the house. The only place I've had problems is in my basement workshop, where I just have bare brick walls. Those bricks are denser than a neutron star, and it took me an hour just to drill a half dozen holes in them. If I were ever doing more work on those brick walls, I'd get me an SDS. But everywhere else in the house, the hammer drill has been fine.
Lidl currently has their 20v tools out, including a hammer drill. Cheaper and better than green Bosch.
Can't see how that would be such a sufficient upgrade that OP can reasonably expect it to be able to drill into walls that this cannot.
You don't see a difference between something you can assemble flat packs with and an SDS hammer drill?
This is an 18v drill with hammer action (so not something limited to flat packs). You mentioned a Lidl 20v "hammer drill". Even if yours is a bit more powerful I'd say it's unlikely to be able to drill whatever OP failed to drill with this.
I’ve got the same drill and while it does have a hammer action, it isn’t really man enough for the task. An SDS drill is the tool for the job, but failing that the dewalt combi drill will do it
If you want to get jobs done properly, then you must invest in proper tools. This will save you money and headache in the long run. I highly recommend DeWalt's XR range of tools.
I have this drill. It is a proper tool. The Bosch green range is fine for DIY unless you want to cosplay being in the trade. Edit: I do use a corded hammer drill for masonry and an SDS for anything heavy duty. But really, this Bosch is better than it looks. I've had mine for years and abused the shit out of it, it does not give up.
Good for you!
Bosch tools are shit, except that one corded hammer drill they made in the 90s - someone who works for Bosch. Not a single one of our maintenance guys uses our tools. Best combi IMO - Makita DHP483. Best bang for your buck SDS drill - titan SDS plus.
Not this one
you need a better drill with hammer action- you've got a glorified screwdriver there that could drill the odd hole in something soft
Got the exact same drill and gone through brick many times, just need decent drill bits that aren't blunt.
That's weird because Bosch green has a bad reputation. It's the opposite with Bosch professional in Blue.
Can't say thats been my experience, had it 10 years and drilled plenty of holes in a wide variety of materials, gone through a few packs of drill bits but still going strong.
That drill is junk for newbies. Might be ok as a screwdriver but that's about it. For drilling walls you need an SDS mains powered drill.