Milwaukee SDS-Plus 2-Cutter Drill Bit

Using the right drill bit can make all the difference in your projects, especially when dealing with tough materials like concrete. The SDS-Plus 2-Cutter Drill Bit by Milwaukee, model 48-20-7426, has been a valuable addition to my toolkit. Designed for use with rotary hammers, this bit stands out for its enhanced durability, precision, and efficiency. Let's break down what makes this drill bit a solid choice for both professional and DIY enthusiasts.

Durability and Design

One of the first things I noticed about this bit is its build quality. The bit features enhanced rebar guards, which significantly increase its durability. While drilling into concrete, encountering rebar is almost inevitable. Cheaper bits tend to wear out quickly or even break upon hitting rebar, but this Milwaukee bit handles it remarkably well.

The carbide insert at the tip is another notable feature. Carbide is known for its hardness and wear resistance, making it ideal for drilling into tough materials. The insert is slotted into the tip and hardened, which allows it to crash through concrete with ease. Even though making the entire bit from carbide would be ideal, it's not practical due to the material's high cost and low tensile strength. Milwaukee has struck a good balance by using carbide on the most crucial part of the bit — the tip.

Speed and Efficiency

Speed is another area where this bit excels. The breaker points on the bit ensure faster drilling speeds by efficiently breaking up the concrete. In my experience, this bit can drill to a depth of over 4 inches in a gunnite wall with minimal effort. The variable flute design plays a crucial role in this efficiency. The flutes help in clearing out the pulverized debris quickly, which not only speeds up the drilling process but also reduces the load on the drill bit.

Precision and Control

For anyone who's ever struggled with keeping their drill bit centered, the centering tip on this bit is a game-changer. It makes starting a hole much easier and ensures that the bit remains centered throughout the drilling process. This is particularly useful for precision tasks where the accuracy of the hole placement is crucial.

Vibration and Comfort

Working with rotary hammers can be taxing, especially when drilling into hard materials like concrete. This bit, however, features reinforced flutes that significantly reduce vibration. Less vibration means less fatigue, allowing for longer drilling sessions without compromising on comfort.

Wear Indicators

One of the most thoughtful features of this bit is the inclusion of wear mark indicators. These marks show you when the bit has reached the end of its life, taking the guesswork out of bit replacement. This is particularly useful for professionals who rely on their tools day in and day out and need to know when it's time to swap out a bit to maintain efficiency.

Compatibility

The SDS-Plus shank ensures that this bit is compatible with a wide range of rotary hammers, not just those made by Milwaukee. The shank features smooth transitions to the threaded part, which reduces stress concentrations and enhances the bit's overall durability. I've used this bit with a rotary hammer from another manufacturer, and it fit perfectly, performing just as well as it would with a Milwaukee tool.

Case Quality

Though it might seem like a minor detail, the quality of the case that comes with the bit is worth mentioning. The case is sturdy and well-designed, keeping the bit secure and preventing it from sliding around. This is especially useful for those who are always on the move and need their tools to be organized and protected.

Performance in Real-World Applications

To put this bit to the test, I used it for various tasks, including drilling into a 25-year-old concrete foundation and a swimming pool wall. The 3/16" bit drilled to a depth of 2.5 inches in seconds, while the 1/2" bit, though slower, still performed admirably. The bits chewed through concrete like it was butter, and hitting the occasional piece of rebar didn't faze them.

Final Thoughts

The SDS-Plus 2-Cutter Drill Bit by Milwaukee is a robust, efficient, and durable tool that excels in demanding applications. Its design features, such as the carbide insert, enhanced rebar guards, and variable flute design, make it a standout choice for anyone needing to drill into concrete. The bit's ability to handle rebar, its reduced vibration, and the inclusion of wear mark indicators further add to its value.

I wholeheartedly recommend this drill bit for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts. Its durability, efficiency, and precision make it a reliable tool that you can count on for your most challenging projects. Whether you're drilling pilot holes for anchored fasteners or tackling a large demolition job, this bit is up to the task.