Drill Comparisons - 36V vs 18V

After all the 'who bolted/chopped/retrobolted/retrochopped my route' threads, I'm feeling a bit left out. So, I'm starting to kick around the idea of buying a drill. If nothing else, I can at least scatter some bolts around and hope someone gives me a reason to take the discussions personally.

Seriously, though, I'm looking at buying a drill and was thinking it'd be great if I can take advantage of the fact that I already have 4 DeWalt batteries. But, those are 18V batteries. I checked out the specs of the 18V DeWalt and 36V Bosch drills and it looks like they're kinda close: 1,100 vs 1,500 RPM, 4,100 vs 4,800 BPM, 1.7 ft-lb vs 2.2 ft-lb. Well, that's actually around a 30% difference for each of the specs.

So, I'm wondering how much of a difference that would make when bolting routes. Is it just silly to consider anything other than 36V?

Man, the timing of my post couldn't have been any better. Surely, the best time to get advice on this is right as people are starting to debate the decision to bolt a line right off a trail in RMNP.

But, I promise I have no desire to bolt anything that sits squarely in the public eye. I'm one of those weird sport climbers who actually prefers a long approach to get away from civilization. My interest is not in getting my name attached to a route. And, although it'd be great if I put up a route that many people enjoy, I don't really care if the routes I put up remain obscure lines that are there only for people who stumble across them. I just want the experience of creating my own line. So, input on this question would be great.

I know I could just buy a hand drill so, of course, an 18V drill would work. But, I'm wondering if a 36V drill really makes a world of difference.

Thanks,
Craig

I bought a 18v DW hammer drill and all it did was eat up bits. Not enough (for granite anyway). I ended up getting a Bosch 24V Annihilator which sank the bit into the rock like it was butter. BTW, I bought it refurbished from Bosch, so I saved quite a bit.

18V. drills aren't made for drilling more than short 1/4" holes in concrete. It is the difference between hammer-drill and rotary hammer. 24 and 36V rotary hammers have the explosive force needed, plus take SDS bits. 18V's just don't work for rock routes.
I would not recommend the Dewalt 36V either, go with Bosch or Hilti (someone posted up a surprising variation though in another thread, maybe Panasonic)

thanks, guys. that's the kind of input i was looking for. well, actually, i was hoping you'd say, "Yeah, an 18V drill will work just fine!" Then, I'd already have a few routes worth of batteries.

But, it's good to know so I don't waste my money. I read the thread about the Bosch. Sounds like everyone is a big fan. And, if I can get a refurbished one, bonus.

Thanks again,
Craig

I bought a Bosch Annihilator off eBay last year ($65 or $80 or something. Pretty cheap.). It was the drill only, no batteries or case or anything. Then I bought two 12v sealed lead acid (I think that's what they were?) batteries, rewired the drill a bit, and connected the drill to the batts and put the battery pack in a small backpack. Each battery was about $15, as was the charger. So for $150ish, I had a great new drill. I get about 35 holes per battery charge in limestone.

Voltage is just part of the equation. The brand new Hilti Te-4a18; released last month is marketed as a 18v drill (it's actually 21.5 volt). Anyway, it's impact energy is 1.5 foot lbs; which is more than the light bosch 36v model. The Hilti only weighs 7 lbs; has a 2.6 Ah battery and here's the kicker -- I tested mine in Boulder Canyon (bullet proof granite) and it drilled a 1/2' x 4" hole in 18 seconds which makes it the fastest drill in the weight class; couple that with the 2.6 Ah li battery and you have the ultimate drill. Nothing touches it...Price is similiar to the light weight Bosch 36v model...
Hilti.com for more info.

I have no complaints with my Bosch 36V. I get ~14 1/2"x3" holes per battery in granite. I got mine a couple years ago on amazon.

amazon.com/Bosch-11536VSR-L…

I don't bolt routes but I have worked construction for quite some time. De-walt's are a weak brand. The best brands would be Milwaukee Hilti and Bosch (my favorite and what most people use for rotary hammers).

I have this Bosch and it crushes, pricey but very efficient! It is much lighter than the Annihilator. Will you be bolting on lead, if yes then this is the ticket. I got mine at CPO Bosch.

joekindkid.com/?p=3448

The Hilti TE 5a was much better than the Annihilator so I'd image their newer version is even better. But the Bosch is totally adequate.

Craig- Are you going to the Devils Head Fest this year? Sept. 17-19 at MM 11. Look me up, old bald guy with a 10 year old daughter. Fill you in on some beta.

thanks, everyone, for the really helpful input. sounds like i've got a few good options to consider. and, it's great to know i can put a little bit of work into it and spend a lot less than i was thinking.

and, thanks for the instructions w/pics, Juan. they helped a lot. i'm 2, maybe 3 months from investing in a drill. but, i'll definitely contact you if i decide to go the modified bosch route.

mike, sent you a PM.