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Krizob
Sep 17, 2013, 5:53 PM
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Read a few threads about this drill already, but need a more precise answer. I'll be drilling single pitch granite, and can't afford a $700 drill and this looks like my best option. Is it powerful enough to drill granite? I don't care if each bolt takes a few minutes since it's only single pitch I can take my time. Just don't want to buy something that will be so brutal or slow that it's not even worth it. Thoughts?
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kennoyce
Sep 17, 2013, 6:12 PM
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Krizob wrote: Read a few threads about this drill already, but need a more precise answer. I'll be drilling single pitch granite, and can't afford a $700 drill and this looks like my best option. Is it powerful enough to drill granite? I don't care if each bolt takes a few minutes since it's only single pitch I can take my time. Just don't want to buy something that will be so brutal or slow that it's not even worth it. Thoughts?
The annihilator should be just fine for granite. It's not as fast or powerful as some of the newer drills, but it'll work.
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Krizob
Sep 17, 2013, 7:11 PM
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That's great news, thanks! I found a used one complete with case, battery back and bits on ebay too. I'll check it out. |
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climbbaja
Sep 18, 2013, 2:06 AM
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The Bosch "Annihilator" model #11225VSR should be great for the job.
In my experience, it will drill a 3/8" x 3" hole in granite, in under 45 seconds. The larger 3.0 Ah battery should be good for a dozen holes; perfect for a single pitch.
NiCad batteries go bad over time, whether they are used or not. When buying a used rotohammer, expect that the battery will likely need replacing.
A remanufactured NiCad can be purchased for about $110.
Or, build a SLA (sealed lead acid, aka: "gel cell") battery pack for about $75. Perfect if you are planning to drill on lead.
My garage holds a few extra Bosch Annihilators and Bulldogs (model #11213). If you want one, $90 for the Bulldog, $110 for the Annihilator, plus $15 shipping. All are lightly used and in good condition. I'm just trying to break even.
If you want to drill on lead, the Bulldog strips down very light and compact. The Annihilator can be easily modified to add external connectors for a remote battery pack, while still retaining the ability to use the factory NiCad pack. You can build the SLA pack to your specs for as much "firepower" (amp hours) as you want. Use a 35' or 50" extension cord so that the battery pack can be left hanging below. The rotohammer is lighter without the battery, allowing for one-handed drilling from difficult stances.
Below is the link to my conversion instructions with photos:
http://www.supertopo.com/climbers-forum/603971/Bosch-Bulldog-Convertiing-to-SLA-batteries-step-by-step
E-mail ClimbBaja [at] aol {dot} com
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socalclimber
Sep 19, 2013, 1:07 AM
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I own a Bosch Annihilator. It's a great drill, but ground up drilling on lead is not fun. It's too heavy. It's a fine drill, but I'd follow some of the recommendations from others up thread.
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Krizob
Sep 19, 2013, 5:34 PM
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Sounds like it'll suite my needs for now. I'll be retro-bolting (ie, top roping routes and chalking where to place the bolts first, then rapping down or ascending up fixed ropes to do the drilling, using aid gear as I go to keep me close to the wall). No lead bolting required at this crag fortunately. If I venture into the big wall arena one day, I'll likely upgrade.
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marc801
Sep 19, 2013, 5:46 PM
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Krizob wrote: I'll be retro-bolting (ie, top roping routes and chalking where to place the bolts first, then rapping down or ascending up fixed ropes to do the drilling, using aid gear as I go to keep me close to the wall).
Krizob wrote: If I venture into the big wall arena one day, I'll likely upgrade.
[Edit to fix cheese-titted quotes]
(This post was edited by marc801 on Sep 19, 2013, 7:31 PM)
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socalclimber
Sep 19, 2013, 5:49 PM
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If that's the case, you should be fine. Be aware that the replacement batteries are expensive.
Have a party!
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Krizob
Sep 19, 2013, 5:50 PM
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That's alright I'll be in B.C. , the big walls here in Powell River aren't in a park. I wonder why no power drilling is allowed...just to keep the hordes away? Hand drilling must take ages...
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Krizob
Sep 19, 2013, 5:58 PM
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Ha woops, yeah not retro bolting...but there will be one route that needs to be retro bolted, but you get the point. Thanks for catching that.
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marc801
Sep 19, 2013, 7:41 PM
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Krizob wrote: That's alright I'll be in B.C. , the big walls here in Powell River aren't in a park. I wonder why no power drilling is allowed...just to keep the hordes away? Hand drilling must take ages...
With a sharp bit, a burly climber (like so many of the 60's Yosemite hard men) who knows what they're doing and are fresh can hand drill a 3/8" x 2.5" hole in about 20 minutes in Yosemite granite.
Add in fatigue and a bunch of other variables and a 1/4" x1.5" could wind up taking 40 minutes.
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