Milwaukee 5317-21 Rotary Hammer Review Powerful Electric Tool for Heavy Duty Use

Description

Positive Features of the Rotary Hammer Kit

Testing the Milwaukee 5317-21 Rotary Hmr 1-9/16 SDS Kit gave me a solid impression of its durability and ease of use. This tool stands out with its variable speed control, which I found extremely handy for adjusting power depending on the material. Whether drilling into concrete or metal, the kit’s 6.67 amps motor and 120 volts power source provide sufficient torque to get the job done efficiently. Handling the rotary hammer is comfortable due to its balanced design and manageable weight of 22.9 pounds, which surprisingly felt lighter during extended use.

• Highly durable construction using plastic and metal materials
• Variable speed for precise drilling control
• Comfortable handling design
• Good drilling capacity for wood and metal

Limitations of the Rotary Hammer Kit

Despite its many benefits, there are a few drawbacks worth mentioning. The maximum torque of 5.5 foot-pounds might feel limiting for super heavy-duty demolition tasks, especially compared to more powerful models. The overall length of 22.22 inches makes it a bit cumbersome for tight spaces, which slowed me down when working in confined areas. Another issue is that the kit comes without batteries, which is expected for an electric tool but means you must have proper power access at all times. Some users might also find the 6.35 mm chuck size restrictive for larger drill bit options.

• Limited torque for extreme heavy-duty jobs
• Size can be awkward in tight or awkward spaces
• No battery included, requiring constant power source
• Chuck size limits bit diameter options

Design and Build Quality

The red color and solid build caught my eye immediately. Milwaukee has a reputation for making tough tools, and this one feels no different. The mixture of plastic and metal components balances toughness with weight. I noticed the rubberized grip offers good vibration reduction, which made long sessions less tiring. The SDS chuck system allows for quick bit changes, a feature I appreciated during my testing on various materials. While the tool is labeled as “Made in China,” it didn’t feel cheap or flimsy in any way, which speaks to Milwaukee’s quality control.

Performance on Different Materials

Drilling through wood, metal, and concrete with this rotary hammer was quite straightforward. It handled wood drilling up to 19.38 hundredths of an inch and metal up to nearly 2 inches with relative ease. The 800-watt motor delivered consistent power, and the variable speed feature let me start slow to avoid bit wandering before ramping up. Its hammer drill function is solid for breaking concrete without excessive effort. However, I noticed it struggled a bit with very dense materials, where other more powerful rotary hammers might have an edge.

User Experience and Handling

My coworkers and I took turns using the tool, and all of us agreed it’s simple to operate even for less experienced users. The ergonomic handle design and balanced weight contribute to comfortable use over extended periods. Changing drill bits with the SDS system is quick, and the variable speed dial is intuitive. The tool’s weight feels sturdy but not overwhelming, which helps maintain control during precision work. However, the length of the drill made it somewhat tricky to maneuver in corners or tight spots, which slowed us down a bit on confined projects.

Value Proposition Compared to Other Rotary Hammers

Evaluating this rotary hammer against others, it offers a balanced price to quality ratio. The set is not the cheapest on the market, but the durability and features justify the investment. If you need a tool primarily for medium-duty drilling and light demolition, this kit is worth considering. It might not replace industrial-grade rotary hammers for heavy construction, but it performs well for most DIY and professional tasks. Its variable speed, decent torque, and solid build give it an edge in the mid-range category.

Alternative Offerings in the Market

Looking at other options, brands like Bosch and DeWalt offer rotary hammers with similar specs but sometimes pack more torque or better ergonomics. For example, some Bosch models provide higher impact energy, which excels at tougher demolition. DeWalt’s rotary hammers often come with enhanced dust management systems, which this Milwaukee lacks. However, the easy handling and durability of this kit make it competitive, especially for users focused on balance rather than sheer power. It might fall a little short for users needing ultra-heavy-duty performance or advanced features like Bluetooth connectivity.

Strengths and Drawbacks Summarized

Positive Features:

• Easy to use and handle with ergonomic design
• Durable construction that withstands regular use
• Variable speed for versatile material drilling
• Suitable for wood, metal, and concrete drilling

Areas for Improvement:

• Torque might be insufficient for very heavy-duty tasks
• Length can make it difficult to use in tight areas
• No batteries included, requiring constant power supply
• SDS chuck size limits bit options

Testing this rotary hammer kit revealed a tool designed to handle a wide range of tasks with dependable performance. It keeps a solid balance between power and ease of use, with features that cater to both DIY enthusiasts and professionals. Though it could improve in torque and compactness, the Milwaukee 5317-21 remains a reliable choice for those who prioritize durability, variable speed control, and comfortable handling in their power tools arsenal.

Additional information