Cabling tools

[cory]

I use EHS steel cable, and usually 1/2" lags. I want to start installing more 1/2" eyebolts so that will mean drilling longer holes. I've always used a carpenter's brace/drill but figure it is time to update to 21st century gear.. Wondering what you folks prefer for drills and gear?

I've never used a gas drill but assume they are a bit heavy and bulky but drill holes like there is no tomorrow. And what about cordless drills, do they make them with enough power and batt capacity that they could drill a number of, say, 18" holes in hardwood with a 9/16" drill bit?

Thanks for any info!

 

[Burnham]

Stihl BT 45...no worse than a 200T to work with. Very reliable.

You have to clear chips FREQUENTLY on deep bores, say every few inches.

 

[squisher]

I've used a de-walt 18v for drilling through. I've got some auger bits and they just fit the chuck, not sure on the length. Certainly wouldn't be drilling through what Burnham's drilling through though. My de-walt battery held good for four holes in a Linden earlier this year, holes were roughly 8 inches or so? I only do about one cabling job a year it seems. I do enjoy it though.

 

[sotc]

I like my dewalt cordless most of the time also, I carry extra batteries. If its deep I will break out the gas drill. Always take small bights and clear the chips, you really don't want to have to explain you your client why you are leaving a long bit stuck in the tree! I bring a crescent wrench just in case. You can get a bit so stuck it won't come out, I have been close to that point a couple times

 

[Burnham]

Wise words...pay attention to what Willie is saying, peeps .

 

[FJR]

Yes, clear the chips over and over again! I have gotten the bit stuck a few times, makes for a fun time...

Another tool that we use for every steel EHS install is cordless battery powered cutting wheel. I have the felco cable cutters, but hardly ever use them.

 

[pigwot]

I use a Tanaka TED-260 gas drill and it has held up very well over the years (bought it in 1989).
Just watch your wrists as it packs a mean wallop.
I 'loaned' a 48" long 3/4" bit to a friend in the business and he got it stuck well into a white oak tree, and bent it, too.
Took me about ten minutes to set a line and climb up to it and about 40 minutes to work it loose with wrenches.
It had locked up 'cause he had not cleared the chips. A welder friend took the S-curve bend out of it, trued it up, and we still use it to this day.

 

[NeTree]

Yes, clear the chips over and over again! I have gotten the bit stuck a few times, makes for a fun time...

Another tool that we use for every steel EHS install is cordless battery powered cutting wheel. I have the felco cable cutters, but hardly ever use them.

I have the DeWalt cutoff tool. That thing RIPS.

 

[cory]

Thanks for the responses, fellas.

Leaning toward gas power, my shop is already crowded with 14.4v etc batts and drills.

 

[NeTree]

Partly why I went with all DeWalt, 18v XRP. One battery fits all.