What is a perforator

When conducting repairs or construction projects, it is frequently necessary to bore holes in walls of various materials. The ideal tool for this task is a percussion drill. With its assistance, you can create both through holes and blind holes, even in tough materials such as reinforced concrete. Now, let’s delve deeper into understanding what this robust machine is all about.

Scope of application

The perforator is a portable power tool with a dual-action mechanism, combining both reciprocating (percussive) and rotational movements. Unlike traditional cutting tools, it relies on impact to destroy and break down the processed material. The image showcases one of the most commonly used perforator models, featuring a versatile design that offers multiple operating modes. Users can easily select the desired mode for their specific needs by using the switch conveniently located on the tool’s body. The accompanying photograph highlights this switch. With a wide range of interchangeable accessories, the perforator is a versatile tool capable of performing various tasks, including:

• Punching holes in walls and floors
• Creating blind holes for anchors and dowels
• Drilling through building surfaces for electrical wiring and pipes
• Performing drilling and other operations on metal and similar materials

What is the difference from the impact drill

Most of the functionality provided by the perforator can be performed with an impact drill. The primary distinction between a perforator and an impact drill lies in how the reciprocating motion of the working part is generated. The impact in a drill is achieved mechanically, while in a perforator, a pneumatic mechanism is employed. However, this dissimilarity is not the only one. The electric motor in a perforator is more powerful than that of a drill, resulting in higher impact energy.

The intensity of the impact in a perforator can be adjusted smoothly by pressing the button located on the handle, which is particularly valuable when dealing with concrete of various densities.

One clear benefit of drills is that they come equipped with a release clutch. Occasionally, when drilling deep holes, the drill bit gets stuck. This causes the body of the drill to keep rotating, which can dislodge the hands and potentially result in injury. However, in a perforator, the situation is less hazardous when the drill gets jammed because it has a clutch that activates and separates the rotating shaft from the impact mechanism.

Types of perforators

Perforators vary not only in terms of their power, but also in terms of where the motor is located. There are models available with both horizontal and vertical drive arrangements.

1. The use of a vertical motor in power tools provides increased power and impact force. However, the weight of these models limits their use to lifting heights from the level of the worker’s feet. Heavy-duty drills with vertical motors are designed specifically for creating holes of large diameters (more than 20 mm) and crushing monolithic blocks.
2. On the other hand, lightweight tools equipped with horizontal motors offer the convenience of one-handed operation. These tools are ideal for tasks such as preparing attachments for drywall partitions, drilling holes up to 20 mm in diameter, and creating niches for electrical installation products.

It is also worth noting that these drills have different types of clamping chucks for the drill shank.

SDS+ shank drills are commonly employed in conjunction with light tools to achieve smaller diameter holes in brick or concrete walls and slabs.

SDS-max drills are known for their enhanced shank-to-clamping device contact area, making them ideal for powerful drills used to bore large-diameter holes.

The majority of hammers run on a 220 V mains voltage, while portable models with built-in rechargeable batteries are less common. These battery-powered models are a practical choice when a standard power supply is not readily available, either on a permanent or temporary basis.

How to care for the tool

Regular maintenance is essential for any power tool to ensure its longevity and proper functioning. Friction is the main cause of wear and tear on the various parts of the tool’s mechanisms. To prevent premature damage, it is crucial to regularly lubricate the surfaces of these parts. While some users might only lubricate the shank of the drill, it is important to note that the oil will spread to the chuck and provide partial lubrication. However, this limited maintenance approach is valid only within the warranty period. Apart from the chuck, other parts such as the impact mechanism, gearbox, and electric motor also require maintenance, which involves disassembling the housing.

During the warranty period, it is recommended to perform such maintenance only at authorized service centers. Attempting to disassemble the tool independently may void the warranty and result in loss of the right to warranty repair.

Once the warranty period is over, you have the option to perform maintenance on your own. The key components of the perforator that necessitate thorough maintenance are:

• Chuck
• Gearbox
• Motor

Maintenance of the chuck and gearbox

Dismantle the drill from the chuck. To accomplish this, take off the rubber ring.

It provides an opening to the retaining ring, which is also taken out.

To access the chuck mechanism, simply remove the outer cover. It is important to lubricate the pressure ring, spring, and ball so that they can move freely.

By removing the rear cover of the housing, you can easily free the motor collector from the carbon brushes.

You can detach the front of the housing by unscrewing the self-tapping screws. This will allow you to remove the gearbox and motor rotor as a unit.

Prior to applying fresh lubricant, the used substance is eliminated and the components are washed using gasoline. Initially, administer a slender coating of grease to the most crucial elements.

The gearbox housing is completely coated in a generous layer of grease.

The recommended approach is to apply the lubricant supplied with the perforator to its parts. In case the amount provided is insufficient, it is advisable to acquire additional grease.

Once the mechanism has been serviced, it can be reinserted into the housing. The sequence of assembly is identical to the disassembly procedure.

Electric motor care

Only the electric motor’s shaft bearings are oiled. The rotor’s armature needs to be clean and free from any oil or dirt, while the brushes should be of sufficient length to establish proper contact with the collector. In case the brushes are worn out, it is advisable to replace them. By providing regular maintenance, you can extend the lifespan of the tools without the need for part replacements.