What is Drilling & Breaking equipment?
Drilling & breaking equipment includes powered tools designed to puncture, cut or fracture hard materials such as concrete, stone, tarmac and masonry. The main types you’ll see for hire are rotary hammers (for drilling and light chiselling), demolition breakers (handheld or machine-mounted for heavy removal), and core drills (for neat circular holes for ducts, services or drainage).
Typical jobs and trades that use this kit
This equipment suits a wide range of trades and tasks:
- Builders & renovators – creating service holes, removing concrete steps or lintels, breaking out floors.
- Groundworkers & landscapers – breaking out old patios, kerbs and driveways.
- Drainage & utilities – core drilling for pipework, slot cutting for ducts.
- DIY & self-build homeowners – one-off demolition tasks where buying a tool would be uneconomical.
Key things to look for when hiring
Choosing the right tool makes the job faster and safer. Consider:
- Power source: electric, petrol or SDS-electric? Electric is quieter and cleaner for indoor work; petrol gives mobility on sites without power.
- Tool size & impact energy: larger breakers remove concrete quicker but are heavier to handle. Match the tool to task scale.
- Bit compatibility: SDS-plus, SDS-max or specialised core bits — check your bit type and availability.
- Vibration & comfort: tools with anti-vibration features reduce fatigue and HAVS risk on long jobs.
- Dust control: enclosures or vacuum-ready attachments for indoor or wet environments.
Why hire rather than buy?
For most trades and self-builders, hiring drilling and breaking kit is the smarter option. Buying heavy-duty breakers or core drills is a significant upfront cost and you’ll pay for storage, maintenance and servicing. Hiring lets you:
- Access the most suitable tool for each job without a large capital outlay.
- Take advantage of regularly serviced, up-to-date equipment that’s ready to use.
- Scale up for larger projects without committing to long-term ownership.
Safety and operator tips
These tools are powerful and can be hazardous if misused. Follow these basic safety measures:
- Wear the right PPE: eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, steel-toe boots and dust masks or respirators for silica dust.
- Plan the cut: mark drilling points and locate services before you start. Use a cable detector where necessary.
- Control dust: use water or extraction when drilling indoors; silica exposure is a serious health risk.
- Take breaks: reduce vibration exposure and fatigue. Rotate tasks where possible.
- Secure the workpiece: prevent movement that could cause the tool to jam or kick back.
Why choose Breckland Plant Hire?
We’re a family-run hire company based in Attleborough with decades of local experience serving Norfolk & Suffolk. As a CPA member we adhere to industry standards and keep our fleet well maintained. Benefits of hiring from us include:
- Fast delivery within 20 miles of Attleborough & Wymondham, or free collection from our yard.
- Exclusive discounts for trade account holders and flexible hire periods for weekend DIY or longer contracts.
- Quality-assured equipment and advice — we’ll help you pick the right tool and show basic operation on collection or delivery.
- Local knowledge: we understand Norfolk & Suffolk site conditions and can recommend the best kit for your job.
Book and get started
Check out our Drilling & Breaking range to view available models and prices, or contact us for personalised advice. Whether you need a one-day hire or a long-term rental, we’ll get the right tool to your site quickly and reliably.