One more from today

[lptools]

Hello, All. This a Diamond Rapid Fire Drill. Patent Applied For. This tool is a beast, 23" long, the center hub is 6-1/2" in diameter, and the pads measure 9" across, and it works!!!!! Has anyone ever seen a Patent for this tool? Now to find the bits!! Thanks for looking, Lou

[coolford]

Nice find, I don't think I have ever seen any bits just like that.

[lptools]

Thanks!! Most of the hand held masonry bits I have seen have a hex shank, with an end for striking with a drilling hammer!!

[p_toad]

wow, 32 bucks for the drill only.   don't know what the bits cost, but that had to have been an expensive tool.   Any idea of the date of that printing?

[lptools]

Looks like it is from 1915!!  Yes, that would have been a very expensive tool at that time, probably an employer purchased item!! I do believe (if the calculator is correct) that would be approx. $815.00 today (adjusted for inflation) !!!

[amecks]

I stumbled across this a while ago.  This video is the restoration of a British Rawlplug Mechanical Hammer ( Hammer Drill).  The action is speeded up, you can skip through some of it, but it is fun to watch.  The entire tool restored from start to finish in 16 minutes.
Lou,  I suppose your Rapid Fire Drill will work like this...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYMmdSK5VxI

[Plyerman]

Awesome find there Lou. Hope you are able to locate some bits for it.

I did a bit of Googling, and found this rather interesting write-up:  1913 INDUSTRIAL WORLD

[Plyerman]

I was also able to locate the following two patents, both issued on the same day. Not sure which one applies?

[lptools]

Hello, Plyerman. Thanks for the info, great research!! I am going to guess that both patents apply, I will take a closer look when I get home from work. Al, thanks for sending the video, now I have an idea how this thing works!! Regards, Lou

[lptools]

Hello, Plyerman. Those are great photos you posted, do you own one? Thanks, Lou

[Plyerman]

I do not own one Lou. Both of those name plate photos turned up while I was doing internet searches for more information. I believe they were both from long-ago-completed eBay auctions.
Bob

[JoeCB]

Thanks guys for the info and postings. I had never heard of a hand cranked hammer drill, but I should have guessed that something like that existed. Sure would have been an improvement over the hammer and star drill method. Interesting that both tools had adjustment for hammer impact force. The "rapid Fire" with "soft" , "medium" and "Hard" ,,, the Rawl has a screw and spring adjustment.

Joe B

[Bill Houghton]

Sure would have been an improvement over the hammer and star drill method.

I believe the best star drill method involves assigning an apprentice or two to get the job done.  Well, best unless you're the apprentice.