Why should you think of Swiss cheese when you think about these tools? Because they make holes—that’s why!

Hammer-drills? Think Swiss Lorraine — small holes. These versatile dual-purpose hammer-drills are designed for fast, high speed drilling of small size holes. Use a carbide-tipped percussion bit for hammer-drilling up to 5/8" in hard concrete and 7/8" in soft concrete for anchors and concrete screws. Or use a standard bit to drill holes in masonry or wood or metal — without hammering!

How about a nice Jarlsberg Swiss? Think rotary hammers—bigger holes. They are capable of drilling up to 1 3/4" holes with solid bits and up to 6" holes with core bits. In the hammer position, they’ll take a chisel or bull point for chipping applications.

Looking for some non-cheesey tools to make these holes? Milwaukee® has a full range of both tools. Both come in a corded, electric version for production work and a cordless version for convenience in lighter work situations. And with the reversible battery pack on the cordless hammer-drill you can get into tight corners.

The line of Milwaukee hammer-drills and rotary hammers are designed with the contractor’s comfort in mind. The new in-line pistol grip design is designed to fit your hand perfectly without cramping after a long day. And on the bigger size rotary hammers, the patented vibration isolation system reduces fatigue and increases comfort and control.

So the next time you’re enjoying that ham and Swiss—think Milwaukee hammer-drills and rotary hammers.

So, are you ready for the rain and mud that typifies Chicago’s spring building season? Here are a few tips that might help you, your crews, and your concrete and projects stay healthy and a bit drier!

Beware of changing temperatures!
You know how cold it can be on a Chicago spring morning, but then by noon, you’re sweating in the warm sun. Wear clothes in layers so that you can peel them off as the day gets warmer and then put them back on as the day cools down.

Keep dirt away from new concrete.
Use silt fences wherever you need to keep construction dirt away from new concrete or sidewalks, roads, and highways. The fabric traps the dirt, but allows the water to flow.

Pump it out!
To get rid of water in a basement or construction pit make sure your portable generator and pump are ready to go! Now is a great time to test them out and get them repaired, if necessary.

Keep’em dry—and safe.
Bright-colored rain slickers or coats not only keep your crews dry and warm, they also make them more noticeable, minimizing accidents that can happen when rain and fog reduce visibility on job sites.

Bring a change of clothes.
Prepare in advance for getting caught without your rain gear by keeping an extra change of clothes in the back of your truck. Then you can change into drier duds when the rain stops.