- Single Bevel vs Double Bevel Miter Saw: When to Use Each - June 24, 2022
- Best Paint Scrapers: How To Find The Right For The Job - June 24, 2022
- Kreg K4 vs K5 Compared: Which Is Best For You? - June 24, 2022
When it comes to building or any construction-related project, having access to a hammer drill is necessary for you to begin working on projects in a more advanced capacity. Concrete and other sorts of extremely hardened surfaces can be very tough to work through when you’re trying to dismantle them in order to make room for a new building or zone for construction in general.
There are several different types of hammers out on the market. Not all of them are capable of handling such rough materials like brick or stone. There could be several different reasons why you would need to break up concrete and other sorts of impenetrable materials. However, the construction and building industry tend to be the main industries that use this tool for their needs.
For the DIY masonry workers out there, hammer drills will be a vital tool that you will need to have by your side in order to successfully complete whatever job you may be working on. There are a lot of different hammer drill configurations and models out there on the market for you to choose from.
Because of this, it can be difficult for you to find the right hammer drill option for your exact needs because there are so many different options out there for you to choose from.
Before making your final purchase decision, you always want to make sure that you consider all of your personal needs as they relate to the intended use and purpose of the hammer drill that you’re purchasing. There are a lot of different features and elements that you have to consider before finalizing your purchase of any hammer drill option that you may find.
In order to ensure that you’re making the right purchase decision, you need to become educated about all of the various features and capabilities that come equipped with many of the hammer drill options that you can find on the market as of right now.
If you’ve been looking for the right hammer drill option for your next project but haven’t been able to find the right option, you’re in luck.
In this guide, we’re going to go over all of the most important features, factors, and variables that you need to consider before purchasing any hammer drill that is for sale on the market right now. To begin, let’s take a look at exactly what hammer drills were designed for and who will benefit the most from using them.
The DEWALT Hammer Drill features a lightweight design, so it is easier to handle for prolonged hours of work. Also, It has a 360-degree handle and a powerful motor - You definitely can't go wrong with this one!
Top Hammer Drill Recommendation – DEWALT Hammer Drill, 1/2-Inch 7.0-Amp
The DEWALT Hammer Drill, 1/2-Inch 7.0-Amp, is packing a 7.0-amp motor that delivers enough power for you to bore through materials such as steel, wood, and masonry with no problems.
The drill also features a very lightweight design, which makes it easy to handle for prolonged periods of time without your hands getting tired from using it.
DEWALT’s DWE5010 Drill also has a 360-degree side handle, which allows you to optimize the amount of control and precision you get with every stroke of the tool. You can find the DeWalt DWE5010 here on Zoro.com.
What Are Hammer Drills?
In essence, hammer drills were designed for working on masonry projects because they are made with sharp drill bits that come in varying configurations, which allow you to take on several different projects and material types.
The main difference between a hammer drill and other drill types out there is that they are designed to spin the drill bit itself in addition to punching the drill bit in and out of the surface material that you’re working on.
They combine the action of hammering and drilling into one so that you can achieve clean and precise holes in your project materials much faster than if you were to use a standard drill configuration or model.
The combination of spinning and punching also gives you the ability to switch up your work style for different project types without sacrificing power or efficiency. They come in several different configuration types and models, which allows you to get the perfect match for your exact project needs.
You can attach several different types of bits to hammer drills in order to expand on its capabilities as they relate to working on specific materials. Hammer drills are not designed for driving in screws as they are strictly made for making incisions, designs and cuts into pieces of material directly.
At the core, hammer drills are primarily used for boring holes into very tough materials and surfaces so that you can insert screws or other infrastructure into a certain area.
Now that we’ve gone over exactly what hammer drills are and what purposes they should be used for, it’s time to look at all of the various types of hammer drill options currently available on the market.
Types of Hammer Drill
When it comes to choosing which hammer drill is best for you, you must consider the fact that there are several different types and models out there for you to choose from. All of these various hammer drill options and configurations will provide distinct benefits to you as the user, all depending on the specific purposes and use that you have for them.
To ensure that you’re making the right decision as to which hammer drill option will be capable enough of taking on your needs, you need to become educated about all of the different models and types out there for you to choose from.
In the following section, we’re going to go over all of the various hammer drill options that you will be able to choose from when you begin shopping. Make sure you pay attention to this section in full so that you will know exactly what to look for when you begin scouting the perfect hammer drill selection for your desired usage and project needs.
Percussion Hammer Drill
Percussion hammer drills operate by using a soft and less powerful rotating and hammering motion than many other options out on the market.
These types of hammer drills provide much easier handling and use than other models; however, they are not capable of taking on tough material types very well, so they are generally reserved for much easier to work with material compositions.
Pneumatic Hammer Drill
Pneumatic hammer drills are a lot stronger and more capable than percussion hammer drills, and they are commonly used for projects that require working through very tough material forms.
They come in a wide range of different sizes and configurations, all of which will allow you to complete your necessary projects with precision and efficiency at the forefront.
If you’re working on a project that requires a lot of power, you will want to choose a pneumatic hammer drill over all of the other options currently available on the market.
Rotary Hammer Drill
Rotary hammer drills are the most powerful configuration out of all hammer drill options. These hammer drills are designed for boring through very dense and deep materials with ease.
They are commonly used on large industrial or construction projects that require a lot of power for cratering through materials that provide a lot of resistance to standard hammer drills configurations.
If you’re working on a very touch and large construction or masonry project, using a rotary hammer drill is the best option to go with if you expect to see results.
While the above-mentioned hammer drill types are all specification configurations, they all can operate using a variety of different power sources and modes. Hammer drills come in three main power source configurations and types, all of which we’re going to go over in detail below.
Cordless
Cordless hammer drills are designed to operate using an integrated battery, which allows you to move freely with the tool as you work on your project. One of the downsides to using a cordless hammer drill is that when the battery goes down and decides to die, you will have to spend time recharging it before it can be of any use to you again.
This can be inconvenient if you’re working on a project that has a very tight deadline or strict time-management regulations. However, they provide portability and versatility in areas that other hammer drill options can’t.
Cordless hammer drills are oftentimes best used for small DIY projects or for construction sites that don’t have a lot of readily available power outlets.
Corded
Corded hammer drills work by you plugging them into a stationary power outlet near a wall or some sort of other infrastructure. These types of hammer drills will provide the most consistent power; however, they are the most limited in terms of work range and flexibility.
However, corded hammer drills tend to be a lot more durable and powerful than options, which makes them perfect for very large construction projects or for working on very rough material types.
Corded hammer drills are best used in areas that have a steady and reliable source for power management and consumption.
Compact
A compact hammer drills are a lot smaller than all of the other options you will find, these type of hammer drills are best used for tight workspaces and other locations which require precision drilling and boring techniques.
Compact hammer drills can work by way of different mechanisms, all depending on the specific model and types that you decide to buy.
All of these different hammer drill power sources will provide unique benefits to workers and craftsmen in particular fields of work. Make sure you consider your personal needs as they relate to the type of projects you tend to work on a regular basis and what features you need most out of your selected hammer drill model.
Now that we’ve covered all of the various types of hammer drill options out on the market, it’s time to look at exactly who hammer drills were designed for.
Who Are Hammer Drills For?
Mostly all tools were designed for specific industries, applications, and usage purposes, and the same applies to hammer drills. Before going out to purchase a hammer drill, you need to know whether or not you really need one to complete your required work project.
Hammer drills are specifically designed for boring through very dense and thick materials so that you can install needed infrastructure such as screws, clips, or anything else.
The main professionals who use hammer drills as part of their everyday tool collection will be construction workers and masonry workers. That’s because these drills do not operate as standard drills do, they rotate and provide a pounding action when coming in contact with hard materials. This action allows these drills to power through very tough surfaces like concrete, brick, wood, stone, and much more.
Hammer drills are primarily for those individuals who have a constant need to drill through brick, stone, concrete, or any other sort of hard material that other tools simply won’t be able to handle.
Now that we’ve covered exactly what hammer drills are for, all of the different types out there, and who would benefit the most from using one, it’s time to take a look at all of the important features you need to look for when selecting a hammer drill so that you can be sure you’ll be able to complete your next project successfully.
Important Features: What to Look for When Buying A Hammer Drill
When it comes to buying a hammer drill, there are several different features and capabilities that you will want to make sure your desired model comes with to ensure you’ll be able to use it on your projects.
In the following section, we’re going to go over all of the various features, design elements, capabilities, and technology that you should look for when choosing which hammer drill option will be best for your needs.
Keep in mind, all of these various features and capabilities will have a direct impact on how efficient you’ll be at completing your project, so consider what features are most important to you before finalizing any purchase.
Power Source
When it comes to using any tool, the amount of power required to run it is a very important factor that everyone considers. Hammer drills come in many different configurations and types, all of which run on different sources of energy and power.
There are corded hammer drills that run on electrical charge and cordless hammer drills that operate by way of an installed battery. If you’re working on a project and know that you will need to move around a lot in order to access the materials you’re working on; a cordless hammer drill may be the best option for you to choose.
If you plan on working in a stationary environment and have access to a reliable power outlet, a corded hammer drill can work just fine for your needs. The power source that your hammer drill uses plays a very important role in how successful you’ll be at completing your projects, so make sure you consider what type of mobility you will need before making a purchase decision.
Drilling Capacity
The next most important factor to consider when purchasing a hammer drill is its drilling capacity. The drilling capacity of your hammer drill will determine the type of materials that you can work with and bore through.
Hammer drills range in power going from 7 amps to 10 amps, and some models are rated for even higher power output. Make sure that you consider the type of materials you’ll be working on so that you can choose a hammer drill that will be powerful enough to meet your demands.
If you fail to purchase a hammer drill that is rated for enough power to cut through the materials you’re working on, you won’t be able to complete your projects successfully.
Speed
The variable speed range of your hammer drill is also very important because it will allow you to gain more precise incisions and cuts into the materials in which you’re working on.
Being able to change the speed of your hammer drill can lend itself to assisting you in working on a wide range of different project types and material options, which is great if you want to use one hammer drill for multiple different project needs and types.
The variable speed of your hammer drill will be rated in RPM, so this is an easy way for you to tell how fast your selected hammer drill is capable of going at any given moment.
Weight
The weight of your selected hammer drill will directly impact how long you can use the tool and how comfortable it is in your hands during use. You want a hammer drill that has a nice enough weight for you to feel resistance when drilling without impacting your ability to drill precisely or for prolonged periods of time.
The weight of your selected hammer drill will all depend on the specific type and model that you select in addition to the power source that it uses, so keep this in mind before making your final purchase decision.
Safety Features
When using a hammer drill, you need to remain safe at all times while it operates. Several different safety features come integrated into many of the hammer drill options out on the market right now. Some of them include things such as overheating protection, automatic locking mechanisms to prevent accidental cuts, and a lot more.
You want to make sure that your selected hammer drill comes with a lot of integrated safety features that will protect you against accidents and other damage while the tool is in use.
Drill Bit Options
While hammer drills are designed to take on material types of varying types, you still need to make sure you’re using the correct drill bit for each material.
Every hammer drill is compatible with specific drill bit types and configurations; this will impact the type of materials that you can work with while using your hammer drill so it’s important for you to consider the various types of drill bits that your selected hammer drill can be fitted with.
Design & Comfort
The overall design of your hammer drill plays an important role in how efficient you will be able to be while using it. Every hammer drill will be made with varying design materials and configurations, so it’s important to test how your desired hammer drill feels in your hands before deciding to buy it.
You want to select a hammer drill that has a solid yet comfortable handle that can resist damage over time without breaking or causing your hand to become weak.
Now that we’ve gone over all of the most important features to look for when selecting which hammer drill is right for you, it’s time to look at some of the most commonly asked questions that people have when it comes to choosing the right hammer drill and how they exactly function.
Our Top Recommendations
In the following section, we’re going to list some of our top recommendations for hammer drills currently available on the market. All of the recommendations that we list in this section will differ in terms of their features, capabilities, and power output.
Before deciding to purchase any of these hammer drill options, make sure that your chosen model meets all of the required needs and functionalities that you will need to complete your project successfully.
#1 DEWALT 20V MAX XR Hammer Drill Kit
The DEWALT 20V MAX XR Hammer Drill Kit comes with a three variable speed rating, which allows you to get the proper speed for your material working needs at any time. This drill is also packing a battery, which allows you to drill without limitations on your mobility and movement.
It also has Bluetooth capabilities that allow you to assign the drill to specific workers on your job site and use various software integrations in order to increase its operating capacity. This drill uses a brushless motor that delivers an 18V charge and an increased amount of runtime when compared to other models. Find it here on Amazon.
#2 PORTER-CABLE Hammer Drill
The PORTER-CABLE Hammer Drill comes equipped with a powerful 7.0 amp motor that is capable of delivering cutting action for very tough materials. This drill is also packing a pistol grip that provides enhanced handling capabilities in addition to increased comfort for prolonged periods of use without getting tired.
It also has a two-finger locking mechanism that can protect you in the event of the tool slipping out of your hand during use. This drill has a streamlined body and uses a cast metal feat housing that allows heat to dissipate from the internal components of the drill for lasting performance and longer runtimes. You can find the PORTER-CABLE Hammer drill here on Amazon.
#3 Goplus Electric Rotary Hammer Drill
The Goplus Electric Rotary Hammer Drill is rated for 1,000 watts of total output power, which gives you the ability to work on a wide range of different materials that are rough and hard to bore through.
This drill is also equipped with a heavy-duty metal body construction, which ensures that it will last a long time even under instances of constant use and high impact collisions. It features a 360-degree swivel handle, which allows you to work with the drill in several different positions without your hand getting tired for prolonged periods of use.
It also has three different programmable modes that allow you to switch the function of the drill for increased performance and cutting power. Click here to find the latest listings of this drill.
#4 Milwaukee 2804-20 M18 FUEL 1/2 in. Hammer Drill
The Milwaukee 2804-20 M18 FUEL 1/2 in. Hammer Drill is capable of delivering over 60% more drilling power than similar models from other companies.
The drill is equipped with Redlink Plus Intelligence technology, which provides enhanced performance capabilities with integrated safety features like overheating protection to make sure you’re always safe while operating the tool.
It also has a Red Lithium XC5.0 battery pack, which allows you to work for much longer times per charge. Find the Milwaukee 2804-20 Hammer Drill here on HardwareWorld.
Hammer Drill is the Industry's Most Powerful Drill by delivering Up to 60% More Power, Up To 1.5” Shorter length and Up To 2X Faster Speed Under Heavy Load. The Powerstate Brushless motor delivers 1,200 in-lbs of torque and 2,000 RPMs, providing fast drilling through demanding applications. 
#5 Bosch 11264EVS 1-5/8 SDS-Max Combination Hammer
The Bosch 11264EVS 1-5/8 SDS-Max Combination Hammer is packing a 13-amp motor, which is capable of producing up to 8.1 Foot pounds of impact on every engagement. It also comes equipped with a one-hand SDS system that makes it easy for you to charge the drill quickly and easily.
It has a constant response circuitry integration that maintains a consistent level of performance no matter what kind of materials you may be working on. Check out the latest prices of the Bosch 11264EVS.
Unmatched Power to Weight Ratio - 13 Amps, 8.1 ft-lbs Impact energy & 14.3 lbs – Best performing rotary hammer in its class!
#6. Makita HR2475 1″ Rotary Hammer, Accepts Sds-Plus Bits
The Makita HR2475 1″ Rotary Hammer is packing a powerful 7-amp motor that provides a range of 0-4,500 RPM so that you can take on tough projects with no issues. It comes with a torque-limiting clutch that is designed to minimize the possibility of gear damage during operation.
It also has a 4-bit angle setting that allows you to set your drill bits at different positions with ease.
Makita's versatile HR2475 1-inch Rotary Hammer (Accepts SDS-PLUS) delivers more efficient hitting in a compact size for faster, more productive work.
#7 Bosch RH228VC 1-1/8-Inch SDS-plus Rotary Hammer
The Bosch RH228VC 1-1/8-Inch SDS-plus Rotary Hammer is equipped with an 8-amp motor that delivers up to 2.4 ft.-lbs. Of total impact force, which allows you to increase drilling efficiency and performance.
It also has an SDS-plus Bulldog Xtreme Max Rotary feature that makes it easy for you to change the position of your drill bit into 40 different angles. It also has an integrated clutch that allows you to minimize overall torque kickback when working. Check it out here on Amazon.
#8 SKIL 6445-04 7.0 Amp 1/2 In. Hammer Drill
The SKIL 6445-04 7.0 Amp 1/2 In. Hammer Drill comes equipped with a 7.0 amp motor, which allows you to drill through various materials of all lengths. It also comes with a side assist handle that makes it easy for you to control the movement of the drill during use.
This drill even has a variable speed trigger features that make it easy for you to control the power of your drill at any given moment. Check out the SKIL 6445-04 latest price.
#9 TACKLIFE 1/2-Inch Electric Drill
The TACKLIFE 1/2-Inch Electric Drill has an integrated 0-2,800 RPM maximum motor configuration, which makes it an optimal choice for working on tough material projects. Is also has a variable speed trigger and a reverse switch, which acts as a safety mechanism in the event of any issues during drilling.
This drill is also outfitted with a 360-degree rotating auxiliary handle that has an integrated metal chuck, which allows you to easily change the positioning of the tool. Here is a listing of the TACKLIFE 1/2-Inch Electric Drill
#10 BLACK+DECKER Hammer Drill
The BLACK+DECKER Hammer Drill comes with integrated side handles and a depth adjustment rod, which makes it easy for you to switch up the way that you drill holes in materials.
It also has a grip feature, which makes it easier for you to control the tool. This drill was designed for taking on rough materials like brick and concrete. The BLACK+DECKER Hammer Drill can be found here.
This 6.0-Amp 1/2-Inch Hammer Drill is powerful and compact to handle tough tasks in tight spaces. The hammer action provides power and speed to drill into brick and concrete. It has a 1/2-Inch all metal keyless chuck for easy bit changes and maximum grip.
#11 Makita XPH07Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 1/2″ Hammer Driver-Drill
The Makita XPH07Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 1/2″ Hammer Driver-Drill is equipped with a BL brushless motor that provides up to 1,090 in. Lbs. Maximum torque power. It also has a 3-stage LED light indicator which alerts you of your current battery charge level.
This drill is even outfitted with an ergonomic design, which makes it easy to hold and operate over extended periods of time. Makita XPH07Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 1/2″ Hammer Driver-Drill
This 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 1/2" Hammer Driver-Drill works for the most demanding drilling and driving applications in wood, masonry and metal. Get the Makita Motor advantage as this power tool is loaded with features that deliver the most efficient transfer of energy for more power and durability, without a discomforting noise
#12 CACOOP 20V Electric Cordless Hammer Drill
The CACOOP 20V Electric Cordless Hammer Drill comes with an integrated 20V lithium battery, which is capable of delivering up to 2000 mAh of maximum power during operation.
This drill is also packing 442 of total torque power, which gives you more than enough efficiency to drill through a variety of different materials. CACOOP 20V Electric Cordless Hammer Drill
#13 Makita XDT15ZB 18V LXT
The Makita XDT15ZB 18V LXT has a variable speed rating of 3,000-3,900 RPM, which is more than enough power for you to take on tough projects and work materials.
It also weighs a total of 2.6lbs, which makes it a very lightweight tool option that you can easily carry around virtually anywhere that you go. Makita XDT15ZB 18V LXT
Do more with less. The Makita 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Sub-Compact Brushless Cordless Impact Driver (model XDT15ZB, tool only, battery sold separately) is an ultra-compact fastening solution with significantly less weight.
#14 TACKLIFE PID04A Corded Drill Driver
The TACKLIFE PID04A Corded Drill Driver has an integrated variable motor that has two separate speed ranges providing a total of 510-1,800 max RPM.
This drill was designed for high precision material working and has a 20+ positioning configuration which makes it easy for you to work on materials from all angles. TACKLIFE PID04A Corded Drill Driver
#15 TEENO 6.0-Amp 1/2-Inch Hammer Drill
The TEENO 6.0-Amp 1/2-Inch Hammer Drill has a variable speed configuration that is capable of producing 0-3,400 RPM so that you have total control over the type of materials you work with.
It also comes with a side handle and a 360-degree swivel option which allows you to work on materials from all different angles. TEENO 6.0-Amp 1/2-Inch Hammer Drill
#16 Toolman Electric Power Drill Driver
The Toolman Electric Power Drill Driver provides up to 14-amp of power that delivers a maximum of 1700W of drilling-power. It also has 3 separate functions and modes that you can engage to change up your work style, which adds versatility to the overall design of the drill.
This drill option also has a 360-degree adjustment handle which makes it easy for you to adjust the positioning and angle of the drill at any time. Toolman Electric Power Drill Driver
#17 XtremepowerUS 1″ Inch 8 Amp Drill/Driver SDS Rotary Hammer
The XtremepowerUS 1″ Inch 8 Amp Drill/Driver SDS Rotary Hammer has a maximum power rating of 850 RPM which is very strong. This drill also comes with several different drilling modes and has an impact-resistant storage case which allows you to safely store your tools when not in use.
It even has a flexible handle that swivels in full 360-degree motion for ultimate versatility. XtremepowerUS 1″ Inch 8 Amp Drill/Driver SDS Rotary Hammer
#18 Huepar 20V Brushless Cordless SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer Drill
The Huepar 20V Brushless Cordless SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer Drill is capable of producing 0-1,000 RPM of total power. It also has a multi-function design which allows you to adjust the chisel angle in addition to allowing you to switch operating modes for enhanced performance.
This drill is compact, light, and easy to use which makes it the perfect option for any serious material worker. Huepar 20V Brushless Cordless SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer Drill
#19 Bosch RH328VC 1-1/8-Inch SDS Rotary Hammer
The Bosch RH328VC 1-1/8-Inch SDS Rotary Hammer only weighs 7.7lbs which makes it very lightweight. It also has an 8-amp motor which delivers up to 2.6 ft.-lbs of total impact torque. This drill also comes with a vibration control setting so that you can reduce kickback while stabilizing your overall grip.
One of the really cools features is that it has dual air chambers which makes it easy for you to collect dust that may be produced from your material working projects. Bosch RH328VC 1-1/8-Inch SDS Rotary Hammer
FAQ’s
By now, you know everything that there is to know as far as it relates to what hammer drills were designed for and who benefits primarily from using them on various types of projects. However, you still may have some questions that we didn’t cover in this guide yet and that’s why this section is here.
Below, we’re going to answer some of the most commonly asked questions that people have when buying and using hammer drills. Make sure that you read this entire section in full so that you will be able to make an educated decision about which hammer drill configuration is best for your intended purposes.
Can a hammer drill break through concrete?
Yes, hammer drills are capable of drilling through solid concrete in small areas, they act similar to jackhammers however they are a lot less powerful than them.
What bits are compatible with hammer drills?
Hammer drills are compatible with a wide range of different drill bits all depending on the specific make and model that you purchase. Every bit that you can attach to a hammer drill will provide you with specific uses such as making incisions in material or cutting precise shapes.
Which hammer drills configuration is best?
The best hammer drill configuration for your desired needs will all depend on the type of project that you’re working on and what needs you have for it. Now that we’ve answered some of the most commonly asked questions many people have about hammer drills, it’s time to take a look at our top recommendations that you can choose from on the market today.
The DEWALT Hammer Drill features a lightweight design, so it is easier to handle for prolonged hours of work. Also, It has a 360-degree handle and a powerful motor - You definitely can't go wrong with this one!
Conclusion
Use all of the information we’ve included in this guide to help you make an educated decision about which hammer drill option is best for your intended use and project needs. By reviewing each section in this guide and applying them to your personal situation, you will be able to determine which features you need most out of your hammer drill in no time.
