Ever tried to hang a heavy shelf or build a sturdy fence and found your regular drill just wasn’t cutting it? That’s where the mighty hammer drill steps in, ready to tackle tougher jobs. But with so many different types and features, picking the perfect one can feel like navigating a maze.
Choosing the wrong hammer drill can lead to frustration, wasted money, and unfinished projects. You might end up with a drill that’s too weak for your concrete or too powerful and difficult to control. This post is here to help you avoid those headaches. We’ll break down what makes a hammer drill tick, so you can confidently choose the right tool for any task.
By the end of this guide, you’ll understand the key differences between hammer drills and regular drills, know what features to look for, and feel ready to make a smart purchase. Let’s dive in and discover how to unlock the power of the hammer drill for your next DIY adventure.
Our Top 5 Hammer Drills Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Hammer Drills Detailed Reviews
1. GLORITY 1-1/4 Inch SDS-Plus 13 Amp Heavy Duty Rotary Hammer Drill with Safety Clutch 4 Functions and Variable Speed
Rating: 9.1/10
Tackle tough jobs with the GLORITY 1-1/4 Inch SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer Drill. This powerful tool is built for serious work, like breaking through concrete or drilling into tough materials. It’s designed to make your projects easier and more efficient, whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a seasoned pro.
What We Like:
- Powerful Motor: The 13AMP motor delivers a strong 7.4 joules of impact energy, making quick work of concrete, masonry, and metal. It runs at up to 930 RPM and 4500 BPM, so you can finish your heavy-duty projects faster. The all-copper motor is built to last, even during long work sessions, preventing overheating.
- 4 Functions: Easily switch between four modes: Hammer for concrete and brick, Drill for wood, plastic, or metal, Hammer Drill for heavy-duty tasks, and Chisel Adjustment to set the chisel angle for different jobs. The dual switch design adds an extra layer of safety.
- Efficient Drilling: The SDS-plus chuck makes changing drill bits quick and secure, so they won’t fall out. The 360° rotatable handle helps you reach different angles easily. Its aluminum alloy housing is strong and durable. It can drill up to 1-1/4 inches in concrete, 1-1/2 inches in metal, and 1-3/4 inches in wood.
- User-Friendly Design: Enjoy precise control with 6-speed adjustments for drilling and chiseling. The vibration-dampening system reduces arm and wrist fatigue, making it more comfortable to use. The safety clutch protects the motor from overload and prevents accidents, extending the tool’s life.
- Complete Accessory Kit: Get everything you need in one package. It includes the rotary hammer, various SDS-plus drill bits and chisels, an auxiliary handle, replacement carbon brushes, grease, a dust cap, a carrying case, a depth gauge, a wrench, and a user manual.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the tool is heavy-duty, some users might find the initial learning curve for the four functions slightly challenging.
- The included carrying case is functional, but for extended professional use, a more robust, reinforced case might be preferred for added protection.
This GLORITY rotary hammer drill offers impressive power and versatility for demanding tasks. Its comprehensive accessory kit makes it a great value for anyone tackling concrete and masonry work.
2. DEWALT 20V MAX SDS Plus Rotary Hammer Drill
Rating: 9.2/10
Tackle tough concrete jobs with the DEWALT 20V MAX SDS Plus Rotary Hammer Drill. This cordless tool makes drilling fast and efficient. Its lightweight design is perfect for many tasks, like hanging rods or mounting cable trays. The powerful brushless motor and German-engineered mechanism ensure it performs well and lasts longer. Plus, the SHOCKS vibration control system makes it more comfortable to use by reducing the shaking you feel. It’s also OSHA table 1 compliant when you use it with specific dust collection accessories, helping you work safely.
What We Like:
- Drills concrete quickly with its 1.4 joules of impact energy.
- It’s lightweight, making it easy to handle for tasks like rod hanging and strut mounting.
- The brushless motor and German-engineered parts deliver great performance and runtime.
- The SHOCKS active vibration control system significantly reduces user fatigue.
- Meets OSHA table 1 standards when used with the DWH200D shroud and DWH161D1 dust extractor for safety.
- A simple mode selector lets you easily switch between drilling and hammer drilling.
What Could Be Improved:
- The “Tool Only” designation means you’ll need to buy batteries and a charger separately.
- While lightweight, prolonged use in very demanding applications might still be tiring for some users.
This DEWALT rotary hammer drill is a solid choice for professionals and serious DIYers. It offers a great balance of power, comfort, and safety features for a variety of concrete applications.
3. SundpeyPRO 21V Cordless Hammer Drill – 1060In·lbs Brushless Drill Set with 2 x 4.0Ah Battery – 20+3 Torque Battery Drills 2150RPM Power Drills 1/2″ Chuck Electric Drill for Drilling Wood Bricks Metal
Rating: 9.3/10
The SundpeyPRO 21V Cordless Hammer Drill is a powerful and versatile tool designed for a wide range of DIY and professional tasks. It boasts a robust brushless motor, two high-capacity batteries, and multiple settings for precise control. This drill is built to handle everything from simple screw driving to drilling into tough materials like brick and metal, making it a valuable addition to any toolbox.
What We Like:
- The 21V upgraded brushless motor delivers impressive power, reaching 1060 In·lbs of torque for stable and efficient performance.
- Two 4.0Ah lithium-ion batteries and a fast charger ensure you have plenty of power for extended work sessions, eliminating battery anxiety.
- With two speed gears (0-600RPM and 0-2150RPM) and a 20+1+1+1 position clutch, you can easily adjust settings for various tasks, from delicate screwing to powerful drilling.
- The drill includes a 1/2″ self-locking metal chuck for secure bit changes and an auxiliary handle for added stability and comfort.
- Integrated LED light and a compact, lightweight design (4.14 lbs) make it easy to work in dimly lit areas and reduce hand fatigue.
- The drill comes with a comprehensive set of high-speed steel drill bits, socket sets, and screwdriver bits, offering great value right out of the box.
- Built-in overload protection for both the motor and battery enhances safety and prolongs the tool’s lifespan.
What Could Be Improved:
- The speed gear switching can be a bit confusing initially, requiring users to push the switch in the opposite direction of the displayed letter.
- While the battery life is decent at around 2 hours of no-load use, heavier tasks might drain them faster, requiring frequent recharging.
Overall, the SundpeyPRO 21V Cordless Hammer Drill is a strong contender for those seeking a reliable and feature-rich power tool. Its performance, included accessories, and safety features make it a worthwhile investment for both beginners and experienced users.
4. DEWALT 20V MAX Hammer Drill
Rating: 8.9/10
The DEWALT 20V MAX Hammer Drill (DCD805B) is a powerful and compact tool designed to tackle tough jobs. Its cordless and brushless design means you get more power and freedom to move around your workspace. This drill is built for professionals and DIYers who need a reliable tool for drilling and hammering tasks.
What We Like:
- It delivers up to 40% more power than older models when used with specific DEWALT batteries, helping you finish challenging projects faster.
- Its compact size, at 7 inches long, makes it easy to reach tight spaces that larger drills can’t.
- The 1/2-inch metal chuck holds drill bits securely, so they won’t slip.
- You have great control with its two speed settings (0-650 and 0-2,000 RPM) and a variable trigger.
- The bright 70-lumen LED light helps you see in dark areas, and the spotlight mode is handy for detailed work.
What Could Be Improved:
- This is a “bare tool only” purchase, meaning you need to buy the battery and charger separately.
- The LED spotlight mode has a 20-minute auto-shutoff, which might be too short for some extended tasks.
This DEWALT hammer drill is a strong contender for anyone needing a versatile and powerful cordless drill. Its compact design and impressive power make it a valuable addition to any toolkit.
5. ENEACRO 1-1/4 Inch SDS-Plus 13 Amp Heavy Duty Rotary Hammer Drill
Rating: 9.0/10
Tackle your toughest projects with the ENEACRO 1-1/4 Inch SDS-Plus 13 Amp Heavy Duty Rotary Hammer Drill. This powerful tool is built for demanding jobs, from breaking through concrete to drilling into brick. It comes packed with features to make your work easier and safer.
What We Like:
- It has a super strong 13 Amp motor that delivers 5.5 feet /lbs of impact energy. This means it can handle heavy-duty concrete work with ease.
- The motor is made with heat-resistant copper wire. This lets you work for longer periods without it getting too hot.
- You get four handy functions: drill only, hammer only, hammer drill, and chisel. You can easily switch between them for different jobs.
- A safety clutch is built in to protect your wrist from strong forces.
- The 360° adjustable handle makes it comfortable to hold and maneuver in any position.
- It has a special system that reduces vibration, so you won’t get as tired.
- The kit includes everything you need: drill bits, chisels, grease, a dust cap, and a sturdy carrying case.
- The SDS-Plus chuck makes changing bits quick and secure.
- It has a good drilling capacity for concrete (1.25 inch) and metal (0.5 inch).
What Could Be Improved:
- The bare machine weight is 12.58 Lbs, which might be a bit heavy for some users during extended use.
- While it comes with a case, the overall shipping weight is 18.1 Lbs, so consider storage space.
This ENEACRO rotary hammer drill is a robust and versatile tool that comes with a comprehensive set of accessories. It’s a solid choice for both professionals and serious DIYers looking for a reliable hammer drill.
Choosing Your Perfect Hammer Drill: A Buyer’s Guide
Hammer drills are super useful tools. They help you drill holes in tough materials like concrete and brick. This guide will help you pick the best one for your needs.
What to Look For: Key Features
Power and Speed
Hammer drills have motors. A more powerful motor means it can drill through harder stuff. Look for watts (W) for corded drills or volts (V) for cordless ones. Higher numbers are usually better. Speed is also important. Most hammer drills have variable speed. This lets you control how fast the drill spins. A good speed range is from 0 to around 3,000 revolutions per minute (RPM).
Hammering Action (Impact Rate)
This is what makes a hammer drill special. It adds a hammering motion while it spins. This breaks up tough materials. The impact rate is measured in blows per minute (BPM). More BPM means faster drilling in hard surfaces. Look for drills with a BPM of at least 30,000.
Chuck Type
The chuck holds the drill bit. There are two main types: keyed and keyless. Keyless chucks are easier to use. You just twist them to tighten or loosen bits. Keyed chucks need a special wrench. They offer a stronger grip, but they are slower to change bits.
Corded vs. Cordless
Corded hammer drills plug into the wall. They offer unlimited power and are usually cheaper. However, you are limited by the cord’s length. Cordless hammer drills run on batteries. They give you freedom to move around. Make sure to check the battery voltage and amp-hours (Ah) for power and run time.
Ergonomics and Comfort
You will be holding this tool. It should feel good in your hand. Look for a comfortable grip. Some drills have an extra handle. This helps you control the drill better, especially when drilling into hard surfaces.
Materials That Matter
Most hammer drills have a strong plastic or metal casing. Metal casings are more durable. The motor inside is usually made of copper for good performance. The chuck is often made of steel for strength.
What Makes a Hammer Drill Great (or Not So Great)?
Quality Boosters
- Powerful motor: Drills through tough materials easily.
- High BPM: Faster drilling in concrete and brick.
- Variable speed: Better control for different jobs.
- Good grip and balance: Comfortable to use for longer periods.
- Durable construction: Lasts longer.
Quality Reducers
- Weak motor: Struggles with hard materials.
- Low BPM: Slow drilling.
- Only one speed: Less control.
- Poor grip: Uncomfortable and harder to control.
- Cheap plastic: Breaks easily.
User Experience and Use Cases
Hammer drills are perfect for DIYers and professionals. You can use them to hang shelves on brick walls. They help you install cabinets in concrete basements. They are also great for drilling holes for anchors in stone. If you only need to drill into wood or drywall, a regular drill will do. But for anything harder, a hammer drill is your best friend.
Hammer Drill FAQs
Q: What is the main difference between a hammer drill and a regular drill?
A: A hammer drill has a hammering action that helps it drill into hard materials like concrete. A regular drill only spins.
Q: Do I need a hammer drill if I only do light DIY?
A: If you only drill into wood or drywall, a regular drill is fine. But if you ever need to drill into brick or concrete, a hammer drill is much better.
Q: What does BPM mean?
A: BPM stands for Blows Per Minute. It tells you how many times the drill hammers each minute. More BPM means faster drilling in hard surfaces.
Q: Are cordless hammer drills as powerful as corded ones?
A: Modern cordless hammer drills are very powerful. Their power depends on the battery voltage and motor quality.
Q: How do I choose the right drill bit for my hammer drill?
A: Use masonry drill bits for concrete and brick. They have a special tip designed for these materials.
Q: Can I use a hammer drill for regular drilling jobs?
A: Yes, you can turn off the hammer action on most hammer drills. Then they work like regular drills.
Q: How much should I expect to spend on a good hammer drill?
A: You can find decent hammer drills starting around $50. Higher-quality ones with more features can cost $100 or more.
Q: What is a chuck, and why is it important?
A: The chuck holds the drill bit. A good chuck grips the bit tightly so it doesn’t slip while drilling.
Q: How important is the weight of a hammer drill?
A: Weight is important for comfort. A lighter drill is easier to handle, especially when working overhead or for long periods.
Q: What kind of maintenance do hammer drills need?
A: Keep them clean. Make sure the drill bits are sharp. Store them in a dry place.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.