7 Best Hammer Drills on the Market Today
A hammer drill is definitely a bit more than your average construction or power tool. And once you get the hang of it, you’ll realize how indispensable it truly is. In the age of do-it-yourself and intriguing mechanics, a hammer drill is a great tool to have at your disposal. If you want to embark […]
A hammer drill is definitely a bit more than your average construction or power tool.
And once you get the hang of it, you’ll realize how indispensable it truly is. In the age of do-it-yourself and intriguing mechanics, a hammer drill is a great tool to have at your disposal.
If you want to embark on a large-scale home renovation, or just fix and polish the old, dusty furniture, a decent hammer drill becomes a must-addition to your toolbox.
But the worst part is, you’re bound to get lost among the vast number of options laid out in front of you, once you google ‘The Best Hammer Drills’! And equally confusing are the Amazon reviews.
So, to make your life easier, we’ve come up with a list of the 7 best hammer drills, as well as a detailed guide that tells you how to make a perfect choice.
Therefore, without any further delay, let’s jump into the details.
Experience
The best part about Dewalt products is everything is durable about them, from the accompanying carry cases to the very intricate details of the product. Likewise, the DWD520K comes with a durable carry case, which is not very heavy, allowing you to carry the drill in any construction site of your choice.
Coming to its features, the drill has a robust 10-amp motor that can offer up to 50% more power and overload protection. It reduces any chance of a short-circuit within the all-metal gear and also prevents its overheating during heavy usage.
One aspect that really impressed us is its dual-mode feature with which you can easily swap between an ordinary drill and a hammer drill. This increases its versatility immensely, as you can use it over a lot of delicate surfaces like wood, which won’t be able to handle the power of the hammer drill.
Finally, the dual-speed technology ranges between 0 – 1200 RPM/ 0-3,500 RPM, which further enhances your workflow and control over the product.
However, despite coming with a 360-degree locking side handle, the drill isn’t lightweight enough, and it might leave you with a strained hand after heavy usage.
Experience
The 11255VSR comes with a 7.5-amp motor, which we agree isn’t much, but this hammer drill performs exceptionally well even with these specs. It can produce two variable speeds of 0 – 1300 RPM and 0 – 5500 RPM, making the drill a lot more versatile to tackle any kind of surface.
Moreover, we were quite impressed by its impact energy of 2 lbs/ft, which, when compared to the capacity of the motor, is pretty great. With this hammer drill, you can smoothly perform many rigorous construction tasks such as anchoring and the breaking of some very sturdy materials. It also includes some delicate tasks such as drilling on wood, and working on intricately designed furniture without damaging any part of it. We want to point out the remarkable feats this device can achieve with the minimum specs!
And the feature we are most proud of is its D-handle. This is a wonderful addition to the triple-operation drill that makes its horizontal and vertical handling a cakewalk, making it perfect for all tight spaces. Talking about its triple operation, you can swap among three options: the all-combined rotary hammer, only rotary, and only hammer.
However, despite some awesome features, we found many user reviews that claimed it doesn’t work well on concrete. Concrete is exceptionally hardy but very commonly available, and not producing great results on that surface, hit our impression of the product a couple of notches down!
Experience
The XPH012 is the perfect combination that you could ask for from a hammer drill. It’s surprisingly lightweight, weighing only 4 lbs, and also comes with a powerful 4-pole motor that delivers a maximum speed of 1,500 RPM. You must note that this isn’t a professional-grade tool, but one that best suits household jobs and weekend DIY projects.
Coming to its features, the 4-pole motor can deliver a maximum torque of 480 lbs, and due to its lightweight design, the overall power consumption of the device is low. It’s also able to generate two variable speed ranges of 0 – 440 and 0 – 1500 RPM, suiting a whole lot of jobs on most surfaces. If you have a fragile object to work on that demands time and patience, Makita is the king in that arena because the ergonomic design of the model allows you to work for a longer span of time without any strain.
Furthermore, its cordless feature and an attached LED light make the model all the more accessible to DIY’ers. We understand that getting the hang of certain tools takes time, and Makita will perfectly help you with that.
But let us reiterate it again. It is not a professional-grade hammer drill. So, despite a great battery and robust motor, it lacks the performance of corded hammer drills.
Experience
We liked the fact that Ryobi focuses on getting first-timers an authentic drilling experience with minimum slippage and utmost convenience. This is ensured by the unique, convenient handle and cordless model with a powerful battery. In the arena of semi-professional tools, we’ve come across very few hammer drills that are equally convenient and can deliver a power-packed performance.
Moreover, the hammer drill/driver combination further eases the drilling experience of a DIY’er. The clutch override allows quick swapping between drilling and driving, and the 24-position clutch can tackle most high-torque applications with perfect ease. And all of this is enhanced by the maximum motor speed of 1600 RPM and 24000 BPM. So, the product strives hard for a comfortable working experience with the least of errors.
And to add to your comfort, the improved Grip zone on the main handle provides optimum grip, allowing you to work through long spans of time without straining your hand. However, we felt that if this is a product dedicated to DIY’ers, they could have included a speed-lock switch and a more versatile chuck to cover a wide array of drill bits.
Experience
Starting with convenience, the model comes with two handles. One is the D-handle, as mentioned before, and the other is a vertical handle that allows you to apply greater pressure without losing precision or focus from the hole-drilling area. And to be honest, very few cater to the health standards of the people who work with these power tools. Bosch stands far apart from most mainstream models with its minimal creation of dust.
It’s a great feature to have in a hammer drill because, in the long run, it would prevent fatal diseases like silicosis.
Moving on to its core features, the drill boasts of a massive 13-amp motor that can dish out 8.1 lbs of impact energy, enough to drill perfect 1-inch holes in concrete. Moreover, if you have a look at the active vibration control button, it acts alongside superior soft gripping to provide you with maximum user comfort.
And this drill can also maintain its determined speed under immense workload due to its constant response circuitry, while its turbo power ensures 20% better performance than the drills of its class.
Experience
Frankly speaking, this model is the best out of all the hammer drills we’ve reviewed so far. And we have good reasons for that. We were quite lucky that Dewalt sent us a sample of this model to review, and we were simply amazed at the output.
The product comes with a German-engineered brushless motor that makes this cordless device as powerful as the mainstream corded drills. It’s battery-run and supports a consistent performance of over 2 hours on a single charge. This extended performance time freed us of the hassle of changing batteries, and that’s a major deal-clincher.
What we also loved about this drill was its immense attention to safety and convenience. Besides great performance, its trademarked ‘Shocks’ absorbs and reduces vibrations down to 6.6 ms^2. It not only helps with the strain of your hand but saves them from nerve damage in the long run.
As this device is a rotary hammer drill, it isn’t as fast as the other driver drills and reaches a maximum of 1100 RPM with an impact of 2.1 joules. But this is enough for concrete drilling from 5/32” up to an inch, while the SDS+ chuck increases versatility as it can accommodate most kinds of drill bits.
Experience
Eneacro has made a distinct mark in the field of power tools because it understands the market really well and designs its products accordingly. This powerful addition to its long list of wonderful products will only reinforce your workspace with its versatility and lasting build.
Moving on to its features, the drill sports a massive 13-amp motor that has a wattage of 1500 W. And it’s no spoiler that the drill’s impact energy will impress you with a powerful 6 ft./lbs, and its 4 different functionalities are a sheer pleasure to work with. They allow you to drill, hammer, chisel, and hammer drill, and the double-switch facility will enable you to swap between the modes as and when required quickly.
Coming to the efficient dust collection system, it always leads to a smooth and clean surface, while also protecting your eyes from unwanted debris. Furthermore, to add to your safety, the safety clutch protection prevents overloading of the machine, and the Vibration Damping Technology significantly reduces injury during working. Add to this the convenient 360-degree rotating handle and painless drilling is right at your doorstep!
However, many have complained about the brushes of the powerful motor being of poor quality. That’s why they need to be changed frequently after a month of heavy usage.
Best Hammer Drills
1. DEWALT DWD520K 120-volt Corded Hammer Drill
One of the most renowned companies in the industry of power tools, products of Dewalt never compromise on performance, quality, and durability. The DWD520K belongs to this legacy of the company that delivers great performance with outstanding ease of use. Let’s see how this corded drill can make a mark with all its features.
DEWALT Hammer Drill Kit, 1/2-Inch, 10-Amp, Pistol Grip...
- 10 amp motor of DEWALT hammer drill delivers increased...
- Patented DEWALT-built motor design generates 50% more power...
Pros
- Variable speed technology
- Powerful motor
- Dual-mode switch
- Versatile
- 360-degree-lock side handle
Cons
- Quite heavy
2. Bosch 11255VSR BULLDOG Xtreme Rotary Hammer Drill
If you haven’t heard about this company before, let us tell you this: it’s the ‘Bosch’ of all power tools! Jokes apart, the 11255VSR has in its very title all the qualities you could ask for. Its long-lasting build will easily tackle all your construction jobs. And with this drill by your side, you can stop worrying about getting a clean, undamaged surface with a perfectly drilled hole.
BOSCH 11255VSR Bulldog Xtreme 8 Amp 1 Inch Corded Variable...
- 3 MODES: multi-function selector offers 3 modes of...
- EASE OF USE: vibration control for comfort in all day...
Pros
- 3 modes of operation
- Variable speed with trigger
- Great power
- D-handle
- Good speed
Cons
- Doesn’t work great on concrete
3. Makita XPH012 18V Hammer Drill
One of the best combinations that make a hammer drill totally irresistible is a lightweight model that also comes with superior performance. This is why we’ve proudly included the XPH012 Hammer Drill in our list. Its manufacturer is Makita, and we got very little to say about the legacy of its products, which has always been exceptional.
Makita XPH012 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 1/2” Hammer...
- Makita-built 4-pole motor delivers 480 in.lbs. of Max Torque
- Variable 2-speed design (0-400 & 0-1,500 RPM) for a wide...
Pros
- Lightweight
- Fast charging battery
- Has an LED light
- Can be used as a driver and drill
Cons
- Not a professional tool
4. Ryobi ONE+ 1/2 in Hammer Drill
Ryobi is one of those brands that are known for its minimalistic designs, excellent performance, and streamlined bodies of its products. The ONE+ hammer drill is another superb tool for amateurs and casual hobbyists who can do with lesser speeds but prefer a good battery life. Let’s get into the nitty-gritty.
Ryobi P214 One+ 18 Volt Lithium Ion 1/2 Inch 600 Pound...
- Product will either come in original packaging that is in...
- 1/2 in. all-metal, keyless, ratcheting chuck for increased...
Pros
- Great battery life
- High speed
- Best suits amateurs
- Improved handling
- Hammer drilling/driving possible
Cons
- Not strong enough for all surfaces
- Chuck isn’t that versatile
5. Bosch 11264EVS 1-5/8 SDS-Max Combination Hammer
Well, the Bosch has arrived again, and this time it’s back with a professional hammer drill, which casual users will also love. This trailblazing model is so much more than ordinary hammer drills, as it comes with a unique D-handle for great convenience, a surprisingly lightweight model, and exceptional power.
Sale
BOSCH 11264EVS 1-5/8 SDS-Max Combination Hammer, Blue
- Combination Hammer
- Max. Hole Diameter in Concrete- 1-5/8 Inches. Max. Hole...
Pros
- Massive power
- Great handling
- Dust prevention technology
- Works perfectly on concrete
- Works great under a workload
Cons
- Nothing substantial
6. DEWALT DCH273B Hammer Drill
If the previous model from Dewalt was a professional’s choice, it’s hard to term this one because it suits all. And the best part is, the DCH273B delivers as much power as its corded counterparts, and goes on to give you the best-drilled holes with minimum pressure, and a superb dust collection mechanism. Let’s skim through these features one by one.
Sale
DEWALT 20V MAX SDS Rotary Hammer Drill, Cordless, 3...
- Cordless hammer drill has 2.1 Joules of impact energy for...
- SHOCKS ACTIVE VIBRATION CONTROL System of DEWALT 20V hammer...
Pros
- Brushless motor
- As powerful as corded drills
- Long-lasting battery
- Shock absorbing facility
- Decent impact energy
Cons
- Low speed
7. ENEACRO 1-1/4 Inch SDS-Plus 13 Amp Heavy Duty Rotary Hammer Drill
After a whole lot of bridge products, we thought of including an excellent professional hammer drill from Eneacro, that’s so much more than a collection of high-end features. Its attention to safety, compactness, convenience, and speed, makes it an all-rounder hammer drill suitable for all kinds of heavy-duty work.
Sale
ENEACRO 1-1/4 Inch SDS-Plus 12.5 Amp Heavy Duty Rotary...
- ✔️【POWERFUL MOTOR】 12.5Amp industrial motor with 5.2...
- ✔️【HUMANIZATION DESIGN】 Safety clutch protection...
Pros
- Vibration Damping Technology
- 360-degree rotatable handle
- Safety clutch protection
- Powerful motor
- 4 different functionalities
Cons
- Overheating
- Brushes of poor quality
Buying Guide For The Best Hammer Drill
We believe these 11 hammer drills will suffice for all kinds of work, as we selected them, keeping in mind all sorts of people who use hammer drills. It’s important to remember that the same tool that satisfies a casual DIY’er may not cater to all the precise needs of a professional construction worker. And it may so happen that these carefully chosen products couldn’t suit your needs. For an off chance like this, we have got you covered with a definitive buyer’s guide to help you out with the dilemma of choosing the right hammer drill. So, here are a few pointers to keep in mind:Understanding the difference between the drills
Here’s the fundamental question to ask: if all drills can drill a hole, why the heck should we look for a standard drill or hammer drill separately? Well, both of them can indeed make the required holes, but a hammer drill does it more efficiently. Instead, it’s doubly efficient. And hammer drills can dig through concrete with a bit of pressure due to its huge impact energy, but a standard drill would fail miserably at that. And then there are many hammer drills that also act as impact drivers. But there’s a basic functionality difference between the two, and amateur workers often make the mistake of going for a driver instead of a drill. Well, a hammer drill is dedicated to drilling holes, while an impact driver is primarily used to install and remove nuts and bolts. No one can replace each other, and if you really want a slice of both in one, you gotta go for the 2-in-1 models mentioned in the list. And finally, there’s the rotary drill and the hammer drill. These belong to the same class of tools and differ in some aspects. Rotary drills are usually larger than hammer drills, and the former also comes with an SDS chuck, unlike the hammer drills that sport a 3-jaw chuck. Rotary hammers can tackle some of the hardest substances, such as concrete and masonry. Many models overlap between the two kinds, which in our opinion, are the best ones to go for, although to do that, your budget could hit the ceiling.Classifying hammer drills based on the type of work
Light-duty hammer drills
These are the drills that come with motors within the range of 6 – 8 amps and come in both forms, corded and cordless. The cordless ones are more expensive, but they come in handy during light DIY projects, which don’t consume much power but take a lot of roaming around. Mostly, they can bore a hole up to half an inch width into mortar and brick. They aren’t a great choice if you gotta drill through concrete, which is where the heavy-duty hammer drills come into play.Heavy-duty hammer drills
When you’re looking at motors within the range of 7 – 10 amps, you can expect these models to dig through more sturdy materials and make at least a hole of ⅝ of an inch in concrete. To cater to a lot of industry-style works, they also come heavily loaded with features that focus on reducing your work strain and also enhance the performance of the drill.Rotary drills
In our opinion, it’s best to go for rotary drills, if what you’re looking for is a high-grade professional tool. Despite being more expensive than the hammers, they come loaded with a lot of features that give you a neat output every time, and you never gotta worry about the product’s shelf-life. Here are some of the final points to note while going for a hammer drill: Check whether the drill has a vibration control feature. It leads to a significant reduction of strain on your hands during heavy-duty work. Forward and reverse motions help you with a cleaner drill every time as you can quickly bunk out of the hole in opposite motion. Also, look for the kickback control, which automatically pauses the machine when a bit is stuck or jammed, as that increases the longevity of the product. Don’t go for any drill that doesn’t support variable speed technology. We mean to say, it’s pretty basic! And finally, don’t go light on the dust extraction method of a hammer drill. When there’s a whole lot of debris on the work surface, it takes a hell lot of effort to have an efficient workflow without any cleaning mechanism at hand.
