Anyone who needs to install wall plugs, concrete screws or put down anchor bolts will probably want to get themselves a hammer drill. That’s because hammering drills are the exact tool for these types of applications and allow the user to drill through hard materials such as brick, masonry or concrete with ease. It’s also a tool that I believe belongs in every homeowner’s garage because you never know when you are going to need to do masonry or concrete work. Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to find the best hammer drill available and that’s why I went ahead and listed what I consider to be the top ten best hammer drill units that any homeowner or contractor would be happy to own.
10. Black & Decker DR670
Delivering up to 2,800 RPM and 48,000 BPM, this Black & Decker tool has the power needed to drill right into brick and concrete. Power isn’t the only thing this tool has going for it though. It also has a few other features which make it a useful tool for DIYers, homeowners, and contractors to put in their tool collections. It has a side handle and depth rod feature, has a grip design that makes it comfortable to hold and has a 1/2-inch all-metal key-less chuck. It also has variable speed control and is well balanced so it’s easy to use for tough projects.
9. SKIL 6445-04
This product has evidently had quite a bit of research put into it because it appears to have the features that one would need out of this type of drill. It’s equipped with a powerful 7-Amp motor that produces up to 3,000 RPM and has a variable speed control trigger that allows the user to control the speed of drilling. It’s also equipped with a 1/2-inch keyed chuck that can easily use large diameter bits for woodworking or cutting and has a side handle that gives the user the control they need over their drilling. It’s a tough SKIL drill that’s designed for heavy-duty applications.
8. Porter Cable PCC620B
This cordless model manufactured by Porter Cable has the power needed to work on masonry, concrete, wood or metal. While it’s not sold with a battery, which has to be sold separately, it does have a few other features that make it a fairly powerful tool. It has a 2-speed gearbox that can produce either 0 to 400 RPMs or 0 to 1,600 RPMs and also delivers up to 27,200 BPMs. With a 1/2-inch metal ratcheting chuck and with twenty-three clutch settings, this tool is not only powerful but also versatile as well. And as if that wasn’t enough, it’s also equipped with an LED light to illuminate dimly lit work areas.
7. Makita XPH07Z LXT
Delivering up to 31,500 BPM and up to 2,100 RPM with a two-speed transmission, this Makita drill with a 1/2-inch self-ratcheting chuck is designed to handle very tough projects. However, Makita knows that power isn’t the only thing that people look for in one of these drills, so they’ve added a few extra features which make it even more useful and versatile. This cordless model comes with a brushless motor, a 3-stage LED gauge indicating battery charge and a side handle. One thing that doesn’t come with this model though is a battery. That’s sold separately.
6. Milwaukee 2404-20 M12 Fuel
This Milwaukee tool delivers power, run-time, and performance all in one. It has a brushless motor design that outperforms many of its competitors and supplies a constant power output, all while remaining relatively cool. It’s also quieter than comparable drill models and has safety features built into it that prevent it from overloading or overheating. It uses a Red Lithium battery, which is sold separately from the unit, and this tool is highly durable and long-lasting. Other features found on this unit include a BPM of up to 25,500 BPM, 350 inch-pounds of torque and up to 1,700 no-load RPM.
5. Milwaukee 2704-20 M18 Fuel
With the ability to provide up to 2,000 RPM of drilling speed and 1,200 inch-pound of peak torque, this tool can power through even difficult jobs. It’s about 7.75-inches long, which means it’s one of the more compact models currently available, and it is comfortable to use. It’s also equipped with the Red Link Plug Intelligence feature, which ensures that the tool provides the user with the power they need without them having to worry about it over-discharging, overheating or overloading. Which makes it a great tool for all kinds of tough masonry and concrete jobs.
4. DEWALT DCD985B
This tool is compact, easy-to-hold and has an ergonomic design that allows it to be used for long periods of time without excessive hand fatigue. It’s high-quality motor kicks out 450-Watts of maximum power that allows this tool’s three-speed transmission deliver from 0 to 600 RPM, 0 to 1,250 RPM or 0 to 2,000 RPM. It has a 1/2-inch metal ratcheting chuck, a 360-degree side handles and an LED light with a 20-second shutoff delay. It’s a tool that’s manufactured to provide long run-time and durability and can be used on effectively on a daily basis.
3. DEWALT DCD996B
This powerful and highly efficient drill is useful for all kind of tough masonry and concrete work. It comes with two 20-Volt Max XR lithium batteries that deliver enough speed and run-time to allow the user to power through their work. It can deliver up to 38,250 BPM and has a compact and lightweight design. This unit features a brushless motor that’s not only more reliable than motors with brushes but is also more efficient. This allows it to deliver over 50% more run time over conventional cordless models that are equipped with brushed motors.
2. DEWALT DWD520K
This two-handled pistol grip drill has power and versatility. It is equipped with a 10-Amp motor that delivers excellent drilling performance and generates more power than conventional drills and does it with overload protection. It has a dual mode, which allows it to be used as a hammering drill and also has a drill mode. This allows it to be used on not only masonry and concrete but also on wood and steel as well. It also has two different speeds which make it great for high-speed drilling. As it stands now, this is one of the better models currently available.
1. DEWALT DW511
With a 360-degree side handle with depth rod, a powerful 7.8-Amp motor, and a lightweight design that weighs under 5-pounds, this tool is useful for all kinds of heavy-duty applications. This tool has a dual mode which also allows it to be used as a drill and this makes it useful not only for concrete and masonry jobs but also for drilling into wood and steel as well. Other features which can be found on this product include a comfortable grip, variable speed control, a 1/2-inch chuck and a two-finger trigger that makes it easier to use during long drilling sessions.
Hammer Drill Guide
To find the best hammer drill to suit your needs, it is important to consider the options. Because there are loads of products on the markets, and all of them seem to have their merits, you need to have a certain amount of knowledge of what to expect from a hammer drill. This is the only way of knowing the difference between what makes a quality product, and the type that is going to break within a few months.
What Types Of Hammer Drills Are There?
Cordless
Modern advances mean you can get just about any power tool in a cordless format. Whilst they certainly have their benefits, you are restricted by battery life. Some products excel in this area, and others have a fast charge time so they are a good option for a lot of people. Some types aren’t suitable for all work as they are not as powerful as other types of hammer drills.
Corded
Corded hammer drills are very powerful and can work for as long as you are able. The only downside is the range that you can work at, you are at the mercy of extension cables and plug sockets but this isn’t an issue for most projects.
Rotary
These are used by the professionals and those who have a heavy-duty project to see through. You get more settings such as the hammer mode with no rotation and have so much force that they are better for working against harder surfaces like concrete walls.
Things To Think About Before Choosing A Hammer Drill
Usage
What type of work are you doing? Light DIY work that is a quick fix or a repairing a small part of the house can be done easily with a cordless hammer drill meaning you don’t need to spend as much on the professional standard products. If you are intending to use it regularly, especially as part of your job, then a rotary hammer drill gives you more options and power.
Budget
Because they are a specialist piece of equipment you can end up spending a lot of money on a hammer drill. Although they are a smart investment, and there are some types of work that are near impossible without one, a hammer drill should be within your budget. You shouldn’t go for the cheapest one on the market though, as this can cost you more money in the long run with repairs. It might be wise to find one that has fewer features.
What To Look For In A Hammer Drill
Variable Speed Control
A lot of the time you will need to start by drilling slow, then increase the intensity and speed gradually. Also, there are different surfaces that you will be working on and the speed at which you drill through masonry won’t be the same as wood.
Side Assist Handle
This increases the level of grip you get and it can be better to make sure you are accurate, allowing you to drill in a clean and controlled way.
RPM
Otherwise known as rotations per minute this is the speed at which the hammer drill can turn. Rotary drills often have a lower RPM than other hammer drills.
Carry Case
To be honest, it’s rare that a hammer drill doesn’t come with a durable carry case. They keep the drill safe from damage and make transporting it from place to place conveniently.
LED Lighting
The better products will give you the ability to see precisely where you are drilling so even when daylight is fading, or you are working at night, you can stay accurate.
Rotary Hammer Drill Features
Because they have different capabilities, here are some of the features to look for from a rotary hammer drill.
Vibration Control
Because a rotary hammer is more powerful, there are going to be more shocks and vibrations. Most products will come with rubber-mounted foam to take the strain away from your hands and arms, essential when using the tool for hours at a time.
Speed Control
This allows you to increase the RPM gradually, this is especially important considering the power of a rotary hammer drill and when first drilling older, more fragile surfaces.
Dust Extraction
This allows you to work without the worry of getting a faceful of debris when you pull the drill out the hole. It collects the dust in an attachment for your convenience.
Reverse Function
It is important to be able to back out of holes without having to force the tool yourself. This leaves the hole in better condition and doesn’t damage the bit.
