15 Best Hammer Drill Reviews and Buying Guide 2022

​Suppose you frequently work with masonry projects or other projects with tough surfaces like bricks and concrete. In that case, a hammer drill is a must-have tool at your disposal. The name comes as such since a hammer drill has a similar forward motion to a hammer, and it can quickly drill holes into any surface.

The best hammer drill often comes from DeWalt, Milwaukee, Makita, and Porter-Cable brands. The tool is excellent for home improvements, remodeling, masonry, and other renovation works. The best thing about the tool is its fantastic ability to drill holes into the toughest of surfaces with ease. Therefore, all the problems that one faces when working with complex surfaces become a breeze with a hammer drill at hand.

1. DEWALT 20V MAX XR Hammer Drill (DCD996B)

When it comes to power tools, there is no question that DeWalt is right there at the top of the product quality spectrum. Like all its other products, the DeWalt 20V Max XR is one of the best hammer drills in the market right now, and it shows when you look at the features it houses. If you are looking for a brushless and cordless Lithium-Ion hammer drill, then the DeWalt 20V Max XR is the way to go. The product comes with two choices, and you can either buy the entire kit or purchase the tool only. All in all, this product is an excellent choice for simple tasks like installing windows and treating home furniture.

Features

• The DeWalt Max XR has high power, high-efficiency brushless motor that can deliver up to 75% more runtime than most other NiCad motors in the market.
• The hammer drill houses XR Li-Ion batteries, which have 33% more capacity than the standard Li-Ion battery packs.
• An LED spotlight mode features a 20-minute shutoff function that allows users to work in the dark for an extended period.
• In drill mode, you get speeds from 0 to 2000 RPM, and in parts, they are 0 – 450, 0 – 1300, and 0 – 2000 RPM.
• There is also a fast drilling mode for masonry works, and it runs from 0 – 38,250 BPM.
• There is also a hammer drill mode where you get speed from 0 – 2250 RPM and parts 0 – 500, 0 – 1500, and 0 – 2250 RPM.
• The hammer drill comes with a heavy-duty ½-inch ratcheting nitro-carburized metal chuck; moreover, it comes with carbide inserts that give you incredible grip strength.
• There is a 3-mode LED that provides excellent lightning conditions in the dark that is 20 times brighter than the previous model.
• Last, of all, there is a 3-speed high-performance transmission that is excellent for fast application speeds.

Pros

• It comes with an extended 3-year warranty period with 1-year free servicing time and a 90-day money-back guarantee.
• The speed and force of the driver are excellent.
• The LED lights are excellent.
• All the driver modes make it an excellent and easy tool to work with.
• It is lightweight.

Cons

• The gear selector is sometimes tricky to stick at the second set.

2. Milwaukee 2804-20

While there are upgrades to the M18 2804-20 like 2997-22, the former has a price to performance ratio that is quite hard to beat. Moreover, this one is two years old, and since the M18 is their flagship product, its performance does not come into question. The M18 is also well-known for boasting one of the most powerful brushless motors you can find in a hammer drill with a peak torque of 1,200 N.m. You can also get the previous 2015 model with a lower price; however, considering this is a significant upgrade with better speed up to 2000 RPM and the extra toolkit, it is worth the money if you are willing to take a step further.

Features

• The hammer drill houses a POWERSTATE^TM brushless motor that can deliver up to 60% more power than most other drills of a similar price range; moreover, it is purposefully made for the M18.
• It houses a REDLITHIUM^TM XC5.0 battery pack with a more work-per-charge ratio than any other product on the market.
• The drill measures 6.9″ in length, making it a compact tool and great hand if you work in tight fits and spaces.
• It has a REDLINK PLUS^TM intelligence system that makes sure you get the optimal performance; moreover, it also provides you with overload protection to prevent damage to the tool while ensuring complete compatibility and efficiency.
• It is compatible with all M18 batteries on the market.
• It houses an LED that makes it easy to work in dark spaces.
• The tool’s speed ranges from 0 – 550 RPM and 0 – 2000 RPM, and it also has 32,000 BPM.

Pros

• You get a 5-year extended warranty period.
• It has an insane price to performance ratio.
• It is light and compact with a good LED light to work in dark and tight spaces.
• It is one of the most powerful hammer drills in the market.
• It has a long-lasting battery.

Cons

• The tool heats up rather quickly compared to other flagship hammer drills.

3. Makita XPH12R

This is the first tool that comes with the complete driver kit, and even with the entire package, this product has an insane price to performance ratio. Even though the XPH12R is a top-end hammer driver-drill kit, it is relatively affordable compared to other hammer drills that deliver the same performance. The tool has a powerful motor and speeds that can reach 2000 RPM. Moreover, the tool is very easy to work with. The tool is fantastic for anyone who works as a mason or just needs a tool to work with at home.

Features

• The tool houses a powerful motor with 530 pounds of torque.
• It has a speed of up to 2000 RPM.
• It goes up to 30,000 BPM.
• The hammer drill is durable and has an all-metal gear housing to withstand heavy-duty tasks.
• It features Extreme Protection Technology, which increases dust and water resistance in harsh job conditions.
• It is lightweight and compact at 7-1/8″ and weighs only 3.6 lbs.
• It has a soft rubberized grip to ensure comfort.
• The powerful dual LEDs make it a breeze working in dark conditions and tight spaces.
• The kit comes with two 18V compact Li-Ion batteries, a rapid charger, and a tool bag.
• The efficient BL^TM brushless motor delivers up to 50% longer battery time and gives the motor a longer life.

Pros

• It is an affordable hammer driver-drill kit.
• It is compact and lightweight.
• The dual LED lights are bright in dark conditions.
• It has a long-lasting build quality with excellent materials and a rubberized grip.
• It only takes 25 minutes to charge.
• The hammer drill works extremely well with heavy and hard surfaces.
• The driver has a three-year-long warranty period.

Cons

• The driver sometimes gets stuck in hammer mode.

4. DEWALT DWd520 Hammer drill

The DeWalt DWD520 is an excellent hammer drill for first-time users since it comes with many drill bits, depending on the variants. It is pretty affordable compared to other products of a similar price range. However, unlike the first three hammer drills, this is a corded tool; therefore, this is not the one for you if you have a problem working with cords. However, price-wise, this is the most affordable and best for corded hammer drills. It has excellent versatility and a pistol grip in front for better control; therefore, reducing manual labor.

Features

• The drill houses a patented 10-amp motor that is powerful, and it allows you to drill more accurately.
• The drill has a dual-mode drilling system with more versatility than any other hammer drill in the same price range.
• It has two different speed settings (0 – 1,200 and 0 – 3,500 RPM).
• The drill is capable of delivering up to 56,000 BPM.
• The DWD520 has a metal coating that makes the tool very durable.
• The drill boasts perfect ergonomics, and it has a soft and firm grip that lets you have a firm and stable grip.
• You can rotate the front handle 360 degrees to increase user-friendliness and maintain excellent stability.
• The tool is 14 inches in length, making it compact, and it weighs 6 lbs.

Pros

• It is compact and lightweight.
• It has enough torque to do most heavy-duty works.
• You get a rubber grip, and the front handle is rotatable, making it stable and convenient to use.
• It has a dual-speed mode and a dual drill mode for versatility.
• It is easy to use.
• This is an affordable hammer drill.

Cons

• The tool sometimes smokes after long use.

5. DEWALT DW130V Electric Drill

Like the DED520, the DeWalt DW130V is also a corded hammer drill, however, at a much lower price point. There is a lot of debate whether corded or cordless is better; however, if one is honest, this entirely comes down to personal preference. Regardless, even at such a low price point, since this is a corded power tool, it is as powerful as corded hammer drills that are twice as expensive; the motor has a rating of 9-amps. Moreover, the drill is also compact and lightweight. Last of all, since this is a powerful hammer drill, this is a professional tool with enough torque to support most works at a job site.

Features

• The drill comes with a powerful 9-amp motor with operational power of 120V, making it one of the few hammer drills in the market that can handle any task.
• The hammer drill has a max speed of 500 RPM, which is quite low, but considering its price and powerful motor, it can do most tasks with ease.
• The hammer drill has a chuck diameter of 13mm, measures 10.88 inches, and weighs only 7.5 lbs., making it very compact.
• It has a soft-grip handle that gives you superior comfort and ergonomics.
• The drill offers you a variable speed reversing switch to avoid air bubbles when mixing mud.
• The reverse speed control and variable speed switch are the same, making it easy to use the driver.

Pros

• It is compact but has a durable and excellent build quality.
• It has a 90-day moneyback guarantee with a long 3-year warranty period.
• You get a powerful motor with plenty of torque for professional use.
• You can adjust the drill speed as well as reverse it.

Cons

• The drill tends to overheat when you work with it for a long period.

6. Dewalt DCD996BR 20V MAX XR

The DeWalt DCD996BR is a DIY tool that is great at home. It boasts a motor capable of running at 20V and is cordless. The tool has superior gripping strength and an excellent motor that delivers up to 75% more runtime than other hammer drills with brushed motors. Moreover, this is quite affordable considering that this is from DeWalt and is a cordless hammer drill. However, suppose you are looking for a professional-grade hammer drill. In that case, the DCD996BR is not one for you since this does not have enough power behind the motor to do the heaviest of tasks.

Features

• The hammer drill features a DeWalt-built high-powered, high-efficiency brushless motor that gives you 75% more runtime than any other brushed motor in its class.
• It features a heavy-duty ½” ratcheting nitro-carburized chuck; moreover, you also get carbide inserts with it for increased gripping strength.
• Like most other DeWalt hammer drills, this one features the 20-minute shutoff function that allows you to work in the dark for an extended period of time without having to worry about the battery.
• The 3-mode LED gives you 20 times more bright light than all the previous models.
• You get three speed settings – 0 to 450 RPM, 0 to 1,300 RPM, and 0 to 2,000 RPM.
•  You also get 11 different clutch settings.

Pros

• This is an affordable cordless hammer drill.
• The LED shutoff function is excellent for working in the dark.
• It comes with a long 3-year warranty period and a one-year-long free service period.

Cons

• It is not powerful enough to handle heavy-duty tasks.

7. Hammer Drill, TACKLIFE Corded Drill 1/2 Inch, 2800RPM, 44800BPM Dual Drill Mode

Coming 7^th on the list, TACKLIFE brings us the most affordable hammer drill to the list yet. Even though it is quite reasonable, the hammer drill still boasts a powerful 6-amp motor with 2800 RPM max speed settings. Moreover, it comes with ten drill bits in the base package with an excellent metal chuck. While this falls short of a good and professional hammer drill, it still proves to be a fantastic DIY hammer drill that is great to have at home, considering the price. Moreover, you can do all kinds of wood, steel, and masonry.

Features

• The hammer drill houses a moderately powerful 6-Amp motor that runs at 710W and has a high speed of 2800 RPM. The power and speed allow it to work most household tasks such as installing chandeliers, processing furniture, wall, door, and other materials such as wood, steel, and glass.
• A dual-mode selector allows you to switch between a hammer and a drill. The hammer drill mode allows greater power when working with stone and other hard surfaces. In contrast, the drill mode allows greater finesse.
• The drill has both a variable speed trigger and a reverse mode. The variable speed settings allow you to control speed anywhere between 0 to 2,800 RPM, while the reverse mode allows you to tighten or loosen screws.
• The hammer drill comes with a 360° rotating auxiliary handle and an adjustable anti-skid design to increase stability and flexibility. Moreover, the metal key chuck gives you greater control over your work since a regular chuck tends to slip most of the time.
• The drill also comes with ten different drill bits, making it versatile.

Pros

• The hammer drill is very affordable.
• It has incredible power and speed given its price.
• The tool is compact and comfortable to hold; moreover, it is durable.
• You get free drill bits and storage bags.
• It is lightweight and very stable in hand.

Cons

• The driver vibrates a lot when at work.

8. PORTER-CABLE 20V MAX Hammer Drill (PCC620B)

Choosing a new hammer drill can be challenging if you are new to power tools. That is precisely where the PORTER-CABLE PCC620B comes into play. While the PCC620B is a little expensive for an entry-level hammer drill, it is due to good reasons since most of the price goes to the excellent motor, max speed, and battery. If you are willing to go that one further step, this hammer drill will do you no wrong since this is one of the best in the market for DIY and home tools. It is incredibly versatile and easy to use.

Features

• The hammer drill measures 9.40 inches in length and weighs 3.65 lbs. It makes it one of the lightest and compact hammer drills in the market.
• The driver uses a 20V Li-Ion battery that gives you significantly more battery time than your average hammer drill.
• The chuck size is ½ inches and has a metal ratcheting clutch that can handle most drill bits and slip less.
• There is a two-speed gearbox with a low mode that goes up to 400 RPM and a high mode that does up to 1,600 RPM. The low mode is perfect for thick applications such as stone, brick, and concrete, while the top speed is for less durable materials such as wood and glass. Moreover, it can reach up to 27,200 BPM, making it usable for any tasks around the house.
• The total package only comes with an instruction manual and the hammer drill; therefore, you must purchase the two additional Li-Ion batteries, which are common for premium tools.
• There is an integrated LED light to work in dark areas, and it has a battery gauge to keep the charge in check.

Pros

• It is pretty affordable.
• The driver is suitable for most heavy-duty works around your home.
• It has an excellent build quality and a high-quality metal chuck.
• The tool is compact, lightweight, and is very stable in hand.
• It has a high-quality metal chuck to reduce accidental slips.

Cons

• There are some reports of wobbly chucks.

9. Chicago Pneumatic CP7150 Kit Heavy Duty Pistol Grip Air Hammer Kit

The Chicago Pneumatic CP7150 Kit is a little different from all the other hammer drills on the list, considering its shape and a pneumatic hammer drill. A pneumatic hammer drill is a tool that runs on air and has no motor that runs on electricity or a battery. The CP7150 was quite expensive for a tool of its kind during its introduction. However, you can get it for quite a discount and a lower price now. Even though it is a tiny driver, you will be pleasantly surprised by how powerful it is. Moreover, it also comes with different accessories and a muffler to reduce sound.

Features

• The CP7150 hammer drill has an excellent build quality with an all-metal finish, and all the impact parts are heat-treated to increase durability.
• The power tool has an ergonomic handle for increased comfort.
• The hammer drill has a longer piston stroke length (3-1/2 inches) for more force per blow, making it more powerful.
• It has a standard 0.401 round shank.
• You get an easy change retainer that makes it a breeze to change accessories while also a quick task to accomplish.
• The tool’s average air consumption is 4.5 cfm, and blow per minute is 2100.
• You get the heavy-duty air hammer kit and the manual in the box.

Pros

• The tool is very affordable, considering it is a heavy-duty hammer drill.
• The longer piston shank makes it more powerful than the rest of its competitors.
• The tool is very compact and lightweight.
• You get different accessories and an easy retainer for convenience.
• The tool is heat-treated, therefore, very durable.
• The muffler reduces sound by quite a lot.

Cons

• You have to clean the tool to prevent it from clogging regularly.

10. Ingersoll Rand Air Hammer 114GQC

At first sight, the Ingersoll Rand Air Hammer 144GQC does not look special at all, the design seems fragile, and its compact shape makes it look weak. However, this could not be further than the truth. If you work in construction sites or at home, the air hammer is an easy choice for all. Not only is it quite affordable, but also incredibly powerful. Its high power makes it incredible for exhaust systems and cutting metals; in short, it can do any moderate to heavy-duty jobs you throw at it. Like the CP7150, the 114GQC is also a pneumatic hammer drill, and it is equally powerful, if not more.

Features

• You can change its chisel into any fit that the ground demands, making it very versatile. You can pretty much use the hammer as a chisel, therefore, removing the need to buy another one.
• There are an in-built power regulator and a touch trigger for convenience. Since this is a high-powered hammer drill, you can adjust its power by using a knob with ease.
• It can dish out 3500 BPM with two 5/8″ strokes. Also, its average air consumption is four cfm; however, air consumption at load is 20 cfm.
• The hammer drill has an all-metal finish that makes it durable. The tool measures 8.5mm with a weight of 4.1 lbs.
• It has a standard chisel shank that measures 0.401″ and a bore diameter of 0.75mm.

Pros

• It has an incredible price to performance ratio with a good lifespan and great power.
• It is affordable.
• The tool comes with a versatile chisel and an easy disconnect retainer.
• It has a comfortable handle.
• You can easily cut through metal with the hammer drill.
• The tool has a diffused exhaust.

Cons

• The handle does a bad job of handling vibrations.
• The quality of the chips is mediocre.

11. SKIL 7.5-Amp 1/2-Inch Corded Hammer Drill – HD182001

The SKIL HD182001 is a corded hammer drill perfect for heavy-duty jobs because of its power, heavy-duty chuck, and multifunctionality. The tool is powerful enough to drill a 4-inch hole into concrete within just 10 seconds. Moreover, the hammer drill is also sturdy and quite affordable compared to high-end hammer drills. However, even though the spec sheet says that this hammer drill can do most heavy-duty works, contractors have a different opinion that this drill is better at home and not at job sites. The biggest reason for this is its short six-foot cord; the drill houses no LED light; therefore, it will be challenging to work in the dark.

Features

• It has a high-torque 7.5-amp motor that runs at 120V and can do most heavy-duty jobs at home.
• The hammer drill has a 2-in-1 function that lets you switch easily between hammer and drill; and, it is perfect for a wide range of drilling and hammer drilling applications.
• You get a ½-inch heavy-duty chuck that is sturdy and stable.
• The drill includes a side assist handle in increasing comfort, accuracy, and stability.
• The driver features a lock-on mode for extended drilling purposes; moreover, it also increases accuracy.
• It also features a soft handle grip for increased comfort.
•  You get a two-finger variable speed trigger for convenience, and you can increase the speed up to 3000 RPM.

Pros

• It has a powerful motor and has good speed.
• It has a soft grip for comfort.
• The hammer drill is UL listed.
• You get a keyed heavy-duty chuck for heavy works.

Cons

• The hammer drill has no belt hook.
• There are no LEDs to work in the dark.

12. Hammer Drill Meterk 7.0 Amp 1/2 Inch Corded Drill 850W

Meterk might not be as well known as DeWalt, but it still is an excellent brand that produces exemplary hammer drills, and the best example is the Meterk Professional Corded drill. The hammer drill is both powerful and versatile, and it is an excellent tool for professionals and hobbyists everywhere. The tool combines electric and impacts drills, and you can easily switch between the two modes using the dual-mode selector. Moreover, it also has a reverse mode that allows you to screw and unscrew with ease. Last, of all, the icing on the cake is that since the brand is not well-known as DeWalt, you get a professional tool that is less than half the price of its competitors.

Features

• The hammer drill houses a 7-amp motor that runs at 120V; and, since it is a pure copper motor, it generates 30% more power than its competitors.
• It is a non-slip and adjustable speed impact drill that is very easy to operate and is comfortable in hand. You get a no-load speed of 3000 RPM that delivers powerful hammer strength. Therefore, it is powerful and durable enough to work with wood, stone, steel, concrete, and other complex objects.
• You get a dual selector mode that lets you change between drill and hammer drill with ease.
• It has a lock-on button to lock the speed to a constant state; therefore, you do not constantly have to grip the trigger.
• The side handle makes it convenient to hold the hammer drill and easier to operate.

Pros

• The tool is very user-friendly and convenient to use.
• The variable speed settings and lock-on settings are perfect and reduce fatigue.
• The price to performance ratio is the best out there.
• It has overload protection and an all-metal chuck for durability.
• It has a solid build and is long-lasting.

Cons

• The tool is quite heavy.

13. GALAX PRO Hammer Drill, 4.5A Corded Drill Impact Drill 0-3000RPM Electric Drill

Galax Pro is not a premium tool, nor is it a well-known brand, yet it is still a fan favorite amongst all hobbyists, and that is for a good reason. The GP57325 delivers consistent high performance and comes at a very low price. Moreover, this tool can drill hard surfaces like stones, metal, brick, concrete; and soft materials like wood, rubber, and plastic. Furthermore, the drill has a high speed of 3000 RPM and a compact and ergonomic design. Most, of all, after all of these, it still comes at one of the lowest prices one can get.

Features

• The hammer drill has a two-in-one functionality, and there is a button at the top of the tool lets you switch between drill and hammer drill mode quite easily.
• The driver houses a moderately powerful 4.5-amp motor that can do many tasks at home, making it the perfect DIY tool.
• You get a maximum speed of 3000 RPM.
• The tool’s drilling capacity is as follows: Wood – 25mm, steel – 13mm, and concrete – 13mm.
• It has an all-metal keyed chuck that is ½ inches, making it sturdy and durable. Moreover, it is suitable with various drill bits in the market.
• An excellent feature rarely seen in other hammer drills is the depth gauge that lets you see how deep the bit has to go to meet the user requirement!
• The tool is compact and lightweight at 3.44 lbs.
• A lock-on button keeps the hammer drill at a constant speed during repetitive tasks and a reverse switch to tighten or loosen screws.

Pros

• The tool is lightweight and compact.
• It is incredibly easy to use and is affordable.
• The depth gauge is unseen in the market and is excellent for precise drilling.
• The hammer dill has an excellent price to performance ratio.
• It has a sturdy build and a long lifespan.
• The chuck can fit in a variety of drill bits.

Cons

• There are no LEDs to work in the dark.

14. Makita XPH07MB 18V LXT BL Hammer Drill Kit

There is no other way to put it for sheer quality and power; there is almost no hammer drill in the market that comes close to the Makita XPH07B. However, with the insane number of features comes a hefty price tag you have to look out for, especially if you are a DIYer. The XPH07MB is a professional tool that can do anything a hammer drill can do, no matter if it’s heavy-duty work or normal. However, rarely anyone buys the XPH07MB as a home tool since it is too expensive. Looking at the tool, the first thing you will notice is its insane torque of 1090 inch-pounds. The surprising thing is that even though it is so powerful, it is still a cordless drill, which is completely unheard of.

Features

• The Makita XPH07MB houses one of the most powerful brushless motors you will see in a cordless hammer drill, boasting 1090 in. lbs. of max torque.
• The brushless motor is electronically controlled, and it optimizes battery usage up to 50% more run time.
• The brushless motor also eliminates carbon brushes, which keep it cool for a very long period of time, even when in intense work.
• The hammer drill houses an all-metal variable two-speed transmission for a wide range of drilling applications. The range is – 0 to 550 RPM and 0 to 2100 RPM.
• You get an 18V LXT Li-Ion battery, and it also has an integrated LED battery charge gauge.
• It can dish out 31500 BPM for fast hammer drilling, especially in stone works.
• The hammer drill has a rubber grip for increased comfort.
• It has an all-metal gear housing to increase durability.

Pros

• It is one of the most powerful cordless hammer drills on the market.
• The hammer drill is very versatile.
• It is compact and lightweight.
• The tool is very comfortable to hold.
• The hammer drill is very efficient and holds a charge for a long time.
• It does not heat quickly, even after long hours of work.
• The tool is very user-friendly.
• It can do all the heavy-duty works a hammer drill can do.

Cons

• The tool is costly.

15. Ingersoll Rand Model 119MAX Long-Barrel Air Hammer

Coming last on the list is another premium pneumatic hammer drill from Ingersoll. The Rand Model 119 is a powerful air hammer that is reasonably priced. Moreover, it is also very compact and lightweight. The tool is also durable, and professionals view it in favorable light since you can easily work with it for a long period of time on job sites without heating it up. Furthermore, while the Rand Model 118 was a beast on its own, the 119 extends on all those features and still is shorter and lighter than its predecessor! To be precise, the 119 is great for jobs like general bolt cutting, pin driving, and body shearing works.

Features

• The 119 model is very powerful, with an air consumption load of 23.8 cfm and 673.94 L/min. Moreover, it can deliver up to 2530 BPM.
• The model has a bore diameter of 3/4-inch and a stroke length of 3.5-inch. The extended length also helps deliver powerful blows that are crucial for a pneumatic air hammer.
• The kit comes with a 5-piece chisel set and a quick-change retainer, which makes it very easy to change the chisels.
• The air hammer features an anti-vibration mechanism that reduces vibration by over 30% compared to standard air hammers.
• It has an anti-slip grip that is great for comfort and also reduces shock.

Pros

• The hammer drill comes at an affordable price, even being a premium tool.
• It is very powerful and has 30% more impact force than a standard hammer drill.
• The base package comes with a 5-piece chisel set and a quick-change retainer.
• The anti-vibration mechanism and anti-slip grip are the best in the market.
• It comes with a 1-year warranty period.
• The tool is compact and lightweight.

Cons

• There are no LEDs to work in the dark.

Hammer Drill – Buying Guide

While regular power drills are very versatile and bring a lot to the plate in terms of power, you will need a hammer drill for jobs like drilling concrete and masonry. Hammer drills are unique because they expand on what normal drills do by driving the drill bit by spinning two ridged discs against each other. Just as the name suggests, this action adds a hammering effect on the chuck and lets you work with the longest fasteners in the market.

While hammer drills are extremely good for DIYers and even professionals, buying one can be tough since other drills such as regular, impact, and rotary drills are extremely similar, and you can easily mix them up. To alleviate all the skepticism, we bring you all the important features that make a hammer drill what it is and what you need to look out for when buying the perfect hammer drill for yourself.

Budget

Budget is always the top concern when buying any power tools since they vary in price. Remember, more is not always the best. You certainly do not need mandatory features on heavy-duty jobs sites if you are a DIYer, especially since you might never use them. The price variation is also true in the case of hammer drills since you can get one for a price as low as 30 bucks and sometimes as high as 500 bucks. However, those higher prices generally mean you get a lot of accessories along with it, and they come as a kit box. Therefore, contemplate what you need in your hammer drill and go for a purchase. If you need something to do light work around the home and not for heavy-duty works, try going for something that is under a hundred dollars since they would be profitable for you.

Brand

While it is true that brand power tools are almost always better than most unknown brands, you will see that there are unknown products that can still deliver solid performance. Two such examples of these types are the Chicago Pneumatic CP7150 and the XtremepowerUS, which are solid hammer drills on their own and are as powerful as other branded products from Milwaukee or DeWalt. Moreover, branded products are also quite expensive in their rights; however, you do get a guarantee that they will do you no wrong in the long run. Furthermore, hammer drills from Makita, Milwaukee, and DeWalt also have a longer warranty than non-brand hammer drills. You also get excellent customer service if you go with quality brands like DeWalt.

Design

The design of a hammer drill is usually not something to look at when considering the most important feature. The most important thing to look out for is your workspace since tight spaces usually require compact and lightweight drivers. A large hammer drill will be hard to work within tight spaces.

Build Quality

Since hammer drills are heavy-duty power tools, you must consider the build quality of your purchase even at home. A typical hammer drill usually has an all-metal finish, and considering purchasing one with such a build is a must since other builds will not last you over a year. Moreover, look out for a hammer drill with an all-metal chuck since they do not slip and loosen easily. Moreover, these chucks are also versatile and can fit a variety of drill bits in the market; this is crucial since you want your hammer drill to be as versatile as possible.

Weight

If you are looking at long hours of work, then having a hammer drill that is compact and lightweight will take you a long way since a compact tool greatly reduces stress and fatigue. Most hammer drills are, in fact, lightweight; however, there are those which are quite heavy and big in size. Try going for hammer drills that are lighter than 7 lbs. since they are easier to work with, even in tight spaces, and you will not tire easily.

Types: Corded vs. Cordless

While this comparison generally comes down to personal preference, it is also true that corded hammer drills are more powerful than cordless hammer drills of the same price range. Corded drills are connected to a constant source of power, and they are way more effective in job sites where you work long hours; however, you have to sacrifice mobility a little. Although, that is not to say that cordless drills are weak since the Makita XPH07MB is a beast of a hammer drill with 1090 torque! However, another plus point of corded drills is that you can easily use extension cords to increase the workable range of the tool greatly.

Cordless tools are great because they are lighter than corded models; therefore, you can work long hours without any fatigue setting in. However, the negative side is that they tend to run out of charge in hours. DIYers prefer cordless tools since they are very portable and light, although a little expensive.

Power and Power Source

Hammer drills are powered by two main sources: electricity and air. The first is of two types, and the first is the Corded hammer drills that run on electricity, and they generally have a powerful motor backing them up, making them a perfect tool to work in professional job sites. The other kind is the battery-powered hammer drills that are lighter and convenient to work with. In terms of power alone, the pneumatic hammer drills are the most powerful of them all, and professionals highly recommend them. However, like corded drills, you need air compressors as a power source to work with pneumatic air hammers.

Mode of action

As the name suggests, a hammer drill usually has two in one functionality where you can switch between a drill and a hammer drill. The hammer mode is a setting where the hammer drill imitates a hammer’s action, and that action helps you drive concrete and masonry bits into hard surfaces. The drill mode is more of a conventional mode that usually has two to three different speed settings. You get a controlled torque with the drill mode, and it is excellent for working with soft surfaces like wood and plastic.

There is a third mode you can find as the drive mode, and this is very uncommon to have in a hammer drill. This mode completely eliminates the hammer action and gives you a precision mode that is excellent for works like driving screws into decks.

Speed

Power drills usually have two to three different speed settings since different materials and jobs require different speeds. You need the precise speed to drill into an object with precision while avoiding damage to the drill itself. A good hammer drill will either have a speed adjustment knob or a trigger control that you can adjust from low to high.

Chuck

A chuck is a part that is at the front of a hammer drill that holds a drill bit. You have to note that this is an essential part of a hammer drill, and an all-metal build is mandatory when purchasing one since it must be durable to hold against heavy-duty works such as drilling into concrete and masonry.  Moreover, a good chuck is versatile enough to support various drill bits.

Drill Bits

Drill bits are what you use the hammer drill to drill into materials. It is essential to purchase premium drill bits of high quality to prevent them from breaking. At the same time, it is necessary to note the power and speed of the hammer drill when working with specific materials. A good drill bit will take you a long way and save you a lot of money in the future. There are a few kinds of drill bits that you need to know of, and they are –

• Concrete drill bits.
• Wood drill bits.
• Pointed chisels – has a pointed end.
• Flat chisel – there are various these in length and width, according to what you need.
• Gouges – you need these to tidy up the edges of chases.

Batteries

If you plan to buy a cordless hammer drill, it is important to know about Li-Ion batteries that most cordless hammer drills use. However, there are stark differences between a battery from DeWalt, and other unknown brands, even if both are rated at 18V. DeWalt, Milwaukee, and Makita make battery packs that complement their products and are polished enough to give 30 to 50% more battery life than their average competitors. The most exemplary batteries are the XR battery packs from DeWalt, and you can get them from 12 to even 60V. One thing to note is that the higher the battery rating, the longer you will work at top speed.

Lights

Almost all good hammer drills have LED lights in front that help you work in the dark; this is especially true from hammer drills that are from DeWalt, Milwaukee, and Makita. You will often see built-in LEDs that direct light into the tip of a drill bit.

Depth Rod

Depth Rods are extremely rare, and you will rarely ever see one in even premium hammer drills. Nevertheless, it is an excellent accessory to have even though you can do without it. Also, there are hammer drills with a depth gauge that accurately measures the depth of what is recommended.

Durability

Durability is an extremely important thing for a hammer drill since you mostly use the tool for heavy-duty works. Therefore, you must buy one with an all-metal build since a plastic build will not last you more than a year if you work with it for a long period of time. If durability is a concern, the best thing to do would be to go for a good brand since you have assurance that the product is of good quality. Moreover, brands like DeWalt also give you a 3-year long warranty period with a one-year free service, which is the icing on the cake.

Safety

Safety is always a concern when you work with any power tools. When you work with hammer drills, make sure to wear protective gloves and safety glasses. Moreover, it is also important to wear ear defenders since prolonged exposure to sound will surely affect your ears. Also, wearing a helmet will take you a long way. Remember that accidents happen when you least expect them to happen; therefore, it is extremely important to wear all possible safety attires.

Accessories

The key accessories for all hammer drills are the drill bits since you cannot do without them. They come in all forms and shapes that you can need, and you can learn more in the drill bits section above. Apart from drill bits, you can also get a quick-change retainer that makes it incredibly easy to change drill bits. The more expensive hammer drills give you a full kit to get storage bags, numerous drill bits, chisels, and extra batteries.

Hammer drill vs. Rotary Hammer

Final Thoughts!

Hammer drills are essential as power tools when working with hard materials like concrete and masonry. However, that is not all since you can also work with soft materials like wood and plastic. Therefore, hammer drills are incredibly worth the price since you can do so much with them. We sincerely hope that the guide above helps you find the perfect hammer drill for you. Remember that there are no best hammer drills out there, only the perfect one for you. A hammer drill might sound excellent on the spec sheet; however, such a tool might have features that are redundant for you. This is worth noting since you pay big bucks for premium tools! Happy hunting!