Also, it can be turned to a compact demolition hammer (SDS hammer) by flipping a lever while dealing with demolition work, basement renovation or framing projects. They are available in different shapes and sizes that differ from each other in terms of features and are used to do various heavy-duty tasks. This makes it a bit difficult to choose your right option. Here is a quick look at key factors to consider before investing in rotary hammer drills.
Type: Corded and cordless are two types of rotary hammer drills based on their power source. Each type has its own set of pros and cons. Corded models run by consuming power from a wall outlet and a powerful option that is used to drill thick concrete and masonry. Need to buy an extension cord to work at far distances. Cordless models run on battery, which is best to use for offsite and outdoor drilling. It is portable yet has limited runtime. Need to buy extra batteries for long time use. Power: Corded rotary hammer drills are measured by amps used by the motor from the outlet to run the tool. This rating will range from 8 – 15 amps, in which models with 13 or 14 amps are considered powerful. Cordless drills run on a battery, which is rated by voltage, and its range will be 18 – 36 volts. Also, consider the amp-hour of a battery to enhance its runtimes. Speed: Speed regulates the motor’s performance, and it is determined by the rotation and impact speed. Here the rotational speed is measured in RPM that ranges from 230 – 2300 RPMs, while impact speed is measured in BPM (blows per minute) that ranges from 2150 – 5800 BPM. Select a hammer drill with 1000 – 1500 RPMs and 4000 – 4500 BPMs for regular household usage.
To help you differentiate your best option, we came up with a list of some Best Rotary Hammer Drills (with description, best features, pros, and cons) along with a detailed “Buying Guide”. Read on to know how to pick your correct model as per your requirement.
Best Rotary Hammer Drills List
10 Best Rotary Hammer Drills Reviews
1. Dewalt Rotary Hammer Drill
Best drill press Best hammer drills Best magnetic drill presses Best right angle drills Types of Drills Hammer Drill Vs Impact Driver
You can find a wide range of power tool options from Dewalt, as it has been around for a long time. It even makes rotary hammer drills of various kinds. The Dewalt DCH273B rotary hammer drill is present in the 1st position in this article as it one of the most powerful cordless models out there. This is possible because of its 20-volt battery system that can offer an impact speed of 4600 blows per minute. As a result, you can use it on the go for hammering even hard and tough surfaces. Another great thing about Dewalt is that it is a reputable brand of power tools and offers a 3-year long warranty to its users. You even get a decent build quality with this hammer drill that is always handy to have. Unfortunately, you have to buy its battery and charger separately. Best Features:
Impact speed rating of 4600 blows per minute 20-volt electric motor 3-year long warranty Decent battery life Great build quality in comparison to other options
Pros:
Most powerful cordless rotary hammer drill Comfortable and ergonomic handle grip Decently powerful battery
Cons:
Slightly expensive Does not include any battery and charger
2. Milwaukee Rotary Hammer Drill
Milwaukee is one of the most popular brands out there if you are looking for battery-powered tools, just like its rotary hammer drill offering available out there. Milwaukee’s 2712-20 rotary hammer drill is present in the 2nd position in this article as it is the most reliable and durable option present in this article. Even though this is a cordless model, you get an excellent build quality with it. It even offers a 5-year long warranty to the user that is one of the best out there. While its battery system is rated at just 18 volts, you get decent performance out of it. Its SDS Plus chuck allows you to quickly and easily change bits whenever you want to. As for the impact speed, it is rated at 4900 blows per minute that is quite decent. Due to this, its 1 inch bit capacity can be used for working with heavy-duty drill bits. Best Features:
Impact speed rating of 4900 blows per minute 18-volt electric motor 5-year long warranty Excellent build quality Weighs 7 pounds
Pros:
Small and portable model Decent power from the electric motor Offers a 1 inch SDS Plus chuck for ease of use
Cons:
Battery and Charger have to be bought separately Pricing could have been better
3. Bosch Rotary Hammer Drill
Bosch is one of the biggest names out there if you are looking for heavy-duty power tools like a rotary hammer drill for construction needs. This Bosch 11255VSR rotary hammer drill is one of the most powerful options out there if you are looking for a corded power drill. It comes with a 1-inch chuck size for easily using large-sized bits. You get an 8 amp electric motor in this hammer drill for powering this chuck that ensures that you do not run into power issues. Despite the high power motor, this tool is quite easy to control due to its variable speed trigger. As you would expect from any other Bosch tool, it offers a great build quality to the user. Unfortunately, you only get a 1-year long warranty with it that might be an issue for some. Best Features:
Impact speed rating of 5800 blows per minute 8 amp electric motor 1-year long warranty Great build quality Comes with a variable speed trigger
Pros:
Quite a powerful electric motor High and adjustable impact speed Grippy handle for ease of use
Cons:
Only a 1-year long warranty Motor is a bit loud
4. KSEIBI Rotary Hammer Drill
For over a decade, KSEIBI is known for providing high quality, innovative, and reliable tools that include rotary hammer drills as well. This rotary hammer drill has a powerful 13 amp motor and 7 Joules impact rate which lets you complete any project that involves masonry, brick stone and concrete. It comes with four functions which can be changed using the knob provided. The four functionalities include drill position, position adjustment, demolition chisel hammer drill and electric hammer chiselling. It comes with a variable speed so that you can set the speed as per your preference. It has a soft-grip which makes the handling process quite comfortable. The vibration reduction system ensures less arm fatigue. Because of safety clutch, it will never get jammed. The rotary hammer drill is placed in a robust storage case with individual compartments for each accessory. Best Features
Variable speed Wear-resistant base 360 degree vice handle Vibration reduction system Durable storage case
Pros
Safe and easy to use Good build quality Soft grip handle 4 functionalities Safety clutch
Cons
Battery life could have been better
5. Makita Rotary Hammer Drill
Makita is one of the more premium and expensive brands out there if you are looking for electric power tools like a rotary hammer drill. Makita’s HR2475 rotary hammer drill is a corded model that is decently powerful. It uses a 7 amp electric motor that is quite efficient and silent during operation. Although, it’s 4500 BPM impact rating could have been certainly better as it leaves the user wanting for more. A great thing about its 1100 RPM motor is that it uses a torque limiting clutch for preventing gear damage. While the build quality offered by this hammer drill is quite good, you only get a 1-year long warranty with it that is a bit of a letdown. Moving on, you get an SPS plus chuck in it that is easy to adjust and operate while offering a size of 1 inch for proper compatibility. Best Features:
Impact speed rating of 4500 blows per minute 7 amp electric motor 1-year long warranty Great build quality SPS chuck for high compatibility
Pros:
1 inch SPS chuck for ease of use Efficient and silent motor Great build quality
Cons:
Only a 1-year long warranty Mediocre performance
We have yet another rotary hammer drill from Bosch mentioned here that is a renewed model and not a new one, unlike the previous one. It is a corded rotary hammer drill that uses a 7 ⅕ amp electric motor along with its SDS Plus 1 inch chuck. Apart from supporting a wide range of drill bits, you get a decently high impact speed of up to 5800 blows per minute with it. This is possible due to its 1300 RPM electric motor. Best Features:
Impact speed rating of 5800 blows per minute 7 ⅕ volt electric motor 90-day money-back guarantee Decent build quality 1300 RPM electric motor
Pros:
Easy to use controls Grip offers decent comfort and an ergonomic design Great performance with high impact speed
Cons:
Only a 90-day long warranty Not a new product
7. Eneacro Rotary Hammer Drill
When compared with other options out there, Enearco is a much smaller brand of power tools out there. Although, its rotary hammer drill has a high user rating because of the various features that you get along with it. The Eneacro rotary hammer drill probably offers the highest value for money when compared with other budget options out there. This is due to the reason that it offers a lot of things even at its given affordable price tag. It comes with a highly powerful 12.5 amp electric that is much better than most other options out there. You also get a large 1 ¼ inch chuck in it that is of the SDS Plus type for ease of use. Even though Eneacro is a small brand of power tools, it offers a decent 2-year warranty to the user. Unlike most other options out there, this hammer drill offers various useful accessories to the user. Best Features:
Impact speed rating of 4350 blows per minute 5 amp electric motor 2-year long warranty Comes with various accessories SDS Plus chuck with 1 ¼ inch size
Pros:
High value for money due to lower price Offers various accessories for ease of use Easy to use controls for precise controls
Cons:
High power consumption Motor is a bit loud
8. Ryobi Rotary Hammer Drill
Ryobi can be another great pick if you are looking for electric power tools without paying a lot of money. Its rotary hammer drill is also a cordless model for ease of use. Ryobi’s P222 rotary hammer drill is relatively affordable when compared with other options out there. It uses an 18-volt battery system that is quite similar to various other options out there. This battery allows it to reach up to a high impact speed of up to 5000 BPM. You also get a decent battery life out of this battery. Best Features:
Impact speed rating of 5000 blows per minute 18-volt electric motor 90-day money-back guarantee Powerful and long-life battery Affordable price tag
Pros:
High value for money Great performance from 1300 RPM electric motor SDS Plus chuck for ease of use
Cons:
Only a 90-day long warranty Does not come with battery and charger
9. Mpt Rotary Hammer Drill
MPT or Hitachi Metabo Power Tools is mainly known for making heavy-duty tools, unlike its consumer-grade rotary hammer drill. This MPT rotary hammer drill can be a great option if you want a highly reliable option without paying a lot of money. It is one of the only options out there that offer a 5-year long warranty to the user. You can also expect a great build quality from it for peace of mind. As for its power, it uses an 8.5 amp electric motor that is quite close to various other options out there. Due to this, you can go up to 4500 blows per minute with the help of its 930 RPM electric motor that offers a 3 function switch. Best Features:
Impact speed rating of 4500 blows per minute 5 amp electric motor 5-year long warranty Great build quality Offers 3 different function modes
Pros:
Affordable price for a high value for money Comes with an efficient and silent 8.5 amp electric motor 360-degree adjustable handle grip
Cons:
Does not come with any accessories
10. AOBEN Rotary Hammer Drill
The next product on our list comes from a brand called AOBEN which is known to provide standard products at affordable price range. Their SDS-Plus hammer drill is equipped with 13 Amp motor which is suitable for completing heavy-duty tasks. It has three function modes that include hammer only, drill only and hammer drill. You can easily switch among them using the buttons and according to your requirements. The manufacturer has provided double-switch buttons instead of single-switch for durability. For comfortable grip, this hammer grill has ergonomic rubber design and 360-degree adjustable handle. It also has heat dissipation motor and anti-dust bottom structure which can extend hammer’s life and guarantee user-safety. Best Features:
Max 1-1/4-inch drilling meter Drill bit size from 1mm to 13mm Three function modes Easy to operate Ergonomic design Adjustable handle Anti-dust bottom structure
Pros:
Light in weight Value for money Easy to use Heavy-duty applications 2-years warranty
Cons:
Some people experienced oil leakage
Buying Guide for the Best Rotary Hammer Drill
It is a tough job to drill holes through hard materials in the masonry profession. There are several factors to consider while shopping for the rotary hammer drill. Here, we are providing a list of some key factors to seek out when choosing the best option, as per your requirements. Let’s get into its details.
1. Types (Corded Vs. Cordless)
Based on their power source, corded and cordless are two types of rotary hammer drills. Both are electric-powered drills, in which corded runs when plugged in the wall outlet, whereas cordless runs with battery power. Though they exhibit similar functioning, yet you have to choose the right one based on your intended task and requirement.
Corded : With their continuous power supply, these corded rotary hammer drills work well on hard projects like thick concrete and masonry. It is a powerful tool that has to be used indoors or in areas with a nearby power outlet. Also, a heavy-duty extension cord is required for operating far distances. You should be aware of its cord position, which affects the user’s concentration, and thereby the work.
Cordless: With their portability and ease of use, these cordless rotary hammer drills are ideal to work for offsite and outdoor drilling needs. It runs with a lithium-ion rechargeable battery that makes it powerful, and strong. You have to wait for a few hours to recharge the battery or else invest in another battery to use it continuously. These models are a bit more expensive than their corded counterparts.
Corded : The power of these tools is rated by the amperage (amps) used by the motor from a standard outlet. The power rating range of these rotary hammer drills will be 8 – 15 amps. The models with 13 or 14 amps are considered the best and powerful options. Most manufacturers allow a border to diminish the chances of tripping a breaker, even when there is a power surge. Cordless: The power of these tools is rated by voltage (volts, V), and it will range from 18 – 26 volts. This rating indicates the maximum available power, which means it is essential to check the amp-hours (Ah) of its battery (lithium-ion and Ni-cad). For instance, you can run a battery with a 4.0Ah twice as 2.0Ah battery. However, this Ah difference won’t have an impact on DIYers, yet professionals want to use the highest possible Ah batteries to maximize runtimes. Here lithium-ion batteries are the best to provide a stable power source that recharges quickly and is eco-friendly.
3. Speed (RPM and BPM)
The performance of the rotary hammer drill is determined by its speed, and it is measured in blows. Rather than a special clutch, these rotary hammers use a piston mechanism that delivers a powerful hammer blow. Measure the blows in joules (J) and blows per minute (BPM) is used to measure the speed of the blows. The rotary hammer with higher joules and higher blows per minute (BPM) will easily and effectively drill through masonry. Impact speed and rotation speed are used to measure the translational and rotational movements made by the hammer at a particular time. Here the rotational speed of the hammer is measured in rotations per minute (RPM), which ranges from 230 – 2300 RPMs. While impact frequency will range between 2150 – 5800 BPM. If you are looking for a hammer for regular household usage, then prefer to purchase a rotary hammer drill with speed levels of 1000 – 1500 RPM and 4000 – 4500 BPM.
4. Operation Modes
Rotary hammer drills are versatile and offer 2 – 3 operating modes. A rotary hammer with two modes is quite commonly found in most hammers, as they perform two functions as rotary drilling and hammer drilling, which are small in size and make it a perfect option for metal or woodworking projects. While hammer with three modes are heavier and perform three functions – rotary drilling, hammer drilling, and chiseling. These hammers offer chisels of different widths, which makes them useful for a variety of projects. For instance, narrow and pointed chisels are used for demolition tasks, while broad chisels make shorter tasks (like removing tiles). Multi-functional hammers feature a switch that allows the user to choose the required mode as per their requirement.
5. Chuck
Almost all rotary hammer drills use an SDS chuck, which won’t close and open as a standard three-jaw chuck. Instead, have a sliding sleeve and mechanism to clamp onto slots in the chisel or drill bit. Thus, it is considered a positive locking method that prevents slipping of the bit. Usually, these chucks are available in two sizes – SDS and SDS-Plus (with 10 mm shank), SDS-Max (with 18mm shank). SDS bits fit properly in SDS-plus tools, whereas it won’t fit SDS Max or inversely. So, it is essential to purchase the right size bits that suit perfectly for your tool. A spline chuck is the best alternative, in which bits come with splines to lock them in their place instead of slots. However, the usage of spline chucks is quite less common why because the bits won’t be interchangeable with SDS.
6. Design and Ergonomics
Even though a rotary hammer drill is a bulky tool, yet it is ergonomically designed to make it well-balanced and comfortable to use. Its handles are open, and have a large trigger that makes it easy to use with gloved hands. Also, its rubberized areas offer a secure grip and thereby maximize comfort. It has an auxiliary handle with 360° rotation at the front part, which allows the user to move and adjust the tool till you find a proper balance and support to work effectively. This extra handle will control a lot of torque generated while using a rotary hammer. Without the proper use of this handle, you might be at risk of getting a wrist injury. Also, with their powerful hammer action, these tools will vibrate a lot and thereby make the user quickly get tired. So, a few manufacturers designed their tools with vibration control, which acts as a shock absorber between the handle and main body of the tool.
7. Accessories and Attachments
A variety of SDS drills and chisels are the key accessories for these rotary hammer drills. Usually, some of these can be included with the tools pack or purchased separately. Most models feature a handy depth gauge to make it used for proper drilling. A lot of dust is generated while using rotary hammer drills, which might cause lung or kidney problems. So, it is a must to wear respiratory protection (like a mask) when operating a rotary hammer drill, even some models incorporate dust ports to use them in combination with other extraction tools. It depends on the personal preference of the DIY user, while the occupational safety and health administration (OSHA) has set rules stating that it is a must for professionals to wear a mask, regarding workplace exposure to protect their health. Most manufacturers offer not just a bare tool (drill itself), but more than it. Some models come in a kit having extra features as a depth gauge, LED lights, handy carrying case, chargers, or additional batteries to make your work effortless. For instance, LED lights will help you to work in low-light areas.
8. Torque or Twisting Power
It is vital to consider the torque rating before buying a rotary hammer drill, why because a model with a high torque rating will offer great twisting actions and thereby enhance the drill performance. So, the torque rating of a drill will decide its twisting power, which is essential for a hammer drill.
9. User-Friendly Features
Apart from the power and performance, you have to check how comfortable and easy it is to operate the drill before making its purchase. Since it is a heavier power tool, it is quite common to have several kickbacks and vibrations. So, purchase a model with a lot of user-friendly features.
Handle Grip: Choose a model with a soft and comfortable to hold handle grip. For this, visit any hardware store or local power tool dealer to check several drill models and pick the one that fits perfectly in your hands. Most drills offer anti-vibration technology to make the handle easily absorb most vibrations. Trigger: Having proper control over the trigger is crucial while operating the rotary hammer drill. So, check whether your index finger will fit comfortably around the trigger or not before buying the drill. It is particularly useful while drilling into concrete or other tough surfaces.
10. Versatility
A versatile tool will allow you to do several tasks easily. For instance, a hammer with variable speeds offers higher productivity. While a drill with a speed control lock will increase safety by locking the operating speed level. Also, the usage of a cordless compact hammer will provide easy access to tight spaces and thereby accomplish multiple bit angles.
11. Price
The price of rotary hammer drills will range from $100 – $250 (or more). If you want to use the hammer for light masonry or drill into thin concrete, then prefer to choose models that come within the $150 – $250 range. They have less powerful motors that run on 7 – 10 amps. If you want to use the tool for a longer time and want to drill 3/4 – 1-inch holes, then go with models having a $250 or more price range that offers powerful motors.
12. Durability and Warranty
Check the warranty duration offered by a given rotary hammer drill before buying it. While most options out there come with a 1-year or a 2-year warranty, some more reliable and durable options come with a 5-year long warranty. Alike warranty duration, you have to check the build quality of a given rotary hammer drill. Choose a hammer drill that is built well to withstand wear easily even while using it against hard and rough surfaces.
Tips to Use the Rotary Hammer Drills:
Here are a few tips to follow for safe and effective usage of rotary hammer drills.
You have to ensure this tool must obey OSHA standards, which regulate consumer products about their safety and quality control. Prefer to tackle small areas at a time and occasionally take short breaks while operating a rotary hammer. Thus, it not only cools down the machine (not heat up quickly) but also let you experience hand fatigue. It is important to protect the nose and eyes while using this drill. If not, dust and debris may enter into your nose or eyes. Also, this protective gear will prevent dust inhalation and thereby the risk of causing any injuries.
Benefits of Using Rotary Hammer Drills:
We are benefitted in several ways by using the rotary hammers. Here we have mentioned a few amazing benefits offered by using this hammer.
Powerful: This rotary hammer is a powerful tool that offers more impact energy, which makes it an ideal option to do tasks, requiring drilling large holes into tough or hardened concrete. Alike lighter jackhammers, they are good at hammering and doing demolition or construction works. Different Settings: These hammers offer more than one setting, that lets you set the drill mode, the drill/hammer mode, and the hammer mode. For instance, if you set hammer-only mode, then the tool won’t rotate and works perfectly for carpentry or light demolition work. So, a rotary hammer with a different setting lets you do more tasks quickly and accurately. Comfortable: It provides a proper grip and vibrates less. It has a large rear handle and adjustable front handle to maximize its stability and let you work for a long time. Though its rate of blows is slow, yet offers more powerful impacts, which makes you apply less force for doing more work.
Conclusion
If you want a highly powerful hammer drill, then you can go with a rotary hammer drill. These come in both corded as well as cordless models for the ease of use for the user. Thus we have mentioned some of the best rotary hammer drills up above in this article. Apart from that, you can even find their significant details and features that can be quite handy to understand the differences between different models easily. You can even find a detailed buying guide mentioned here that takes you through different aspects of rotary hammer drills. But you should also consider the following recommendations before buying one:
The Milwaukee Rotary Hammer Drill is the most reliable option present in this article as it offers a great build quality along with a 5-year long warranty. Its 18-volt battery also offers decent performance along with its SDS Plus chuck. You should consider the Eneacro Rotary Hammer Drill if you are on a budget. It offers a highly powerful 12.5 amp motor along with its 1 ¼ inch chuck size while having an affordable price tag. This even offers multiple accessories for a high value for money. If you want a highly powerful corded hammer drill, you can go with the Dewalt Rotary Hammer Drill. It offers a 20-volt battery system to offer a 4600 BMP impact speed along with a 3-year long warranty.
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