Drills and hammers just like all other drills of the same class
Performance
This is a high-performing hammer drill which is one of the most powerful in its class. It will cope with the most difficult tasks and with any material. This best hammer drill has enough power and impact energy (which reaches stunning 6.1 ft-lbs) to drill a deep hole in concrete or stone. Despite the fact that this model works at a relatively low rotation speed (170-340 RPM), it can bore any material just as a knife goes through butter.
Usability
Since it's a high-power hammer drill, it's heavier than other models on our shortlist - the weight is 15.2 lbs. Therefore, you might get tired soon after you start using this drill, but at the same time, this model can do any drilling and chiseling whereas more lightweight hammer drills can't be that efficient. Changing bits is easy since Bosch hammer drill has SDS-max chuck type, so you don't need any chuck keys at all. Also, don't forget about the unique Vario-Lock system that allows you to lock and rotate the bit in one of 12 available positions. The auxiliary handle rotates 360 degrees, so you can adjust it to the best angle. If it's positioned correctly, the load on your arms will be spread more equally and it will be divided between a main and an auxiliary handle, so that you can use the drill for a long time.
Safety
If you are using a tool of such an immense power, safety should be a major concern. A bit might be stalled in a hole you are drilling, so a hammer drill might be damaged. Therefore, this tool has an overload protection system that stops the rotation once the bit stalls. There's also an electronic rotation speed control system which ensures a smooth start of the drill. Finally, Bosch engineers have thought about dust and equipped this best hammer drill with a special dust protection system that prevents the tool from clogging the internal space.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $384.99 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B00HUCUJG6 |
Performance
DEWALT DWD520K hammer drill is designed for drilling and boring holes in most materials, such as concrete, metal, brick, wood, etc. The tool works in 2 available modes - drilling only and hammer drilling, so you can choose the one you need for performing a certain task. As for the drilling speed, there are 2 settings to choose from: low - from 0 to 1,200 RPM and high - from 0 to 3,500 RPM. Speaking about the hammering frequency, DEWALT is certainly quite efficient since it makes up to 56,000 BPM. Here what maximum holes you can make with DEWALT hammer drill: 1/2-inch in steel, 1-1/2-inch in wood, and 3/4-inch in concrete. The optimal hole size for this tool varies from 3/16 to 3/8 inches.
Usability
The hammer drill has a pistol grip main handle, so it's always convenient to hold the tool. Of course, a hammer drill requires a side handle and this DEWALT model boasts a 360-degree locking side handle with soft grip. Thanks to this auxiliary handle, you will always be able to make an accurate hole, having the maximum control of the tool. The 2-finger trigger is pretty large and comfortable to push even if you are wearing special working gloves. Thus, it's easy breezy to start this hammer drill.
Safety
A hammer drill must be not only useful but safe as well. So, what about safety? DEWALT DWD520K has a torque limiting clutch that stops the motor of the tool in case the bit stalls. Keep in mind that if such a trouble happens, you should immediately remove the bit by launching the reverse movement. Some hammer drills have plastic gear housing that is very fragile but it doesn't go for DEWALT because of its all-metal gear housing. Hence, nothing will happen if you drop the tool. However, we strongly recommend you to wear ear protectors when using this tool because it makes a lot of noise and your eardrums might be damaged. Protective glasses are also a must!
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $154.04 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B002IAW0DA |
Performance
Although Makita XPH012 looks like a screwdriver but don't be skeptical of its capabilities. This model is equipped with a high-performance motor powered by 18V battery with a capacity of 3 Ah. This rotary hammer drill is able to develop the impressive speed of up to 1,900 RPM and reach 28,500 BPM in a hammer mode. Such performance will help you to drill masonry and steel, getting holes up to 1/2" in diameter. As for wood, you can easily drill up to 1-1/2" holes in it.
Usability
A relatively small size of this hammer drill (only about 7-3/4" in length) allows customers to use it in hard-to-reach places. Furthermore, its extremely light weight, only 3.9 lbs, makes it possible to use this tool for a long time without any hands' fatigue. A rubber-coated handle provides a comfortable grip and prevents hands sliding. A speed switcher allows you to pick the best option for a particular type of material.
Safety
This cordless hammer drill is equipped with a high-capacity battery that is able to withstand a heavy-duty use. We would like to emphasize that special Star Protection Computer Controls™ system protects the gear from overheating and analyzes the working load to adjust the battery consumption. In such a way, this wonderful technology allows the drill to extend the battery life by several times as compared to its rivals.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $93.71 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B00N9ULIAE |
Performance
This hammer drill is a versatile tool that combines the functions of a drill and a hammer drill; you just need to set the appropriate mode. The adjustment of the rotation speed and beat frequency allows users to drill holes in diverse materials without any problems. The drill's motor is forceful enough to drill holes in concrete and wood up to 1" in diameter. Besides that material, you will also have an opportunity to drill metal, getting holes up to 1/2" in diameter.
Usability
Bosch 11255VSR BULLDOG is equipped with SDS-Plus chuck which allows you to replace the drill bits just with a subtle motion of the hand. For more convenient and efficient operation, the manufacturer equipped this drill with a special Vario-Lock technology that makes it possible to fix the chisel in one of 36 positions. Its D-shaped handle provides a secure grip and significantly facilitates drilling holes in the ceiling or floor while the auxiliary handle simplifies the process of drilling walls.
Safety
This rotary hammer drill features several up-to-date technologies that improve its safety and extend its service life. The power cord can swivel by 35 degrees, so it won't get twisted or broken and, thus, will last longer. If a drill bit gets stuck, the integrated slip clutch will disengage the chuck, protecting the drill and your body from damage. Moreover, the SDS-plus® bit system protects the chuck from penetration of dust and drilling debris, thereby prolonging its lifespan.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $0.00 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B000BB79Q6 |
What customers say about this product
Key Specs(4.5)
Features(4.6)
Size & Weight(4.6)
Compact and Multipurpose
Because of belief that hammer drills are too bulky and noisy and best if used at construction sites, many people restrain themselves from buying a hammer drill for at home use. Although, you shouldn't do! 2607-20 hammer drill by Milwaukee is an example of the tool that can be used in your own garage and create from zero to none noise. By look the tool is very similar to a conventional screwdriver, it's got the same size, ergonomics, controls, etc. Handling it is same easy too. Just attach a fully charged battery, pick a drill bit, select a hammer drilling mode, and start working. Having got such a tool as Milwaukee 2607-20 at hand, you will be able to drill easily through concrete and even metal. The adjustable torque will let you use the tool for driving and removing screws. Considering these all capabilities, this hammer is even quieter than its more powerful peers. As you can see, Milwaukee 2607-20 is a multipurpose tool that performs the functions of a screwdriver, a drill, and a hammer drill. No need to buy more tools, get this single hammer drill and save plenty of space in your shed.
What's Inside?
We decided to explore whether this hammer drill really can withstand high loads or it's just the manufacturer's promotional trick. So, we dug into the specs of Milwaukee 2607-20. The tool features the 4-pole motor with 500 in-lbs of torque that allows you to easily drill a 2" hole in concrete. The motor can deliver up to 1800 RPM that is a solid speed for tools of its class. Besides, Milwaukee features the improved percussion mechanism that delivers almost 29,000 BPM, so the tool easily crashes hard materials like stone, brick or concrete. As we can see, Milwaukee 2607-20 has everything for hammer drilling. As for screwdriving and drilling, low speeds are essential. These jobs are tackled by 2-speed gear case that offers the speed adjustment from 0 to 400 RPM. So, you'll be able to force a screw into hardwood effortlessly. The built-in REDLINK™ Intelligence system protects the tool by distributing the energy among its components according to the applied load, and consequently, extends the life. Taking the foregoing into account, we can state that Milwaukee 2607-20 is a pretty powerful hammer drill within its price tag and is a great pick as a home tool which versatility will simplify your life.
More Products to Consider
Attach this holder to either side of Milwaukee 2607-20 and get a handy on-board storage for a few bits. Also, you can equip your hammer drill with the hook to hitch the tool on your belt and free your hands.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $74.99 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B00J9S1BCU |
What is a Hammer Drill
A hammer drill is a multifunctional tool that helps us bore holes even in the firmest walls made of concrete and bricks. Also, hammer drills can make holes in other material - wood, metal, and so on. You can also use these tools to drill holes for screws or getting screws out of the wall. Unlike conventional rotary drills, hammer drills also add a hammering action. That's why they are far superior to rotary drills in their drilling capabilities. You certainly need this tool at a construction site or for using it at home if you're a true handyman.
Apart from hammer drills, we recommend you to look at our review of cordless drills and impact drivers for drilling and screwdriving tasks.
What Features to Compare
Performance
The first thing to consider when choosing a hammer drill is the motor power - a true heart of the tool. It’s important because the overall performance depends on it: how efficient the hammer drill will be in drilling concrete or bricks, as wells as wood or metal. A sufficient power and a high rotation speed of the motor ensure a convenient use of the tool. Some drills have the maximal rotation speed of up to 3500 RPM. Also, the efficiency of hammering depends on impact power (measured in joules or sometimes ft-lbs) - the higher it is, the better the bit will be drilling the wall. Finally, don't forget to check the beat frequency (measured in beats per minute).
Also, make sure to check the maximal diameter of the bit you can use in a chuck of a drill, because the size of the hole you will be able to make depends on it. Keep in mind that the material you are going to deal with really matters. Of course, most people want to know the diameter of a hole in a brick or concrete wall, but you should also check the performance in wood, plastic, metal, etc.
Usability
If you are a construction worker, you will need to use the hammer drills for many hours and, no wonder, a tool should be convenient. So, you need to check if a tool isn’t too heavy and if it has rubberized handles that reduce vibrations, so that your arms don’t get tired too fast. You will be able to find the best position for drilling if a handle is adjustable (which means you can adjust it to any angle you like). Don't forget to check the chuck type of a hammer drill. There are 2 major types of chuck in production: keyed and keyless, which means you either need a key to change and adjust a bit, or you can do it without any additional tools. For example, if a hammer drill boasts SDS+ or SDS-max bit system, you will be able to change bits very quickly.
Safety
A hammer drill is a tool for really difficult construction works and that’s why it can break down. A broken hammer drill, in its turn, is very dangerous for a person who's using it. That’s why a good hammer drill must have safety systems. For example, if a bit gets jammed, a special overload protection system will stop the tool and, therefore, prevent a damage to a torque converter and a motor. Also, there’s a dust collection system that prevents the hammer drill from clogging. The best tools even have a special indicator that informs you about wear or clogging, so you know when you need to repair a drill.
Extras
Take a look at the extra features of a hammer drill. For example, if you need to drill for a long time, you should be able to lock the trigger in order not pull it with your index finger all the time. Also, make sure to check if a tool has a reverse mode - it will help you unjam a bit or pull a screw out of the wall. Another important issue is the cord length - if it’s short, you will need to use an extension cord. The optimal cord length is ~4 meters.
Sources:
1. Hammer drill, Wikipedia. September 5, 2016.
2. A Buying Guide for Hammer Drills. eBay.
3. Drilling into Concrete Tools: Rotary Hammers and Hammer Drills, The Family Handyman.
4. Buying Guide for Hammer Drills/Rotary Hammers, Lowe's.
5. How to Use a Hammer Drill, DoItYourself.
6. Using Hammer Drills vs Rotary Hammers, Pro Tool Reviews. August 18, 2016.
7. Top 3 Must have Features in a Hammer Drill, eBay February 16, 2016.
8. Hammer Drill vs. Rotary Hammer, Diffen.