A hammer drill is your best friend when it comes to around the house and home DIY projects. You can get any task done with the right hammer drill. Any task at all.
A hammer drill is a power tool used to drill in and extract material. Its operation is similar to that of a hammer, in that it uses the kinetic energy of a rotating mass, in this case the hammering or drilling action of a chuck, to accomplish its purpose.
In other words, a hammer drill makes holes.
In this short guide, we are going to look at the top ten hammer drills on the market we feel are worth your hard earned money.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Makita HR2475 1" Rotary Hammer | Best Overall |  |
| DEWALT Masonry Drill Bit Set | Budget Pick |  |
| Bosch 11264EVS 1-5/8 SDS-Max Combination Hammer | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Makita HR2475 1" Rotary Hammer
Pros:
- Variable speed
- D-style handle for maximum comfort and control
- Lightweight for easy use and carrying
- Includes storage box
- 3-year limited warranty
Cons:
- Runs a little loud
- Extra effort required to replace the chuck
Our top pick is the Makita HR2475 1" Rotary Hammer which features an efficient and high-performance motor of 11.6 amp with a variable speed reversing for quick drilling, and a control lock for continuous drilling. The Makita HR2475 is ideal for virtually any home renovation project.
The Makita tool is a versatile product which functions as both a drill and a rotary hammer. It comes with a D-style handle for maximum comfort and control. It also includes a storage box so you can safely store it when you’re done.
When it comes to performance, the Makita does a great job. It can fit in tighter spaces while also being able to easily drill into harder materials like brick or concrete. We love the variable speed feature of this hammer, which allows you to drill into different types of materials at exactly the right speed for better control.
2. Bosch 11255VSR Bulldog Xtreme
Pros:
- Powerful motor
- Variable speed
- Less noise
Cons:
- Pricey
- Heavy
- Slightly awkward ergonomics
Our final pick is the monstrous Bosch 11255VSR Bulldog Xtreme SDS-Plus rotary hammer. This beast of a machine is a bit bulky and heavy, but it makes up for it with some awesome features. The device is equipped with an engine that offers 1,750 RPM variable speed with a net torque of 2,800 ft-lbs. This makes it perfect for drilling into solid concrete with a minimal amount of effort. Best of all, Bosch has managed to keep the noise levels to a bare minimum.
One of the biggest challenges with rotary hammers is that the motor can chew up conduit, wall sockets, and even the cord. Thankfully, this one comes wired with a dynamo that eliminates the problem of frayed cords, and its engine can connect with most masonry bits. Moreover, the Bosch feature an ergonomic design that makes handling the tool very comfortable. It’s a powerful tool with some awesome features, but that comes at a relatively high price.
3. Makita XPH07Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 1/2" Hammer Driver-Drill
Pros:
- * Pre-programmed settings
There’s actually no better option if you’re looking for the 10 best hammer drills on the market than this hammer drill from Makita. It has the perfect balance between speed and power and is one of the most versatile tools that will suit both DIYers and professionals.
The Makita XPH07Z features a beast-mode drilling and driving force that can crush through just about any material. It comes with a 4Ah 18V Lithium-ion battery that lasts for several applications. However, the downside is that you’re only given one battery. You may need to buy the other battery separately.
4. Bosch RH328VC 1-1/8-Inch SDS Rotary Hammer
Pros:
- High-performance power
- Auto-select for precise drilling on soft materials or hard surfaces
- Features an Electronic Reverse for fast tool bit changes
- Very lightweight and easy to handle
- Thirty-minute no-load running time with just 7.0 Amps
- Very reasonable price
- 3-year limited warranty
Cons:
- Load durability issues
- Dust-collection function is not very effective
When it comes to the best hammer drills, it’s important to consider a few important requirements such as durability, power, grip, and ease of use. Our top pick for the best hammer drill is the Bosch RH328VC. But what makes the Bosch RH328VC one of the best hammer drills?
This drill features an Intelliprox system that optimizes drilling performance for various materials. Discrete sensors are installed in the rotating mechanism that adjust the torque output automatically. This model has the highest voltage and current of all Bosch drills.
It’s also equipped with a 3-speed gearbox that builds from 300 to 1000 rpm. There’s also an Anti-Vibration Control System that works effectively to minimize vibration. The durable motor also has an overload protection to ensure constant and long-term operation.
5. SKIL 6445-04 7.0 Amp 1/2 In. Hammer Drill
Pros:
- Powerful with quick speed changes
- Includes a keyless chuck
- Durable
- Great value for the price
- Hammer action is great
- Feels sturdy and comfortable, even when using long bits
- No issues with the durability of the chuck or the battery life
Cons:
- Can be loud
- Battery can seem temperamental
This is a great tool and, with a very affordable price tag. It's pretty light and compact, with plenty of power for my needs. I love the hammer action feature on it. It does make a lot of noise and you do need to squeeze it more when you change the speed than a lot of other tools. Different speeds change quickly, which helps you avoid overdriving a screw. It is pretty lightweight and balanced, even with imputing the large battery into the handle.
I would say it is suitable for something like screws in hardwoods but not soft woods like pine which have a lot of sap (which gets stripped off when you are using a hammer on them). So, not really excellent for fast production work, more for DIY, home jobs. Apart from the noise, I think it is an excellent hammer drill.
6. Hammer Drill
Pros:
- Lightweight and powerful for drilling into concrete, marble, stone, wood, and ceramic
- Variable speed setting allows for easier drilling using the right amount of power
- 360° rotatable handle and speed dropping knob allows for better control of the motor
- Comes with a two-year warranty
- Cordless design for easy maneuverability
Cons:
- Light and small design may feel less durable to some
- Requires the careful use of a brake
- Durability is lower than metal-alloyed bristle brushes especially for industrial jobs
If you’re looking for the best hammer drill for your jobs, then this model from TACKLIFE is one of the best options available. It offers 2800RPMs and uses a 0.5HP motor that dig deep holes in ceramic, wood, marble, stone, concrete, and other hard surfaces. It’s suitable for DIY homeowners, contractors, and electricians.
The two-year warranty offered by the manufacturer covers manufacturer defects as well as workmanship. Its only requirement is that you have to retain the original packaging and original sales receipt. This hand drill is also lightweight and has a design that makes it easy to control the speed and direction of the motor using the speed dropping knob on the base. It allows you to dig into your targeted spots without making an unwanted mess.
7. Bosch 11264EVS 1-5/8 SDS-Max Combination Hammer
Pros:
- Lightweight
- High power rating
- Comfortable ergonomic design
- Long-lasting quality
The Bosch 11264EVS is a tough and durable hammerdrill that has multiple functions. It’s made of rugged plastic, which makes it both lightweight and durable. You can use this cordless drill to demolish places like block + brick walls and wood fences. It’s also very helpful in carrying out various tasks related to flooring, roofing, renovation, and landscaping.
In our opinion, one of its most notable features is the extended power setting button. This saves you time because you can switch from one setting to another, depending on what you need. This