Best Corded Hammer Drills for 2022 | Reviews & Top Picks

Need to drill a hole into concrete? Don’t even think about doing it with standard drills; the reason is they are simply not designed to make a hole into the concrete. If you try to do so, it will be frustrating and fruitless and may even cost you your drill. That’s where the hammer drill comes to the rescue. They incorporate the hammering action, which breaks the material thanks to its spinning motion to move forward. In the end, you will appreciate the help done by hammer drills.

Hammer drills are available as corded and as cordless models. The corded drills are powered through an electrical outlet so they offer more power and more speed and don’t slow down with time. Furthermore, for precise control over the task, these models feature two-speed modes.

The first mode provides high torque and low speed to drill holes into the hard materials, while the second mode is for fast drilling in softer materials with high speed and less torque.

It will really come in handy in projects like home improvements, remodeling, and some other works as well. Here are our reviews of best-corded hammer drills.

Best Corded Hammer Drill

1. DEWALT DWD525K 1/2-Inch Corded Hammer Drill

When you think of power tools, the name Dewalt comes to mind for the versatility and durability of their tools. And this corded hammer drill from the DeWalt is no different, and it is a good choice for the hammering mechanism. Now, let’s have a look at what features it has to offer.

It isn’t just a hammer drill used only for hammering purposes; you can use it for drilling concrete or masonry as well. This drill is the high-end corded hammer drill from the DeWalt.

Moreover, the selector on the top of it allows you to change the modes between hammering mode and normal drilling. If you select the hammering function, then it is capable of delivering 56,000 BPM, and this BPM rating is the highest in its category.

This versatile tool comes with a two-speed mode; one ranges from 0-1,200 RPM and the second range from 0-3,500 RPM. With this mode setting, you can either select high-speed drilling or high torque application mode. This dual-speed setting is only available for drilling, and for hammering, only one speed is available.

In the kit, you will get a 360° locking side handle, a chuck key with a holder, a steel depth rod, and a hard plastic case. This corded hammer drill is a relatively heavy tool. The handle can be rotated to accommodate left or right-handed users.

That being said, It comes with a keyed 1/2” chuck, the changing of the drill bit will be easy thanks to the extra-large chuck key. Besides, it will let you work for a longer period. The tool features perfect ergonomics, and the soft and firm grip handle lets you have a constant grasp without lessening user fatigue.

With all these features and good things incorporated in this drill, it comes with a solid 3 years of warranty from the manufacturer.

2. PORTER-CABLE PCE141 7-Amp Corded Hammer Drill

This corded hammer drill from the porter cable is one of the best choices available for home use.

This drill features a powerful and durable 7 amp motor, which can provide a great performance. It works great on different materials like metals, concrete, bricks, etc., and that too with ease. In fact, it can be used for versatile applications. The modes can be switched between drilling and hammering at the convenience of the user.

Moving on, It works with a single-speed that will supply enough torque and speed for working on different materials ranging from wood to concrete. Apart from that, it can run from 0-3100 RPM and 52,700 BPM.

Furthermore, this tool is designed for maximum comfort while working. It offers the best user control with its two-finger trigger for a comfortable grip. It lets you work for a long period. Plus, it has a side handle for better control of the drill in heavy applications.

Besides its two-finger locking system for extended continuous work, it also comes with a 1/2” keyed chuck and a holder to keep it in place. The holder does its job well; the bit stays secured in it.

Having said all of this, I believe it is a really good proposition for light-duty use considering the price. To boost your confidence in the product, the manufacturer provides you with a 3-year limited warranty.

3. BLACK+DECKER BEHD201 6.5-Amp Corded Hammer Drill

The BLACK+DECKER has been an active player in the power tool industry since 1910, which means one thing is for sure, they know how to make a good power tool. They manufacture a variety of tools from which this corded hammer drill is built for design and power in compactness. In short, BEHD201 is built to last.

You won’t have to worry about its power-delivering capabilities because it features a powerful 6.5-amp motor that is capable of delivering enough power to make a hole in a brick, metal, wood, or concrete without stressing any muscle. The motor can rotate with 0 to 2800 RPM, and it can also deliver energy up to 48000 BPM.

Workers and DIYers can have a balanced stance and take control of the hammer with more ease. The side handle is designed for that purpose only. For comfort across all kinds of jobs, the handle has 3 positions which you can choose from. This feature is of critical importance when you have to work in tighter spaces and need absolute power and balance while working.

You will appreciate the 1/2” chuck, which doesn’t require a key and means an easy bit of changing.

If we talk about comfort and ergonomics, then it weighs just around 4 pounds, which makes it easy to move around and hang comfortably on the belt.

This is the best tool for homeowners or DIYers. It is certainly going to take care of any light-duty task that you might encounter. Besides, its lightweight, powerful motor and ergonomics combined with 1 year of limited warranty make it a really good proposition.

4. Meterk kk104-13 1/2-Inch Corded Hammer Drill

This is not so well known brand but believes me, its products can give really tough competition to some of the major players in the field. This corded hammer drill is so full of features that you wonder how this drill is so affordable.

It features a motor wound from pure copper, which gives a speed of a max of 3000 RPM. With this speed, you can take care of most applications no matter how slow or fast the bit needs a motor to spin. It also comes with a reverse switch, which is really useful to remove the drill bit from any material, and it is located right on the handle for convenience.

With the use of the right drill bits, your options are limitless. You can work on concrete as efficiently as you can on wood surfaces.

That being said, it comes with a variable speed function, which is used with the speed setting knob and the variable speed trigger. In essence, using the knob, you can fix the maximum speed, and based on the application’s need, you can change the speed with the trigger. This is really great for precision work.

Other than that, it also has a lock button. This allows you to keep the speed constant without maintaining the same pressure on the trigger all the time. This is really convenient if you are going to work long hours.

Plus, the safety switch prevents the use of the tool when you are not around. To have a long life and to be protected at the job site, it features a robust metal gearbox, a cherry on top.

For better hold over the tool, the handle grip is rubberized, which will also prevent it from slipping.

In the end, This is a complete package of a feature that you will find in a typical cordless hammer drill. This is the most versatile and valuable tool, and it comes with a 1-year limited warranty too.

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

Skil is one of the leading manufacturers of power tools in America. Well- Known for its radical chainsaw brings you this corded hammer drill.

If we talk about the Power, then the Powerhouse of this hammer drill is a 7.5-amp motor that can achieve a maximum of 3000 RPM and 48000 BPM, which is enough to tackle any light-duty job at hand. It’s the heart of the machine. The motor can take care of most of the drilling applications and some of the tough jobs as well.

I won’t be exaggerating if I say that this might turn out to be the only tool you will need for all drilling applications around the house. It features a 1/2” key lock chuck, capable of fittingly accepting bits with large diameters.

What’s more, it features a removable grip with an adjustable depth gauge to drill a hole of precise dimensions. Let me highlight the variable speed trigger as well, which comes with the machine. It will let you regulate the speed according to the task at hand. It’s another plus for Skil HD182001.

This is an ideal tool for a wide range of drilling and hammering applications because of its multifunction feature. You can use it as a simple drill for drilling applications or as a hammer drill for hammering applications. For better accuracy and improved safety for the user, it has a side assist handle that can be rotated 360 degrees.

Furthermore, it has a 2-finger variable speed trigger for increased control over the job at hand, and the weight of this tool is just 5.9 pounds, which makes it much more manageable and portable. It has the best possible ergonomics for precise drilling.

This budget-priced model offers plenty of power to take care of all light to medium-duty tasks around the house, but if you are going to use it for heavy-duty tasks, then you might run into trouble rather sooner than later. Besides, it comes with a 1 years limited warranty from the manufacturer as well.

6. Bosch HD18-2 Two-Speed Corded Hammer Drill

Bosch, the name known for its industrial heavy-duty power tools, But it’s less known for its commercial-duty products. And the years of testing of any bosch tool say that each one of them is a substantial performer despite its price point.

Let’s start with the Powerhouse of the tool; the motor, its rating is 8.5-amp, which is capable of supplying high torque and high speed to meet a variety of applications from tender to toughest material like concrete, masonry, metal, or wood. Besides, it comes with variable speed control for better precision. The first of the two gears it offers is for high-torque applications, while the other mode is for high-speed drilling.

This tool functions as a 2-in-1 device; the dual-mode selector will change the mode from hammer drill to rotation-only mode. Moreover, if the bit gets into a bind situation, then the slip clutch disengages the torque transmission and reversely rotates it to get the bit out.

Where this HD18-2 shines is when it comes to drilling in concrete, wood, metal, or masonry. The impact mode lets you drill into brick and block, and depending on the dimensions of the hole, it can also be used with some concrete applications. The drilling mode is only for drilling into the wood and metal.

For the strong durability of the tool, it has a metal gear housing. And for better control over it and to keep it securely in its place, the auxiliary handle is provided.

It is strongly recommended for homeowners who are in a long-term project, maybe a remodeling of an old house. And the contractors who don’t always and every day need strong heavy-duty power. This corded hammer drill is capable of taking care of almost any task. Other than that, it comes with a 1-year limited warranty from the manufacturer as well.

7. TACKLIFE PID05A 7.5-Amp Corded Hammer Drill

Tacklife is a renowned manufacturer of high-quality tools at a budget-friendly price tag, and this is one of them. At this price range, this corded drill is certainly going to please budget-friendly workers.

One of the biggest selling points is its strong motor. The 7.5-amp motor is the beating heart of this machine; that’s what keeps the device running powerfully at a constant speed. The motor winding is done using pure copper, which will generate 30% more power when drilling in hard materials like solid steel or concrete. Besides, for user convenience, it also features a 1/2-inch keyless auto chuck for easy bit changing.

The motor is capable of generating a drilling speed of up to 3000 RPM, and the variable speed trigger lets you easily control this speed with the knob. Other than that, you won’t have any difficulties while working with delicate and tough materials. For reduced user fatigue, it also has a lock button, which will lock its speed at a certain level at a user’s command.

When you thought that this unit can’t get any better, it just does. It features a black button on the top of the drill, from where you can select the hammer or drilling or chiseling function as per your requirement.

This power tool from Tacklife weighs just 5.3 pounds and is 11.2” long, which is not an issue at all. It fits really well in cramped spaces because of its compact size. Plus, the lightweight makes handling effortless when holding it at an uncomfortable angle.

If you feel it overheating after a while, give it a few minute’s break, and you are ready to go again thanks to its metal transmission system, which can improve the body’s ability to dissipate heat. Moreover, it also has a 360-degree rotating handle and depth gauge for greater control.

All in all, this is a really great tool to have in your collection. It takes care of light to heavy-duty tasks as well and it incorporates some really good features with the 1-year manufacturer warranty.

Different Types of Hammer Drills

Hammer drills can be broadly classified into three categories cordless, corded, and rotary. We are going to see each one of them one by one starting from cordless hammer drills.

Cordless Hammer Drills

A Cordless Hammer drill means portability and constant availability of hammering functions anywhere. The biggest plus point of the cordless drill is that they are not dependent on the nearby power source. This portability means you need to be ready if the battery goes down; otherwise, your work may stop in the middle. A simple solution to that is to have a spare battery.

Cordless counterparts of the drills are quite affordable than the corded devices. Still, it all comes down to your requirements.

Corded Hammer Drills

Corded electric hammer drills are popular for their ease of use, power, and efficiency among professionals and enthusiasts alike.

There is no need for experience to operate this drill; any novice can use it without any instructions. But it is recommended to read the user manual once and pay attention to safety precautions. The single drawback of this tool is its need to be constantly around a power source in order to function. Any tool comes with a minimum of 6 feet long cord, which may not be long enough, so you may need to invest in a quality extension cord.

They are versatile and are much more affordable compared to rotary hammer drills. Most corded drills are capable of coping with the most difficult tasks, but underpowered drills also exist in the market, so thorough research is necessary before making a purchase.

Rotary Hammer Drills

This is the type of hammer drill you use for the toughest applications, like drilling through concrete or a brick. The main highlight of this tool is its power-to-weight ratio; that’s the main reason you can drill through anything without breaking a sweat. This is the most efficient solution that exists.

Besides, rotary models are the most versatile of all types. They are equipped with adjustable modes. Because of their quality and versatility, they are the most expensive compared to corded or cordless drills.

It’s not that everything is good. It has one big drawback; Rotary Hammer drills produce a considerable amount of vibration; the vibration is such that some models had to incorporate an integrated anti-vibration system, which helps to diminish the vibrations to some extent. But the one that doesn’t have this feature causes a great deal of fatigue and exhaustion. This is not good if you have to work for long periods with it.

Everything has its advantages and disadvantages. The main advantage of this tool is its capability to take care of any task of any complexity. If you have a budget, then go for it without any hesitation.

Rotary Hammer vs. Hammer Drill vs. Regular Drill vs. Impact Drill

If you are new to the field, then you might get confused about those different tools available with almost the same name and their uses. So let’s clear up the confusion.

Regular Drills

The drills which you see in almost all garages or homes are these standard drills. They generally perform light-duty tasks like drilling a hole in wood, drywall, plastic, or other standard materials. the motor gets its power from the cord, which in turn spins the bit which is carefully placed on a wall to bore a hole. Generally, most regular drills can’t drill through concrete or brick, or any other such hard materials.

Hammer Drill

It has the same working principle as a regular drill, but with its regular spinning, it also applies a forward motion to it, which helps it pierce through a material with high densities. Where regular drills can’t make a hole, hammer drills do. It is used to make a hole in masonry, concrete, brick, hardwood, etc.

The hammering action breaks the softer material, and then the spinning action drills through the more solid material.

Rotary Hammers

Sometimes people confuse rotary hammers with hammer drills because of their similarities, but they are particularly different tools.

The main difference between them is their motor, even though both of them work on the same principle of spinning and simultaneously exerting a percussive force on the surface being drilled. Hammer drill uses a gear system to function and is generally powered by electricity through a cord.

While a cordless rotary hammer drill uses pneumatic force to generate a piston’s oscillating motion, which is responsible for the hammering action. Because of the pneumatic action, they are capable of exerting greater power and are capable of drilling through thicker and heavier material. And the need for an air compressor makes it more suitable for outdoor use and that too for professionals.

Impact Drills

Impact drills, also known as an impact driver. People generally think that this is the same tool as a hammer drill. But both are very different tools. The working mechanism is the same for both of them; the use of spinning motion with the percussive force. But the hammer drill bores a hole, while the impact drill drives a screw into the surface. And one thing to note here is you can’t use them interchangeably, for example, an impact driver to bore a hole or a hammer drill to drive a screw; that’s just not possible.

What Is A Hammer Drill And When to Use It?

A hammer drill is a powerful device to make a hole in the strongest materials. Masonry is nothing for a good quality hammer drill to make a hole. You can make holes in almost anything with the help of a hammer drill.

The question is when you are going to need one. You need one when you realize you need one. In simple terms, if it takes minutes of your time to drill a hole of a fraction of an inch, you should have one. The motor of a regular tool is going to burn out even before making a significant mark. To make a hole into brick or concrete, you need to take the help of a hammer drill.

If you need to drill a hole in a wall, then you should get one because you might need to do it again.

Buying Guide for the best hammer drills

Variable speed

A single-speed hammer drill is more than enough for any DIY work. They run at one speed and with the same amount of torque through. Due to single mode, they are a little lightweight, but they really work well.

For those who can adjust with a little extra weight on their hand’s option of a 2-speed hammer drill is a good choice to have. The first setting lets you focus on the torque and will reduce the speed a little to drill holes in hard materials like brick or concrete. While the second mode increases the speed and reduces the torque, it increases RPM a little bit, which is really useful if you are working on a plank of wood or any less hard material. This mode will increase efficiency.

If you don’t mind the extra weight, then go for the corded hammer drill, which comes with a dual-speed mode.

Power Type

Any hammer drill is either powered by the battery or from the electrical outlet, which means a cordless or corded power source.

The corded version has an advantage of a constant power flow, which never ends from the outlet, but if there is no electricity, then there is no drilling. Besides, you will also be dependent on the location of the electrical outlet, so no portability as well.

Whereas the cordless hammer drill has the advantage of being portable and can be taken anywhere, it might need to be. But it will need frequent charges, so there will be an interruption in work if you are going to work on a big task, but that can be eliminated by having a spare charged battery.

Both of them have certain limitations, but depending on your needs, any one of them will be a good choice.

Motor power

In general, more power means there are fewer chances of a motor being blown out. Besides, the more powerful the motor, the less time you will need to complete the task.

The main reason for the consideration of motor power is to get the work done quickly and efficiently. For most of the tasks, the motor with a power rating of 5-8 amp is more than enough for a standard hammer drill. But, If you think you are going to work with extra hard materials, then you can go for the high motor rating. This will make the drill costly and heavier than standard drills, so keep that in mind.

Safety features

Safety features are really important when buying any power tool. It can prevent some major risks while working with the tool. We suggest that you buy a tool that at least has basic safety features.

Most of the tools are manufactured with added safety features to ensure the maximum user safety possible whenever the equipment is in use. For hammer drills, look out for overheating protection, automatic bit locking, and integral clutch to ensure maximum protection.

Weight

The weight of the tool comes into the picture when you have to work on a very long task, and your arms start to ache because of holding the hammer drill for longer than you should. The weight also affects the control of the tool. In unconventional places of work, you may need to hold the drill at weird angles, which may turn out to be the hardest task if the weight is more and not properly balanced.

The weight of the drill should be proportional to the motor power so that the work can be maximized without too much strain. Look for a hammer drill with minimum weight, provided all other requirements are met if you are going to use it for a long time.

Impact Speed

Impact speed is measured in BPM, which means blows per minute. It generally tells you how many times the hammer is hitting the surface in a span of a minute. This rating can range from 0 to 5500 BPM, and it can be anywhere in it. The higher the BPM, the better will be the performance of the drill.

Accessories

These corded hammer drills are quite versatile. You can modify or customize them according to your preference. The customization is as easy as it can get, and it can be easily done with the help of third-party accessories. The most common accessory for hammer drills is drill bits.

Different types of drill bits have different functions and are used for different applications. You can choose the one based on the application you want it to perform. Besides, these drill bits, you may also find the carrying case as an accessory to store and carry the drill. These accessories turn out to be quite handy while using a hammer drill.

As you would have guessed by now, more accessories are considered to be a value-for-money tools.

FAQs

Q. Can I use a hammer drill as a regular drill?

These tools are specifically designed for driving purposes only if it only features a hammer mode. There are some brands that offer two modes of driving and drilling. If both modes are available, then with the use of proper bits, you can do drilling as well.

Q. Can you use a hammer drill as a jackhammer?

Yes, you can use the drill as a mini jackhammer because they come with 3 settings. You can use it as a regular drill, hammer drill, or just as a hammer. The working mechanism is the air pressure, on which the hammer functions, so it is suitable to function as a jackhammer.

Q. How is a hammer drill different from a regular drill?

The continuous rotational force generated from the drill drives a screw into the surface. Similarly, a hammer drill also uses a rotational force but features a more powerful hammering or pounding force, which will drive the screw straight down to the surface. It’s like you are driving a hammer at the back of the drill.

Q. Do I really need a hammer drill?

The hammer drill is a must if you need to drill the hole in strong materials like brick, block, concrete, or masonry. To drill a hole on those surfaces, it needs more torque, which only a hammer drill is capable of supplying. So, when set properly, it can always bore a hole in it.

Q. Which is better hammer drill or an impact drill?

It depends on the type of function you want to perform. If you want to drill through a hard material, you will need more force than an impact drill; it has to be to do the job satisfactorily. The impact function works more or less the same way: the drill bit just doesn’t only rotate but also gives an impact.

You will need a hammer or impact drill based on the density of the material.