Best Rotary Hammer Drills (Cordless + Corded) for 2022 | Reviews & Guide

You can drill a hole or two using an ordinary hammer drill, but when it comes to working with stones, tiles, or 60 years old concrete, these drills lag in their performance. These are exceptionally dense materials, and if you are drilling into them, you need more power with a strong tool, a Rotary Hammer Drill.

These drills differ from conventional drills in terms of their working mechanism as they use compressed air in the cylinder by a piston, which is responsible for the strong force that a rotary hammer is known for.

A good rotary hammer with the right kind of bits is capable of drilling through anything, be it cement, rock, or any hard materials which may come to your mind.

They also come with different modes, and a quick rotation of a switch, and they will become a useful tool for medium demolition jobs too.

To choose the best one for your work requirements, go through our list of the best rotary hammers. It is surely going to help you make a better buying decision.

Best Rotary Hammer Drill

1. DEWALT DCH133B 20V MAX XR Cordless Rotary Hammer Drill

This is a popular brand name among DIYers and Contractors due to the quality, durability, and performance of their tools. And this cordless rotary hammer drill from them also has quite a hype around it.

This rotary hammer drill from the DeWalt features a brushless motor, which will give you a longer runtime, better efficiency, and superior performance. The motor supplies a no-load speed of 1,500 RPM and 5,500 BPM, which is surely going to make your task more efficient and let you finish the task in no time.

The highlight of this tool is its compelling compact design, which means it will be easier to work on tight areas than with a conventional rotary hammer drill, where you can’t reach.

It has a remarkable construction, with high-grade plastic, which ensures the same performance in the most rugged environment. Plus, the portable design will let you take it anywhere with you. It also has an impact energy of 2.6 joules for different applications.

No doubt the drill provides the best possible performance, but to get that performance for a considerable time, you will need a minimum of 5Ah capacity battery. For batteries lower than that, you will be wasting your time. With a 5Ah rating, it runs for an hour on intense duty tasks.

Suppose the bit binds while you were drilling. What’s next? It is equipped with a mechanical clutch, which is there to reduce sudden torque reactions. Moreover, It will also unstick the bit and remove it from the binding.

For user convenience, it has an SDS+ system that will let you change the bit with one hand. To top it off, it also features special electronics in the build, which will allow the tool to hold its speed, despite bit size.

This tool is an excellent rotary hammer drill. It gives a strong performance, has a durable build, and portability makes it a really good choice. And don’t forget the 3-year limited warranty from DeWalt.

2. DEWALT DCH481B FLEXVOLT 60V MAX Rotary Hammer Drill

This is the second cordless rotary hammer drill from the DeWalt on our list of best rotary hammer drills, and it justifies its position with its exceptional features and price point. This is the best tool for drilling into hard surfaces with ease.

To drill through concrete or stone or even ceramic tiles, this is the best tool because of its drilling strength and lightweight construction. It features a powerful motor supplied by a long-lasting 60V battery with 9.0 Ah capacity for long-lasting drilling; the battery boasts a flex-volt technology that offers better cooling and a longer runtime to the motor compared to conventional batteries.

Apart from that, the motor supplies a no-load speed of 540 RPM and 3150 BPM to get the task done fast. A unique feature of this tool is its 6.1 J impact energy, which is the kind of power, the corded drill offers, but you are getting this feature with the convenience of the portability of a cordless drill.

It also features an E-clutch for maximum control in a bind-up situation. In a bind-up situation, it will stop the drill for the protection of the user and the device itself.

The major problem with any rotary hammer drill is the vibration it emits while working; if it is not diminished, it reduces the user’s productivity and the extended use of the device because of fatigue.

To limit the vibrations, it has an active vibration control feature, so the tool supplies the minimum vibration to the user.

Moving forward, it is a combination of a hammer and a drill; you can choose the function based on the job at hand. Plus, it comes with an SDS max chuck to deal with all kinds of heavy-duty work.

This is a solid Rotary hammer drill from the DeWalt suitable for all kinds of work, from light to heavy-duty. It doesn’t matter if you are a homeowner, DIYer, or professional; this is the device you should go for if you have a budget, and on top of that, it comes with 3-year of limited warranty.

3. Bosch GBH18V-26DK15 18V Brushless SDS-plus Rotary Hammer Kit

Bosch tools are a leader in the concrete arena. They are built for professionals who rely on them day in and day out.

The Bosch GBH18V-26DK15 cordless rotary hammer drill performs at the same level as the corded models. It features a 1” SDS plus chuck, which is powered by a brushless motor. With a weight of just 5.8 lbs, it stays lightweight, comfortable, and easy to use.

If we talk about impact energy, it provides 1.9 ft-lbs of impact energy with a maximum no-load speed of 0-890 RPM and 0-4350 BPM. The best feature of this tool is its kickback control; it will prevent the tool from spinning by shutting down itself and saving your arm, elbow, and the tool itself.

The tool functions with the help of an 18V 4Ah battery that comes with it, but for better runtime, you can use it with a more capacity battery as well.

The design of the handle is the same as we see in corded models. And you can use the D-handle for drilling in any direction with comfort and ease. To unbind the bit if it is stuck, it has a switch on the top from where you can change the direction of rotation, which is easily accessible with the thumb.

The 3 modes of operation make it a very versatile tool. You can choose any one of them depending on the task: a rotary hammer, hammer only, and hammer + rotation modes.

The conclusion is that the bulldog series from the bosch is a top performer. This cordless version is powerful, efficient, and easy to use. This will be the best choice if you are going to do some heavy-duty tasks. With its pocket-friendly price, it also comes with a 3-years limited warranty from the manufacturer.

4. Makita XRH01Z 1-Inch Brushless Cordless Rotary Hammer

The advancement in technology in recent years is the reason for today’s better tools. They have made life easier for the professionals and the simple homeowners who can now get the work done in no time and that too with precision. The next tool on our list is Makita XRH01Z, which is a bang for a buck.

The powerhouse of this tool is the electronically controlled brushless motor. The motor used in this drill is specifically designed to optimize the energy use from the battery, which in turn gives 50% more runtime per charge. The motor is capable of supplying a max no-load speed of 950 RPM and 4700 BPM, and for faster drilling, it supplies a 1.9 J of impact energy.

Even for long hours of use, the motor remains relatively cool, there is no smoke, and no tool overheating, which makes it a durable and long-lasting product.

Moreover, the design of this tool is very compact, which makes it a really handy tool. The total weight of the tool, including the battery, is 7.2 lbs, which reduces user fatigue, and you can use it for long hours without getting too tired.

Other than that, the chuck is an SDS plus with the D-handle. The max capacity for the concrete, steel, and wood is respectively 1 inch, 1/2 inch, and 1 to 1/16 inches.

Apart from that, it has a built-in LED light to work in poorly lit spaces, a variable speed trigger to work on a range of projects, and the chuck is one hand sliding for easy bit changing. The 3 modes of operation will let you tackle any kind of work from drilling to hammering without any doubt.

For any professional or homeowner, this is the must-have tool in their toolkit because of its solid ergonomic design, which doesn’t affect the power a bit. It is lightweight, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have enough power. It can do the job perfectly well and that too with ease. Besides, It comes with a one-year’s warranty from the manufacturer if you run into problems.

5. DEWALT D25263K D-Handle Corded Rotary Hammer Drill

This is the most popular brand in the market for the performance and durability of its power tools. DeWalt D25263K is the company’s finest power tool so far.

This corded rotary hammer drill is an ideal choice for heavy-duty tasks because of it’s 8.5A powerful motor that supplies the striking impact energy of 3 joules, which means it can work with the strongest building materials with ease. The motor has a rotating brush design, which ensures the efficiency and the longer lifespan of the motor.

While doing the work, if a bit gets stuck, the mechanical clutch is there to deal with this kind of sudden torque reaction, and it does a pretty good job at it. For more precision and accuracy during the work and to have better control over it, the variable speed trigger is there.

Moving forward, this tool’s design is very ergonomic, which makes the tool very comfortable in the hands. The back handle is rubber coated for a comfortable hold, while the front handle is 360 rotatable, which will provide the user with additional control over the device.

The main problem with any kind of drill is going to be vibration and kickbacks. When it comes to heavy-duty drills, this problem gets amplified because you work with rock, brick, or concrete mainly. That is not going to create an issue here because of the company’s Active vibration control system, which reduces the vibration and makes the handling of the tool easier.

To remove the bit if it gets stuck, there is a reverse button. And to tackle a variety of tasks, there are 3 modes of operation: spinning, spinning with hammering, and only hammering function.

All in all, considering the safety features, performance, and ergonomics, this rotary hammer drill should be in your tool kit to handle light to heavy-duty applications. Also, it comes with a 3-year limited warranty from the manufacturer, and they also include the depth rod with it.

6. Milwaukee 2712-20 SDS Plus Cordless Rotary Hammer Drill

The company has grown so much worldwide over the last decade thanks to its feature-packed cordless tools. They won again when they decided to equip their rotary hammer drills with the rechargeable M18 fuel super-batteries.

The performance is really good. The tool can deliver impact energy of 1.7 ft-lbs and a maximum no-load speed of 1350 RPM and 4900 BPM, which is a real increase in power if you have been working with tools with lesser power. One amusing thing about it is, it can offer a 60% peak torque than a standard rotary hammer drill.
The torque is good, but if it gets into the bind, then there is a mechanical clutch that will keep you safe by shutting down the tool.

The noteworthy thing here is its REDLINK+ intelligence system, which monitors and protects the motor from damage due to overheating.

The battery gives quite a runtime under normal use, but the heavy work is going to drain it quickly. Plus, the batteries of Milwaukee are backward compatible, which means you can keep using the new batteries in the older models.

The Red-Lithium battery pack that it comes with offers 20% more energy and has twice that of Li-Ion batteries. While the battery is rated at 18 volts, it is capable of providing decent performance. Apart from that, it features an SDS plus chuck, which allows you to quickly and easily change bits whenever there is a need.

On top of that, it also features an anti-vibration technology that will keep you insulated from heavy torque vibrations.

The housing of this tool is rugged and fairly lightweight at 6.8 lbs, which can easily handle heavy jobs as well. The two-handle grip is comfortable and secure, and there is also a small LED light, which makes your job easier in dark areas.

This cordless rotary hammer drill delivers faster performance, and is durable, and has innovative fuel technology plus a powerful motor. This is an excellent choice for any type of work. Moreover, don’t forget the 5 years limited warranty.

7. Bosch 11255VSR Bulldog 8-Amp Corded Rotary Hammer Drill

If you are looking for a solid feature-packed purchase with a powerful motor, then look no further; the Bosch 11255VSR is here. So, let’s get to it.

For proper operation of this tool, you rely on a 7.5 A motor and it is capable of producing a maximum speed of 5,800 BPM and 1,300 RPM. This corded rotary hammer drill is capable of tackling every task that you may come across, be it as simple as anchoring or breaking something strong.

Besides, the motor supplies 2.2 ft-lbs of impact energy, which makes the drill more efficient and fast.
Moreover, you will have full control over the speed with its variable speed trigger for precise and accurate working.

At the first sight, you find that it has quite an impressive design, simultaneously having a fantastic build quality too. The handle is of D-shape and very comfortable to hold for better control. Plus, the 360-rotating removable side handle is also there to do the job at any angle with ease.

What’s more, The tool comes with 3 modes of operation to tackle various kinds of work like hammering, drilling, impact drilling, etc. To change this mode quickly, there is a selector button.

Other important features are the integral clutch and the SDS-plus bit system for tool-free bit changing and automatic bit locking. To get an optimized chiseling angle, the Vario lock system is there that offers a 36-bit position.

That being said, it also has a depth stop. The depth stop is of a traditional kind; when the tip of the depth stop touches the working surface, the desired depth is reached, and you can take out the bit. It’s also worth mentioning that the drill is lightweight, which doesn’t strain the user’s hand, especially while working vertically.

8. Makita HR2475 1-inch Corded Rotary Hammer Drill

Makita is known for its durability and impressive quality of products on the market, and Makita HR2475 is one of those products. There are so many good things about this corded rotary hammer drill to make it an excellent proposition.

The highlight of this tool is Makita Motor Advantage technology, which uses the field core interlocking steel laminations, dual-ball bearing armature, and more copper commutator bars. With this kind of materials used for the transfer of energy, it is possible to have less energy loss, which in turn will give a longer life to the motor, and the motor can supply more power.

With that mentioned, Makita HR2475 1″ features a 7 AMP motor, which supplies the 2 J of impact energy and is capable of delivering a no-load speed of 1,100 RPM and 4,500 BPM. This drill also comes with the 3 modes of operation for dealing with different kinds of activities.

Moreover, it comes with a sequential impact timing to minimize the overlapping of the bit impacts, giving you a 50% fast speed of drilling. The torque-limiting clutch protects the user by disengaging the motor when the bit binds. Besides that 3 operation mode, this drill accepts the SDS-plus bits making it a highly versatile machine.

Makita is more user-friendly when you have to drill for long hours, and you don’t want those painful hands and fatigue. This is one of the lightest rotary hammers with a weight of 6.2 pounds. The back handle has a rubberized grip and is comfortable to hold, and the front handle is 360° rotatable for extra control over the device. Keeping that aside, the vibration in this model is the lowest compared to other models from competitors.

The bit changing is also easy, and it comes with a sliding chuck, which facilitates one-handed bit change.

Overall, this is a great tool. It is laced with amazing features, and it is powerful and comfortable and can tackle all your drilling needs. Besides, it is also reasonably priced, so if you want a Makita tool, this is the best choice out there. Plus, it comes with a 1-year warranty and 30 days money-back guarantee.

What is a Rotary Hammer Drill?

A common hammer drill is a tool that you can use to bore long holes in medium-hard materials like wood, but if you need to drill a hole in a brick or concrete, these drills won’t cut the deal. For that, you will need more powerful drills to do the job properly.

The solution to drilling a hole in hard material is a Rotary hammer drill, it does the same function as any simple hammer drill, but it pounds with more power, which makes the job easy and fast. In a rotary hammer drill, the compressed air is used for impact. The air is compressed in a cylinder with the help of a piston, which in turn supplies the force to the bit. This force is excellent for breaking through concrete.

That was its first function breaking the hard materials, and they are equally good when it comes to drilling into tough materials. With its hammering and rotation mode, it can pass through almost all hard materials. While doing these intense tasks, to prevent the bits from loosening, they come with the SDS chuck design, which keeps them in place.

Different Types of Rotary Hammer Drills

Rotary hammer drills are tools that combine the hammering and drilling forces to get through masonry, concrete, or surfaces with the same or more toughness. Even though most of them use the same function, you may see the variety in a handful of these drills.

Drill Modes

Most of today’s drills are as versatile as they can be. They offer multiple functions with various modes, and they can be used for rotation only, only for hammering, or for hammering mode combined with the rotation. And most of the drills today offer all functionalities in the same tool.

Besides all these modes, the drills come with the reverse mode, which is also a desirable and beneficial feature in starting projects. This feature, as you may have seen, is available in most of the recommended models that we have discussed. Especially for hammering mode, kickback prevention helps make drilling more comfortable.

Corded Vs Cordless

It won’t surprise me if you heard the name Rotary drill and the long cord comes to your mind. It’s natural because the power that the rotary drill offers, it must have been supplied from the cord.

Nowadays, portable power tools are becoming increasingly popular, and it’s like the flood of portable power tools came into the market. Battery power is becoming more common, so we have included the best cordless models as well. Not everyone may like a portable tool, or they may not need it, but there are certain situations where they are invaluable. It makes your work so much easier.

Both the corded and cordless models have their disadvantages, but it solely depends on the work requirement. Cordless models are portable and can offer a little less power than corded models, and the batteries may restrict your work duration. While the corded models offer strong power but they don’t offer portability.

What to look for when buying a rotary hammer drill

Power Source

A wide range of models are available in the market of rotary hammer drills, and they are powerful and very useful for heavy tasks. They may have different power inputs; it can be either battery-powered or powered through a cord from the electrical outlet.

Most of the models of rotary hammer drills are corded; however, there are cordless models also available.

The corded models offer high-impact speed at the expense of portability. While the battery-powered models are quite practical, portable, and easy to use, and you won’t have to juggle with the cord all the time. So, choose the corded one if the power is the main concern and if the power is in the second position and portability is the main priority, then go for the cordless model.

Speed

The speed of the rotary hammer is decided by its motor, and it is measured in the blows. The rotary hammer uses the piston instead of a mechanical clutch for impacts, enabling them to deliver a more powerful blow. The speed of the blow is measured in a blow per minute means BPM, while the blows are measured in joules. The higher the joules of a blow and bpm, the faster a hammer can drill through concrete or masonry.

Rotation and impact speeds are a measure of the rounds and translational movements the hammer makes at a given time. The general figure for rotational speed and impact frequency is between 230-2300 RPM and 2150-5800 BPM. For regular home use, the hammer with the range of 1000-1500 RPMs and 4000-4500 beats per minute will be a good choice.

Modes

Most of the rotary hammer drills on the market have a minimum of two operating modes; they can perform two functions: hammer drilling or rotary drilling. The rotary hammer with two modes is generally compact and perfect for metal and woodworking projects. At the same time, the hammer with the 3 modes is heavier and is capable of performing 3 functions; hammer drilling, rotary drilling, and chiseling. They are more versatile and can be used for a variety of tasks. They feature a switch that will let you choose the mode.

Accessories

To enhance hammer functionality, you need a rotary hammer drill with many accessories. It doesn’t matter if you’re an amateur and not a professional. Accessories like chisel and spade bits or a drill-specific attachments increase the job’s accuracy, and you can complete the job quickly.

Different manufacturers provide different accessories with their products; some offer safety masks and gloves, while others provide a carrying case, oil feeders, and wrenches.

Chuck size

You may have seen somewhere that, based on the chuck size, the rotary hammer drill is rated. It ranges from 1” for entry-level tools to 2” for high-end tools. And keep in mind this is not the size of a bit, but the hole diameter of the drill.

The power required to drill a 2-inch hole is much more than the power required to drill a 1-inch hole. So it’s a relative comparison of power. What’s more confusing is it’s not the maximum hole size possible.

Control

If the tool offers only power, then that’s just not enough; you also need control. If you go for more budget-friendly hammer drills, they create more noise and transfer much vibration to the hand, which makes you tired. Those unpleasant vibrations are damped out in good tools.

When working with rotary hammer drills, sudden torque reactions of torque are an unavoidable thing. It can cause serious injury or damage to the tool itself. To prevent this from happening, most of the tools incorporate a safety clutch, which minimizes this effect. It is the must-have feature in any rotary hammer drill.

The rotary hammer drills feature electronic circuitries that measure the load on the motor and adjust the power flow accordingly. So go for the one which offers maximum control and safety.

FAQs

Q. Can I use a rotary hammer to drill metal?

The rotary hammer drills use a pneumatic principle to create a force that is far more powerful than those cordless hammer drills. It means less work for the user. That also says that these drills are not suitable for wood or metal. For drilling, you would need specific bits, while the rotary drills feature an SDS chuck means it should be used with only those types of bits.

If you find the drilling SDS type bit and the rotary hammer have only drilling mode, then you can use it to drill into the metal.

Q. Can I use a rotary hammer to remove the tile?

Yes, you can but for small rooms. There isn’t any way to remove ceramic tiles that are easy, neat, or quiet. Turn the rotary hammer drill to only hammer mode and bring it to the small room with small tiles. Rotary hammers are lightweight, compact, and will be easy to handle in tight spaces.

But if you have large tiles to remove from wide space, then I suggest you use the demolition hammer. It will make your task easier and more efficient.

Q. What does SDS rotary hammer mean?

SDS is an acronym for the Slotted Drive System. In simple terms, it is a bit retention system. The original german interpretation for it was a “Steck-Dreh-Sitz,” which means Insert-Twist-Stay, but now it has evolved.

Q. What does Rotary Hammer size mean?

The main consideration for categorizing the rotary hammer drill is their chuck sizes. It can drill the maximum size hole recommended by a manufacturer; still, you can drill larger holes than recommended once in a while. If you have to drill nothing but specific sizes of holes, then you should consider buying a larger drill so it won’t always run on its maximum capacity.

Q. What is the difference between a hammer drill and a rotary drill?

Both tools perform the same function. They spin a bit and simultaneously pound it through the concrete. But the mechanism behind those pounding is totally different. In the hammer drill, two ribbed metal discs bump with each other creating an impact. While as far as the rotary hammer drill is concerned, the compressed air by a piston is the main reason for the impact as it beats the bit.

Q. What is the difference between SDS max and SDS+?

SDS and SDS+ mainly differ from each other in terms of their size. SDS plus bits have a small build, and they are thin and small in size compared to SDS max bits. If we go into details, SDS plus shanks have a diameter of 10 mm while the diameter of SDS max shank is 18 mm.