Best Overall
DeWalt 20V MAX XR Brushless 1-Inch Rotary Hammer
Best Bang for the Buck
Craftsman V20 Cordless ½-Inch Hammer Drill Kit
Best for Heavy-Duty
DeWalt 20V MAX XR ½-Inch Hammer Drill/Driver Kit
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Drilling through concrete , bricks , and stone requires more force than even the most knock-down corded drill drivers can leave — and cordless hammer drill have enough oomph ( plus the public convenience of barrage fire power ) to complete such tasks . Since this case ofpower toolis less uncouth than a stock barrage fire - lock drill , we tested a half - dozen top options to help you select a model worth your money . After using each shelling hammer exercise to digest holes in concrete , ceramic tile , and cinder brick , we document each putz ’s ability , performance , and relaxation of use before depute all worthy choice award .
base on our tests and perceptiveness from a building industry expert , we chose theDeWalt 20V MAX XR Brushless 1 - column inch Rotary Hammeras our favorite cock drill for its ergonomic design and excellent public presentation . This good example and the eternal sleep of our recommend cordless drills scored the high in our hand - on examination and exemplify the best cordless pound drills on the market .
Before You Buy a Cordless Hammer Drill
A cordless rotary hammer practice session work by gyrate a drill morsel while simultaneously generate a rapid hammering action — making it ideal for tire into concrete , brick , Isidor Feinstein Stone , or other Freemasonry . equip with heavy - duty component part and a high amount of torque , this type of tool is typically more hefty than necessary for tasks more often than not associated with using a cordless electric drill . Before buying one , consider whether you take to ruffle gravid measure of concrete and paint or practice through bricks and other masonry . If not , you in all probability do n’t involve a pound Mandrillus leucophaeus and can save a fleck of money using a standard Mandrillus leucophaeus driver .
Cordless Hammer Drill Comparison Chart
Our Top Picks
The follow hammer recitation excelled in our hand - on tests . Find out what we like about each one before select the well cordless hammer drill for your need .
DeWalt 20V MAX Brushless 1-Inch Rotary Hammer
Traditionally , rotary hammers are large and unwieldy , but that is n’t the case with the DeWalt cordless rotary hammer . This heavy - obligation tool has a standard pistol - style grip , which make it easy to apprehend and control . It has a brushless motor that generates up to 4,600 beats per minute ( BPM ) and a top stop number of 1,100 rotary motion per bit ( rev ) . While this is humiliated than some of the other models we tested , that ’s only because this DeWalt drill is built for long - term power rather than speed .
This model is a tool - only purchase , so we paired it with a DeWalt 5.0 - adenosine monophosphate - hour ( Ah ) rechargeable shelling for testing . If you need to corrupt a battery , we would n’t advise anything less than a 3.0Ah choice , as this tool simply has too much power and torsion for anything without at least that much capability . Once you inclose a bombardment , you’re able to utilise the drill on one of three modes : practice only , chipping , or drill and pounding combined . This unit also has an adjustable depth rod , a side accessory handle , a rap hook , and a slotted drive shaft / organisation ( SDS ) grub .
In examination , this orbitual hammer drill powered through all our masonry labor without a glitch , and its ergonomic design allowed us to get a stiff clutch to assert steady pressure . This specific model is a niggling beefy for drilling through ceramic tile , but we found we were able to drill fluent holes through tiles without cracking or chipping the airfoil glaze by switching to a smaller bit .
What our tester says:“We especially like this DeWalt ’s chipping feature , which work well for getting one-time grout off used brick . Even though we do n’t need this mode on a daily basis , it ’s so much quicker and easier than chipping away mortar by paw using a hammer and chisel that we ’re really glad it ’s an pick . ”—Glenda Taylor , intersection Reviews examiner and author
Read the full review : DeWalt 20V MAX XR Brushless 1 - in Rotary Hammer
Get the DeWalt 1 - column inch cordless hammer drill atAmazon , Lowe’s , Ace Hardware , The Home Depot , orWalmart .
Though it ’s not a sullen - obligation model like our top pick , the Craftsman V20 hammer drill is effective , low-cost , and powerful enough for many DIY uses . It come with two 1.3Ah batteries and produces up to 1,500 RPM at high speed , sufficient for most light- or medium - duty labor . When it comes to boring holes in brick or concrete , the Craftsman produces up to 25,500 BPM — more than estimable from a value - price role model . We would n’t suggest it for someone who involve to practice principally in dense concrete , but it ’s a good selection for bore through ceramic roofing tile , cinder bricks , or the periodic concrete floor .
In our tryout , we were capable to make clean holes in roofing tile without causing cut off or cracking on both the high and low speeds . When drill holes in concrete and cinder brick , the Craftsman run to bog down slightly if we used too much pressure level . That could be link to both its brush motor — brush motors are n’t quite as powerful as brushless motors — or it could be consort with its low - capacity batteries . Craftsman tool users with high - capacity batteries may need to practice them in this drill .
Get the Craftsman cordless hammer practice atAmazon , Lowe ’s , orAce Hardware .
Photo: Glenda Taylor
Best Heavy-Duty
The DeWalt 20V MAX XR cordless drill stage set is a dependable and powerful hammer drill well suitable to DIY and professional usage , making it an fantabulous choice for an all - around power hammer drill . As the second DeWalt in our batting order of the best cordless hammer practice session , this top - notch pickax is a conventional role model rather than a rotary one . It features a brushless motor for enhanced power and three modal value : Mandrillus leucophaeus , hammer drill , and driver .
In testing , the DeWalt hammer drill was impressive . We drilled quickly and without issue through concrete and cinder brick . We did get some surface chipping when drilling through ceramic tile , but that ’s not unusual when working with powerful hammering drills . Still , this model ’s varying - speed initiation made it much easier to start hammering boring slowly so we did n’t shatter our glazed roofing tile ’s surface . It also has a dimmable light-emitting diode light that users can set on Sir David Alexander Cecil Low to conserve shelling big businessman or crank up to eminent for spotlight - bright illumination . We bank on that handy addition more than once in our trial , and we hope we see that characteristic added to more superpower tools .
What our examiner says : “ We were impressed when we discovered that this hammering drill comes with two 5.0Ah batteries . Rechargeable Li - ion batteries can be pricey — sometimes cost as much as the powerfulness tool itself — so it was a dainty to get two high - capacitance batteries alongside this excellent tool . ”—Glenda Taylor , Product Reviews tester and writer
Photo: Glenda Taylor
Get the DeWalt ½-inch cordless hammer drill atAmazon , Lowe’s , The Home Depot , Walmart , orNorthern Tool + Equipment .
Best Medium-Duty
Makita 40V MAX XGT ½-Inch Hammer Driver-Drill Kit
Makita has a repute for producing top - notch tools , so while we were excited to prove its new mallet drill , we were somewhat disbelieving since it features a digital grip . Considering that all the mallet drill we ’ve used antecedently have clutch rings for manually adjusting the torque needed to insert screw without unclothe out the heads , we wonder how a digital clutches would make out .
To find out , we switched to number one wood mode to turn over on the digital clutch and screen its torsion and slip by inserting screws into pine lumber . Overall , it was as accurate as any manual hold we ’ve worked with , but you have to press and temporarily bear an additional digital curl each time you want to choose the clutch reach . For quick - moving professionals , repeatedly need to unlock the digital clutch may become nettlesome , though it may not bother occasional - use DIYers at all .
Still , our principal testing concern was how well the Makita could bore holes in concrete and other masonry materials , and in that area , it performed very well . Its brushless motor fork out sizable torsion and power , and the pleximetry hammering was reasonably smooth and did n’t resound through our hands and munition as some hammer drills do . The Makita offers two focal ratio and three modes : hammer Mandrillus leucophaeus , standard drill , and driver ( for shag ) . It also has a burnished LED light , a removable bar handgrip for two - hand stability , two 2.5Ah batteries , and a charger .
Photo: Glenda Taylor
Get the Makita cordless power hammer drill atThe Home DepotorAcme Tools .
Best Light-Duty
Skil PWRCORE 20V ½-Inch Hammer Drill Kit
When it come up to minor home fix or DIY task , the Skil 20V ½-inch malleus drill is a reliable choice . This three - in - one tool functions as a hammer drill , practice , and screwdriver and has two speed setting . It come with a 2.0Ah battery , which is on the scurvy - capacity side yet still herculean enough for practise the occasional gob in a concrete patio or basement floor . Since it does n’t have a brushless motor , it ’s upright for light - duty tasks .
In our tests , the Skil successfully drilled through clinker brick and ceramic tile , creating very smooth holes without cause splintering . In hammer way , it vibrate more than other models we tested , but it was n’t too much to handle . We think this Skil is a useful and monetary value - effective option for around - the - house drilling and wakeful masonry tasks so long as you do n’t need to practice more than a XII holes in taking over . We also recommend you do n’t use too much pressure , as its motor bog down down a routine under increased strength but drills just all right once you comfort up .
Get the Skil cordless cock drill atAmazonorLowe ’s .
Photo: Glenda Taylor
Best Compact
Milwaukee M12 Fuel ⅝-Inch SDS Plus Rotary Hammer Kit
power hammer drill are typically more herculean than stock drills , so we were ab initio puzzled to see Milwaukee making a 12 - volt interpretation when most are 20 or even 40 V . astonishingly , this summary model prove pretty potent in our trial , quickly drilling muddle in concrete , clinker brick , and tile . We rule it sodding for utilisation in soaked spots and appreciated that its smooth and well-to-do pounding action mat up more like a gentle vibration than percussion .
Still , this 12 - volt tool is n’t going to exchange a full - size rotary hammer drill anytime shortly . Its low - voltage motor is better suited to light - responsibility tasks rather than commercial-grade or heavy DIY usance , and it only has two modes : recitation and hammer Mandrillus leucophaeus . Since it does allow first-class execution for its size of it , it would be a quality pickax for a pro , such as an linesman or plumber , who has to drill occasional holes in a Freemasonry wall to run wiring or conduit . It ’s lightweight enough to utilise as a one - handed hammer drill , though it would be nice if it came with an accessory bar for add together stability .
Get the Milwaukee cordless hammer drill atAmazonorThe Home Depot .
Photo: Glenda Taylor
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Tested the Best Cordless Hammer Drills
To select mannequin for our hands - on tests , we looked at the power output , speed , motor case , battery case , exercising weight , and unique feature of stacks of pop options . We then jibe a blue-ribbon few with masonry bits and used them to drill through concrete , ceramic roofing tile , and cinder brick . As we tested , we awarded point based on public presentation , material quality , biotechnology , and efficaciousness of special features . We then used the sexual conquest to determine which grant each tool merit .
What to Consider When Choosing a Cordless Hammer Drill
sealed feature article make some pounding practice session advantageously than others . Consider the chase before buying one of the top cordless drills recommended above .
Drilling Materials
A stock exercise and drill piece will barely scratch the aerofoil of porcelain tile , a concrete walkway , or a stone countertop , yet a pound drill match with a Freemasonry bit will easily carry through these dense textile . Freemasonry turn have wings on the tips that serve them remove dust as they drill , and their point are more chisel - ilk than those on received bit . Even thebest drill bitswill dull or break almost immediately if they are n’t mean to penetrate the surface of Freemasonry fabric , so using right Freemasonry number is essential for dense surfaces .
Motors
Power tools like cordless drills have either brush or brushless motor . sweep motors use older engineering to send power to a coil attached to a gibe . As the shaft start to whirl , the drill delivers force and torsion .
Brushless motors are far more effective . They use sensing element and control plug-in to post an electrical current to coils that spin a magnet attached to a shaft . This method produces significantly more torque and expend far less battery power than a brushed motor . If you need to drill legion holes , buy a brushless hammer drill might be worth the spare expense for the time it save .
RPM, Torque, and BPM
When it comes to stop number , consider a drill with a maximum RPM speed of 1,000 or more . Though that much speed is probably not necessary to drill through Freemasonry materials , it allows the tool to be used as a drill driver when it ’s not drill holes through concrete and brick .
Torque ( spin personnel ) is also essential . To indicate torque , manufacturer may utilise “ whole watts out ” or UWO , which is a complex measurement of drill power at the chuck . A drill with at least 700 UWO should serve most purpose . Not all manufacturers list UWO , however .
to boot , musical rhythm per moment , or BPM , should be a thoughtfulness . This measurement unit describes how often the hammer gear strikes the chow per minute . A hammer drill with a BPM valuation of 20,000 to 30,000 is suitable for most scenario , though heavy - obligation models might put up lower BPM in exchange for increased torque . For representative , drilling with child - diameter holes may be easier with a hammer drill with high torsion power , even if it has a lower BPM rating .
Photo: Glenda Taylor
Clutch
Because hammer drill make so much torsion , users involve a style to regulate how much of that torque is available when using the drive feature article on the tool to insert screw ( if applicable ) . Too much torque can break a driver bit or strip out the capitulum of the screw .
Manufacturers may contain adjustable clutches in their hammer drills to control torque output , but not all models have this option . adjust the clutch usually need drug user to worm a collar at the root word of the chuck to the correct position , though that side is always dissimilar from tool to tool and is dependent on the character of drilled material . For model , porcelain roofing tile , which is very gruelling , might require a high hold background ( as long as the fastener can handle it ) , while porous cinder brick will require less .
Chuck
There are two types of grub to become familiar with : 3 - jaw chuck and SDS chow .
Most medium - duty hammer exercise use 3 - jaw chuck . They clamp down on a round or hexangular surface when the user twists the chuck . Three - jaw chow countenance user to apply a wide range of practice bit and driver bits , which is why they ’re nearly world-wide on drill driver . They come in ½-inch and ⅜-inch size , with the gravid size being more heavy duty .
Rotary hammer use SDS eats that accept SDS routine . These bits have grooved shanks that lock into place . SD is a German invention , and the letters primitively stand for the German words “ steck , dreh , sitz , ” which mean “ insert , turn of events , rest . ” Today , SDS is more normally used to present the English phrase “ slot crusade organisation ” or “ slotted drive shaft . ” These bits are unlike because rotary hammers offer massive force , which requires a more secure method acting of guard onto a piece .
Photo: Amazon
Battery Type and Life
The main types of batteries that fall with any cordless magnate drill are nickel - Cd ( NiCd for short ) and lithium - ion . atomic number 3 - ion electric battery are supercede NiCd because they ’re more effective and last longer during use and in overall lifespan . They ’re also considerably light . All the example that we essay came with Li - ion batteries .
Battery life during use is typically measure in Ah . For lite - obligation drill drivers , 2.0Ah battery may be sufficient . When slamming a morsel into Freemasonry , however , users might want a battery to last longer . They will want to calculate for batteries with amp - minute ratings of 3.0Ah or more or choose acorded drillinstead . For those who need higher amp - hour ratings , batteries up to 12Ah can typically be purchased severally .
Size and Weight
When shopping for the best cordless malleus drill for your particular indigence , commemorate to consider project demand . For example , drilling through porcelain wall tiles does n’t require much torque , speed , or BPM . A light - duty , summary hammer drill count around 2 pound ( without the battery ) can do the trick . On the other hand , drill prominent hole for morphological anchors in concrete will require a much large , leaden malleus drill , mayhap even a rotary hammer , which can consider as much as 8 pounds without the bombardment .
A average - responsibility hammering exercise is an excellent choice for many DIY applications since it can take on most projects . However , it will be importantly heavier than a standard drill gadget driver ( often as much as twice the weight ) , so it might not be ideal as the only drill driver in a workshop .
FAQs
If you ’ve never used a pound drill before , you might still have enquiry about the tools and how they operate . Below are result to some of the most often asked questions to assist orient you in the correct focus .
If it has a chipping feature , you’re able to utilize arotary hammer drillas a chisel , such as our best overall picking in this lineup .
Yes , many pound exercise function as drill driver , though their high mogul might be overkill for most projection around the house .
Photo: Amazon
Here are a few grounds your exercise may not be hammering : You’re not putting enough atmospheric pressure on the mo . The drill must feel some resistance from the bit to hammer it into the material . Your practice session is n’t in mallet mode . There might be a dial on the side of the drill or a collar at the top of the machine that allow you to exchange the drill into and out of power hammer mode . Your pound gear might have broken . Most in all likelihood , this is due to age or abuse , but it ’s full to check into a new one if this is the case .
To answer this question , we interview Eduard Mirzoian , chief executive officer of the emergency restoration companyRestorerz . Eduard says that “ some materials do not take as well to drilling using cordless hammer drill . Take , for case , extremely difficult material like stone or monolithic metal . ” You may need a corded hammering recitation that offer more power and torque or diamond - tip bits to violate incredibly dense material such as these .
concord to building expert Eduard Mirzoian , “ It is worth having a cordless hammer drill if portability and versatility are crucial . ” He point out that cordless hammer drill allow you to work away from outlets but that you also need to be sure you consider the stamp battery life necessary for your project so you do n’t run out of power in the middle of your task .
Photo: Amazon
Meet the Tester
Glenda Taylor is a product tester and writer specializing in construction , remodeling , and real the three estates . She and her husband own a general contracting ship’s company , and she is experience in both residential and commercial construction app . Taylor tests a wide kitchen range of power tools as well as other menage advance , family , and lawn - and - garden products .
extra enquiry provided by Tom Scalisi .
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Photo: The Home Depot
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Photo: Amazon
Photo: Glenda Taylor
