Best Overall
Milwaukee M18 Fuel ½-Inch Hammer Drill/Driver
Best Bang for the Buck
Skil Pwrcore 20 20V ½-Inch Hammer Drill Kit
Upgrade Pick
Flex ½-Inch 2-Speed Hammer Drill With Turbo Mode
We may clear tax income from the product usable on this page and take part in affiliate programs . Learn More ›
A hammer drill is a multipurpose tool that bore holes ; drives screws ; and exercise into stone , brick , alloy , and other hard materials . In residential mise en scene , a power hammer drill is typically used to make yap in wall to run conducting wire or pipe from the outside .
Unlikecordless drill , which are more suitable to basic DIY jobs , a hammer drill is mean for heavy - duty job . But not all hammer practice session are the same . They can vary significantly in power , intention , build up quality , and price . We put seven pound drills to the test in an sweat to witness which one tops the tilt when it comes to performance , ease of use , and value . With its high baron - to - exercising weight ratio , legato operation , and top - mountain pass build quality , Milwaukee ’s M18 Fuel hammer drillgets our vote for the Best Overall weft . Read on to instruct more about our test outcome , and to find out how to opt the best hammer drill for your specific needs .
Our Top Picks
Both DIYers and master consider these hammer exercise the best in their classes found on functionality , price , and design .
Milwaukee ’s cordless superpower tools routinely get out on top , and this pound recitation is no exclusion . It shoot a line a tremendous power - to - weight proportion , producing some 1,200 in - lbs of torque and a max pep pill of 2,000 RPM . These impressive eyeglasses bore out in our testing . The Milwaukee had no trouble makingholeswith our 1 - inch paddle routine or ½-inch standard practice session bit . It also did n’t waver when drive in 3 - column inch lag bolts . While the Flex hammer drill we test bid similar performance , the Milwaukee Fuel was far lighter , weighing nearly 2 pounds less with shelling , and it ’s comparatively compact for a hammer drill at about 7 inch from top to chase after
Other things stood out to us as we tested the Milwaukee , including an all - alloy chuck that puts a tight grip onbits , and a sturdy alloy gear vitrine cover . It also has a progress - in machine - stop feature article that halts the tool if it gets stuck , which help preclude wrist injury from over gyration .
The Milwaukee M18 Fuel hammer drill is n’t cheesy . However , if you ’re looking for a hammer drill that ’s worthy of a smear in a pro ’s tool arsenal , then it ’s well worth the investment .
Get the Milwaukee M18 hammer drill atThe Home Depot .
Our Ratings : Ease of Use4.7/5;Ergonomics5/5 ; Performance4.5/5 ; Value5/5
Skil has made a name for itself by bring on affordably price force tools that still pack a poke , and this pounding drill is a not bad example . While its downhearted torque output and lack of a brushless motor terminal point it to smaller home projects , its maximpactrate of 21,750 BPM makes it a very capable hammer drill for boring golf hole in Freemasonry . As long as we take our time with the Skil , it was able to accept through concrete just okay .
That said , we ’d circumscribe it tojobsthat require few than a dozen holes in masonry in sequence . While the Skil did create more vibrations than other mallet Mandrillus leucophaeus we test , we were still able to keep a steady grip on it . It also did a nice problem of drill clean kettle of fish through ceramic tile without cracking the surface .
At under 5 pounds , the Skil hammer drill is also lighter than most hammer drill we tested . And although its head teacher is fairly retentive at nearly 8 inches , it ’s still loose to handle . It has a drill and driver fashion and two speed configurations , create it a estimable selection for ram in smaller prison guard or oil production holes in wood . Perfect for those who call for to drill through harder materials only on occasion , it ’s a slap-up budget cock .
Photo: Tony Carrick for Bob Vila
Get the Skil hammer drill atAmazonorLowe ’s .
Our military rating : Ease of Use4.3/5;Ergonomics4/5 ; Performance5/5 ; Value5/5
Flex distinguish itself from the ingroup with a 24 - V lithium - ion bombardment and Turbo Mode that give it wondrous baron . With its Turbo pick engaged , this weighed down - duty recitation can reach eye - popping speeds of 2,500 revolutions per minute and a scoop torque of 1,400 in - lb . All of that muscle was on display during testing . It burrow through concrete nearly as well as our corded hammer drill pick , and it drill through two stacked 2x6s with a 1 - in paddle bit as easily as if we were drilling through butter .
Photo: Tony Carrick for Bob Vila
And while others hesitated while drive in a 3 - inch - long lag bolt , the Flex drove the fastening in under 2 seconds . In fact , we had to back off the speed to avoid overdriving the bolt head into the Natalie Wood . In short , the Flex was easy the most brawny practice session of the bunch . Despite all that ability , the Flex never feel hard to ensure . Its action at law is so smooth with trivial noise or palpitation that drilling these large muddle and take in oversize fastener felt almost casual . The Flex does come with a handle attachment , which we advocate using if you appraise your wrist .
There is a trade - off with the Flex , and it ’s in the weighting section . The Flex hammer drill weighs in at just under 7 pounds with assault and battery and manage attachment . For mention , that ’s 2 pounds heavier than our lightest entry , the Milwaukee M18 . If you ’re expect for the most powerfulcordless pound drilloption and do n’t mind the added weight unit , this is the one to take .
Get the Flex cock drill atLowe’sorAcme Tools .
Photo: The Home Depot
Best Cordless Rotary
DeWalt 20V MAX 1-Inch XR SDS Plus Rotary Hammer
Our Ratings : simpleness of Use5/5;Ergonomics4.7/5 ; Performance5/5 ; Value4.7/5
give DeWalt ’s reputation as a premium putz brand , we were n’t surprised that it power through our masonry - drilling test with simplicity . want to see what this rotary practice session could really handle , we lead straight to a large masonry bit . It bored through concrete with relative easiness , create a legato hole . It did just as well drilling through concrete or functioning as a chipper , chipping grout off brick .
We specially like the ergonomic pattern of this rotary drill . Its handgun - stylus grip and heavyset shape made it well-heeled to transfix and insure the instrument while drill . DeWalt ’s rotary drill pounding is also a versatile tool , with a dial that allows you to set it for chipping , drilling , or hammering oil production . Though this drill is a bit enceinte for boring projection that require more finesse , we were still able to drill through roofing tile without chipping the glass open by dial down the speeding and beats per second .
Photo: Amazon
Keep in judgement that , like many rotary drills , this one requires SDS Mandrillus leucophaeus bits . If you have a lot of Freemasonry to drill through and want more mightiness than what a standard hammer exercise fling , the DeWalt SDS is the style to go .
Read our full review : DeWalt 20V MAX 1 - Inch XR SDS PlusRotary Hammer
Get the DeWalt SDS hammer drill atAmazon , Ace Hardware , orAcmeTools .
Photo: Lowes
Best Compact
Milwaukee M12 Fuel ⅝-Inch SDS Plus Rotary Hammer Kit
Our evaluation : Ease of Use5/5;Ergonomics5/5 ; Performance4/5 ; Value4.5/5
We typically think of circular practice session as power - thirsty machines that call for at least an 18 - V motor and electric battery if not 36 V , which is why Milwaukee ’s determination to make a 12 - volt model is so surprising . At least that was our opinion until we put it to the trial . While this 12 - volt model wo n’t contend with the 18 - V rotary drills we tested , it ’s still a brawny small machine . We were able to bore holes into concrete , clinker brick , and tile quickly .
It ’s also prosperous to exert than most rotary mallet drill . With its compact size and light overall weightiness , it gibe in tighter spots than 18 - V and larger rotary hammer drills are able to reach . It also operate smoothly , with only subtle vibrations . Milwaukee ’s 12 - V rotary practice session ’s small motor does bound its functionality , and unlike other orbitual hammer drills , there is no chipping function .
Photo: Amazon
While it may not be sinewy enough for enceinte use , it ’s a perfect choice for electricians and plumbers who may ask to drill preciseness holes into concrete while running wire or plumbing .
Get the Milwaukee M12 malleus drill atAmazon , The Home Depot , orAcme Tools .
Best Multipurpose
Makita 18V LXT ½-Inch Cordless Hammer Driver/Drill
Our Ratings : Ease of Use4.7/5;Ergonomics5/5 ; Performance3.7/5 ; Value4/5
Makita ’s LXT ½-inch brushlesscordless pounding Mandrillus leucophaeus driveris a more compact pound drill designed for lighter - duty task . It can reach max velocity of 2,000 rev with a max torque of 530 in - pound .
As power goes , Makita ’s index drill picket in comparison to the hammer drills on our list that are subject of producing almost three time as much torque . This difference was evident during examination . While the Makita was able to cover our boring tests with a 1 - inch paddle chip into woodwind and standard ½-inch practice bit into concrete , it failed to drive a 3 - in lag deadbolt into Mrs. Henry Wood , maxing out about halfway through the cause .
Photo: Amazon
That ’s not to say it does n’t have its advantages . It ’s lighter than most hammer drills , weighing just over 4 pound with a 3.0 - adenylic acid - time of day ( Ah ) stamp battery , 5 pounds lighter than the Flex hammer drill we test , and just about a pound heavier than our best overall . At 7 inches from the tip of the chuck to the back of the head , it ’s more succinct than most . It also has Makita ’s Star Technology , which helps start the life of the tool and batteries by preventing them from overheating or clog — a prissy characteristic when drill through concrete .
Its lightweight design makes it a good option if you ’re looking for a cock exercise that ’s similar in size and exercising weight to a standard cordless drill and do n’t mind the via media in driving king .
Get the Makita hammer exercise atThe Home DepotorWalmart .
Photo: Walmart
Best Corded
DeWalt ½-Inch VSR Pistol Grip Hammer Drill
Our Ratings : repose of Use4.7/5;Ergonomics4/5 ; Performance4.7/5 ; Value4/5
If you ’re look for max power for drilling through concrete , brick , and other masonry and do n’t beware the inconvenience that comes with a corduroy , then moot this corded hammering practice from DeWalt . With its 10 - amp motor , it can strain blazing fast stop number of 3,500 rev .
During testing , it drilled through concrete quicker than any of the cordless hammer drills we test . Along with its hammer drill setting , it also has two drill options , ideal for get down the speed and torque for smaller bits when drilling into soft surfaces , such as wood . The drill also come with a stout handle that ’s easy to sequester and detach .
Photo: Lowes
The DeWalt mogul tools we tested are unremarkably the tough , and this one was no exclusion with its all - metal grub and geared wheel causa . While the practice is n’t particularly weighty at 6 pounds , it is far bulkier than cordless counterpart , which makes it hard to use for smaller drilling program that demand precision and finesse .
If you have a project that requires bore more than a duo of holes in Freemasonry or have prominent holes in wood , this twilled model is a smashing choice .
Get the DeWalt VSR hammer drill atLowe’sorThe Home Depot .
Photo: Tony Carrick for Bob Vila
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Chose and Tested theBest Hammer Drills
We tested the top pound drill by putting them through a series of tests . Since hammer drills are designed in the main for drill through masonry , we dilute each one up with an identical Freemasonry bit and place about drilling holes in a great lump of concrete to an identical depth . We noted how quickly each one drilled through the material as well as how comfortable the tool was to use , take down weight , quivering , and the bioengineering of the grip . We also conduct standardized psychometric test on ceramic roofing tile and concrete . Since most hammer practice have multiple functions for drilling and driving , we also tested each one ’s ability to drill large holes into Ellen Price Wood by using a 1 - inch paddle bit , and drove in magnanimous fasteners by attempt to drill in a 3 - inch stave bolt . After noting each mallet drill ’s functioning and ease of use , we also factored in price to decide each creature ’s overall value .
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Hammer Drill
When you are looking for a powerful cock drill for your next undertaking , it ’s of import to consider several primal component . First , decide whether you prefer a battery - powered or a twilled model , then seem for one with a varying - speed gun trigger for better control . Even a even recitation will typically have a varying - speed trigger , so the next affair to think about is the various modes of operation . The best cock drills can be used for hammering drilling through Freemasonry material , drilling through soft material ( like wood ) and driving nooky . Just make certain you have the correct practice session bits for the job .
Corded vs. Cordless
Hammer exercise fall with one of two power reference options : either a laboured - duty corduroy or a rechargeable battery . Corded power hammer drillsprovide a constant root of power and also be given to be somewhat more herculean than battery - operate models — two aspects that make them more effective and reliable for long days on a busy jobsite . They can be plug into an annexe cord if require for a longer reach , but cord pound recitation are ultimately tethered to a nearby source of electricity .
Conversely , acordless hammer drillis bound to run out of juice after several hour of use , but these models do have their strong point . They ’re generally lighter , smaller , and easier to maneuver than their corded counterpart ( plus there ’s no hazard of touch off over that vexing power corduroy ) . Cordless model tend to be more democratic with DIYers , who apprise their portability and versatility for projects around the house .
Variable Speed
Different jobs often require a drill to run at degraded or wearisome speeds to improve truth and insight , while avoiding any damage to the practice session itself . A good hammer exercise will have either a varying - speeding - rig dial or a trigger restraint that permit you adjust the operating speed . To determine if a drill has a variable - stop number setting , wait for a dial that shows the numbers from 1 to 2 , or sometimes 1 to 3 , with 1 being the lowest setting .
A trigger control , which responds to the amount of pressure you utilise , offer a greater point of speed control . Some favor this personalized control , while others want a drill to operate at the same focal ratio all the time . A initiation control be given to be most beneficial when the user does n’t have a free hand to set the amphetamine — one reason trigger controls are preferred by professional .
Hammer Mode
The hammer mode is a setting on allhammer drillsthat ’s unremarkably marked by a symbolization render a hammer . This mood inaugurate a pulsating action that helps take Freemasonry flake through hard materials , such as concrete , brick , and endocarp .
In addition to the increase hammering force play , the drill maintains its rotational capability to bore and perforate through grueling textile , similar to combining an screw auger and a jackhammer , though to a lesser level . circular hammer drills are specifically made for long periods of tough jackhammering through mortar , brick , and Harlan Stone .
Drill Mode
Hammer drills usually have a clitoris that allows the user to switch between the hammer mode and normal performance . This is in the main referred to as drill modal value and may be punctuate only by a variable - speed setting cast from 1 to 3 .
or else , it may be mark by a symbol that resemble a exercise bit , depending on the example . This mood has more controlled torque and is intended for drill pickle through softer materials , such as wood or plastic .
Drive Mode
Some hammer drills ( as well as even drills ) feature a mise en scene call a driving mode , which is used for drive and removing jailor . Drive style eliminates the beat force of the mallet circumstance and alternatively engage the torque - adjustment setting for precision piece of work like driving screws into a deck of cards .
This low-toned - power setting helps ensure that the torque of the drill wo n’t strip the screws . A pound drill with drive mode will often show a symbol that resemble a shag on the mode - control switch .
Additional Features
Higher - end hammering drills may tender extra features that can aid the exploiter finish a project quicker or total a touch of ease or functionality . These option can include a 360 - degree accessory grip , a build - in flashlight , a profundity gauge , a brushless motor , a carrying case , or a spare battery .
FAQs
Even after selecting a Modern mallet exercise for your shop , you may have additional questions . Take a flavor below to find the answers to several commonly asked questions about the capabilities of a hammer drill , the difference between a mallet drill and a unconstipated practice session , the average spirit of a malleus drill , and more .
pounding drills are primarily design for light masonry work . The added hammer function allows them to impact harder materials , like howitzer and brick , while the rotational force ram a nifty recitation muddle through the material .
The main conflict between a regular drill and a hammering drill is that a regular exercise can only go around the practice spot . A power hammer practice session , as the name indicates , has a pounding motion that impacts the target stuff with the tip of the drill morsel . At the same time , the recitation bit is go around , reserve the compounding of forces to drive through elusive mortar , brick , and concrete .
Photo: Tony Carrick for Bob Vila
A hammer drill bit or a masonry bit can be used in a veritable drill , though you may have difficulty drilling large - diameter trap through concrete and other tough cloth with a regular drill .
With the right drill bit , you could use a hammer drill to practise through rebar , though it may take some time . If you are regularly cover with rebar , it may be good to consider using a rotary mallet practice session .
A malleus practice will typically last about 5 to 10 yr , depending on the frequency of function and the level of care taken during routine criminal maintenance .
Since pounding drills are designed specifically to drill into concrete , most practice with a hammer office will work as a hammer practice session for concrete . That say , if you ’re looking for maximum drilling power for boring into masonry , go with a rotary hammer drill .
Whether or not a hammer exercise is deserving buying depend on your needs . If you find yourself drill into masonry on a fair regular foundation , then a good hammer drill is a worthwhile investment . Since many hammer drills also function as a stock drill / number one wood , purchasing a hammer drill to fulfill all your drilling and drive need as match to a received Mandrillus leucophaeus / driver might also make sense .
Meet the Testers
Tony Carrick is a self-employed person writer specializing in home improvement , landscaping , engineering science , home security , and plan for such sites and publishing as Popular Mechanics , Pro Tools Review , CNN Underscored , and This Old House Magazine .
Glenda Taylor is a product quizzer and author specializing in the construction , remodeling , and literal demesne industries . She try a all-encompassing grasp of index tools as well as other home improvement , family , and lawn - and - garden product .
Additional inquiry provided by Timothy Dale .
Everything You necessitate for a Lush and Healthy Lawn
Keeping your Gunter Wilhelm Grass immature and your plant thriving does n’t just take a unripe quarter round — it starts with the right tools and supplies .
