Buyers Guide: Hammer Drills
Designed for the toughest jobs, Hammer Drills are equipped with a hammer action for drilling masonry materials such as concrete, brick and stone and are ideal on masonry construction sites and build jobs. Hammer drills are handy for those who need the combined benefits of a hammer drill and a regular rotary drill.
Hammer drills are designed to produce higher levels of force to break down dense materials to drill the hole. Nearly all units are equipped with a switch that can turn the hammering motion off as needed for use in traditional drilling applications.
Hammer Drill vs. Rotary Hammer Drill
The basic difference between a hammer drill and a rotary hammer drill is the power. While a hammer drill works to bore into dense materials while drilling, a rotary hammer drill is much more powerful and is capable of chiselling in addition to boring.
Corded or Cordless
Hammer drills are typically available in both corded and cordless units. There are a few differences worth considering to insure you choose the right tool to suit your needs.
Corded drills - pack the most power and torque and are often more durable. They offer the obvious convenience of always being ready to use, providing you have access to an electrical socket and provide continuous reliable power. However, corded units tend to be heavier than cordless models and the cord itself can be restrictive or intrusive.
- Pack more power
- More durable
- Best suited for serious DIY or professionals
Cordless drills - are convenient and portable but compared to corded units may pack less power and they do have a restrictive run time based on the battery life. However most units come with two batteries to insure you always have one fully charged and new technologies mean that the latest cordless drills now have far more power than earlier models.
- Lightweight and convenient to use
- Typically come with two batteries for continuous use
- New models are powerful enough for most homeowners and DIY projects
See DrillKing’s cordless drill buyers guide for more information on cordless drills.
Features to look for
Variable Speed Control – providing greater control and versatility a variable power selection gives you the option to switch between low and high speed drilling. High speeds are designed for small holes while the low speed is ideal for larger holes.
Reverse Option – user-friendly option enabling a backwards motion to remove stuck or lodge drill bits
Auxiliary Handle – An optional side handle enables two-handed operation and improved control and pressure. Auxiliary handles rotate and are removable for greater versatility.
Depth Rod – Accessory the enables the user to select a specified dept for drilling
Clutch settings – Multiple clutch settings, available on cordless drills, protect the motor and allows you to limit the drills torque for better use in different applications. Some makes and models offer more setting than others so consider your options.
SDS (Slotted Drive System) – Drill bits with slots to match the inside of the chuck to hold tight and avoid slipping under high pressure.
Choosing the right Brand
Hammer Drills and Rotary Hammer Drills are manufactured by most leading brands. Compare different models to find the right Hammer Drill to suit your needs and budget. For homeowners and DIY your best choices lie with Black & Decker and Ryobi. For serious DIY or professional tradesmen look to Bosch, DeWalt, Hitachi, Makita and Milwaukee. Check out the specific profile pages to compare each brand.
Black & Decker – Ryobi – Bosch – DeWalt – Makita - Milwaukee
Final Recommendations
Consider all the above options to find the best hammer drill for your needs. You want a drill that can perform to the task at hand be comfortable to handle and simple to use. Narrow your options and avoid purchasing a drill way above or below your needs.
To compare prices and for great customer reviews and ratings on specific brands and models check out the DrillKings Hammer Drill catalogue.
DrillKings stock a huge range of Hammer Drills at very competitive prices. All our drills are in-stock unless otherwise specified and ready to ship, typically within 24 hours.
Great savings mean you get the Drill you want at a Price you can afford. That’s the DrillKings Advantage.
