Best Hammer Drill For Concrete
Concrete is hard, and drilling through its surface requires a heavy-duty hammer drill. These drill machines have a hammering function, which means the bit is pushed into the object like a hammer while it rotates.
Hammer drills for concrete ease the overall drilling job, but for that, you need the best drill. I understand how challenging choosing a concrete drill is since there are multiple brands with many options.
Therefore, I have hand-picked and reviewed the best hammer drills for concrete to help you decide. The article rounds up a quick buying guide as well so you can know more about these machines.
Best Hammer Drill for Concrete: Reviewed in Detail
I spent hours researching and speaking to drill experts about the top hammer drills. Moreover, I asked a few users about their experience with these drills to create these unbiased reviews.
DEWALT 20V MAX* SDS Rotary Hammer Drill - Best Cordless Drill
Specifications
- Type: Cordless
- Voltage: 20V
- Maximum Chuck Size: 20 Mm
- Weight: 6.40 lbs
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The DEWALT 20V MAX* SDS is the best hammer drill to make holes in concrete and other hard surfaces. Powered by a 20V brushless motor, the machine drills holes efficiently, and you can get the job done quickly.
At full power, it produces 2.1 Joules of impact energy for faster drilling, making it the best option for professional use. There are no hassles of tangled wires, and you can easily drill as many holes as you want.
The control knob on this drill lets you control the drilling force and the bit’s motion. When working on concrete with the DEWALT 20V MAX* SDS, you won’t feel much vibration, thanks to its active vibration control system.
Furthermore, the machine is OSHA-compliant, which means it reduces silica dust exposure while delivering maximum performance. Lastly, the properly-gripped handles make it comfortable to hold the drill for longer durations, and you don’t feel any hand fatigue.
Pros
- It lets you drill big and small holes
- Built-in HEPA filter reduces dust exposure
- The brushless motor lasts longer
- Long-lasting batteries make it ideal for professional use
Cons
- Charger sold separately
- Not very beginner-friendly
BOSCH 11255VSR Bulldog Xtreme Corded Speed Rotary Hammer Drill: Best Corded Drill
Specifications
- Type: Corded
- Amperage: 8 Amps
- Maximum Chuck Size: 13 Mm
- Weight: 10.40 lbs
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Are you looking for a drill for DIY use and don’t want the hassles of charging the batteries? BOSCH 11255VSR is the best option you can buy. The corded drill comes equipped with a 7.5 amp motor that produces 0.1,300 RPM and 0.5,800 BPM to let you use the machine for tough applications such as drilling through concrete.
The ergonomically designed drill is easy to hold, and you can work with it for hours. There are three built-in modes, and you can choose from the rotatory hammer, rotation-only, and hammer-only mode depending on your preference. Just rotate the knob, and the drill will automatically set to the mode of your choice.
Compared to DEWALT 20V MAX* SDS, this hammer drill lacks a built-in filter, so it would be better to wear protective gear when using it. Also, it’s a bit heavy, but the properly-balanced body doesn’t let you feel the weight.
BOSCH 11255VSR is only ideal for household drilling tasks, as the chuck size is 13mm. Just plug in the cord, install a drill bit, and you can start drilling in concrete with maximum convenience.
Pros
- No hassles of charging or replacing the battery
- No gimmicky features
- The built-in cord is long and durable
- It comes with three variable drilling modes
Cons
- No filters for dust absorption
- You can’t use it in remote locations without power
BLACK+DECKER BEHD201 Hammer Drill (BEHD201): Best Compact Drill
Specifications
- Type: Corded
- Amperage: 6.5 Amps
- Maximum Chuck Size: 13 Mm
- Weight: 1.00 lbs
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If you want to drill in tight spaces, you need a hammer drill like BLACK+DECKER BEHD201. Despite having a small stature, the machine houses a strong motor that is capable of drilling holes in concrete.
There are two drill modes, and you can choose from standard and hammer drill modes depending on your preference. I loved the comfortable handle, and it helps you hold the drill for longer durations. In addition, the handle is 3-position adjustable, and you can adjust it as per your choice or depending on the drilling task.
The ergonomic design reduces hand fatigue, and you don’t need to apply immense pressure to press the button. Since the motor is very powerful, the drill may wobble slightly, but you can easily control it.
Another impressive feature is the keyless chuck, and you can change the drill bit without any tools. As it’s a corded drill, you don’t need to charge batteries or carry backups.
Pros
- Extremely lightweight and ergonomic
- It can accommodate longer bits for drilling deeper holes
- The adjustable handle makes it comfortable to hold
- Proper ventilation keeps the motor cool
Cons
- It features two modes only
- The machine wobbles and vibrates when drilling in concrete
Makita XPH07Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 1/2” Hammer Driver: Best for Fast Drilling
Specifications
- Type: Cordless
- Volts: 18 Volts
- Maximum Chuck Size: 13 Mm
- Weight: 5.54 lbs
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Do you want to drill holes fast and with maximum precision? Don’t look further, as Makita XPH07Z is here to serve the purpose. The extremely ergonomic machine lets you drill in various masonry materials, including concrete.
The battery-powered drill runs on a brushless motor that lasts longer than regular motors and consumes less power. With a capability to deliver 1,090 in.lbs. of Max Torque, this drill can easily make holes in concrete and other hard objects.
The drill comes with an adjustable handle, and you can even remove it when required. The self-ratcheting drill makes Makita XPH07Z perfect for handymen of all skill levels. You’ll love the built-in LED light as it illuminates the space for perfect drilling.
Lastly, the hammer drill features multiple clutch settings, and you have complete control over its speed. The chuck size may be a little disappointing for some users, but the drill works well.
Pros
- The smaller button and gripped handle reduce hand fatigue
- You can control the speed depending on the drilling application
- 20-minute auto-shutoff feature protects the battery
- It comes with a highly efficient brushless motor
Cons
- You need to buy the charger separately
- Not compatible with thicker bits
Milwaukee 5376-20 1/2” (13 Mm) Hammer Drill: Best for Heavy-duty Use
Specifications
- Type: Corded
- Amperage: 8 Amps
- Maximum Chuck Size: 0.25 inches
- Weight: 6.52 lbs
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Milwaukee is popular for its heavy-duty machines, and this hammer drill is no exception. If you need a no-nonsense drill that gets the job done, you can choose Milwaukee 5376-20. This is a corded drill with an ergonomic handle to offer convenience.
The front handle is pretty big; however, it is not adjustable, which may be a problem for some users. On the top, there’s a switch to toggle between hammer and hammer rotatory mode, and you can quickly choose the mode you need.
The motor Milwaukee has used is pretty durable, and the all-metal casing makes this hammer drill last longer. If you are a beginner, I don’t recommend using this drill as high vibrations are there. Also, there is no built-in filter, so it would be great to wear protective gear to get rid of dust allergies.
Pros
- It has a key-less chuck
- Promising build quality
- Works well on concrete, wood, and metal
- It comes with a 5-year warranty
Cons
- The handle is not adjustable
- Chuck size is not that impressive
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Hammer Drill for Concrete
Here are some deciding factors that will help you choose the right hammer drill for your needs. Also, you can compare different machines based on these factors.
Type: Corded Vs. Cordless
The choice is ultimately up to you. If you need a hammer drill for DIY use and home projects, buying a cordless drill is a good idea. On the other hand, if you need it for professional use, you should opt for corded drills.
Battery Life or Amperage
Next, depending on the type of hammer drill you want to choose, consider the battery life and its amperage. Look for machines such as DEWALT 20V MAX* SDS Rotary Hammer Drill that have fantastic battery life. In addition, choose a drill with high amperage to get maximum performance.
Motor
Nowadays, almost all hammer drills for concrete come with brushless motors, as they last longer and require minimal maintenance. Make sure to choose a drill machine that comes with a durable motor that delivers maximum torque.
Modes
The feature helps you switch between different modes, and you can use a hammer, rotatory hammer, and other modes. With one drill, you can do multiple tasks. I recommend BLACK+DECKER BEHD201 Hammer Drill if you need a machine with multiple modes.
Weight
It’s essential to check the weight before buying a hammer drill. Go for lightweight but durable drills to reduce hand fatigue and to work easily for longer durations.
Final Thoughts
That’s everything you need to know about the best hammer drill for concrete. Make sure to read the reviews thoroughly and choose a machine based on the buying guide. Skimming through customer reviews will give you an in-depth idea regarding the drill’s performance and other essential things.
Lastly, wear appropriate protective gear when drilling on concrete to avoid flying debris from injuring you.