Best Rotary Hammer Drills in 2024 (Reviews)

best rotary hammer drills

When you have to work on a large project and part of it is to drill holes in the wall or concrete, you will realize that the ordinary drill is not suitable enough for such a load.

That is why there are other types of power tools on the market for such work – rotary hammer drills.

With a rotary hammer drill, you will be able to quickly and easily make large holes every day. In addition to drilling, these tools also perform excellently in demolition. With the right attachment, you can turn your rotary hammer drill into a powerful demolition hammer for concrete, tiles, and even crushing heavily hardened soil.

In this guide, we will introduce you to everything you need to know about the best rotary hammer drills, so you can make a more informed choice. If you wonder which is the best rotary hammer drill, we recommend getting the BOSCH 11255VSR Bulldog Xtreme.

A Spotlight On Some of The Best Rotary Hammer Drills 2022:

Table could not be displayed.

Rotary Hammer Drills Reviews

BOSCH 11255VSR Bulldog Xtreme

No products found.

The Bosch 11255VSR is corded equipment and would require a connection to the wall socket. If you seek heavy-duty power equipment such as a rotary hammer drill for construction purposes, Bosch is one of the most well-known brands in the industry today.

You may use large-sized bits with ease because of the 1-inch chuck size. This hammer drill’s 8 amp motor powers the chuck, preventing power difficulties.

This Bosch tool can perform any tasks one might expect of a rotary hammer drill. From breaking concrete and shattering tiles to drilling long, thin cavities in wood to unfastening long nails, the 8-amp motor provides adequate power at 1,300 RPM to meet all your usual demands.

The fact that it can be operated in various modes is another facet of its versatility that contributes to this drill’s ability to fulfill your drilling needs. The 11255VSR drill features an ergonomically superior D-handle. Drilling from varied angles at various worksites may be difficult, but the D-handle, which is more comfortable than pistol-grips, will make your life a lot easier.

Despite its powerful motor, this tool is quite simple since it has a variable speed trigger. Bosch tools are known for their high level of quality, and this one is no exception. However, it only comes with a 1-year guarantee, which may be a deal-breaker for some.

Pros
  • A powerful electric motor
  • Fast and variable impact speed
  • It features a comfortable and easy-to-hold grip
Cons
  • Bosch only offers a one-year guarantee
  • The motor is a bit noisy

ENEACRO 1-1/4 Inch SDS-Plus 13 Amp Heavy Duty Rotary Hammer Drill

No products found.

They may not be household names, but the corded rotary hammer drill made by Eneacro is among the most popular in the industry, and for good reasons. It is designed for the do-it-yourselfer.

The device is simple yet strong and capable of delivering results. The heavy-duty 13-amp motor is protected by an aluminum case and has enough power for drilling and mild demolition operations.

The accessory package is what enhances its worth. In addition to the two chisels and three drill bits, it features lubricants and extra motor brushes. It contains a safety clutch to minimize torque accidents and vibration dampening, surprising for such a low-cost rotary hammer drill.

Overall, the ENRH3201 improves productivity and makes life better. The machine’s copper wire motor is heat resistant, allowing it to run for a lengthy period without overheating. The updated two-layer anti-vibration system has a PU soft grip, and you can adjust the handle to a 360-degree angle to accommodate a variety of tasks.

Pros
  • User-friendly controls
  • Exceptional value for the price
  • The case contains everything you’ll need
Cons
  • It’s heavy
  • Noisy

Makita HR2475 1″ Rotary Hammer, accepts SDS-PLUS bits (D-handle)

No products found.

This device is an excellent alternative for a do-it-yourselfer who wants to tackle renovation projects beyond the capabilities of most basic instruments. It’s tough to classify the corded Makita. Compared to other rotary hammer drills, it lacks several more advanced capabilities in professional models.

The D-handle style isn’t typical of DIY equipment, but it’s priced to appeal to those who do their home improvement. It comes with a 7 amp motor that provides up to 1,100 rpm speed and 2.7 joules of impact energy at no-load speed.

The hammer’s strength and the rotor’s spinning are maximized by synchronizing their actions. The durable motor requires little maintenance. This Makita rotary hammer drill has a soft-grip handle and a clutch to lower speed if the bit becomes jammed.

Overall, You can get the job done quicker and more efficiently with the Makita HR2475 1-inch Rotary Hammer. One year from the date of the first purchase, Makita tools are guaranteed to be free of flaws in the craftsmanship and the materials used in their production for the duration of the warranty term.

Pros
  • Motor engineered for durability
  • The rubberized grip provides a more comfortable holding experience
  • It has a 13-foot cord
Cons
  • Limited vibration control

DEWALT DCH273B 20V MAX* SDS Rotary Hammer Drill

No products found.

If you are looking for a strong cordless rotary hammer drill, go no further than DeWalt’s DCH273B. The striking speed of 4600 bps is made feasible by the battery system’s 20-volt capacity. You can pound even the hardest surfaces on the move because of this.

Since DeWalt has been in business for a long time, the company offers a diverse selection of power tools. It manufactures a wide variety of rotary hammer drills.

There are several reasons why the DCH273B is one of the most superior cordless rotary hammer drills available today. This DeWalt comes equipped with a D-handle and a vibration control system, which will come in handy when things get rough on the worksite.

It can provide boreholes up to half an inch deep in various hard materials, including concrete, and it can do so. Moreover, what more can you ask for from a cordless drill?

While its 1,100 RPM speed makes it competitive with the top five models on our list, its better construction quality and SDS-Plus chuck mechanism set it apart. The price may seem high, but it’s a bargain considering the amount of power and DeWalt technology it offers.

The suggested attachments (chisel, spade) and battery are all that’s needed to get a workhorse out of this machine.

Additionally, DeWalt is a well-known brand of power tools that provides a three-year guarantee to its customers. This hammer drill has a nice build quality, which is always good to have on hand. Sadly, you’ll need to purchase the batteries and charger separately.

Pros
  • Rotary hammer drill with the most power available in a cordless model
  • The handle is comfortable and easy to hold
  • Pretty strong battery
Cons
  • A little pricey
  • It doesn’t come with a battery or a charger

Hilti 03497788 120-volt Rotary Hammer Drill Performance Package

No products found.

This Hilti rotary hammer drill equals the high performance of the five models we just analyzed in dependability and accuracy.

There may be occasions when you need a power drill that satisfies your occasional drilling requirements and is priced affordably and fits inside your budgetary constraints. Hilti is the answer. Hilti’s superiority in basic tools is well-known, and this model is no exception.

The 650-watt corded drill can drill through concrete and steel. The motor is powerful enough to deal with most kinds of weights, but you will need to purchase additional attachments to use for screw fastening or chiseling. Another indication of this model’s strength is its 1,200 RPM, which equates to around 4,600 strikes per minute (BPM).

The reverse switch transforms the impact driver instantly into a reverse impact driver for removing nails. Before beginning any work, be certain the proper attachment is attached.

Pros
  • Speedy 1,200 revolutions per minute
  • The ability to switch between two modes of functioning (rotary hammer, rotation)
  • It features a reverse switch
Cons
  • Essential attachments are missing from the package
  • Poorly crafted exterior casing made of low-grade plastic

Rotary Hammer Drills Buying Guide

Rotary hammer drill or impact drill?

You can easily confuse a rotary hammer drill with an impact drill – they look almost the same.

Moreover, both machines have a pistol grip and can work with drill bits. Both the rotary hammer drill and the impact drill have a drilling function with a blow. The last similarity is that both machines can be wired or not.

However, the differences are also not to be overlooked.

Apart from the obvious that the rotary hammer drill can drill larger holes on many more surfaces (even concrete), there is a difference in how the impact force is applied to the drill bit.

Impact drills

This type of drill has improved drilling due to the two grooved discs located opposite each other.

These thick discs are asymmetrically arranged, which allows one of them to rise rapidly upwards with each rotation and then to return downwards while the other rises. It is these movements that add blow force to the drill chuck and make it easier to insert longer drill bits into harder materials than with a conventional tool.

Also, due to the impact function, smaller drill bits can be used for faster drilling in walls and concrete.

Impact drills are actually ordinary drills with an added blow function.

Rotary hammer drills

Rotary hammer drills have a more powerful impact, which is not performed by two grooved discs.

This is the reason why they are much better for the purpose than impact drills – inside them, there is a piston that compresses air and thus creates a strong blow.

Accordingly, in the case of rotary hammer drills, most of the blowing force comes from the piston and less from the rotation. The rotary hammer drills cannot turn the drill as fast as an ordinary drill tool, but they have a much more powerful blow. In fact, many models have an impact-only function, which allows them to operate without turning the chuck.

Simply put, the rotary hammer drill is like a small hammer, which also has the ability to drill.

Choosing a rotary hammer drill according to your needs

Good rotary hammer drills are those that perform excellently day after day in all kinds of tasks, such as drilling in concrete or walls.

But to choose the best rotary hammer drill for you, you need to consider what it will be used for.

Maybe you will just drill, or you will have to crush with it?

If you are unsure, it is best to focus on the most powerful model that falls within your budget. Larger and more powerful rotary hammer drills can withstand heavy daily use and thus save you money in the long run.

The rotary hammer drills with cable vary in price.

Smaller models are expected to be at the lower end of the price range, while more powerful ones can reach their upper limit. Of course, it is possible to find cheaper rotary hammer drills, but they will probably be from an unknown manufacturer and therefore of unproven quality.

Keep in mind, however, that the largest and most powerful rotary hammer drills are usually made and optimized for much heavier work.

Thus, an ordinary rotary hammer drill can have a drilling function only, which will allow you to use it without the blow. However, on larger models, you will hardly find something like this and the blow function will always work.

Rotary hammer drills are heavier and more expensive than ordinary drills. Think of them as an investment that will save you a lot of time when you have to drill a lot of holes, especially if they are in concrete or a wall.

What to look for in a rotary hammer drill?

The vibration control function is especially important when working with the rotary hammer drill all day. Vibrations are usually absorbed by a rubber pad and an additional softening layer.

The straight and reverse rotation mode of the chuck will allow you to remove the drill bit from the deep holes faster and easier.

You will also be able to unscrew and tighten screws, bolts, fasteners, and whatever else you can think of.

The demolition function allows you to work with the rotary hammer drill only on impact, without rotation. This way, by attaching various attachments to the chuck, you will be able to easily crush anything you want.

The control function automatically shuts off the machine’s motor in the event of a drill jam. This prevents the entire rotary hammer drill from turning and falling out of your hands. Such a feature may be useful to some or undesirable to others.

The ability to change the speed allows you to choose how fast the chuck rotates.

This is usually done with a pressure-sensitive trigger. Some models even have a locking mechanism that allows you not to hold the trigger constantly, but to drill at the set speed.

The slow start function rotates the chuck of the perforator slowly and gradually increases the speed. This is extremely useful from a safety point of view and also if you are going to drill into more fragile materials.

The built-in LEDs in some rotary hammer drills will allow you to see better where you are drilling, especially when working in low light.

Dust extractors allow you to collect dust and fine particles that fall when drilling. This is usually done in a bag built into the rotary hammer drill or by means of a vacuum cleaner attachment. Some manufacturers also offer additional accessories for their tools, which are usually purchased separately if needed.

Brushless motors in rotary hammer drills are more efficient and cooler, which allows them to last longer for continuous operation and also allows the installation of additional functions in the machine.

Blow button models will allow you to turn off the blowing function when you don’t need it, so you can use the drill as an ordinary one.

Corded or cordless rotary hammer drill?

Corded rotary hammer drills

Corded models are powered directly from the mains and will allow you to work continuously. They usually have a cable long enough not to interfere with normal operation.

Corded rotary hammer drills are also a little cheaper than cordless ones, especially if you need to buy additional accessories such as batteries, chargers, etc.

Cordless rotary hammer drills

These models are easier to use because you can pick them up anywhere and don’t have a cord to get in the way. A cordless rotary hammer drill would do an ideal job if you had to work on a ladder or scaffold.

Batteries that are in quality brands can withstand enough work with one charge. Usually from a 6 amp/hour battery, you can expect to drill about 200 holes in concrete with a single charge.

What to look for in a cordless drill:

  • Fast-charging models can save you valuable time, which you would otherwise have to spend waiting for the battery to charge.
  • Cordless rotary hammer drills come with different sizes of chucks, so keep this in mind when choosing.
  • It is also good to check the accessories that come with the kit and whether you can buy more later.
  • Brushless motors are also the more efficient option here because they will allow you to do more work with a single battery charge.

Rotary hammer drill accessories

Rotary hammer drills, especially those with a blow function, can use special addons to do anything above drilling holes in concrete.

For example, a tile addon will help you clean a tile wall very quickly and easily. In this way, the rotary hammer drill becomes an excellent choice for bathroom repairs.

A demolition addon can easily turn the rotary hammer drill into a small hammer with which to crush concrete and walls.

You can find all kinds of rotary hammer drill addons, even those that help you smooth out various surfaces and even break up heavily hardened soil.

How to compare different models of rotary hammer drills

Probably, after looking for the best rotary hammer drill, you already have some ideas of what it will be used for. In order to choose the right size and model, it is good to consider what holes you will drill with it.

The bigger they are, the more powerful model you will need.

Also, consider how often you will use the machine. If you plan to use it once or twice for repairs in your home – probably a smaller and cheaper model would do the trick.

However, if you make a living from construction work and will be used often – then do not hesitate to choose a high-end model.

Rated power

This is the actual power of the motor, which is measured in watts. Very often, however, manufacturers give the input power, which is greater than the output. This is because factors such as drilled material, tools used, etc. affect the power of the motor directly during operation.

The power of the corded models is given in amperes, while the battery models are given in volts. For cordless rotary hammer drills, the average operating time can also be calculated from the battery indicator, which is usually given in amperes/hours.

Impact and speed

Like most blowing power tools, rotary hammer drills have a specification for blow strength. It is usually given by manufacturers in the form of joules and the more they are – the more powerful the blow.

The nominal speed of rotation is given in revolutions per minute and compared to ordinary drills, the rotary hammer drills are slower and rotate at speeds below 1000 revolutions per minute. A lower speed is actually a better indicator when it comes to a perforator.

The fact that a model is slower means that its impact is stronger, which is usually more important. The impact speed is given in the form of blows per minute and usually, the rotary hammer drills can reach 4000 or more.

Drilling diameter

Again, it is important to check this indicator, as you probably want the drill to do a good job for you when drilling. Usually, the maximum drilling diameter is given in millimeters.

Manufacturers often give different diameters depending on the surface to be drilled, such as wall, wood, metal, concrete, etc.

Sign up for our newsletter to get the best of The Sized delivered to your inbox daily.


We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.