What is the best corded hammer drill? The advanced hammer drills are enduring tools which easily withstand a big volume of work and severe loads. All models are very similar in design and characteristics, but the professional-grade tools always come with a high assembly quality and outstanding performance. More than that, with an ergonomic and compact design hammer drills become indispensable tools for a big number of drilling, hammering, grinding, sanding and polishing tasks at any job site.  Thus, the Bosch 11255VSR is the perfect example of a state-of-the-art hammer drill.

Why have I chosen this model? This tool represents one of the finest hammer drills among other counterparts from the Bosch lineup. This model is extremely powerful with a 8-Amp motor delivering up to 1,300 RPM and 5800 BPM. For a greater versatility this hammer drill features a multi-function ability. A certain mode can be selected depending on your drilling target. In particular, it can serve as a screwdriver, hammer only, and a rotary hammer.

The 11255VSR comes in an ergonomic design with its D-handle, SDS keyless chuck, and a cord turret for flexibility of use when overhead or downward drilling with no excessive operator’s fatigue.

Featuring a Hammer Drill | The Baseline

Nowadays, a hammer drill is an indispensable tool for any renovation works, even for minor repairs around the house. The main purpose of a traditional electric drill is boring holes in various materials except hard masonry or concrete. In order to cope with such materials, modern electric drills are equipped with a percussion mechanism.

Thus, a hammer drill is an exceptional and versatile tool. By the way, versatility is the main distinctive feature which differs a hammer drill from a rotary hammer. You can perform multiple tasks by a simple changing of appropriate attachments, in particular:

  • Drilling in various materials like wood, metal, ceramic tile, plastic, glass and many other materials which are widely used for construction purposes

  • Boring big diameter holes by means of heavy-duty bits

  • Boring holes in soft concrete or masonry by switching to a hammer drilling mode

  • Sanding and grinding of any surfaces, with the help of brush or abrasive wheels

  • Operating as a mixer-drill for paint or mortar mixing

However, when considering a particular hammer drill, don’t forget that a hammering motion is just an additional feature. In other words, you will not be very happy with it making holes in concrete on a constant basis. This work will be more successfully performed by a rotary hammer. For this reason, professionals and contractors typically prefer them for heavy-duty drilling at construction sites. On the contrary, hammer drills are more popular among DIY craftsmen and enthusiasts for lighter jobs.

So, if you realize that a hammer drill is exactly what you need, have a look at its main distinctive features and functional capabilities. Thus, you will be able to make the right choice and to become a happy owner of an advanced brand-new tool.

Corded VS Cordless Hammer Drills

A type of power supply will mainly depend on work conditions. Having analyzed all advantages and downsides of corded and cordless hammer drills you will easily find a tool suitable for your needs.

Corded hammer drills are powerful and friendly-user tools running by a power outlet. Dependence on a regular power supply can be both advantageous and unfavorable features at the same time. From one side, corded models are more powerful than battery-powered counterparts. Besides, they do not require any recharging. Thus, independence from the notion of time is one of the main advantages of corded hammer drills. That is, this power tool will be continuously running as long as you need it. And this will be a real benefit if your project requires a long-lasting operation of a tool. But it will be possible only if there is a power outlet available, and if your work doesn’t require a lot of movements around a job site. The thing is that power cables or long extension cords always get in the way during operation. Thus, there is a risk to get caught in this stuff. Besides, a cable can be too short in your case, thus you should take care of getting an extension cord of an appropriate length.

There is another important benefit of a corded hammer drill – its weight. Corded models are always weighing less than their cordless counterparts with a similar power rate. This relates to the fact that a battery is heavier than a power cable.

A cordless hammer drill is powered by a rechargeable battery. They rightfully claim to be the portable power tools. That is, you can easily move around a job site, with no concerns regarding a power cable or extension cord. But a continuous and long-lasting operation of such tool is out of the question. The thing is that battery charge is limited by its capacity which requires periodical refilling. Besides, some types of batteries reduce power of hammer drills with a gradual charge completion.

However, modern advanced battery technologies offer solutions which highly contribute to an extension of battery life time and ability to generate more power similar to corded tools. And this fact also influences on the price range of cordless hammer drills which are significantly pricier than corded models.

Main Features influencing on hammer drill performance | Buyer’s Guide

Power output. It is a main characteristic that determines the capacity of a hammer drill. The higher the value is, the higher performance a tool can demonstrate. Drills delivering up to 1000-Watt are suitable for boring of bigger holes under higher loads. At the same time, an average rotation speed amounts to 2500-3000 RPM. The speed of cordless hammer drills is mainly determined by voltage of a battery.

Hammering action. This feature is determined in BPM (blows per minute) or IPM (impacts per minute). The higher a value is, the less efforts an operator has to put during masonry or soft concrete drilling. Commonly a number of beats does not exceed 40,000 per minute. However, you should bear in mind that higher load due to an increased number of BPMs and force, applied by an operator, result into an earlier wear of parts.

Maximum drilling diameter. Before getting any drill, check first the maximum diameter of a bit which is a limit value instead of nominal. You should always ensure a 25-30% bigger capacity in terms of a bit size of a hammer drill you are going to operate. However, if you still don’t know the scope of tasks to be performed with your drill around the house, I recommend considering hammer drills with up to 9/16 – 7/8-inch diameter bits. This is more than enough to cover the majority of various drilling operations.

Chuck. There are two types available: keyless and key chucks. The advantage of the first one is in its simplicity. That is, you can easily install and replace it whenever you want, without any additional tool. And it is very convenient unless you have a professional-grade hammer drill designed for heavy-duty operations. Such powerful devices require a more reliable key chuck, which can be securely tightened with the help of a special tool. They are usually delivered together with a hammer drill.

Power supply. Choose the type of power supply depending on your particular applications. Thus, corded hammer drills are powerful and convenient in use tools running by a power outlet. They demonstrate higher performance in comparison with cordless tools. Besides, they are suitable for continuous operations with no necessity to be recharged. The downside of corded hammer drills is the restriction of their use outside or power supply irregularities which cause undesired delays in work.

Cordless tools are more suitable for operation at remote locations or hard-to-reach spaces. An operator gets an opportunity of an absolute mobility around a job site. However, batteries have to be periodically recharged. Besides, the life time is limited, even of the most advanced models. That is, in 2 or 3 years they have to be replaced by new batteries.

Reverse.  The majority of modern hammer drills come with this function. Reverse allows a back rotation for fastener unscrewing, for instance. This function will be also highly useful to tack out a bit stuck in a material. This function is regulated by a special button on a tool body.

Weight.  Commonly hammer drills are heavier than traditional drills due to an integrated hammering mechanism. However, hammer drill for household and DIY purposes are lighter than powerful professional-grade counterparts. Corded models usually have lighter weight due to the absence of a battery. Thus, you should specify the sphere of application of your future tool to ensure maximum convenience of its operation.

Trusted Brands

Nowadays, you can find power tools for construction home-based purposes even at supermarkets. Usually, they come with a huge variety of options offered by different manufacturers. Some of you, especially newcomers, have no idea about the highest level of competition on the market due to an incredible number of brands in the industry. In order to get money’s worth from the purchase, you should primarily consider the following manufacturers:

DeWalt – U.S. brand which began a rampant development since 1922, when its founder received a patent for a radial arm saw. Nowadays, the product range consists of a large variety of power tools for domestic and industrial applications.

Milwaukee – another U.S. company that has recommended itself as a reliable manufacturer and supplier of professional-grade power tools for heavy-duty applications.  Milwaukee has its own R&D facility responsible for development and mastering of new products.

Bosch - is a global supplier of the innovative technologies and solutions. They can boast a broad selection of equipment, power tools, accessories and services for multiple industrial and domestic applications. Their drilling tools are distinguished by the color. Blue tools are designed for professionals and green units mainly serve for DIY craftsmen and amateurs. The first have a big number of advanced features and a high capacity. The light-duty tools come in a super compact design for better convenience of operation.

Hilti — the company was established in 1941 in Liechtenstein as a small mechanical workshop with 5 employees. Nowadays, it is a global supplier of equipment, raw materials and software for various fields of applications. They have the representative offices in more than 120 countries.

Makita –The history of this Japanese company started back in 1915. At that time its founders were focusing on transformer and generator technologies. Currently the product range of the company consists of more than 1200 items which are produced at 8 production sites on different continents.

Ryobi – is another Japanese brand that has almost 80-year experience on the market. They are well-known as a manufacturer of reliable equipment and tools at affordable prices. One of their marks of pride is a state-of-the art Ryobi ONE+ battery technology. They were among the first companies offering the same battery for the entire range of tools by this brand.

Ridgid – this U.S. brand is less popular than the industry giants. However, it was founded back in 1923. Initially they manufactured a line of hand tools. Nowadays, they also offer a wide range of power tools, accessories and services. Any product from this company is developed with observance of high quality standards, providing reliability and durability.

Best hammer drills

1. BOSCH 11255VSR

This model is offered by the brand which doesn’t need any introduction. The Bosch proves its solid reputation by an excellent performance and competitive strengths of the 11255VSR.  It has a power of a rotary hammer featuring other modes of operation. In particular, it is capable to run in hammering, drilling and driving modes which make it a highly versatile device. This corded hammer drill has a powerful 8-Amp motor with a variable speed and frequency control for multiple materials and applications. More than that, this model features a number of user-friendly systems and functions like SDS keyless chuck, an ergonomic D-handle and a dust system. All this contributes to convenient and efficient work.

Features

  • RPM, Max:  1300
  • BMP, Max:  5800
  • Weight (lbs): 6.7
  • Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 22.5 x 11.2 x 4.8
Pros:
  • Powerful motor
  • Three-in-one tool
  • Variable speed control
  • Depth stop
  • Sturdy and ergonomic design
  • Dust system
  • Reliable SDS-chuck
  • Suitable for heavy-duty applications
Cons:
  • Accept only SDS-bits
  • Lower speed range for this class

The Bosch 11255VSR is a perfect option for an all-round performance. Due to its versatility this model can handle both household and professional-grade jobs.

Bosch: Check the current price

2. DEWALT DW511

The DW511 hammer drill is offered by Dewalt, which is one of the solid leaders in the industry. And this model is not an exception of a proved reliability and performance offered by the company. It is a light-weight but powerful tool with its 7.8 Amp motor and an overload protection. This hammer drill has a variable speed control to reach up to 2700 RPM and 46000 BPM for better precision of each particular job. Its dual-mode selection will adopt this model for drilling only or for hammer drilling depending on your needs. Besides, the DW511 comes in an ergonomic design contributing to convenience and accuracy of any work.

Features

  • RPM, Max:  2700
  • BMP, Max:  46000
  • Weight (lbs): 4.3
  • Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 12 x 10.2 x 3
Pros:
  • Powerful motor with an electronic protection
  • Two-in-one tool
  • Variable speed control
  • Ergonomic design
  • Lightweight
Cons:
  • The speed range can be controlled within one setting only

This model will be a good deal when drilling and driving operations around the house or at the home-based workshop. This buddy will not let you down. You can use it for challenging jobs with no concerns due to its motor protection and other advanced features contributing to its durability.

DEWALT DW511: Check the current price

3. DEWALT DCD996B

And again Dewalt offers one more reliable and powerful model. This time I’m referring to the DCD996B cordless hammer drill. It can boast a 2.8X speed that the competitors of this class. Such speed capability is primarily ensured by a durable brushless motor which generates up to 820 Watts. Another advantageous feature of this compact hammer drill is its dual voltage battery, which can be converted from the nominal 18 V to the maximum free-load 20 V.

Features

  • RPM, Max:  2250
  • BMP, Max:  38,250
  • Weight (lbs): 4.7
  • Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 4 x 10 x 8
Pros:
  • Durable brushless motor
  • Sturdy design
  • Variable speed control
  • Compactness
  • 3-mode LED
  • High capacity battery
Cons:
  • Battery and charger have to be purchased separately

In spite of the fact that this hammer is a cordless tool, it can demonstrate enough power to deal with heavy-duty jobs.

DEWALT DCD996B: Check the current price

4. SKIL 6445-04

SKIL is a long-lasting player on the power tools market. Having their headquarters in Germany, the company successfully sells their products both to the domestic and foreign customers. The Skil 6445-04 is also a very popular hammer drill among DIY craftsmen and professionals. This powerful 7 Amp ½-inch tool can be adopted for any applications. The variable speed control also contributes to the versatility of its use. The key chuck accepts bits of larger diameter specially designed for heavy-duty woodworking tasks. This model comes in an ergonomic design with a side handle which can be adjusted for left- and right-handed operators.

Features

  • RPM, Max: 3000
  • Weight (lbs): 5.5
  • Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 13.2 x 10 x 3
Pros:
  • Powerful motor
  • Variable speed control
  • Ergonomic design
  • Big diameter chuck
  • Reversible side handle
Cons:
  • Bits are not suitable for drilling of hard materials
  • Comparatively heavy

I would recommend this model for woodworking applications. The performance of this hammer drill will be capable to satisfy the needs of both amateurs and professionals in this filed.

Skil: Check the current price

5. RIDGID R8611503

As Ridgid is specifically focusing on production of portable cordless tools, there are no doubts that this model is capable to exceed expectations of its customers. This 18 V hammer drill drives up to 780 inch pounds of torque for drilling into different materials. It is equipped with a keyless chuck that allows easy and fast bit changing without any additional tools. The unit comes in an ergonomic design featuring a number of user-friendly characteristics that considerably enhance convenience of its operation. In particular, this model has a bright LED lighting, a detachable textured handle grip, and a belt clip for convenience of storage.

Features

  • RPM, Max:  1300
  • Weight (lbs): 4
  • Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 12.4 x 8.3 x 3.8
Pros:
  • High torque
  • Ergonomic design
  • Keyless chuck
  • Lightweight
  • LED lights
  • Easy to store
Cons:
  • Offered as a bare tool

I would recommend this tool for various drilling jobs to be performed around the house. It has enough power to handle various materials. That is, this model will become a good assistant for any householder and DIY enthusiast. Besides, it will be a good choice for total beginners in this field, due to its simplicity and a number of user-friendly features.

Ridgid: Check the current price

6. HILTEX 10513

This model comes with a powerful motor which is capable of up to 1,000-Watt output. The speed and frequency of hammering action of this tool can be varied for versatility of its use. Besides, it can be operated in three modes as a hammer, hammer drill and drill only. More than that, the Hiltex 10513 is offered together with a set of drilling accessories which become an apparent bonus for its owner.

Features

  • RPM, Max:  800
  • BMP, Max:  3500
  • Weight (lbs): 4.7
  • Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 17.3 x 13.2 x 5.1
Pros:
  • Powerful motor
  • High torque
  • 3 modes of operation
  • Drilling accessories are included
  • Affordable price
Cons:
  • Heavy
  • Lower speeds
  • Unsuitable for heavy-duty jobs

This model is an awesome option for the best value. Though it doesn’t take the lead as a high performer, it will help you to tackle a lot of light- to medium-duty jobs around the house or at your garage.

Hiltex: Check the current price

Best-Selling Hammer Drills in the UK | Comparison Table

FAQ?

What is a hammer drill

Availability of an impact action and drilling accuracy are the key indicators which differ a hammer drill from a traditional drill. Applicability of the latter is limited by drilling through wood and metal only. On the contrary, the hammer drill is a more versatile tool which can be operated in several modes for drilling only, hammering drilling and sanding of multiple materials with special accessories attached. Thus, hammer drills are very popular among the customers, due to their high versatility.

How to use a hammer drill?

Hammer drill operation is not a complicated task. What you need is to observe a manual of each particular model. Operating instructions include, more or less, similar steps which are the following:

  1. Select an appropriate bit for the material you will be drilling. Install the bit into the chuck, ensuring the tightness of the attachment.

  2. Mark an area of drilling. If your hammer drill is equipped with a depth gauge, set it up to the desired value. Otherwise, you can mark the desired length to be drilled right on the bit.

  3. Connect your hammer drill to the power outlet or switch your cordless model on. Select a desired mode, a hammer drilling, for instance. Make sure you have an appropriate safety gear before drilling to exclude the risk of injuries.

  4. Place the bit on the marking area. Having slowly pushed the trigger, press slightly on the tool, but not too much. Otherwise, it may result to loss of a desired accuracy or damage of components of the drill.

  5. After completion of your job, take out the bit or switch the tool to the reverse mode in case if it stuck in the hole.

What is a hammer drill used for?

This tool can be successfully used for hammering drilling in masonry, natural stone or soft concrete. A conventional drilling mode should be switched for wood, steel, aluminum or even glass drilling. Also, hammer drills proved to be great tools for screw driving, mixing, grinding and sanding operations.

Read more about hammer drills:

Best corded hammer drill

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