What is the best corded hammer drill? Modern corded hammer drills are suitable for heavy-duty applications like drilling of hard and tough materials. In particular, such drills allow boring of small diameter holes in concrete or masonry. The most advanced options often feature two or three operational modes similar to standard drill and rotary hammer functioning. Drilling mode allows boring in such materials like wood, plastic and metal. An impact or hammer drilling mode will enable you to handle unreinforced concrete, masonry, and artificial and natural stones. Nowadays heavy-duty hammer drills are highly indispensable tools during renovation, construction, utility installation projects, civil works and commissioning activities. The Bosch 11255VSR will definitely cope with all the above-mentioned challenging jobs.
The Bosch 11255VSR hammer drill demonstrates similar power and performance of a rotary hammer. However, it can be operated in three different modes - rotary hammer, hammering and rotation. These functions are ensured by a powerful 7.5 Amp motor with a high torque and impact frequency which can be varied for multiple challenging applications. The speed is not the fastest in its class; however it is not an obstacle for tackling heavy-duty drilling with its rest advanced features.
Besides, this model comes in an ergonomic design. In particular, it has a D-handle which makes its operation overhead and downwards convenient even during extended periods of time. Overall, this model is a perfect choice for both DIY enthusiasts and craft professionals.
Table of Content
- 1 What should you know about hammer drills? | Introduction
- 2 Features to be considered when looking for a hammer drill | Buyer's Guide
- 3 What about Amperage? | Light-duty vs. Heavy-duty hammer drills
- 4 Trusted Brands
- 5 Review of the best hammer drills
- 6 10 Best Corded Hammer Drills Comparison Table
- 7 FAQ
What should you know about hammer drills? | Introduction
If once you need to deal with drilling through masonry or concrete surfaces, a traditional drill will hardly help you. It is a decent tool indeed, but its bit cutting edge is simply not designed for hammering action, necessary for the heavy-duty applications. At the same time, a rotary hammer purchase would be an unreasonable alternative, in this case. As a rotary hammer is a heavy-weight tool designed for specific tasks. Thus, it is not surprise at all that a hammer drill is getting a trade-off option on the modern market.
Hammer drills are designed for handling hard materials. Such drills allow many householders boring holes in masonry and saving money, by substitution of pricy rotary hammers for such user- and budget-friendly tools. Overall, nowadays a hammer drill is the most popular tool due to its combined features of a conventional drill and a light-weight rotary hammer.
You can find these versatile tools in corded and cordless designs. Battery-powered models are really great. But if you have to drill bigger holes through some hard materials, only 110 V will do its job.
It is getting more and more difficult to choose a decent hammer drill for home-based applications. The current range of products is rich with various modifications of a conventional tool including super simple options to advanced multifunctional devices. The manufacturers are continuously developing their product ranges by upgrading the current models and creating new tools. I'm going to give you a reference to the top best hammer drills with a detailed review. The models from my preference list have been carefully selected based on their features and advantages. And now, let’s proceed with our insightful journey!
Features to be considered when looking for a hammer drill | Buyer's Guide
Power output. This parameter shows the force of a motor, which is one of the main components of a hammer drill. The higher the force is, the more efficiently the tool runs. Power output is measured in Watts. Nowadays, produce multiple ranges of various hammer drills from “minis” for household purposes with 250-Watt output, up to professional-grade drilling “beast” with 2500-Watt. However, you should bear in mind that you will always have to pay more for the extra power.
Variable Speed. An ability to set a desired speed will improve controllability and accuracy of the process. The more speed settings your hammer drill features, the more jobs you can perform, thus proving the versatility of this tool. The advanced options can accept various drill bits which allow handling both soft and hard materials. You should simply choose an appropriate bit and speed to complete your drilling project successfully.
Hammer motion. It allows drilling with a simultaneous percussion and rotation of a spindle. A hammer motion is generated by a mechanical interaction of two sets of toothed gears while drill bit rotation. The hammering action is determined by BPM (blows per minute) or IPM (impacts per minute). The percussion rate of hammering drills often amounts to tens of thousands. So if you are going to deal with any heavy-duty job, consider the tool with biggest BPM affordable for you.
Maximum drilling diameter. This parameter show the maximum hole size which you will be able to bore using a particular hammer drill. A drilling capacity will certainly depend on a material stock you will work with. Besides, the maximum diameter is directly determined by the efficiency of your hammer drill: the higher the power is, the bigger diameter can be drilled. However higher values will result into overloading of a tool and an early wear or damage.
For instance, if you need to make a big diameter hole in a wooden stock, use the right bits designed for this purpose. However, a hammer drill will be hardly useful for boring big holes in some reinforced concrete wall. On the contrary, a rotary hammer will accomplish this task easily.
Chuck. It comes in key and keyless designs. The key chuck is clamped by three symmetrical jaws. An operator should fix a bit by means of a special tool which is usually in the scope of supply. There is a common opinion that the key chuck is more reliable and holds a bit more securely in comparison with a keyless chuck. However, there is a high risk of tool loss or necessity to find some storage location within easy reach.
A keyless chuck is very convenient in use, as bits can be easily and quickly replaced without any additional tools. Besides, it reduces the weight of a tool considerably. However, usually low-power hammer dills are equipped with a keyless chuck as the service life is shorter than that of a key chuck.
Reverse. This function allows chuck rotation clockwise and counter clockwise. You will need this when tooling replacing or in case if a drilling bit is occasionally jammed. Thus, a reverse motion grants you with greater safety while operation and handling your hammer drill.
Weight. This issue is a kind of controversial one. From one side, the advanced models of hammer drills have to be lightweight and compact as other modern power tools designed for user convenience. However, the models for heavy-duty jobs feature an extra powerful motor and consequently are heavier than traditional drills and light-duty hammer drills. Comparatively light-weight models will be more convenient in use, but demonstrate less power and higher vibration. That is why you should determine the major purpose of your future investment in advance. Smaller hammer drill would be more than enough to deal with occasional DIY and repair work around the house. Otherwise, consider more powerful and heavier hammer drill or a rotational hammer, depending on a scope of your duties.
Smooth start. A motor is enabled to gain the speed smoothly due to this function. It helps to lower a torque and power surges during starting of a motor. Thus, the service life of a hammer drill is extended and work efficiency is improved. Advanced corded hammer drills commonly feature a smooth start function. That is, when you slightly push a trigger, it speeds up smoothly and maintains slower motion at a certain speed setting. With a heavy press, the speed will be gradually increased.
What about Amperage? | Light-duty vs. Heavy-duty hammer drills
The performance of any power tool is primarily estimated by its power output. The latter, in its term, is determined by input voltage and current (both for AC and DC power supplies). Thus, all hammer drills can be conventionally divided into light-duty and heavy-duty tools in terms of the power capacity.
Light-duty hammer drills are very similar to regular drills, but with a hammer action. They are usually compact and light-weight. Overall, these tools are designed for simple operations at budget-friendly prices. And the motor is a primary characteristic distinguishing a light-duty hammer drill from a professional-grade model. Less powerful tools feature from 6 to 8-Amp motor. The amperage of these models is also restricted by the allowable voltage rate, as light-duty hammer drills can be run by a standard 110 V outlet. However, such hammer drills have enough power to be successfully used for woodworking and lighter masonry.
Heavy-duty hammer drills come with motors ranging from 7 up to 10 Amps. They more resemble rotary hammers in a design and weight. However, these tools will withstand only light masonry and concrete drilling of up to 1-inch holes.
But, in spite of the above-mentioned, the modern state-of-the-art devices feature multiple hammer and drilling modes due to a number of upgraded functions. All this turns a hammer drill into a versatile tool capable to deal with plenty of materials like masonry, wood, metal, and ceramic.
Trusted Brands
Nowadays hammer drills are the most demanded on the market. Consequently there is a wide range of models from different brands worldwide. Multiple U.S., European and Asian reliable manufacturers like Dewalt, Makita, Milwaukee, Ryobi, Bosch and Skil, etc., offer a broad selection of hammer drills with various functions and features.
Bosch, a giant in the world of power tools, produces a wide range of hammer drills for regular customers and professionals. Their light duty tools are comparably lightweight but powerful, featuring keyless chucks, reverse, variable speed control and additional anti-vibration side handles.
Dewalt, a highly-recognizable and popular U.S. brand is known for its wide range of professional-grade power tools. In particular, the company offers a range of hammer drills designed for operation under severe conditions during extended periods of time. All Dewalt models are proved to be highly reliable and durable.
Milwaukee is another trusted U.S. brand offering a broad selection of corded and cordless hammer drills for light- to heavy-duty industrial applications.
Hammer drills produced by Skil are convenient in use and reliable tools. Such drills are mostly suitable for home-based purposes. Their tools also feature all primary functions to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of any work. The prices for their drills are more favorable in terms of affordability in comparison with their competitors.
Makita and Ryobi are the Asian brands with a big experience of manufacturing power tools and the widest ranges of hammer drills for any applications. In particular, Ryobi has been manufacturing a wide range of drilling tools, including traditional drills, impact drivers and hammer drills for many years. In spite of their budget-friendly prices for the whole range of the tools, beginners and even professionals will be more than satisfied with the opportunities of the Ryobi drills.
Review of the best hammer drills
1. BOSCH 11255VSR
Being a highly recognizable brand, Bosch does not require any introduction. The Bosch Group has a solid reputation of the leading supplier of innovative technologies and services for multiple industries and regular applications worldwide.
For a hammer drill that offers excellent power, the clue is in the name. The Bosch 11255VSR hammer drill is capable to demonstrate an excellent power due to its 8 Amp motor. This model comes with a variable speed and frequency control, in particular up to1300 RPM and up to 5800 BPM. Besides the fact that this hammer drill is very powerful indeed, it comes with three modes of operation as a rotary hammer, and with rotation function and hammer action.
This versatile tool features a SDS keyless chuck system which allows tool-free bit replacement with an automatic bit locking. A D-handle is one of the best design peculiarities of this model. This facilitates an operation of this hammer drill overhead or downwards. More than that, this hammer drill comes with an integrated dust collection system.
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
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Despite the fact that this hammer drill is not the fastest in the class, it comes with an awesome combination of powerful drilling, hammering and rotational actions. All this makes it a highly versatile device suitable for DIY and professional applications.
Bosch: Check the current price
2. MAKITA HP2050F
Makita has enough experience on a power tool market to become one of the leading global manufacturers in the industry. Nowadays, the company offers a wide range of reliable tools for multiple applications.
This model comes with a 6-Amp motor which delivers enough power to obtain 2900 RPM in a no-load mode. This tool features different drill modes of operation. In particular, it can be set to hammering with rotation or rotation only mode. A positive stop selector locks securely a selected mode to avoid occasional disengagement. A built-in torque limiting switch of this hammer drill stops bit rotation when hitting reinforcements thus preventing any kickbacks and enhancing safety of a user during operation.
It is offered in an ergonomic design with its swiveling grip handle for better convenience of an operator. An integrated LED light improves the visibility of a process thus enhancing the accuracy of work.
Features
- RPM, Max: 2900
- BMP, Max: 58000
- Weight (lbs): 5
- Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 15 x 6 x 12
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The Makita HP2050F is capable to tackle challenging drilling tasks due to its motor protection systems and higher speed rates. Besides, this model is designed to withstand higher loads, as it is run by 240 V suitable for industrial applications. However, due to its design imperfections affecting its capacity, I would recommend it only for DIY enthusiasts and some of the contractors.
Makita: Check the current price
3. DEWALT DW511
The DeWalt is a real head-liner on the power tools market. The company manufactures a wide range of reliable power tools demonstrating high quality and performance.
The DEWALT DW511 hammer drill is not an exception. It is a light-weight tool designed for extended operations due to its powerful 7.8 Amp motor with an overload protection. Despite the fact that this tool features only one speed setting, the frequency can be varied from 0 up to 2700 RPM and up to 46000 BPM with the help of a trigger for obtaining desired precision.
The unit comes with a dual-mode selection. Thus it can be switched to hammer drill and drill only modes depending on a particular application.
Also, the DEWALT DW511 features a 360-degree side handle enhancing the convenience of its operation. An integrated depth rod of this hammer drill contributes to a great accuracy of any work to be performed.
Features
- RPM, Max: 2700
- BMP, Max: 46000
- Weight (lbs): 4.3
- Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 12 x 10.2 x 3
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I would recommend this reliable hammer drill for multiple applications around the house. It will be a very handy tool for light- to medium duty drilling and anchoring jobs.
DEWALT DW511: Check the current price
4. SKIL HD182002
SKIL Power Tools is a global manufacturer of power tools and accessories. Nowadays the company focuses on the regular customers offering affordable but reliable tools.
The SKIL HD182002 hammer drill is equipped with a powerful 7.5 Amp motor. The latter delivers a high torque up to 3000 RPM which are more than enough for multiple home-based projects. The speed can be controlled by its special 2-finger trigger. As soon as the speed is set at a particular range, there is a possibility to maintain it for extended periods of running via a lock-on button. And this contributes to convenience and simplicity of its operation. This hammer drill features a ½-inch heavy-duty keyed chuck which accepts larger bits to tackle easily even challenging jobs.
This model comes with a set of 100 pcs. of driving and drilling bits which are ideal for dealing with a variety of materials like wood, metal, plastic and masonry.
Features
- RPM, Max: 3000
- Weight (lbs): 5.6
- Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 14.6 x 5.3 x 13.4
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This model is capable to handle multiple home projects. Thus, I would highly recommend considering this option for DIY enthusiasts and some of the professional craftsmen.
Skil: Check the current price
5. DEWALT DWE5010
It is another worthy option from Dewalt. In spite of its numerous beneficial features, it is offered at a comparatively affordable price.
This model comes with a powerful 7.0 Amp motor granting enough power for an awesome performance. This unit features a single-speed mode the torque and the frequency can be varied by a lock-on trigger in the range of 0-2800 RPM and 0-47600 BPM. Thus, you get an absolute control over a drilling process of different materials like wood or steel.
This device can be switched from hammer drill to drill only modes, thus enlarging the number of applications which can be required around the house.
This tool comes in a lightweight and compact design making the work almost effortless with no fatigue during a long and continuous running. Besides, you will have no troubles to access even the most tight spaces with it due to its compact size.
Features
- RPM: 2800
- BMP, Max: 47600
- Weight (lbs): 3.8
- Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 12.2 x 10.1 x 3
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If you aspire to purchase a powerful and durable hammer drill with a minimum budget, than the Dewalt DWE5010 would be a perfect choice for you in its lightweight and user-friendly design.
DEWALT DWE5010: Check the current price
6. TACKLIFE PID01A
The Tacklife hammer drill features a copper 6 Amp motor which delivers enough power to reach up to 2800 RPM. A speed control trigger allows choosing an exact speed for different tasks. A lock-on button helps to maintain a particular speed with no fatigue for an operator. This model comes with a metal key chuck accepting ½ inch drill bit size.
This unit can be switched to hammer or drilling function for boring holes in steel, wood and masonry. However this tool is not suitable for drilling of reinforced concrete walls due to absence of an anti-kickback protection. It is equipped with a forward / reverse switch to function as a driver for tightening or loosening screws. Besides, the tool has depth gauge for a precise depth measuring.
The Tacklife PID01A comes with 12 drill bits for various drilling tasks in different materials. More than that, the kit is delivered in a bag for easier arrangement and storage.
Features
- RPM, Max: 2800
- Weight (lbs): 4.3
- Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 10.2 x 2.6 x 7.5
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I bet this option would be the best choice if you are on a budget. It is capable to perform multiple tasks with 12 drill bits included, which allow you initiating work immediately as soon as you get this kit.
TACKLIFE: Check the current price
10 Best Corded Hammer Drills Comparison Table
1
Bosch
Bosch 11255VSR Bulldog Xtreme - 8 Amp 1 Inch Corded Variable Speed Sds-Plus Concrete / Masonry Rotary Hammer Power Drill with Carrying Case
2
Makita
Makita HP2050F 6Amp ¾ "Hammer Drill
3
DEWALT
DEWALT Hammer Drill, ½-Inch, 7.8-Amp (DW511)
4
Skil
SKIL 7.5 Amp ½-in Corded Hammer Drill with 100pcs Drill Bit Set - HD182002
5
DEWALT
DEWALT Hammer Drill, ½-Inch, 7.0-Amp (DWE5010)
6
TACKLIFE
Hammer Drill, TACKLIFE ½-Inch Electric Drill, 2800 RPM, Hammer & Drill 2 Modes in 1, Keyed Chuck, 360 ° Rotating Handle, 12 Pcs Accessories Set, For Brick, Wood, Steel, Masonry - PID01A
7
DEWALT
DEWALT Rotary Hammer Drill with Shocks, D-Handle, SDS, 1-1 / 8-Inch (D25263K)
8
TACKLIFE
Hammer Drill, TACKLIFE Upgraded 7.1Amp / 3000Rpm Electric Drill, ½-Inch (13mm) Impact Drill with Aluminum Alloy Cover, Metal Rotating Handle, Variable Speed Trigger, Ideal Tool for DIY-PID03A
9
Meterk
Hammer Drill Meterk 7.0 Amp ½ Inch Corded Drill 850W, 3000RPM Dual Switch Between Impact Drill and Electric Drill, With Adjustable Speed for Drilling Wood, Steel, Concrete & Plastic DIY Drilling
10
DEWALT
DEWALT Hammer Drill Kit, ½-Inch, 10-Amp, Mid-Handle Grip (DWD525K)
FAQ
Are corded drills more powerful?
Indeed, corded drills are very powerful but light and user-friendly tools running by the power outlet. Corded drills are more powerful than battery-powered drills and they should not be recharged on a constant basis. The thing is higher torque and speed, required for an efficient drilling, are generated by a constant flow of electric power. The latter directly depends on a voltage level and its stability ensured by the mains.
