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Rotary hammer drills include a powerful hammer-only option that’s like a mini jackhammer.
The Spruce
It has a drill-only mode along with a hammer-drill mode, so it’s very versatile.
When in hammer mode, the maximum blows-per-minute is 33,000.
A built-in LED work light adds illumination when using the tool in dimly lit locations.
PHOTO: The Spruce
And its all-metal .5-inch chuck is very durable while keeping bits securely locked in place without a wiggle.
Plus, the tool has Milwaukee’s AutoStop Control Mode for extra safety.
This immediately stops the spin of the bit should it become bound or caught in the material being drilled.
The Milwaukee 2904-22 is compact and easy to use, but it provided plenty of power in our tests.PHOTO: The Spruce
It also includes a hard carrying case and a metal belt clip, but no bits.
This further demonstrates its remarkable strength and its aptitude to handle rough use.
When in hammer mode, the maximum is 38,250 bpm.
Another nice feature is thebuilt-in LED light, which has three intensity controls.
Note that it does not come with any bits.
It has two modes: drill only or hammer drill.
One thing we love about this drill is the variable-speed trigger with a maximum speed of 2,800 rpm.
Ouroverall bestlacks this feature, so it’s great to see it on an inexpensive model like this.
The maximum impact is an impressive 48,000 bpm.
Black+Decker recommends the drill for holes no larger than .5-inch diameter in masonry or steel or 1.5-inch in softwood.
During testing, we were extremely impressed with this hammer drill’s performance.
However, during our testing sessions, the battery barely budged from full charge.
PHOTO: The Spruce
This drill has a compact design, making it easier to use in small spaces.
you’re able to set the tool to drill only or into hammer drill mode.
When the hammer function is on, it delivers a maximum of 31,500 bpm.
The Dewalt XR DCD996P2 includes a convenient hard case for the drill, handle, batteries and charger.PHOTO: The Spruce
Plus, its D-shaped back handle and easy-grip forward handle give you excellent control when working in awkward positions.
No tool is required to swap out the bits, which you’ll have to purchase separately.
It comes with a sturdy carrying case.
If you want the sheer muscle of a rotary hammer drill, then we recommend theBosch 11255VSR Bulldog Xtreme.
Other hammer drills are powered by a battery.
There are reasons to choose a plug-in model over a cordless one, but Barnett favors cordless models.
Get a cordless hammer drill that is compatible with the batteries you already have for your regular cordless drill.
Some also include a driver mode that’s designed for tightening screws and other fasteners.
Ourbest rotarypick has all three.
Rotary hammer drills can be even heavier, with some weighing as much as 10 pounds.
Do You Need More Speed or More Power?
How Powerful of a Motor Do You Need?
PHOTO: Black + Decker
When shopping for a hammer drill, dont automatically assume that you need the most powerful model available.
Ourbest budgetpick has a 6.5 amp motor, which is good for general use.
Generally, hammer drills have three-jaw chucks like drill/drivers.
PHOTO: Makita
Some heavier-duty hammer drills, however, have .625-inch chucks or larger, while a few have smaller chucks.
A standard SDS chuck is 10 millimeters and only works with SDS bits, not standard bits.
The more powerful the drill, the more fatigue it creates.
PHOTO: Bosch
That leads to better efficiency and longer motor life.
Ourbest heavy-dutyis a cordless hammer drill with a brushless motor.
While hammer drills and regular drills look very similar and have similar functions, they are not the same.
Its best to always use bits specifically designed for hammer drills in these powerful tools.
Rotary hammers are better for specific tasks, because they are significantly stronger than standard hammer drills.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Michelle Ullmanis a writer for The Spruce, covering home improvement and gardening products since 2021.
