Best SDS Hammer Drill for the Money | Top 5 Reviews and Buyers Guide
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Welcome to our review guide of the best SDS hammer drills money can buy. As with any job, it’s made much easier if you have the right tools. If you have concrete or other superhard materials for drilling into, a hammer drill will accomplish it much quicker and easier than a regular power drill.
A hammer drill is similar to a regular power drill, but it has a forward action, and it’s the two combined that make it more efficient, especially for heavy-duty work. The quality of these tools varies greatly, and you can quickly end up wasting your time and money buying total trash!
We have studied the market and compiled a list of the top 5 SDS hammer drills currently available. We have written a detailed review on each, compared them side-by-side in an easy-to-read comparison table, and constructed a buyer’s guide that answers people’s most common questions about hammer drills.
So, if you are in the market for an SDS hammer drill, we have included everything you should look out for before deciding which model to buy.
Here’s a quick rundown of what we cover in this best SDS hammer drill review article:
- First, we rate each model side-by-side in a comparison table. Ideal if you’re short on time
- Next, we take a deep dive into each model’s features and benefits we think you’d like to know
- Then, we explore their drawbacks
- And finally, you’ll learn a bit more about the product range with our in-depth buying guide
Sound good? Let’s get started!
See Full Range on AmazonBest SDS Hammer Drill Comparison Table
CLICK any image to see Ratings & Reviews on Amazon
| Image | Model | Price | Walts Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
Top  | Milwaukee 2712-20 | Click Here | 4.9 / 5 (Best Overall) |
  | DeWALT Rotary Hammer Drill | Click Here | 4.8 / 5 (Best Value) |
  | Bosch 11255VSR | Click Here | 4.8 / 5 |
  | Makita HR2475 | Click Here | 4.7 / 5 |
  | ENEACRO SDS-Plus Hammer Drill | Click Here | 4.6 / 5 |
Further reading: 7 Best Hammer Drills – Reviews and Buyers Guide
Top 5 SDS Hammer Drills – Reviewed
1. Milwaukee 2712-20 Cordless Rotary Hammer SDS Plus (Best Overall)
- If you are looking for a powerful SDS hammer drill, look no further than Milwaukee cordless rotary hammer SDS plus drill. The rotary drill comes with a super powerful 18v spinner suitable for heavy-duty jobs. The machine is super lightweight and compact, making it suitable for cramped spaces.
- The body of the cordless hammer drill is protected with high-quality aluminum material for durability. It’s also backed by a 5-year warranty from the manufacturer.
- The handle of the rotary hammer drill is ergonomically designed for comfort while hammer drilling and this drill include anti-vibration technology which makes using it every day, and for prolonged use, much more comfortable.
- As you would expect from a Milwaukee tool the technical specifications are top-notch, but that does come at a premium price bracket. The brushless motor kicks out an impressive 4900 blows per minute, and 1400 no-load RPM this will easily drill into concrete and all heavy-duty drilling with an SDS drill bit.
- This is a superb tool and is easily the best SDS hammer drill money can buy.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Further reading: Best Small Drill Press – Top 5 Reviews & Buyers Guide
2. DeWALT Rotary Hammer Drill (Best Value)
- DeWALT Rotary Hammer Drill is a super lightweight and extremely powerful SDS hammer drill that can easily power through concrete walls in hammer mode! The corded drill comes with an 8.5-amp motor for extreme drilling performance.
- The motor delivers 3ft/lbs. impact energy for super-fast drilling speed even when working on tough material.
- The feature that makes this drill stand out is the shocks. Most drills cause a lot of kickback due to the hammer action, especially when working with tough material, but the shocks that come with this hammer drill actively control vibration from drilling.
- The rotary hammer drill is also designed with various features designed for medium and heavy-duty DIY tasks. It also features an integral clutch that controls high torque reactions if the SDS hammer drill bit jams while at work. The 360 degrees handle also gives control while working at different angles. This is around half the price of the SDS max hammer drill which makes it our Best Value pick.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Further reading: 5 Best Corded Drills – Reviews and buyers Guide
3. Bosch 11255VSR Bulldog Extreme Masonry Drill
- Bosch is a universally recognized power tool among manufacturers, thanks to its high-quality tools. The quality remains consistent in the SDS rotary hammer drills. This Bosch SDS hammer drill comes in an ergonomic design to ensure comfort, which translates to overall productivity.
- The D-shaped handle provides optimal control when using the machine, especially when drilling downward or overhead. The vibration control makes this drill an ideal choice for regular everyday use.
- The SDS hammer drill offers powerful drilling action thanks to its powerful 7.5 amps motor, which delivers impact energy of 2.0ft/lbs. It can also run at a speed of 1300RPM, producing a BPM of 0-500. This tool is ideal for drilling building material of any kind and offers way more power than a cordless drill however, you'll obviously need a 115v power source which may limit its use.
- It can be used as a rotary hammer for rotation only or just as a hammer. The combination hammer drill also comes with safety features such as a variable speed trigger and reversible function, which allows you to move the drill when stuck and gives you much more control and precision. The Vario-Lock feature is awesome because you can lock the chisel bits in 36 positions depending on the angle you're working at. Plus, it has a tool-free SDS bit change system.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Further reading: Best Magnetic Drill Press for the Money – Top 5 Reviews and Buying Guide
4. Makita HR2475 1″ Rotary Hammer
- Makita tools are always a go-to for professionals and amateurs alike. The Makita SDS plus rotary hammer comes with a 7-amp motor with a no-load speed of 0-1100rpm and 0-4500BPM. It generates 2.7 joules impact energy making it an extremely powerful hammer drill.
- The machine is designed with a three-mode operation meaning users can pick between rotation only, hammering only, or hammering with rotation. A useful feature is the 40 chisel angle settings that can be used with carbide and masonry drill bit for numerous drilling positions. This is very useful when combined with the recessed lock-on button when demolishing concrete.
- The tool has a comfortable D handle with a comfortable soft-grip for comfort. It's also compact with safety features such as a recessed lock-on button. The tool is designed with extending life brushes and sequential impact timing that results in 50% faster drilling.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
5. ENEACRO SDS Plus Hammer Drill
- The ENEACRO SDS Plus Hammer Drill is a powerful and long-lasting tool that can be used for many rugged jobs, with functions designed to cater to the demands of professionals.
- The 13Amp industrial motor provides five pounds per square inch of impact energy which is enough to work through heavy-duty concrete and metal projects. Adjustable chisel position ensures versatility in different situations, while four drilling functions allow greater control over depth limits on wood, steel, or other surfaces - all without wasting energy.
- This drill meets and exceeds your toughest day-to-day needs with its 820 r/min no-load speed, 4200bpm max impact frequency, and 1-1/4 inch concrete drilling capacity. The company invested in a new rotary hammer drive for this model to maximize performance for drilling through anything you encounter on rough terrain or at tough angles.
- This drill is designed to be one of the safest, most durable drills in its class. The safety clutch protection and 360-degree adjustable handle are engineered for a variety of work styles as well as increased comfort for your wrist. The upgraded double-layer anti-vibration system with PU soft grip on an aluminum alloy housing allows you to use this drill without stressing your hands or hurting other body parts due to vibrations. Plus, when the rotary hammer accidentally falls on the ground it won't get damaged.
- The ENEACRO SDS Plus Hammer Drill offers you a high-performance, high-quality tool! And with its keyless chuck, it's so much more convenient to work since you never have to get any tools before starting your next project. Youll also be satisfied with the drilling accuracy and maximum impact energy transfer that this drill offers.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Video: How to Use a SDS Hammer Drill
SDS Hammer Drill Buyers Guide
SDS drill types
Before we break down the factors to consider when choosing an SDS hammer drill, it’s critical to understand SDS drill types. We have three types;
- SDS – this is the original SDS drill, which was superseded by other SDS drills.
- SDS PLUS – this is an improved model of the original, which has become the most common.
- SDS MAX – this is a more extensive and heavy-duty model of the original.
The three SDS drill types can either be corded or cordless. Cordless models are becoming very popular, but corded models are still equally famous because of these machines’ power demands.
Electric or corded drills are the most powerful because they give access to a continuous power supply. They are best suited for stricter drilling jobs, such as thick concrete. Cordless or battery-powered SDS hammer drills are portable, which makes them a great option. You, however, need an additional battery for prolonged usage.
Factors to consider when buying the best SDS hammer drills
Buying an SDS hammer drill can be a challenging task, especially if it’s your first time. There are so many brands in the market, which makes choosing one a daunting task. Here is a list of factors to help you in purchasing one that suits your needs.
Power
Power and performance are of the utmost importance when buying an SDS drill. Always check the amperage to know whether the hammer drill sits your intended usage. The higher the amperage, the more influential the SDS max rotary hammer drill.
Most standard hammer drills run between 4-7 amps, while corded SDS models run between 8.5-12 amps, making them suitable for heavy-duty tasks such as drilling through concrete and stone.
Drilling speed
Drilling speed refers to the number of revolutions or rotations a drill can make in a minute. The higher the rate, the faster a drill works. For medium to heavy-duty applications, look for a hammer drill from 1200-1500 RPM. BPM indicates the number of blows a hammer SDS drill can make in a minute. If you need an SDS hammer drill for hammering purposes, look out for higher BPM for intense hammering action.
Battery power/voltage
Cordless SDS hammer drill is powered by batteries meaning the higher the battery voltage, the more power you will get from the drill. A high battery voltage could, however, mean that the hammer drill will be heavier. A battery voltage of 18 or 20 volts is ideal for medium to heavy-duty applications, like any other regular drill.
The hammer drill will also be within comfortable weight for portability. There are mainly two types of batteries that are commonly available for hammer drills. However, lithium-ion batteries are the most popular because they guarantee a stable power supply. They are also easy to recharge and meet environmental safety conditions. A corded hammer drill is what professionals use for heavy-duty demolition and drilling jobs.
Impact energy
What amount of impact energy does the SDS hammer drill produce while drilling into different materials? Impact energy is another factor to keep in mind when choosing an SDS drill. A hammer drill with an impact energy rating of 2-4 ft/lbs. Is perfect for medium to heavy-duty tasks.
Comfort and safety
Comfort determines the quality of work you can do with the machine. Some comfort and safety features to keep an eye out for include;
- A side handle that you can rotate through a 360-degree angle to allow drilling at different angles.
- Vibration control to suppress vibration as it can be tiring. SDS hammer drills produce a lot of vibration because of their action.
- Length- very long SDS hammer drills can be unsuitable when working in small spaces. Go for a compact design for portability and comfort.
- Weight- you don’t want a machine that will weigh you down, primarily if you work over your head. A lightweight and portable SDS hammer drill are ideal for any work you want to do.
- Clutch to prevent accidents when the hammer drill passes the reset pressure. The clutch features ensure the clutch stops rotating to avoid accidents. The clutch feature gives you control over the hammer drill to prevent accidents and ensure proper functioning for safety.
Functionality
SDS hammer drills can further be classified according to their function. We have three types of action; drill, hammer only, and hammer drill. Hammer, only SDS drill, is also referred to as rotary hammer drills, and they make very effective demolition tools. It’s crucial to understand the difference to choose an SDS drill designed for your needs.
Accessories
Some SDS drills come with accessories such as a carrying case, lubricating oil, and masonry bit upon purchase. Ensure you know the accessories offered with the hammer drill and what’s not provided if you need to purchase it separately. An SDS hammer drill with more features is likely to be more expensive than a basic one, so it ensures you are getting value for your money.
Conclusion
That concludes our review of the top 5 SDS hammer drills, and we hope you have found it helpful? Each study highlights the product features and technical specifications, their strengths and weaknesses, and if there’s anything obvious that makes it stand out from the crowd.
Having spent hours looking at the tools and comparing them against each other, we can say the Milwaukee 2712-20 Cordless Rotary Hammer SDS Plus is the best hammer drill available. Its overall performance, reliability, durability, and ease of use are excellent, but all of that comes with a price match. However, if you are a pro contractor, you seriously need to consider this tool.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on: Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
The Best Value SDS hammer drill is the DeWALT Rotary Drill. It’s lightweight, powerful, has anti-vibration features, and is a top performer. The downside is the noise it kicks out, which may mean you need to wear ear defenders!
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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13 Different Types of Drills – Which One is Right For You?
Here are our Favorite Hammer Drills
CLICK any image to see Ratings & Reviews on Amazon
| Image | Model | Buy | Walts Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top | BOSCH 11255VSR | Click Here | 4.9 / 5 (Best Overall) |
  | MILWAUKEE 2804-20 Hammer Drill | Click Here | 4.8 / 5 (Best Value) |
  | DEWALT DCH133B | Click Here | 4.8 / 5 |
  | BLACK + DECKER Hammer Drill | Click Here | 4.4 / 5 |
  | Meterk Hammer Drill | Click Here | 4.3 / 5 |
  | SKIL 6445-04 | Click Here | 4.2 / 5 |
  | GALAX PRO Hammer Drill | Click Here | 4.1 / 5 |
When I’m not testing and reviewing tools, you’ll find me in front of a hot BBQ, cold drink in hand, cooking up something big, and spending quality time with my wife and two boys. I’m also often found in my workshop working on my next project!
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