7 Best Hammer Drills for 2022 | Reviews and Buyers Guide
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If you need relevant information about a hammer drill, then you have come to the right place! We have scoured the hammer drill market and found 7 of the best hammer drills available today. A detailed review has been written about each model, its features and benefits, and its strengths and weaknesses.
This was no mean feat because there are so many manufacturers and, sadly, a lot of junk models. We don’t want you to waste your time and money on a hammer drill that is just not fit for purpose.
We have compared all seven models side-by-side in an easy-to-follow comparison table. To help you decide the suitable model for your needs, we have constructed a buyer’s guide that answers the most common questions about hammer drills.
We hope the hours we have spent compiling this information will make your life a whole lot easier, and you will be able to buy with confidence!
Comparison of our Favorite Hammer Drills
CLICK any image to read Ratings and Reviews on Amazon
| Image | Title | Buy | Walts Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
Top | BOSCH 11255VSR Bulldog Xtreme | Buy Now | 4.9 / 5 (Best Overall) |
 | Milwaukee 2804-20 M18 FUEL 18V 1/2" Hammer Drill/Driver | Buy Now | 4.8 / 5 (Best Value) |
 | DEWALT DCH133B 20V Max XR | Buy Now | 4.8 / 5 |
 | BLACK+DECKER Hammer Drill | Buy Now | 4.4 / 5 |
 | Hammer Drill Meterk Corded Drill | Buy Now | 4.3 / 5 |
Further reading: 5 Best Corded Drills – Reviews and buyers Guide
7 Best Hammer Drills – Reviewed
1. BOSCH 11255VSR Rotary Hammer Drill (Best Overall)
- The BOSCH 11255VSR Rotary Hammer Drill is a must-have for any tool kit. It features 3 modes: rotation only, rotary hammer, and hammer only mode making it an indispensable tool in all professional settings.
- Its vibration control will keep you comfortable even after working all day with this drill thanks to the D handle design that provides optimal comfort when needed most. The variable speed trigger ensures accurate bit starts or easy fastener removal at a simple touch while its reverse function allows for controlled drilling or screwing tasks making it versatile enough to be able to work well both above ground and below ground!
- This product is a powerful and effective rotary drilling and hammering power tool. The Bosch 11255VSR Rotary Hammer Drill will provide quick, powerful drilling with variable speeds for more control over the project you’re working on, as well as tough SDS bit chiseling. You can use it in different angles for more flexibility during your work.
- Changing processes has never been easier than when using this product because of the Vario lock positioning which provides 36 optimized drill bit positions to choose from! With a 7.5 amps motor behind it producing between 300RPM and 800RPM, and 2ft /pounds impact energy the hammer mechanism will get through any project without slowing down
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 SDS Hammer Drill for the Money – Top 5 Reviews and Buyers Guide
2. MILWAUKEE 2804-20 Hammer Drill (Best Value)
- The Milwaukee 2804-20 Hammer Drill is equipped with a brushless motor and REDLINK PLUS Intelligence to power through your toughest applications. This drill has the capability to produce up to 60% more power than competitive products.
- The Redlink Plus Intelligence provides overload protection, preventing damage to the tool and battery that may be caused by heavy-duty work, while still maintaining compatibility across the entire M18 system. With all this in mind, theres absolutely no better choice for high-volume drilling tasks than the 2804-20 cordless rotary hammer drill!
- If you want to work more efficiently, make your drill last longer and get people talking about how cool it is that you have Milwaukees 2804-20 hammer drill, reach for this pack. It will deliver more work per charge, provide 1,200 in-lbs of torque on each hole drilling job, and give you a great competitive edge over the opposition. Youll be busier than ever in no time at all!
Further Reading: Best Right Angle Drills – Top 6 Reviews and Buyers Guide
3. DEWALT DCH133B Rotary Hammer Drill
- DeWALT is a household name when it comes to general and regular drill tools. This second product features a premium rotary hammer drill from this giant company. Unlike our first recommendation, it is a cordless drill with a powerful 20v MAX XR brushless motor, meaning that movement is unlimited.
- This fantastic product has a higher price tag owing to its distinctive features. It costs a few dollars shy of $300, which, compared to most of the tools that we will review, falls on the higher side. Let us look at some of the specs that justify this price.
- This cordless model has an optimized 2.6J hammer action mechanism that makes it faster than corded drills. Therefore, it defies and disapproves of the notion that a conventional drill is faster than a cordless. Being a DEWALT tool, you can be positive that your hammer drill will maintain speed through the application, which is a great advantage.
- To ensure that you enjoy maximum productivity and less to no downtime, this rotary hammer drill comes with no self-discharge memory. However, keep in mind that you may need a few extra batteries since it is cordless, but their recharge time is minimal. It has a max speed of 1500RPM and 550 blows-per-minute and a keyless chuck making any hammer drilling you do pretty effortless!
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.
4. BLACK + DECKER Hammer Drill
- High on our rotary drill recommendations is this cost-friendly hammer drill from BLACK+ DECKER. It is a corded electric drill that is perfectly suited for both light and heavy projects and runs on a powerful 6.5A motor. Let us explore some of the features that buyers enjoy upon purchase.
- This combi drill comes with a 2-position switch that allows you to convert from standard to hammer drill function depending on your intended use. You will enjoy up to 48,000 beats per minute, and a max speed of 2800 RPM, thanks to the powerful motor.
- You can use this fantastic product to drill through different surfaces such as stones and bricks, thanks to the adequate muscle delivered. It has a single-sleeved chuck, which allows you to tighten any hammer drill bit quickly.
- The ½ chuck accommodates all types of bits making this product highly versatile. Users also applaud the 3-position side handle, which offers premium comfort when working on different surfaces. For heavy work, the drill function will come in handy, a feature that can be easily accessed through a convenient switch
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. Meterk Hammer & Impact Drill
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.
6. SKIL 6445-04
- Retailing at slightly above $50, this sixth option is another good recommendation for DIYers. It is powered by a 7.0A motor, which makes it suitable for severe applications.
- The ½ inch keyed chuck allows you to use various bits, including the large diameter bits, which come in handy in woodwork and general cutting.
- This machine also ensures that you enjoy a controlled drilling speed, thanks to the variable speed trigger. On the other hand, the side asset handle changes the game further by offering you accurate drilling when working on delicate projects.
- This drill is super-light, which makes it highly portable. It is a corded electric drill, meaning that you wont have to purchase batteries. However, you must ensure that you have an external power source for usage. Lastly, this product has a 2-finger trigger with a lock-on option, meaning that you wont be easily fatigued
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.
7. GALAX PRO Hammer Drill
- Our final product is this fantastic hammer drill from Galax Pro. It is a compact corded drill, which serves different applications. It is powered by a 4.5 A motor and has a 0-3000 RPM speed adjusted depending on your application.
- This is the cheapest product on our list, making it the best option if you are short of cash. It retails at below $30, which is quite a steal. The switch button, located strategically at the top, allows you to switch from the hammer to the drill option and vice versa.
- At its generous price range, it still offers high performance and drilling. The motor allows you to work on DIY tasks such as drilling through wood, metal, and plastic. This is made easier by the no-load speed of 3000 RPM.
- This option comes with a durable chuck, which can accommodate several drill bits. It is also lightweight and ergonomic, which makes it highly portable. Lastly, the lock-on button reduces fatigue, allowing you to use the tool without holding on to the trigger.
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 Corded Hammer Drill
Hammer Drill Buying Guide
There are a few things that you should look out for when shopping for tools. Keep in mind that the results you will achieve from your applications are highly dependent on the device. Therefore, before buying any hammer drill, make sure that you look out for the following essential features:
Is it a corded or cordless hammer drill?
There are two significant types of hammer drills. You can either settle on the corded drills or the cordless ones. Corded drills must be connected to a power source, whereas lithium-ion batteries power a cordless hammer drill. There are several factors that you need to take into account before settling for either of these. If you consider buying the corded drills, make sure you have an electricity point near where you will be working or a long enough extension cable. This shouldn’t be an issue if you are only working within your home but could be a problem elsewhere.
For the cordless drills, you will need extra batteries if you are working on demanding projects. Cordless drills are also suited for tight spaces since you don’t have to drag along a cord. However, most of them are not as powerful as the corded drills connected to a steady power source.
Brand
If you are a first-time buyer, settling on known brands should be your first consideration. There are individual production firms and brands such as Dewalt and Bosch that have been around for quite some time and offer premium tools.
Most of these known brands offer customer support and have a money-back guarantee on their goods, which is necessary. It is only fitting that you get all the assistance you may need after blowing over $200 on an item. Also, keep in mind that there are lesser-known brands that offer excellent products. You can try your luck if you know what to look for in a hammer drill.
Power
This is yet another critical feature that you should look out for. A tool that offers more power will save you time, allowing you to finish your projects fast. The ability of a hammer drill depends on the motor. We would highly advise that you settle on hammer drills with motors of 7 Amps and above to be on the safer side. You can also decide on larger engines such as the 10A ones, though you’ll need to spend more.
Just remember that the bigger the motor, the more power you will enjoy. On the dark side, more significant engines mean heavy and oversized tools. Hammer drills can be used as regular drills also, but only if they have a non-hammer mode setting, so look out for that, as it can save you some money if it has that feature.
Handle
The handle of your hammer drill will dictate its ease of use or not. For a hammer drill, we advise that you go for ones with two handles. It should have an auxiliary handle, which offers stability during operation, ensuring that you are comfortable.
There should be a side handle, which should be ergonomic enough with a comfortable grip for added comfort. Due to the nature of the work, ensure that the side handle is also shock-proof.
Speed
Your choice should have a variable speed setting depending on the level of control and precision you need. If you want more control of your tool, you should go for a hammer drill with a variable drill. Keep in mind that more speed settings make a hammer drill versatile. If you need a hammer drill that can serve different functions, make sure you settle on one with added speed settings. Therefore, even as you shop, take note of RPM.
Chuck
Most drills have keyless chucks to ensure a more comfortable and quicker change of drill bits. However, for a hammer drill, we would advise that you go for the one with a keyed chuck, which keeps the bit in place, preventing unnecessary bouncing during operation.
Warranty
All hammer drills will come with a warranty, with the usual being 12 months. The more expensive the tool means the contract is longer and covers more. Many brands also give you the option of paying extra for a 2 or 3 years extended warranty, but please be careful with these because often they work out to be more than the tool is worth.
These come in handy when the purchase price is high, and you will be using the tool a lot. For example, if you are a pro contractor, having an added insurance policy on your toolkit could be a good idea. For the DIYer spending $50 on a hammer drill, it’s not worth it. If it breaks after two years or so, buy another drill.
Budget
We have reviewed seven hammer drills, and their price varies across the spectrum, but their performance is about the same. It’s the lifespan and durability of the tool that pushes the price up with the highest-priced options having the best build quality and customer service.
You will need to know why you want a hammer drill and how often you will use it. This will be a significant consideration when deciding how much to spend. For the occasional use around the home, a low to mid-range priced drill will see you alright. If you need it for commercial reasons, and your job depends on using it, we recommend looking at the Bosch or DEWALT options. The extra durability and build quality will give you the best value for money.
Buy on AmazonConclusion
There are seven different models reviewed that you can consider. Each of the reviews highlights their best and worst features and anything that makes them stand out from the crowd. Out of the 7, we have been awarded the BOSCH 11255VSR as the Best Overall choice. Its overall performance was superb, and the only negative we can see is some users have found drilling through tiles a bit tricky.
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.
While the Bosch is at the top end of the price bracket for a hammer drill, our Best Value choice does represent that. The MILWAUKEE 2804-20 Hammer Drill offers maximum performance on a budget to suit the masses. Buying this tool will not break the bank.
We hope you have found our article helpful and you have identified a couple of models you wish to compare? We wish you the best of luck in your search, and if there is anything else you need to know, please get in touch via our Contact Us page, and we will do our very best to help you.
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Here are Our Corded Drill Recommendations
CLICK any image to read Ratings and Reviews on Amazon
| Image | Model | Buy | Walts Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
Top  | DEWALT Corded Drill DWD115K | Click Here | 4.9 / 5 (Best Overall) |
  | BLACK+DECKER Corded Drill (DR260C) | Click Here | 4.6 / 5 (Best Overall) |
  | Hammer Drill Meterk | Click Here | 4.5 / 5 |
  | SKIL 6335-02 | Click Here | 4.4 / 5 |
  | PORTER-CABLE Corded Drill PC600D | Click Here | 4.5 / 5 |
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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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