The right hammer drill can make short work of your projects and help you get more accomplished. Going for a budget drill only makes your project more time-consuming, and the low-cost options don’t typically stand the test of time. Hammer drills are one of those essential pieces of equipment that every homeowner should have available. If you run your own roofing or carpentry company, then the need for a quality hammer drill has never been so dire. Your competition will eat you up if you don’t have the right tools for the job.
If you’re a novice to power tools, it may seem like there are too many options to choose from. When you eliminate the options that will only waste time and cause trouble, in the long run, you can reduce the list of options to the 10 best hammer drills available to help make your decision a simple one.
Tips for Choosing the Best Hammer Drills
Insist on a brushless motor if you want to enjoy extended runtime and improved durability.
Hammer drills create massive vibration, so choose a unit with features that minimize shaking.
Look for hammer drills that come in a case and have a retractable cord for the best safety and storage options.
Compact and lightweight designs can reduce fatigue and make you more productive.
Get a unit with a long battery life, an extra battery for long days and the ability to go wired when needed.
High impact energy with or without a power cord is a must.
Best Hammer Drills Comparison Table
| Product | Image | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| DeWalt DCH273B |  | Brushless motor for extended runtime and durability 2.1 Joules impact energy | $$ |
| Bosch RH540M |  | Best in class Impact Energy Select between hammer drilling, chiseling only and the Varo-Lock function | $$$$ |
| Makita HR4041C |  | Powerful 12.0 AMP Motor delivers 230-460 RPM and 1,300-2,600 BPM Up to 50% faster drilling | $$$ |
| Hilti 228061 |  | Ergonomically designed D-grip Delivers up to 4,200 BPM and 740 RPM | $$$ |
| DeWalt DCD795D2 |  | Up to 57% more run time than brushed motor Compact and lightweight for tight areas | $$ |
| DeWalt D25313K |  | 2.5 ft-lbs of impact energy The most compact hammer drill at only 11-1/2-inch 2-Speed range | $$ |
| Hitachi KC18DBFL |  | Kit includes (2) 18V 3.0Ah Lithium Ion Slide Type batteries 1,460 in/lbs of torque and up to 2,900 RPM Brushless motor technology | $$ |
| DeWalt DCD796D2 |  | High speed transmission with 2-speed settings (2) XR Li-Ion batteries Brushless motor which delivers up to 57% more run time | $$ |
| Bosch HDH181X-01 |  | 752 in lbs of torque powered by a 4-pole motor Flexible power system - compatible with all bosch lithium Ion batteries | $$$ |
| Makita XPH102 |  | Makita-built 4-pole motor delivers 480 in.Lbs. Of max torque Engineered to provide increased dust and water resistance in harsh job site conditions | $ |
Reviews of the Top 10 Hammer Drills
DeWalt DCH273B
When it comes to hammer drills, this is one of the best options available for quality, durability and overall design. It meets every one of our tips for choosing a hammer drill, and it’s designed by a company with a long history of superior product manufacturing and excellent support.
This unit is designed to save you time. Active Vibration Control offers you a drill that will make it easy to hit the right spot every time. You’ll enjoy a brushless motor to increase the reliability and durability of the product. A compact and lightweight design make short work of the most complex tasks. Finally, the extra battery means you’ll never have to quit a job early.
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Bosch RH540M
With a list of features that extend further than you can muster, Bosch offers a hammer drill that is designed to keep up with your workload. Enjoy an SDS-max Bit System, which features automatic bit locking, exceptional impact energy transfer and solid dust protection for an extended life.
This hammer drill features the best-in-class impact energy, and you’ll be able to stay out all day with enough power to maintain a high level of productivity. Choose between three modes that include hammer drilling, chiseling and the Varo-Lock function to get the optimal working angle for virtually any job.
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Makita HR4041C
Makita is a brand with a serious reputation, and you’ll enjoy a powerful 12.0 AMP motor that is able to deliver 230 to 460 RPM and 1,300 to 2,600 BPM to tackle that project in lightning speed. This hammer drill is precise, exceptionally well-equipped and uses a soft-start design to help you ease into your projects.
Surpass your expectations with timed hammering during rotation that virtually eliminates the possibility of overlapping. This unit is made from field core interlocking steel laminations, so you can get the best possible ruggedness and durability. This hammer drill is designed for efficiency and longevity.
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Hilti 228061
Hilti makes some truly exceptional products that are often marketed toward the general consumer. Still, this drill is an exceptional buy, and it offers an ergonomic design that makes it comfortable to use over a long period of time. You’ll enjoy a robust build and superb engineering so that you can enjoy maximum reliability.
With a high drilling performance, you will be able to take on the most demanding jobs with ease. The drill can be used effectively for corrective chiseling, and it is superbly designed for drilling small channel openings within the concrete. High torque makes it excellent for wood and steel drilling applications.
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DeWalt DCD795D2
With the brushless motor design, you can get up to 57 percent more up-time than a similarly powered brushed design. The drill offers the perfect solution for tight spaces. With a two-speed setting, you can get the right amount of speed, torque and control to handle your projects.
The drill comes with a 1/2-inch ratcheting chuck that makes it easy to switch out bits. The LED light makes it easier to see in low-light conditions, and you can enjoy a 20-second trigger release delay when you need something a bit more customized. Overall, it’s an excellent drill for most multiple uses.
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DeWalt D25313K
The L-shape design is standard for many hammer drills, but on this unit, it helps give you more control and leverage. The unit offers a two-speed range, and you’ll be able to enjoy the option to use the two-finger trigger release for better comfort and grip. Enjoy an 8.0 amp motor with overload protection.
When it comes to construction, the drill is made from impact-resistant materials that last. At only 6.5 pounds, it’s one of the lighter drills available. Additionally, the drill can be connected to a dust collection system to make your jobs clean and tidy.
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Hitachi KC18DBFL
Hitachi equips this drill with two batteries so you can work on your projects longer. Enjoy outstanding torque with 1,460 in/lbs of torque at up to 2,900 RPMs. This gives you ultimate control over your drilling, and it can help make your next project a walk in the park.
Featuring a brushless motor technology, you can enjoy excellent reliability, durability and exceptional battery power. The kit comes with an 18V Lithium-Ion hammer drill that is capable of giving you 440 in/lbs of torque for your smaller operations. The drill also comes with Hitachi’s lifetime warranty.
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DeWalt DCD796D2
Similar to the DCD795D2, this model offers a slightly streamlined version with less power while still providing exceptional utility. It comes with a hard case that fits all of your parts so you can easily pack up your gear at the end of the day. The brushless motor gives you exceptional battery life.
Two speed settings make it possible to enjoy a better overall work experience. With a 3-Mode LED light system you will be able to see your projects better. There is also a spotlight system to help zoom in on particular areas. Overall, this drill offers a lightweight and exceptionally well-made option for those who want a great value.
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Bosch HDH181X-01
On the lower end of the spectrum, you still have some high-quality options available to you. The Active Response Technology that most higher-end Bosch systems support is included in this drill that is often half the cost of its big brother. You’ll enjoy super control and a heavy-duty construction.
The DuraShield housing and gearbox that is made of all-metal ensure that the drill will withstand the harshest job site conditions. The advanced electronics are designed to give you excellent protection for the motor and improved battery life. The drill also uses a flexible power system, and it is compatible with any Bosch battery.
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Makita XPH102
If you only need an extra lower-powered hammer drill for your lighter applications, this option provides some serious advantages. The drill is small, but it offers a two-speed design that is capable of getting up to 1,900 RPMs and 28,500 BPMs. This makes it well-suited for a range of drilling options.
The design is compact, and it is less than eight inches long. You’ll also enjoy the ergonomic design that can provide you with a much-needed reprieve from some of the more industrial-grade options. At only 3.9 pounds, this is the lightest drill available that will still give you exceptional power and reliability.
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Conclusion
While price will likely play a factor in your decision, you should avoid sacrificing quality for a few dollars. A higher-priced drill will last longer, provide you with better functionality and give you a safer overall handling experience. Purchase the best drill for your needs today and enjoy the functionality that a premium drill has to offer.
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