When it comes to drilling through tough materials such as concrete, brick, or stone, a hammer drill is an essential tool to have in your toolkit. However, with so many options on the market, choosing the right one can be a daunting task. In recent years, cordless hammer drills have gained popularity due to their portability and convenience. With no need for a power outlet, these drills allow you to work in areas with limited access to electricity, making them ideal for construction sites or outdoor projects. In this article, we will introduce you to the top 10 best cordless hammer drills on the market, along with their features, pros, and cons, to help you make an informed decision and choose the one that best suits your needs.
From wood to metal: The DCD996P2’s versatility for a wide range of materials
- DEWALT-built high power, high efficiency brushless motor of DEWALT 20V hammer drill delivers up to 75% more runtime vs. 18V NiCad brushed motors
- XR Li-Ion batteries with fuel gauge of the cordless hammer drill provide 33% more capacity over standard packs
- Heavy-duty 1/2-inch ratcheting nitro-carburized metal chuck with carbide inserts for superior bit gripping strength
- 3-Mode LED provides lighting in dark or confined spaces up to 20X brighter than previous model
- LED Spotlight Mode features 20 minute shutoff function allowing for extended work time in dark or confined spaces
The DEWALT 20V hammer drill features a powerful, efficient brushless motor that provides up to 75% more runtime than 18V NiCad brushed motors. It is also equipped with XR Li-Ion batteries that have a fuel gauge and provide 33% more capacity than standard packs. The drill boasts a heavy-duty 1/2-inch ratcheting nitro-carburized metal chuck with carbide inserts, offering superior bit gripping strength. The 3-Mode LED provides lighting in dark or confined spaces that is up to 20X brighter than previous models, and the LED Spotlight Mode includes a 20 minute shutoff function for extended work time in low-light areas. With a 3-speed, all-metal high performance transmission, the DEWALT 20V hammer drill optimizes tool-to-task for fast application speeds and improved run-time. In drill mode, it can achieve speeds of 0-450 / 0-1300 / 0-2000 RPM.
Advantages:
- High power and efficiency thanks to the brushless motor
- Longer runtime than 18V NiCad brushed motors
- XR Li-Ion batteries provide more capacity and have a fuel gauge
- Heavy-duty metal chuck with carbide inserts for superior bit gripping strength
- Bright LED lighting in dark or confined spaces
- LED Spotlight Mode with 20 minute shutoff function for extended work time
- 3-speed, all-metal high performance transmission for improved run-time and fast application speeds
Disadvantages:
- The DEWALT 20V hammer drill may be more expensive than other cordless drills on the market
- Some users may find the drill to be heavy and difficult to handle for extended periods of time
- The LED lighting may not be as bright or effective in extremely low-light conditions as a separate work light.
Take on Tough Jobs with BOSCH 1-9/16-Inch SDS-Max Combination Rotary Hammer
- CONVENIENT: The Bosch RH540M Combo Rotary Hammer features the SDS-max Bit System for tool-free bit changes with automatic bit locking, dust protection and maximum impact energy transfer rate
- POWER: This rotary hammer provides the best in class impact energy of 6.1 ft.-lbs. Weighing only, 15.2 lbs., the RH540M provides maximum productivity in all day drilling and chiseling applications
- VERSATILE: The RH540M features a combination dual mode selector knob to allow users to select between hammer drilling, chiseling only and the Vario-Lock function
- EFFICIENT: With Varo-Lock Positioning, the rotary hammer rotates and locks chisel into 12 different positions to optimize working angle. The tool also comes complete with service minder brushes to notify users when maintenance is needed
- VARIABLE SPEED: The variable speed dial allows for controlled drilling and chiseling applications. The motor is rated at 170 to 340 RPM in rotary mode and 1,200 to 2,750 BPM in hammer mode, which will easily reduce concrete to dust
Advantages:
- Convenient and easy to use with tool-free bit changes and automatic bit locking
- Powerful with best-in-class impact energy of 6.1 ft.-lbs. for maximum productivity
- Versatile with dual mode selector knob for hammer drilling, chiseling, and Vario-Lock function
- Efficient with Varo-Lock Positioning for optimized working angle and service minder brushes to notify users when maintenance is needed
- Variable speed dial for controlled drilling and chiseling applications
Disadvantages:
- The weight of 15.2 lbs. may be heavy for some users and cause fatigue during prolonged use
- The high impact energy may be too powerful for certain jobs and could cause damage to materials if not used properly
- The rotary hammer may produce a lot of noise and vibration during use, which could be uncomfortable for some users and require hearing and hand protection
- The price of the Bosch RH540M Combo Rotary Hammer may be higher compared to other rotary hammers on the market, which may not be feasible for some users with budget constraints.
Skil HD182002: The Reliable and Durable Hammer Drill You Need
- Versatility at its best - From tightening screws to drilling into wood, metal and even concrete, this versatile hammer drill is the ideal DIY tool for a variety of home projects.
- Powerful - This drill is equipped with a high torque 7.5 Amp motor that makes it ideal for the most demanding projects.
- TACKLES TOUGH JOBS - This ½” heavy-duty keyed chuck allows for larger bits to power through heavy duty jobs.
- Speed control - The 2-finger variable speed trigger provides increased control.
- Drill longer and more comfortably - The lock-on button lets you to drill for long periods of time. This prevents finger fatigue and allows for different holding options for greater stability.
Versatility is one of the greatest advantages of this hammer drill, as it can be used for a wide range of tasks such as tightening screws and drilling through various materials, including wood, metal, and concrete. This feature makes it an ideal tool for a variety of DIY home projects.
Another significant advantage of this drill is its powerful high torque 7.5 Amp motor, which is capable of handling even the most demanding tasks. This motor ensures that the drill can handle tough projects with ease.
The heavy-duty keyed chuck is also a notable advantage, allowing for the use of larger bits to tackle heavy-duty jobs. This feature increases the versatility of the drill and makes it even more useful for a wide range of tasks.
In addition, the 2-finger variable speed trigger provides increased control over the drill speed, allowing for greater precision and accuracy during use.
The lock-on button is also a great feature, as it allows for longer periods of drilling without causing finger fatigue. This button also allows for different holding options, providing greater stability and control during use.
One potential disadvantage of this drill could be its weight, as it may be heavier than some other models on the market. This could make it more difficult to use for extended periods of time.
The Makita XRH04Z Rotary Hammer: Lightweight, Compact, and Powerful
- Makita-built variable speed motor delivers 0-1,200 RPM and 0-4,000 BPM
- 3-mode operation for "Rotation Only", "Hammering with Rotation" or "Hammering Only" for multiple applications
- Torque limiting clutch engineered to prevent gear damage by automatically disengaging gears if the bit binds
- Faster drilling with synchronized RPM and BPM
- Job site tested shock absorbent handle protects the battery housing for extra durability
The Makita rotary hammer boasts a Makita-built variable speed motor that provides a range of 0-1,200 RPM and 0-4,000 BPM, making it an ideal tool for a variety of applications that require different speeds.
Its 3-mode operation, including “Rotation Only”, “Hammering with Rotation”, and “Hammering Only”, allows for flexibility and versatility in tackling multiple applications.
The torque limiting clutch is a standout feature that prevents gear damage by automatically disengaging gears if the bit binds, which saves time and money on repairs.
Another great feature is its synchronized RPM and BPM, which ensures faster drilling and more efficient work.
The job site tested shock absorbent handle adds an extra layer of durability by protecting the battery housing from wear and tear, making it a reliable tool that can withstand harsh working conditions.
The DEWALT 20V MAX* XR Rotary Hammer Drill: A Versatile Tool for All Your Drilling Needs
- Cordless hammer drill featuring 3.5 Joules of impact energy provides corded power without the cord
- DEWALT 20V hammer drill features E-Clutch for maximum control in bind-up situations - A Perform and Protect feature.
- SHOCKS - Active Vibration Control of DEWALT 20V brushless hammer drill reduces vibration felt by the user at the handles. A Perform and Protect feature.
- DEWALT built brushless motor for all day runtime and durability
- Retractable utility hook for convenient hanging
Cordless hammer drill with 3.5 Joules of impact energy offers corded power without the inconvenience of a cord. The DEWALT 20V hammer drill is equipped with E-Clutch, which provides maximum control in bind-up situations, making it a Perform and Protect feature. Additionally, the hammer drill has SHOCKS – Active Vibration Control, which minimizes the amount of vibration felt by the user at the handles. This feature is also part of the Perform and Protect category.
The DEWALT 20V brushless hammer drill features a built-in brushless motor, providing all-day runtime and exceptional durability. Furthermore, it has a retractable utility hook, making it convenient for hanging.
This hammer drill is German-engineered for quality and durability, ensuring that it can withstand heavy use. Additionally, it is dust management-ready, and can be used with D25304DH.
Advantages:
- Cordless design offers the convenience of corded power without the hassle of a cord.
- E-Clutch provides maximum control in bind-up situations, ensuring the safety of the user.
- SHOCKS – Active Vibration Control minimizes the amount of vibration felt by the user, resulting in increased comfort and reduced fatigue.
- Built-in brushless motor offers all-day runtime and superior durability.
- Retractable utility hook makes it easy to hang and store.
- German-engineered for quality and durability.
- Dust management-ready.
Disadvantages:
- The cordless design may require more frequent charging or battery replacement.
- The hammer drill may be heavier and more cumbersome to use than a corded drill.
- The cost of the hammer drill may be higher than corded models due to the advanced features and technologies.
Get the Job Done Right with Denali by SKIL 20V Cordless Hammer Drill Kit
- Cross-compatible with all SKIL PWRCORE 20 tools, batteries, and chargers
- Cordless hammer drill kit with 3-in-1 driver, standard drill, and hammer drill for power and versatility
- Includes a 20V hammer drill, 2 Denali by SKIL 20 2.0Ah lithium batteries, a 2.4A charger that fully charges a 2.0Ah battery in 60 minutes and a 4.0Ah battery in 100 minutes, bit, and belt clip
- Toggle between driver (for screws), drill (for wood, plastic, and metal), and hammer drill (for bricks and cement)
- 1/2-inch keyless ratcheting chuck with auto spindle lock for quick, easy bit changes
This cordless hammer drill kit is designed to work seamlessly with all SKIL PWRCORE 20 tools, batteries, and chargers, ensuring cross-compatibility and convenience. Its 3-in-1 functionality enables it to function as a standard drill, hammer drill, and driver, providing exceptional versatility and power. The kit comes with a 20V hammer drill, two 2.0Ah lithium batteries from Denali by SKIL, a 2.4A charger that can fully charge a 2.0Ah battery in 60 minutes and a 4.0Ah battery in 100 minutes, a belt clip, and a bit.
The drill’s toggle feature allows you to easily switch between driver mode for screws, drill mode for wood, plastic, and metal, and hammer drill mode for bricks and cement. Its 1/2-inch keyless ratcheting chuck with auto spindle lock allows for quick and easy bit changes. The drill has two-speed settings that provide low torque or high speed, with a no-load speed range of 0-420 and 0-1600 rpm. Additionally, the drill has a reliable performance with an impact rate of 0-6300 and 0-24000 bpm, and a maximum torque of 350-inch pounds.
Advantages:
- Cross-compatible with all SKIL PWRCORE 20 tools, batteries, and chargers, making it convenient to use.
- Offers 3-in-1 functionality, which provides versatility and power.
- Comes with two lithium batteries, a charger, a bit, and a belt clip, which provides value for money.
- Toggle feature allows easy switching between modes.
- Keyless chuck allows quick and easy bit changes.
Disadvantages:
- Only compatible with SKIL PWRCORE 20 tools, batteries, and chargers.
- May not be as powerful as corded drills.
- Battery life may be limited, depending on usage.
Unleash Your DIY Potential with the CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Hammer Drill Kit
- Part of the V20 cordless system
- 1/2in. Cordless hammer drill with high performance motor produces 280 unit watts out for heavy duty jobsite applications
- 1/2in. Ratcheting chuck for improved bit retention
- 25, 500 bpms for faster drilling in concrete and brick
- 2speed gearbox with speeds of 0350/01, 500 for speed of fastening
The 1/2in. cordless hammer drill is part of the V20 cordless system and is designed for heavy-duty jobsite applications. It features a high-performance motor that produces 280 unit watts out, making it a powerful tool for tough jobs. The 1/2in. ratcheting chuck improves bit retention, and the drill has a maximum speed of 25,500 bpms for faster drilling in concrete and brick. The 2-speed gearbox has speeds of 0-350/0-1,500, providing flexibility for different applications. The kit includes V20 20V MAX* lithium batteries with high-performance cells that provide ample runtime and increased performance. The V20 20V MAX* lithium charger can charge the included battery in 60 minutes or less. The drill is also compatible with the VERSATRACK Wall Organization System, although the clip and accessories are sold separately.
Advantages:
- Part of the V20 cordless system, providing compatibility with other V20 tools and batteries.
- High-performance motor produces 280 unit watts out, making it a powerful tool for heavy-duty jobs.
- 1/2in. ratcheting chuck improves bit retention for improved performance.
- Maximum speed of 25,500 bpms allows for faster drilling in concrete and brick.
- 2-speed gearbox provides flexibility for different applications.
- V20 20V MAX* lithium batteries with high-performance cells provide ample runtime and increased performance.
- V20 20V MAX* lithium charger can charge the included battery in 60 minutes or less.
Disadvantages:
- May not be suitable for very heavy-duty jobs that require more power.
- The VERSATRACK Wall Organization System clip and accessories are sold separately, which may be an additional expense.
- The included batteries may have a limited lifespan and require replacement after a certain period of use.
In conclusion, the best cordless hammer drill is one that offers both power and versatility, allowing you to tackle a variety of jobs with ease. The CRAFTSMAN V20* Cordless Hammer Drill Kit (CMCD711C2) is an excellent choice for those looking for a high-performance drill that is part of a cordless system. With its powerful motor, ratcheting chuck, and fast drilling speed, this hammer drill is suitable for heavy-duty jobsite applications. Additionally, the included Lithium batteries provide ample runtime and increased performance, while the fast-charging Lithium charger allows for quick and convenient charging. Overall, the CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Hammer Drill Kit is a reliable and efficient tool that is perfect for DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike.
FAQs
- What is a hammer drill and why would I need a cordless one?
A hammer drill is a power tool that combines rotary drilling and hammering action to make drilling through tough materials like concrete or masonry easier. A cordless hammer drill offers the convenience of not having to be tethered to a power outlet, allowing you to work in areas without access to electricity or without needing to manage cords.
- What are some important features to consider when choosing a cordless hammer drill?
Some important features to consider include the battery life and voltage, the chuck size and type, the hammering speed and torque, and the weight and ergonomics of the drill.
- How long does the battery of a cordless hammer drill typically last?
The battery life of a cordless hammer drill can vary depending on the specific model and usage, but most modern cordless hammer drills offer battery life ranging from 20 to 60 minutes of continuous use. It’s important to consider the battery voltage and capacity when comparing models.
- Can a cordless hammer drill be as powerful as a corded one?
While corded hammer drills typically offer more power and faster hammering speeds than cordless models, many cordless hammer drills are now available with high voltage batteries that can provide comparable power and speed. It’s important to compare the specifications of each model to determine the best option for your needs.
- What are some popular brands of cordless hammer drills?
Some popular brands of cordless hammer drills include DeWalt, Milwaukee, Bosch, Makita, and Ryobi. Each brand offers a range of models with different features and specifications, so it’s important to research and compare different options to find the best cordless hammer drill for your needs.