When it comes to power tools, a cordless hammer drill is an essential piece of equipment for any DIY enthusiast or professional contractor. These versatile tools can drill through tough materials like concrete and brick, making them ideal for a wide range of tasks, from installing shelves to building decks.
But with so many options on the market, it can be challenging to determine which cordless hammer drill is the best for your needs. From battery life to power and torque, there are many factors to consider when making your purchase.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the top cordless hammer drills available today and provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a novice DIYer, we’ve got you covered with our comprehensive guide to the best cordless hammer drills on the market.
Tough and durable: The DEWALT 20V MAX XR Hammer Drill Kit’s construction quality
- 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 boasts a powerful and efficient brushless motor, built by DEWALT, that delivers up to 75% more runtime compared to 18V NiCad brushed motors. Additionally, this cordless hammer drill features XR Li-Ion batteries with a fuel gauge that provides 33% more capacity over standard packs, ensuring longer use time on a single charge. The heavy-duty 1/2-inch ratcheting nitro-carburized metal chuck with carbide inserts also provides superior gripping strength for your drill bits.
One of the standout features of this hammer drill is its 3-Mode LED that provides ample lighting in dark or confined spaces. The LED is up to 20 times brighter than the previous model, making it easier to work in poorly lit environments. The LED Spotlight Mode also includes a 20-minute shutoff function that allows for extended work time in dark or confined spaces.
Furthermore, this cordless hammer drill has a 3-speed, all-metal high performance transmission that optimizes the tool-to-task for fast application speeds and improved run-time. With 0-450 / 0-1300 / 0-2000 RPM in drill mode, you have the flexibility to adjust the speed according to the task at hand.
One potential drawback of this hammer drill is its price, which may be higher than other cordless options on the market. Additionally, some users may find the drill to be heavier than expected, which could cause fatigue over prolonged use. However, these drawbacks are outweighed by the drill’s impressive power, runtime, and convenience.
BOSCH RH540M: Your Go-To Rotary Hammer for Demolition and Masonry Work
- 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: The SDS-max Bit System allows for tool-free bit changes with automatic bit locking, dust protection, and maximum impact energy transfer rate, making the tool very easy to use.
- POWER: With the best in class impact energy of 6.1 ft.-lbs, the RH540M provides maximum productivity in all day drilling and chiseling applications.
- VERSATILE: The dual mode selector knob allows users to select between hammer drilling, chiseling only, and the Vario-Lock function, making the tool very versatile.
- EFFICIENT: The Varo-Lock Positioning allows for the rotary hammer to rotate and lock chisel into 12 different positions to optimize the working angle, and the service minder brushes notify users when maintenance is needed, ensuring the tool operates efficiently.
- VARIABLE SPEED: The variable speed dial allows for controlled drilling and chiseling applications, providing flexibility for users to adjust the speed according to their needs.
Disadvantages:
- WEIGHT: Weighing 15.2 lbs., the RH540M can be quite heavy and may cause fatigue during prolonged use.
- NOISE: The high impact energy of the tool can generate a lot of noise, which can be a disadvantage if used in noise-sensitive environments.
- COST: The Bosch RH540M is a high-quality rotary hammer that comes at a premium price, which may not be affordable for all users.
Skil HD182002: The Ultimate Tool for Demolition and Renovation Projects
- 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 at its best – This hammer drill is a multi-functional tool that can be used for tightening screws and drilling into various materials such as wood, metal, and concrete, making it an ideal choice for different DIY projects.
Powerful – With its high torque 7.5 Amp motor, this drill can handle the most demanding projects with ease. This powerful motor ensures that the drill can work through tough materials quickly and efficiently.
Tackles tough jobs – The ½” heavy-duty keyed chuck allows for larger bits to power through heavy-duty jobs with ease. This feature ensures that the drill can handle tough materials and larger bits, making it a reliable tool for challenging projects.
Speed control – The 2-finger variable speed trigger provides increased control over the drill, allowing the user to adjust the speed according to the task at hand. This feature ensures that the drill can be used for different materials and different drilling depths, making it a versatile tool.
Drill longer and more comfortably – The lock-on button allows for extended use without finger fatigue. This feature ensures that the user can drill for long periods of time without experiencing discomfort, and it also provides different holding options for greater stability.
Makita XRH04Z Rotary Hammer: The Cordless Solution for Concrete Drilling
- 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
Makita’s variable speed motor is specifically designed to provide an RPM range of 0-1,200 and BPM range of 0-4,000, making it a versatile tool for a range of applications. With 3-mode operation options, including “Rotation Only”, “Hammering with Rotation”, or “Hammering Only”, this tool can handle multiple drilling and demolition tasks with ease.
One of the most notable features of this tool is its torque limiting clutch, which is designed to prevent gear damage by automatically disengaging the gears if the bit binds. This adds an extra layer of safety and helps to prolong the lifespan of the tool.
Additionally, the synchronized RPM and BPM of this tool allow for faster and more efficient drilling, making it ideal for demanding job sites. The shock-absorbent handle provides further durability and protects the battery housing, ensuring that this tool can withstand even the toughest 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
The DEWALT cordless hammer drill is a powerful tool that offers the convenience of a cordless design with the same power as a corded hammer drill. With 3.5 Joules of impact energy, this tool can handle tough jobs with ease.
The E-Clutch feature of the DEWALT 20V hammer drill provides maximum control in bind-up situations, ensuring that you can work safely and efficiently. The SHOCKS active vibration control further reduces vibration felt by the user, making it a comfortable tool to use for extended periods of time.
The brushless motor is designed for all-day runtime and durability, providing reliable performance and minimizing downtime.
The retractable utility hook allows for convenient hanging and storage when not in use, saving space in your workspace.
Introducing 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.
CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Hammer Drill: The Ultimate DIY Companion
- 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
This powerful cordless hammer drill is part of the V20 system, making it compatible with other V20 tools and batteries. It features a high-performance motor that produces 280 unit watts out, making it suitable for heavy-duty jobsite applications. The 1/2in. ratcheting chuck improves bit retention, and the 25,500 bpms provide faster drilling in concrete and brick. The 2-speed gearbox allows for speeds of 0-350/0-1,500 for fastening. The kit includes V20 20V MAX* lithium batteries with high-performance cells that provide ample runtime and increased performance, and the V20 20V MAX* lithium charger can fully charge the included battery in 60 minutes or less. This hammer drill is also compatible with the VERSATRACK Wall Organization System, but clips and accessories are sold separately.
Advantages:
- Part of the V20 system, making it compatible with other V20 tools and batteries.
- High-performance motor and 1/2in. ratcheting chuck make it suitable for heavy-duty jobsite applications.
- 25,500 bpms provide faster drilling in concrete and brick.
- 2-speed gearbox allows for fastening speeds of 0-350/0-1,500.
- Lithium batteries with high-performance cells provide ample runtime and increased performance.
- Lithium charger can fully charge the included battery in 60 minutes or less.
Disadvantages:
- Clips and accessories for the VERSATRACK Wall Organization System are sold separately.
- Cordless tools may not have as much power as corded tools.
- Lithium batteries may have a limited lifespan and require replacement after a certain period of use.
- May not be suitable for heavy-duty applications that require more power or specialized tools.
In conclusion, the best cordless hammer drill is one that can provide power, versatility, and convenience without compromising on performance. The CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Hammer Drill Kit is an excellent example of such a tool, with its high-performance motor, ratcheting chuck, and 25,500 bpms for faster drilling in concrete and brick. Its two-speed gearbox also allows for flexibility in fastening speed, while the included Lithium batteries and charger provide ample runtime and fast charging times. Overall, the CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Hammer Drill Kit is a reliable and efficient tool that can handle even the toughest jobsite applications.
FAQs
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What is a cordless hammer drill? A cordless hammer drill is a power tool that combines the functions of a drill and a hammer to provide the user with greater drilling power. It uses a hammering action to break up tough materials such as concrete and masonry.
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What are the advantages of a cordless hammer drill? Cordless hammer drills provide the user with the freedom to move around without being tethered to a power source. They are also lighter and more portable than corded hammer drills. Additionally, many cordless hammer drills come with a range of features such as LED lights and adjustable clutches.
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What features should I look for in a cordless hammer drill? When looking for a cordless hammer drill, consider the battery life, the power and speed of the motor, the weight and size of the tool, and the overall durability of the product. Look for a drill with a brushless motor, as this will provide greater efficiency and longer battery life.
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What is the average battery life for a cordless hammer drill? The average battery life for a cordless hammer drill varies depending on the manufacturer and model. However, many cordless hammer drills offer a battery life of around 30 minutes to an hour on a single charge. Some models also come with a spare battery to extend the working time.
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What is the best cordless hammer drill on the market? There are many great cordless hammer drills on the market, each with its own unique features and benefits. Some of the best cordless hammer drills include the DeWalt DCD996P2, the Milwaukee M18 Fuel, and the Makita XPH07Z. Ultimately, the best cordless hammer drill for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.