You can use this hammer drill to make holes up to 1/2-inch in diameter in steel, 5/8-inch in masonry or concrete, or 1-1/2-inch in wood. But we loved how it drove large holes through wood and concrete without hesitation. We put it to the test and greatly appreciated how its compact size made it easy to use in confined spaces. It might be only 6.9 inches long-making it one of the most compact hammer drills around-and weigh under 5 pounds with a battery in place, but this cordless tool doesn't lack in strength. Heading this advice, we rounded up the best hammer drills for every project, from beginner-friendly models to heavy-duty options. While corded options provide consistent power, cordless models are more convenient for quick fixes anywhere in your space. Hammer drills are also available in both corded and cordless models. Rotary hammer drills can also be set to the hammer-only function to chisel away concrete and break the edges,' he says. “Hammer drills can switch between spin only or combine a spin and hammer movement to more effectively drill holes into concrete and masonry. Heavy-duty options will come at a higher price, but have more power and features to tackle larger jobs.Īaron Barnett, landscaper, carpenter, and owner of the DIY website Banging Toolbox, breaks down the different hammer drills available. Lightweight, affordable drills will suffice for common household tasks and DIY projects. Through our testing, we discovered the most important consideration when shopping for a drill is your intended use. We also researched numerous other hammer drills and rotary drills, evaluating them for power, versatility, speed, extra features, and overall value. But if you are taking on a bigger challenge, such as drilling into concrete or masonry, then you’ll find the job easier with the power of a hammer drill.Īt our testing lab, we put some of the best hammer drills currently available through their paces, evaluating the tools for power and speed when drilling holes in both drill-only and hammer-drill modes. If you’re just driving a screw or making a hole in wood, then your regular cordless drill/driver is all that you need.

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Half inch milwaukee hammer drill