Compared to a typical hammer drill, a rotary hammer has much more impact power. It is also more durable, which makes it a great choice for heavy-duty projects.
With its multi-function: hammer drill, drill mode, or just hammer mode, you can rely on it for a variety of construction tasks.
Today, we will show you which of the rotary hammer drills sold in the market should be included in your must-buy list.
The Best Rotary Hammer Drills Are:
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Bosch 11255VSR Bulldog Xtreme Rotary Hammer Drills |  Top Pick |
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| 2. Makita HR2475 1-Inch D-Handle Rotary Hammer |  |
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| 3. Ryobi P222 Ryobi One+ Rotary Hammer |  |
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| 4. VonHaus Electric Rotary Hammer Drill |  |
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| 5. Dewalt D25263K D-Handle SDS Rotary Hammer |  |
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| 6. Hiltex 10504 4.7-Amp Electric Rotary Hammer Drill |  |
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| 7. Bosch RH328VC 1-1/8-Inch SDS Rotary Hammer with Vibration Control |  |
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1. Bosch 11255VSR Bulldog Xtreme Rotary Hammer Drills
The versatility of the Bulldog Xtreme makes this one of the best rotary hammer drills out there. It starts with its 3-in-1 function rotation, which allows users to switch between rotary hammer, a rotation-only and hammer-only mode for maximum versatility.
Combined with its variable speed setting, it really is a nifty tool to have around whether you are doing demolition jobs or construction work.
This kit comes with a 1-inch SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer, an auxiliary handle, a depth gauge, and a carrying case. Powered by a 7.5 amp motor, this rotary hammer drill is capable of providing a reliable 2.0ft/lbs. of impact energy. It allows users to accomplish both overhead and downward drilling jobs.
It also allows users to get their desired angle with its Vario-Lock positioning that keeps the chisel in place no matter what you choose in its integrated 36 different positions.
Professionals and novice workers alike can use this because of its powerful amperage. It has high impact energy that can do a myriad of things such as drill concrete. We like the D-handle design of this hammer. It is suitable for both downward and overhead applications.
It makes way for easier usage. It even has a cord turret that pivots 35 degrees for more enhanced flexibility when working on your projects.
Bit changes are easy because there is no need for additional tools. It comes with a dust protection system, so you do not need to worry about these dust particles getting in the unit and ruining it.
There were those who used it for more demanding jobs such as removing patio rock flooring and it did the trick. The support from the manufacturing company is unmatched. It is backed by a one-year warranty, 30-day money-back guarantee, and a 1-year service protection plan.
Specs
- Speed: 0 – 1,300 RPM & 0-5,800 BPM
- Power: 7.5 Amps
- Power Source: Electric-Powered
- Weight: 10.4 pounds
Pros
- Both professionals and beginners can use it
- Tool-free bit changing system
- It comes with a dust protection system
- It is ideal for heavy-duty jobs
Cons
- Some users said the bits get stuck from time to time.
Summary: For More Heavy-Duty Uses
This should be a reliable tool to get if you are looking for one that can withstand a good amount of usage. It can accomplish even the most demanding jobs, so it should be perfect for professional use as well.
With its completely adjustable settings, you can find the right setting that will work with the job you have on hand.
2. Makita HR2475 1-Inch D-Handle Rotary Hammer
This Makita rotary hammer tool has it all – convenience, versatility, durability, and performance. First, it delivers a lot of power with its 7-amp motor that has 2.7 joules of impact energy.
It minimizes wasting energy through its sequential impact timing, which comes handy in timing hammering while in rotation in order to prevent bits from overlapping. It minimizes locked bits, which results in 50% faster drilling.
Just like the previous brand, this one also has a 3-mode operation. You can use hammering with rotation, hammering only or rotation only, whatever suits your needs. It has a 40-bit angle setting, so you can set the bits you are using to your preferred angle or position. This purchase includes a depth gauge, a side handle, and a tool case.
What used to take minutes to do now takes just a few seconds with this rotary hammer drill. It allows you to choose from 3 different modes – hammering with rotation, rotation only, and hammering only. That gives it versatility and capacity to do different applications.
This has been equipped with the Makita Motor Advantage seeing in the brand’s entire rotary hammer line-up. This motor offers a full suite of features including dual ball bearing armature and field core interlocking steel laminations. With these features, you get the most efficient energy transfer, so the tool lasts longer even when the user demands more from it.
Bit changes are so simple and easy with this tool. Simply slide the chuck and you are good too. It does not overpower the user. It comes with a torque limiter built in the system, so it offers more torque control and stability.
When there is no load, it does not vibrate, thereby reducing strain on your hands. This also prolongs the life of its internal carbon brushes.
It is quite ergonomic. The D-handle is rubberized, resulting in more comfortable grips. This is one of those rotary drills out there that takes universal types of bits. This is backed by a one-year warranty.
Specs
- Speed: 0 – 1,100 RPM & 0 – 4,500 BPM
- Power: 7.0 Amps
- Power Source: Electric-Powered
- Weight: 10.7 pounds
Pros
- It is super fast and efficient
- It offers three different modes
- It comes with the Makita Motor Advantage
- Changing bits is very easy
Cons
- Some users said the clamp has a hard bite.
Summary: Most Efficient
If you are looking to speed up your construction process or you want to get the drilling time cut down in half, this is the one you should get.
It is the most efficient and it gets the job done in no time. What might take you a few minutes to accomplish, this will finish for half that amount of time.
3. Ryobi P222 Ryobi One+ Rotary Hammer
On a tight budget? This should be a great choice then. It still comes with a 3-mode selector. You can use a rotary hammer; chisel only mode and rotational drilling. It is different from its predecessor when it comes to the amount of power it generates.
This new tool is capable of producing a maximum of 5,000 BPM and 1,300 rotations in a minute, making this a great tool to use for those heavy-duty applications.
Use an 18V ONE+ battery with this for more efficient and portable drilling. The battery is not included in your purchase, so make sure you buy it separately. It has 2.65 pounds of weight, just right to do overhead drilling or any work that will require you to lift it a bit.
This is a more affordable rotary hammer drill that still packs a punch when it comes to power. It is so powerful it can deliver 5,000 BPM, which should be enough hammering force to get through even the most solid of materials like concrete.
It has a nifty chisel adjust mode that allows the user to find the right position and setting for the bit. It comes with built-in LED light to easily work in dark spaces. It has a nice and portable design that will make work easier. You will also like the wide handle.
The people who used it have tried using it for a variety of drilling purposes including concrete and metals and it got the job done fast. It is battery-operated, so you can drill using any angle you prefer without worrying about cords.
Specs
- Speed: 1,300 RPM & 5,000 BPM
- Power: 18Volt Battery
- Power Source: Battery-Powered
- Weight: 3.65 pounds
Pros
- It comes with an inbuilt LED light for more visibility
- It is ideal for a wide range of drilling purposes
- It is battery-operated, providing you with more maneuverability
- It is portable and compact
Cons
- Some users said the battery life is rather short
Summary: Most Affordable Choice
This is not hard on the budget, so if you want something more affordable, it should be a sterling choice for you. It gets small to medium drilling jobs done but might not be the best for industrial and heavy-duty uses.
However, if you need a shallow layer of concrete drilled or need to drill through metal; this should work well for you.
4. VonHaus Electric Rotary Hammer Drill
We recommend this for professionals who need a more powerful drilling machine. This 10 amp motor driller has a lot of power to do high impact applications. It can drill through anything – from solid steel to masonry. Choose from hammer only, hammer drill and drill only functions, whatever suits your needs.
Included in your purchase are a dust cover, flat and point chisels, SDS drill bits, drill grease, and chuck and regular chuck drill bits, a storage case, and a depth gauge. The drill itself weighs only 9 lbs.
Accomplish any heavy-duty job with this one. It has the highest amperage on this list, so it delivers a lot of power. You can drill through wood, masonry, and metal.
It has an anti-vibration feature that reduces hand fatigue. The auxiliary handle is ergonomic and easy on the hands. This tool is compatible with different kinds of bits including SDS and SDS-Plus bits.
It is more affordable than other heavy-duty tools out there. Many people said the manual that came with it is simple and straightforward. Even inexperienced people were able to use this tool easily.
Specs
- Speed: 850 RPM & 0 – 3,900 BPM
- Power: 10 Amps
- Power Source: Electric-Powered
- Weight: 17.3 pounds
Pros
- It is ideal for heavy-duty tasks
- It comes with a very powerful motor that delivers great speed
- The handle is ergonomic and comfortable
- It is inexpensive
Cons
- It is a single speed setting only.
Summary: Most Powerful
The power of this rotary hammer drill cannot be beaten. It drills through even the thickest of masonry. If you plan to do a lot of heavy-duty work, this should be a perfect fit for you.
5. Dewalt D25263K D-Handle SDS Rotary Hammer
Our list of the best rotary hammer drill reviews will not be complete without a product from Dewalt. The next on this list is the Dewalt D25263K D-Handle SDS Rotary Hammer. This product is from a market leader in power tools. This unit comes with a high-performance 8.5-amp motor that is highly durable and will provide you with a long time of service.
One of the most outstanding features of this tool is its vibration control. Rotary hammer drills cause lots of vibrations, which can be strenuous and uncomfortable on the hand.
The vibrations may even result in injuries if a user does not have the body strength to handle the tool. The vibration control feature of this unit reduces the stress on the hand of the user, making the tool more comfortable to use.
It also comes with an integral clutch that responds quickly, reducing the chances of the gears getting damaged whenever a bit jams. It comes with a rotating brush ring to provide you with full torque regardless of the direction of the tool. This unit also offers 3 joules of impact energy. However, the downside to this tool is that it is not the best option for heavy-duty tasks.
The package of this tool includes a rotary hammer, depth rod, 360 slide handle, and a kit box. The 8.5 amps motor of this unit delivers a no-load speed of 0 to 1,450 rotations per minute, which is pretty fast to handle a wide range of tasks.
Specs
- Speed: 0 – 1,450 RPM
- Power: 8.5 Amps
- Power Source: Electric-Powered
- Weight: 12 pounds
Pros
- It is highly durable, thanks to its high-quality build
- It is very easy to use and handle
- Anti-vibration feature for more control
- You can use it to drill through concrete with ease
Cons
- It is not the best option for heavy-duty tasks.
Summary: High Speed and High Performance
This rotary hammer drill from Dewalt is one of the most powerful you can find on the market. The motor of this tool delivers up to 1,450 rotations per minute, which is powerful enough to handle some heavy-duty tasks.
6. Hiltex 10504 4.7-Amp Electric Rotary Hammer Drill
The Hiltex 10504 4.7-Amp Electric Rotary Hammer Drill is another powerful rotary hammer drill out there. This unit comes with a 4.7-amp motor that delivers great performance and speed.
The motor generates a no-load speed of 0-900 rotations per minute while the BPM speed is 3,150. With the power of this motor and the speed range it offers, you can handle a wide range of projects. You can drill through brick, steel, or concrete with ease.
This rotary hammer drill comes with three working modes, which are rotation only, rotation and hammering, and chiseling. With this, handling some demanding tasks would be very easy.
This tool is also very easy to handle and use, thanks to its 360 degrees auxiliary handle. To minimize the chances of slipping away while in use, the handle of the tool comes with a textured grip. Hence, this unit is very safe and comfortable to use.
The packaging of this unit includes SDS chisels, 6-inch SDS drills, oil bottle, depth gauge, a blow mold case, and chuck with adaptor and key. This means you are not only investing in a rotary hammer drill but also buying everything you need to handle several projects.
This tool is capable of drilling through 1-inch concrete. The depth stop helps to prevent over-penetration and damage to the equipment.
For added safety, this unit comes with spring-loaded quick swap chuck that locks straight away using SDS Plus shanks with cross-section shape. This is an electric rotary hammer drill and it comes with a 6-inch cord. The cord is pretty long, and it offers a degree of freedom.
Specs
- Speed: 900 RPM 3,150 BPM
- Power: 4.7 Amps
- Power Source: Electric-Powered
- Weight: 13.9 pounds
Pros
- The motor delivers greet power
- The handle is safe and comfortable to use
- It comes with all the necessary items you need.
- It has three different modes for different kinds of tasks
Cons
- It may not deliver when it comes to very demanding tasks
Summary: Highly Versatile
If you are looking for a highly versatile rotary hammer drill, then this is the right tool for you. While it is not the most powerful, it comes with virtually all the accessories you need.
With the accessories that come with this tool, you can use it to handle a variety of different tasks without investing in many tools.
7. Bosch RH328VC 1-1/8-Inch SDS Rotary Hammer with Vibration Control
The Bosch RH328VC Rotary Hammer Drill is one of the most popular hammer drills from this brand. This tool is well-known by professional contractors and DIYers. It also made it to our list because of its great features, price, durability, and functionalities. This unit is highly flexible, as it allows you to set the chisel in 12 positions, thanks to its Vario-lock feature.
This rotary hammer comes with an impressive 8-amp motor that delivers impact energy of 2.6 feet/lbs. It is one of the lightest tools on our list, as it weighs only 7.7 pounds.
With such weight, you can use this tool to work for a long time without feeling fatigued. The 8-amp motor also delivers a variable speed ranging from 0 to 900 rotations per minute and 0 to 4,000 BPM.
This tool offers three operation modes. It comes with a multifunction selector that you can use to choose hammer only, rotary hammer, or rotation only.
It is also designed to reduce torque reaction, thanks to its integral clutch. The flexibility of this tool is further enhanced with its 360-degree auxiliary handle. This feature also makes the tool very easy to use.
It also comes with a vibration reduction mechanism that significantly reduces the vibration and keeps everything at minimum. It comes with a comfortable grip, allowing for convenient prolonged uses. It comes with a three-finger variable speed trigger.
The trigger is very easy to use as it is placed in a good position. This rotary hammer drill from Bosch comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee and a one-year warranty. The package of this tool includes an auxiliary handle, rotary hammer, and a carrying case.
Specs
- Speed: 0 – 900 RPM & 0 – 4,000 BPM
- Power: 8 Amps
- Power Source: Electric-Powered
- Weight: 7.7 pounds
Pros
- It comes with a vibration control feature
- It is designed to minimize torque reaction
- Three-speed settings for more control
- It comes with a comfortable grip and carrying case.
Cons
- The power is too much for drilling wood
Summary: Best Lightweight
The Bosch RH328VC is the lightest rotary hammer on our list. If you are more concerned about your shoulders and arms while working, then you should consider this lightweight option. This unit weighs only 7.7 pounds, and you can use it to work for hours without feeling fatigued.
Rotary Hammer Drill Safety Tips
Focus on Your Work and Pay Attention to How the Tool Functions
Failure to pay attention to how your tool feels could result in an accident. Generally, power tools are dangerous and you have to be very careful when using one.
If you pay attention to your tool, you will be able to know when there is an issue and turn it off quickly. If you fail to do that, you will only realize there is something wrong with your tool when the damage has already been done.
Do Not Use for an Extended Period
Rotary hammer drills vibrate a lot, even though some of them come with features that help to reduce vibration. If you use this tool for a very long time, chances are you might damage your hand in the process.
To prevent this, we recommend you keep periods of use short, giving your hands some time to recover and rest. However, we still recommend you put on gloves when using this tool.
The Tool Should Be Off before You Place It Down
You should make sure you turn off the tool before placing it down. Even after turning it off, you need to wait until the bit stops rotating before you place it down.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Rotary Hammer Drill
To make sure you end up with the right rotary hammer drill for your needs, here are a few factors to consider:
Power
How much amperage does it use? That will tell you how powerful its motor is. How much power you need depends on what sort of projects you need it for. If you are drilling wood, you might get away with just a lower amperage sold at a cheaper price.
Variable Speed Setting
This feature will allow you to find the right speed suitable for the project you have. If you want a slower speed to avoid getting dust everywhere or causing too much hand strain, you should get one with a variable speed setting.
Bits Compatibility
Make sure it is compatible with different kinds of bits. It should also have a mechanism that will release locking bits, so you can use the tool more efficiently.
Modes
Most of the rotary hammer drills out there come in three different modes. You can switch to one mode at a time, depending on your needs.
Durability
Check what it is made of. Make sure it has a feature that prevents dirt and dust from getting inside.
Since you are doing a lot of drilling work, the tool can be exposed to a lot of dust that can get in the mechanisms of the tool and cause it to deteriorate faster.
Anti-Vibration Features
This feature is helpful in alleviating or minimizing hand strain. You can work longer if you are using a rotary hammer drill that has low vibration features.
Price
Also, think about how much you are willing to spend on this tool. Will you use it all the time? Get something more reliable, even though it will cost you more.
Conclusion
We are certain you only want the best tools in your arsenal. Before you buy anything, pay more attention to what people are saying about these products.
Our top pick for the best rotary hammer drill is the Bosch 11255VSR Bulldog Xtreme Rotary Hammer Drills thanks to its 3-in-1 function, durability, and tool-free bit changing system. It is also affordable, lightweight, and very easy to use.
