Hammer drills are those specialized types of tools that we all need, but don’t exactly realize it until we actually need one. These power drills have been a mainstay around construction sites, but over the years we have seen an increase in popularity for those into DIY projects. For the power tool enthusiast in you, choosing the best hammer drill is much harder than you thought which is why this buying guide and review was especially created for you.
If you’re in the market for a new power drill or considering an upgrade, there are many things to consider other than price. Hammer drills are also known as rotary hammer drills as they drill with precision in a rotating hammer-like motion. The versatility of this type of drill gives you the flexibility of drilling/driving into any surface including wood, concrete, drywall, and even cinder block construction.
Whether you’re looking for a battery operated or electric powered, the following review breaks down the Top 5 Hammer Drills in 2020 while giving you all the reasons why they are considered the best of the best.
1. Dewalt D25263K D-Handle SDS 1-1/8″ Rotary Hammer with Shocks – 10.0
Dewalt did everything right when they introduced the D-Handle 1 1/8” rotary hammer drill. This ergonomic, powerful, and virtually flawless hammer drill holds nothing back, and the best part of it all is that it’s affordable. This tool features 3 joules of high impact energy which gives you more than enough power and thrust for any drilling task.
The Dewalt D25263K D-Handle Drill is powered by an 8.5 Amp motor which was built with performance in mind. If you’re looking for a rotary hammer drill that lives up to the high testament of quality by Dewalt, then this is it. One of the standout features is the shocks which are onboard which significantly reduces the vibration which is often problematic with rotary hammer drills.
Specs and Features
- Available in 1 1/8” and 1”
- 3 Joules
- 5 Amp motor
- Rotating brush ring
- Weight – 12.2 pounds
2. Dewalt DCD996B Bare Tool 20V MAX XR Lithium Ion Brushless 3-Speed Hammer Drill – 10.0
This 3-speed hammer drill from Dewalt is one of three in this review which scores a perfect 10 out of 10. This drill features a 20 volt XR lithium ion battery which gives you hours of continuous use on a single charge. If you were wondering if there’s a loss of power being the DCD996B is a cordless model, you are in for a surprise.
It’s hard to find a cordless model which outperforms comparable corded drills, but this one does. The Dewalt 3-speed hammer drill gives the user more control over most other models. Featuring a high-performance transmission that gives you continuous power and thrush, even with the toughest tasks.
The Dewalt DCD996B hammer drill has a brushless motor onboard which gives you 57% more runtime than other models. Fast drilling won’t be a problem with over 0-38,250 BPM and you can take full advantage any time of the day with the affixed LED light.
Specs and Features
- 0-38250 BPM
- Rubberized Grip
- Compact
- 20 Volt Cordless
- 3-speed
- 3-Mode LED
3. Makita HR2475 1-Inch D-Handle SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer Drill – 9.9
The Makita 1” D-Handle SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer Drill is one of the most powerful options in this review. Powered by a 7 Amp motor which gives you 0-1,100 RPM & 0-4,500 BPM and over-delivers on the toughest tasks. You’ll see 50% faster drilling with tie sequential impact timing which perfectly times the hammering with each rotation.
The Makita HR2475 features a unique gear system. The torque limiting clutch was created to disengage gears if a bit bends which prevents damage to the gears. User comfort is another bonus as the bit can be adjusted with a 40-bit angle setting and the SDS Plus features a 3-mode operation making this an amazing multi-purpose hammer drill.
Specs and Features
- Item model no. HR2475
- Item Weight 7 pounds
- Product Dimensions 7 x 13.4 x 11.9 inches
- Color Teal
- Power Source corded-electric
- Voltage 120 volts
- Item Package Quantity 1
- Included Components case
- Battery Included? No
- Battery Required? No
- Warranty Description 1 year
4. Dewalt DWD520K 1/2-Inch VSR Pistol Grip Hammer Drill Kit – 9.9
Earning the 4th spot in this review is this VSR pistol grip hammer drill by Dewalt. This complete kit gives you more versatility than most as it’s highlighted by a dual mode selector which lets you choose between a standard drill and hammer drill. Powered by a 10 Amp motor which is plenty of sheer power for any application with 50% more power with improved overload protection.
The Dewalt DWD520K does wonders with high impact drilling and high torque projects. With a 2-speed range, versatility won’t be a problem even with long-term, continuous use thanks to the two-finger trigger and soft VSR pistol grip handle. For comfort, power, versatility, durability, and everything else you’re looking for in a hammer drill, this Dewalt power tool has it all.
Specs and Features
- Item Weight 7 pounds
- Product Dimensions 5 x 16.1 x 4.4 inches
- Origin Mexico
- Item model number DWD520K
- Size 5
- Color Yellow, Black & Silver
- Amps 0 AMPS
- Capacity in Steel ½ inch
- Capacity in Wood 1-1/2 inch
- Kit Box Yes
- Tool length 14 inches
5. Bosch RH328VC 1-1/8-Inch SDS Rotary Hammer Drill – 9.9
The Bosch RH328VC boasts unrivaled weight ratio to power at 2.6 ft-lbs to 8.0 Amps. You don’t find this type of power in most other hammer drills as most analysts have suggested this is easily the best hammer drill in its class. Outfitted with a multi-function selector which allows you to choose any of three modes including hammer only, rotation only, and rotary hammer.
The versatility of this 1 1/8” SDS hammer drill significantly improves user comfort. The ergonomic handle boasts vibration control means much less vibration from the hammer mechanism which is ultimately felt in the grip handle. You’ll also see less torque reaction with a high-quality clutch which outperforms the competition.
Specs and Features
- Part Number RH328VC
- Item Weight 6 pounds
- Product Dimensions 2 x 14.6 x 5.3 inches
- Origin Anguilla
- Power Source corded-electric
- Voltage 120V
- Included Components Bare-Tool
- Batteries Included? No
- Batteries Required? No
- Warranty Description 30 Day Money Back Guarantee – 1 year warranty
6. Hitachi DV18DSDLP4 18-Volt Cordless Lithium-Ion Hammer Drill – 9.7
Scoring a 9.7 out of 10, Hitachi introduces this 18-volt cordless hammer drill. Powered by a lithium ion battery and can handle the toughest applications delivering 814 in-lbs of torque through an industrial grade 2-piece motor. Featuring a high-performance clutch with 22 positions with both hammer drill and standard drill modes, this one from Hitachi is one of the most versatile out there.
The Hitachi DV18DSDLP4 has numerous features including an LED light, aluminum gear case, ½” metal keyless chuck, soft grip handle, and metal belt clip which is strong and keeps the drill at your side at all times. All this and you would expect to spend a lot more than $110, but you won’t.
Specs and features
- System Power: 18 Volts
- Battery Chemistry & Type: Lithium-ion – slide
- Max Torque: 814-inch-lbs
- Speed (No Load): 0-400 & 0-1800 RPM (low & high settings)
- Impact Rate: 0-6000 & 0-2700 (low & high settings)
- Chuck: ½ inch keyless ratcheting chuck
- Tool Weight: 4.8 pounds
7. Dewalt DCD995M2 20-Volt Max XR Lithium Ion Brushless Premium 3-Speed Cordless Hammer Drill Kit – 9.6
If you’re looking for a complete hammer drill kit which gives you everything you need to drill and drive through any application, then this is it. The Dewalt 20-volt Max XR hammer drill features 3-speeds of variable speed. The added control it gives you 0-2,000 RPM of high-performance power backed by an all-metal transmission. The tranny assures quick speeds and more run time with superior tool to task operation.
The Deewalt DCD995M2 can handle drilling through any application including masonry with 0-34,000 BPM. Boasting a 1/2-inch metal ratcheting chuck which gives you improved bit grip strength with carbide inserts. This lightweight, highly compact, comes complete with XR Li-Ion batteries and an onboard fuel gauge which allows you to see the power left which is 33% more than standard battery packs.
Specs and Features
- Variable 3 speed settings
- XR Li-ion batteries
- Bit gripping strength
- Heavy-duty metal chunk
- Light in weight, 4.7 lbs.
- Front to back 8.4 inches length
This review on the top hammer drills in 2020 was taken into context after field testing numerous models under the harshest conditions and every task imaginable. Feel free to tell us all about it in the comments below or share your experiences with the rest of the community after your new purchase.
