Ever found yourself wrestling with tough materials, wishing your drill had a little more power? That’s where a cordless hammer drill shines. Unlike regular drills, these tools pack a punch, letting you easily drill into brick, concrete, and stone. But with so many brands and features out there, picking the right one can feel like trying to nail jelly to a wall – confusing and a bit frustrating!
Choosing the wrong hammer drill can lead to wasted money and a lot of headaches. You might end up with something too weak for your job, or too heavy and awkward to use. This post is here to cut through the noise. We’ll break down what makes a good cordless hammer drill, what to look for, and how to match the right tool to your projects, big or small.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll feel confident in your choice. We’ll guide you through the essential features, from battery life to chuck types, so you can grab the best cordless hammer drill for your needs. Let’s dive in and make your next DIY project a breeze!
Our Top 5 Cordless Hammer Drills Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Cordless Hammer Drills Detailed Reviews
1. DEWALT 20V MAX SDS Plus Rotary Hammer Drill
Rating: 9.1/10
The DEWALT 20V MAX SDS Plus Rotary Hammer Drill (DCH172B) is a powerful and versatile tool that makes drilling into concrete much easier. Its cordless design means you can take it anywhere without worrying about cords. This drill is built for professionals who need a reliable tool for tough jobs. It’s designed to be comfortable to use for longer periods, which is a big plus.
What We Like:
- Drills concrete fast with 1.4 joules of power.
- It’s lightweight, making it great for jobs like hanging rods or mounting cable trays.
- The brushless motor and German-engineered parts mean it works efficiently and lasts longer.
- The SHOCKS system greatly reduces the vibration you feel, making it more comfortable.
- It’s OSHA table 1 compliant when you use specific DEWALT dust collection parts.
- The mode selector switch lets you easily switch between drilling and hammer drilling.
What Could Be Improved:
- This is a “tool only” purchase, so you’ll need to buy batteries and a charger separately.
- While good for many tasks, its 5/8 inch capacity might be limiting for very large concrete jobs.
Overall, the DEWALT DCH172B is an excellent choice for anyone who frequently works with concrete. It offers a great balance of power, comfort, and efficiency for a wide range of applications.
2. DEWALT 20V MAX Hammer Drill
Rating: 8.9/10
The DEWALT 20V MAX Hammer Drill (DCD805B) is a powerful cordless tool designed to help you tackle tough jobs. It’s compact and brushless, making it easy to handle and efficient. This drill is built for serious DIYers and professionals alike, offering impressive power and control for a variety of tasks.
What We Like:
- It’s much stronger than older models, letting you finish projects faster.
- Its small size lets you work in tight spots where other drills can’t reach.
- The metal chuck holds drill bits securely, so they don’t slip.
- You can choose the right speed for different materials with its two-speed settings.
- The bright LED light helps you see clearly in dark areas, and the spotlight mode is a nice bonus.
What Could Be Improved:
- This is a “bare tool” which means the battery and charger are sold separately, so you’ll need to buy those too.
- While it’s compact, some users might prefer a slightly lighter tool for very long jobs.
Overall, the DEWALT DCD805B is a fantastic hammer drill that delivers on power and versatility. It’s a smart investment for anyone who needs a reliable and high-performing tool for their projects.
3. DEWALT DCD799B 20V MAX* ATOMIC COMPACT SERIES Brushless Lithium-Ion 1/2 in. Cordless Hammer Drill (Tool Only)
Rating: 9.3/10
Meet the DEWALT DCD799B 20V MAX* ATOMIC COMPACT SERIES Brushless Lithium-Ion 1/2 in. Cordless Hammer Drill. This tool is designed for tough jobs in tight spots. It’s DEWALT’s shortest 20V MAX* hammer drill, measuring just 6.49 inches in head length. This makes it ideal for reaching those hard-to-get-to places. You’ll get more power and higher speeds for various drilling tasks.
What We Like:
- Our shortest 20V MAX* hammer drill: At only 6.49 inches (tool head length), it easily fits into tight spaces.
- More power and speed: Get up to 14% more power and 1,650 RPMs for efficient drilling.
- Secure grip: The 1/2-inch ratcheting chuck holds bits firmly.
- Compact but mighty: Delivers 552 UWO and up to 28,050 BPMs to handle demanding jobs in confined areas.
- Built-in light: An LED work light illuminates your workspace, improving visibility.
What Could Be Improved:
- Battery and charger not included: This is a tool-only purchase, so you’ll need to buy batteries and a charger separately.
- May be powerful for very light tasks: For simple screw-driving, its robust power might be overkill.
This DEWALT hammer drill is a fantastic option for professionals and serious DIYers who need power and maneuverability. Its compact design and impressive performance make it a valuable addition to any toolkit.
4. CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Hammer Drill Kit
Rating: 9.5/10
Get ready to tackle tough projects with the CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Hammer Drill Kit. This powerful drill is part of the V20 cordless system, meaning it works with other CRAFTSMAN V20 tools. It has a strong motor that delivers 280 unit watts out, making it great for heavy-duty jobs. The 1/2-inch chuck holds drill bits securely, and the hammer drill feature lets you drill through concrete and brick quickly with 25,500 blows per minute. You also get two V20 20V MAX Lithium Batteries for long work sessions and a fast charger that gets them ready in under an hour. Plus, it’s compatible with the VERSATRACK system for easy storage.
What We Like:
- Powerful motor for tough jobs.
- Fast drilling speed in concrete and brick.
- Secure chuck keeps bits in place.
- Two batteries provide plenty of runtime.
- Quick charging for less downtime.
- Works with the VERSATRACK system.
What Could Be Improved:
- VERSATRACK clips and accessories are sold separately.
This CRAFTSMAN hammer drill kit is a solid choice for DIYers and pros alike. It offers the power and convenience you need to get more done.
5. DEWALT 20V MAX XR 1/2 Inch Cordless Hammer Drill Kit with 8AH Battery and Charger (DCD1007WW1)
Rating: 9.2/10
The DEWALT 20V MAX XR 1/2 Inch Cordless Hammer Drill Kit (DCD1007WW1) is a powerhouse tool for any serious DIYer or contractor. This kit comes with a high-capacity 8AH battery and a charger, so you’re ready to tackle tough jobs right out of the box. It’s designed to be DEWALT’s most powerful 20V Max hammer drill, meaning it can handle a lot of demanding work.
What We Like:
- It’s DEWALT’s most powerful 20V Max hammer drill, so it can handle tough jobs.
- The anti-rotation system helps keep you safe by stopping the drill if it spins too fast. A red light shows when this safety feature is on.
- It’s the shortest DEWALT premium 3-speed drill, making it easier to get into tight spaces.
- The 3-speed transmission helps the drill last longer and work better.
- The all-metal transmission is built tough for long-lasting use.
What Could Be Improved:
- The powerful 8AH battery can make the drill a bit heavier for some users.
- While powerful, it might be overkill for very light, simple tasks.
This DEWALT hammer drill kit offers impressive power and smart safety features for challenging projects. It’s a solid investment for anyone needing a reliable and high-performing cordless drill.
Your Guide to Choosing the Best Cordless Hammer Drill
Cordless hammer drills are powerful tools that make tough jobs easier. They can drill holes in concrete and masonry, not just wood and metal. This guide helps you pick the right one for your needs.
What to Look For: Key Features
1. Power (Voltage and Amp-Hours)
Drills have voltage (V) and amp-hours (Ah). Higher voltage means more power. Look for 18V or 20V for most DIY tasks. Amp-hours tell you how long the battery lasts. More Ah means longer run time.
2. Hammer Action (Impacts Per Minute – IPM)
The hammer action makes the drill punch forward and backward. This helps it break through hard materials. A higher IPM (Impacts Per Minute) means it drills faster in tough stuff. Most good hammer drills have at least 20,000 IPM.
3. Chuck Type and Size
The chuck holds the drill bit. Keyless chucks are easiest to use. They let you change bits by hand. Most drills use 1/2-inch chucks, which fit larger bits and offer more power.
4. Variable Speed and Torque Settings
Variable speed lets you control how fast the drill spins. Torque settings help you avoid stripping screws or breaking bits. Many drills have 2-speed gearboxes for different jobs.
5. Battery System and Charger
Check if the drill comes with batteries and a charger. Some brands sell drills without batteries to save money. Lithium-ion batteries are best. They hold a charge longer and weigh less.
Materials Matter
Good hammer drills use strong materials. Metal gear housings are better than plastic. They help the drill last longer and handle heat. Brushless motors are also a plus. They are more efficient and last longer than brushed motors.
What Makes a Drill Great (or Not So Great)?
Quality Boosters:
- Brushless motor: More power, longer life.
- Metal gear housing: Durability and heat resistance.
- Good battery life: More work done on one charge.
- Comfortable grip: Less fatigue during use.
- LED light: Helps you see in dark areas.
Quality Reducers:
- Plastic gear housing: Can break or melt.
- Short battery life: You’ll need to recharge often.
- Heavy weight: Makes it hard to use for long.
- No variable speed: Less control.
User Experience and Uses
A good cordless hammer drill feels balanced in your hand. It shouldn’t be too heavy. The controls should be easy to reach. You’ll use it for many tasks:
- Drilling holes in brick, concrete, and stone for anchors or shelves.
- Drilling wood and metal for framing or building furniture.
- Driving screws into various materials.
- Mixing small batches of paint or thin-set mortar with the right attachments.
For home projects, an 18V or 20V drill is usually enough. If you do heavy-duty work often, consider a higher voltage drill.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is a hammer drill used for?
A: A hammer drill is used for drilling holes in hard materials like concrete, brick, and stone. It can also drill wood and metal, and drive screws.
Q: What’s the difference between a drill and a hammer drill?
A: A regular drill spins. A hammer drill spins and also punches forward and backward. This hammering action helps it drill through hard surfaces.
Q: Do I need a brushless motor?
A: Brushless motors are better. They give you more power, make the drill last longer, and use battery power more efficiently.
Q: How much voltage do I need?
A: For most home use, 18V or 20V is good. For tougher jobs, look at 20V MAX or higher.
Q: What does IPM mean?
A: IPM stands for Impacts Per Minute. It tells you how fast the hammer action works. Higher IPM means faster drilling in hard materials.
Q: How long should a battery last?
A: Battery life depends on the Ah rating. A 2.0 Ah battery might last 30-45 minutes of continuous use. Higher Ah batteries last longer.
Q: Can I use any drill bit?
A: You need bits designed for hammer drills when using the hammer function. These are usually made of carbide. Regular bits can break.
Q: Are cordless hammer drills heavy?
A: They can be, especially with larger batteries. Try to hold one before you buy it to see how it feels.
Q: What is a chuck?
A: The chuck is the part that holds the drill bit. Keyless chucks are easy to use because you can change bits by hand.
Q: Is a hammer drill worth it for a beginner?
A: Yes, if you plan to do any work with masonry or concrete. It makes those jobs much easier.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Tom Scalisi, and welcome to The Saw Blog! I started this blog to share my hands-on experience and insights about woodworking tools—especially saws and saw blades. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide range of tools, and I’m here to help both professionals and hobbyists make informed decisions when it comes to selecting and using their equipment. Whether you’re looking for in-depth reviews, tips, or just advice on how to get the best performance out of your tools, you’ll find it here. I’m excited to be part of your woodworking journey!