Drill vs Hammer Drill
Drill vs Hammer Drill
Drill vs Hammer Drill
When buying a drill for the first time, you might find a wide variety of machines on the market. One of the most fundamental considerations is whether you need a hammer action or not. If you’re undecided or unsure what hammer drills are for, our Drill vs Hammer Drill Buyers Guide provides useful information to help you. Read on to find out more.
For more information, please visit hammer drilling rigs.
Drills
Whether powered by electricity, compressed air, or physical effort, a standard drill provides a simple rotary action to drive a drill bit or any other accessory that fits its chuck. This includes screwdriver bits, flap wheels, wire wheels, nut drivers, and countersinks. While manual hand drills might be a bit challenging, the majority can make holes in metal, wood, ceramics, and plastics without much difficulty. However, extremely hard construction materials like brick, stone, and concrete (generally termed as "masonry") are much harder to penetrate. Using a standard rotary action on these tough materials will quickly prove tiring and ineffective, leading us to the next option.
Hammer Drills
A standard hammer drill employs a rotary action supplemented by a series of fast and hard impacts to the back of the chuck, resulting in the loud rasping drilling noises often heard through walls of adjacent rooms or buildings. This extra force enables a masonry drill bit to punch through hard materials, rather than just cutting into them like a bit for wood or metal. Hammer modes are designed for heavy-duty applications, but most hammer drills for the DIY market allow the hammer action to be switched off, functioning like a standard rotary drill for softer materials or driving screws without causing damage.
Drill Vs Hammer Drill
You might think a hammer drill is the most versatile option based on the information above. In most cases, you would be correct. However, why choose a standard drill? Firstly, the extra manufacturing processes involved in making a hammer drill make it a more expensive option and add weight and bulk. The hammer mechanism makes the chuck stick out more on a hammer variant, and non-hammer drills with hex chucks are shorter and ideal for use in cramped spaces. Hammer drills, especially larger corded machines, can be heavy and fatiguing when working with precision.
If you need to drill and drive screws for woodwork or metalwork in tight spaces, then a smaller, lighter (and probably cheaper) drill may be ideal. But for general DIY or drilling into solid walls, investing in a hammer drill is worthwhile.
If you now have a clearer idea of what machine you need, you'll still find a variety of types to choose from. Here are some common handheld drills that aren’t hammer drills, along with their advantages and disadvantages.
Drill Drivers (no hammer action)
- Cordless
- Ideal for drilling into wood, metal, plastics, and ceramics
- Ideal for driving screws
Drill drivers are compact, especially 12v hex chuck models like the Bosch GSR 12 V-15 FC. They are typically cordless, battery-powered tools with an adjustable clutch for setting a torque threshold. This makes it easier to drive multiple fasteners to the required depth by simply squeezing the trigger. When drilling holes, the clutch is usually set to a separate drill mode for maximum torque application and constant rotation. Though rare, some corded machines like the Bosch GSB 21-2RCT have a torque preselection dial.
Rotary Drills (no hammer action)
- Corded
- Ideal for drilling into wood, metal, plastics, and ceramics
Corded rotary drills are uncommon as they’ve been replaced by cordless drill drivers or corded hammer drills. Most available models are compact one-handed machines for high-speed drilling with smaller drill bits. Check the chuck capacity before purchasing to ensure compatibility with larger bits and accessories. Corded rotary drills lack torque controls, making them less suitable for driving screws compared to cordless drill drivers. Being corded means they can be used indefinitely, provided you don’t mind being tethered to a power source. They are available in 110v or 240v options. The 240v versions can be used with standard household sockets, while 110v versions require step-down transformers for industrial environments.
In the next part of our Drill vs Hammer Drill guide, we'll move on to machines that are hammer drills.
Combi Drills (hammer action)
- Cordless
- Ideal for drilling into wood, metal, plastics, and ceramics
- Ideal for hammer drilling into masonry
- Ideal for driving screws
Also known as Cordless Hammer Drills, Combi Drills are cordless tools with a hammer mechanism. They are the most versatile machines available, driving screws and drilling into most materials with or without hammer assistance. If you need just one drill for general home use, the Combi is a good choice. Available in 12v or 18v models, they share battery compatibility with other tools in the same range. Combi drills have adjustable clutches for selecting the appropriate torque level and may have multiple gears for optimizing either torque or speed.
Hammer Drills (hammer action)
- Corded
- Ideal for drilling into wood, metal, plastics, and ceramics
- Ideal for hammer drilling into masonry
Corded hammer drills provide more speed and power than battery-powered designs and don’t run out of power midway through a job. They are usually cheaper as they don’t require batteries and chargers. However, they are less suited for driving screws due to the lack of torque control and slow braking once the trigger is released. They are often large, heavy machines designed for two-handed operation, making them difficult to use with precision in cramped spaces. Like corded rotary drills, they are available in 110v or 240v options.
SDS Drills (hammer action)
- Corded or Cordless
- Ideal for hammer drilling into masonry
- Ideal for chiseling
Known as rotary hammers, SDS drills were developed for hammer drilling but do this much more efficiently than standard hammer drills. An SDS chuck accommodates only SDS accessories, ensuring greater force transfer and faster work through tough concrete. SDS machines can usually be used for hammering without rotation, making them suitable for light demolition or channeling tasks with an SDS chisel. They are not as effective on wood or metal drilling tasks or screwdriving. However, many models allow the hammer mode to be switched off, and some come with interchangeable jawed chucks. SDS drills are worth considering if you primarily need to drill into bricks or concrete and are the only machines in this list that can be used for chiseling. Different SDS designations are available, with SDS Plus being the most common. SDS Max machines are for heavy-duty applications, and SDS Quick is a compact system exclusive to the Bosch DIY range. Corded SDS drills are available in 240v for standard mains sockets or 110v for industrial environments.
Drill vs Hammer Drill: Conclusion
We hope this Drill vs Hammer Drill Buyers Guide clarifies the distinctions between common types of powered drills on the market today. Remember, besides the type of machine you’re using, selecting the right accessories for the job is crucial. Always wear appropriate safety gear, especially eye protection, before using power tools.
Categories mentioned in this article:
Drill Drivers
Rotary Drills
Combi Drills
Hammer Drills
SDS Drills
Share this post:
Rotary Drill vs. Hammer Drill: What's the Difference?
Learn about these drills and don't let a little concrete get in your way.
Family Handyman
Hammer drills and rotary hammers are both excellent for drilling masonry. Rotary hammers are more powerful and have a “hammer-only” mode with no rotation. They usually have an SDS chuck, which is better for hammering.
You can drill one or two holes in a concrete block with a regular drill and a masonry bit. Still, if you have many holes to drill into 50-year-old concrete, you’ll want to step it up. This story explains the differences between a hammer drill and a rotary hammer and helps you figure out which tool is right for you. We'll also show some cool bits and accessories and share useful tips for getting the most out of these tools.
Hammer Drill vs. Rotary Hammer
Hammer drills and rotary hammers (rotary hammer drills) produce a pounding force that makes them efficient at blasting through masonry. As the hammer drill spins, the bit chisels away at the masonry. The mechanical process delivering this pounding action separates the two tools.
Figure A: Inside a Hammer Drill
Family Handyman
A hammer drill has two discs with ridges resembling those on a poker chip (Figure A). As one disc slides past the other, it rises and falls, causing the chuck to slam forward and back. Without force on the chuck, the discs are separated by a clutch, stopping the pounding action, reducing wear and tear. Many hammer drills can be used as regular drills by switching off the hammering action.
Figure B: Inside a Rotary Hammer
Family Handyman
A rotary hammer creates its pounding action with a piston driven by a crankshaft (Figure B). The piston rides in a cylinder, creating air pressure when driven forward, and this air pressure drives the hammer mechanism. Rotary hammers provide more impact energy than hammer drills. They are more durable and preferred by professionals. Most rotary hammers have three settings: drill mode, hammer drill, or just hammer, so they can act as a mini jackhammer. Rotary hammers cost more than hammer drills but offer more versatility.
Hammer Drill Bits
Family Handyman
A hammer drill is perfect for light masonry. It works best at drilling holes in bricks, mortar, and concrete blocks. It can also handle occasional holes in poured concrete.
You don’t need to spend much on hammer drill bits, but more expensive bits usually have superior carbide tips securely attached to the shank, reducing breakage in heavy use.
Rotary Hammer Bits and Attachments
The most popular type of chuck in home centers today is the SDS-Plus. SDS-Plus bits have grooves on the shanks that lock securely into the chuck but allow the bit to move back and forth independently. They are super easy to insert and remove without tools. Larger rotary hammers have SDS-Max systems. Some brands have proprietary systems, so make sure the bit matches the tool you’re using.
When set to hammer mode, rotary hammers can be used for numerous jobs, and many attachments are available.
Want more information on What Are the Types of Drilling Rigs?? Feel free to contact us.
Some popular attachments are shown in the photo:
- Clay spade: Breaks up hard soil.
- Cold chisel: Busts up concrete.
- Tile remover: Pulls up ceramic tiles.
- Bull point chisel: Starts holes in concrete.
- Scaling chisel: Removes rust, concrete, and weld spatter.
If you own a rotary hammer and need a heavy-duty drill to bore large holes in wood or mix joint compound, consider an SDS-Plus chuck adapter (shown in the third photo). This adapter allows you to use smooth-shank drill bits, hole saws, and mixing paddles. Keep the setting on drill mode, or you could destroy the chuck.
Family Handyman
Rotary Hammers Are for Larger Jobs
Rotary hammers excel at drilling holes in hardened concrete. They can also be fitted with various attachments.
Family Handyman
Rotary Hammer Accessories
Rotary hammer accessories include various chisels for scaling metal, breaking concrete, removing tiles, and digging hard soil. (The one on the left is for an SDS-Max chuck.) You can also add a three-jaw chuck for regular drill bits.
Family Handyman
SDS-Plus Chuck Adapter
This adapter allows using smooth-shank drill bits, hole saws, and mixing paddles. Keep the setting on drill mode, or you could destroy the chuck.
Learn about 5 more must-have drill accessories here.
Choosing Between a Rebar Bit and Standard Bit
Family Handyman
A $50 hammer drill will drill 1/2-in. holes in most masonry, but spending more will get you the ability to drill bigger holes and faster drilling, which is great for many holes.
The pounding power of a hammer drill is measured in BPM (beats/blows per minute), but BPM rating isn’t the whole story. Motor amperage and how the drill feels in your hands are more important. All-metal chucks are more durable than those with plastic parts. While keyless chucks are handy on regular drills, they often don’t have the holding power needed for drilling into masonry. Chuck size often dictates the maximum recommended hole size the drill can handle.
The pounding power of a rotary hammer is measured in pounds of impact energy. When shopping for rotary hammers, amp power is good, but impact energy is even more important. Rotary hammers are categorized by the maximum recommended hole size, but that doesn’t mean they can’t drill larger holes occasionally. If you need a drill for nothing but 7/8-in. holes, buy a larger drill to avoid operating at maximum capacity.
How Much and What to Expect From Your Drills
$50 to $100 Hammer drills in this price range have motors with 6 to 8 amps. Good for drilling holes up to 1/2 in. in block, mortar, brick, and other light masonry. These drills will also bore into concrete, but slowly.
$100 to $150 Hammer drills in this price range feature motors ranging from 7 to 10 amps. Good for drilling holes up to 5/8 in. in light masonry and concrete.
$150 to $225 In this price range, rotary hammers have motors ranging from 7 to 10 amps and deliver 1.5 to 3 ft.-lbs. of impact energy. Good for drilling holes in light masonry and concrete up to 1 in. They can also be used in hammer mode to remove mortar, bust small areas of concrete, and chisel tile.
Over $225 Rotary hammers in this price range deliver an impact energy of over 10 ft.-lbs. and can drill 1-3/4-in. holes all day long. They cost $400 to $800, but rent for about $60 per day.
Cordless Drills
If you already own cordless tools, check if the same company makes a hammer drill or rotary hammer that works with the same batteries. Sometimes you can buy a cordless tool without the battery cheaper than a corded one.
4 Tips for Drilling Into Concrete
Family Handyman
1. Clear the Debris
The flutes on a drill bit are designed to pull up debris from the hole as you drill. However, the best way to clear the hole is to occasionally pull the bit out while drilling. Less debris in the hole reduces friction, resulting in smoother drilling, less chance of binding, and longer-lasting drill bits.
Family Handyman
2. Don’t Push Too Hard
There’s a “sweet spot” where the right rpm combined with the right pressure drills fastest. You won’t find that sweet spot by pushing down as hard as you can. Too much pressure will slow the drilling process and put unnecessary wear and tear on the motor gears, and you'll break bits.
Family Handyman
3. Avoid Over Drilling
Most hammer drills and rotary hammers come with a side handle and depth stop. Use them to avoid drilling deeper holes than needed, saving time and bits. Also, some plastic anchors need a back to stop them, or they will push through the hole.
Family Handyman
4. Drill a Smaller Hole First
If you need larger holes than the recommended capacity of your drill, start with a smaller hole. This will significantly reduce the load on the drill. Smaller bits also don’t skate around as much as larger bits, which is helpful when you need a precise hole.
Learn tips for getting the most out of your drill press here.
The company is the world’s best truck mounted drill rig supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our specialized staff will help you find the product you need.