Cordless Hammer Drill for Concrete
While some believe that there is not much difference between a regular drill and a hammer mechanism drill, this is not the case. 
A regular drill can drill holes into solid surfaces while a hammer drill does the same but often more effectively into a block of concrete, brick walls, or other cement structures and with a forward movement (much like a hammer).
Finding the best cordless hammer drill for holes in concrete within your price range can be a difficult task, which is where this article will come in handy.
Below, we will be looking into six of the most notable cordless drills with hammer action on the market so that you can make a more informed decision about which hammer drill/driver will suit your needs best.
Top 6 Cordless Hammer Drill Quick Comparison
| Cordless Hammer Drill | Key Specifications | More Info |
|---|---|---|
 DeWalt DCH273B Cordless Drill | Weight: 6.4 lbs. Chuck: SDS-Plus Voltage: 20 Volts Impact: 4600 BPM | PriceDetail review |
 Ryobi P1813 Cordless Drill | Weight: 3.15 lbs. Chuck: Metal Ratcheting Voltage: 18 Volts Torque: 750 in-lbs. | PriceDetail review |
 Milwaukee 2702-20 Brushless | Weight: 3 lbs. Chuck: Metal Ratcheting Voltage: 18 Volts Torque: 500 in-lbs. | PriceDetail review |
 SKIL HD529402 Cordless Drill | Weight: 5.26 lbs. Chuck: Metal Ratcheting Voltage: 20 Volts Torque: 750 in-lbs. | PriceDetail review |
 Ridgid R8611503 Cordless Drill | Weight: 4.04 lbs. Chuck: Metal keyless Voltage: 18 Volts Torque: 780 in-lbs. | PriceDetail review |
 Hitachi DV18DBFL2 Cordless Drill | Weight: 3.7 lbs. Chuck: Metal keyless Voltage: 18 Volts Torque: 620 in-lbs. | PriceDetail review |
Top Rated 6 Cordless Hammer Drill Reviews
Although there are some brands that are known far and wide for producing exceptional power tools, you may be surprised to find gems from even some of the more obscure brands.
So, let’s get started.
1DeWalt DCH273B SDS Rotary Cordless Hammer Drill
- Impact: 4600 BPM
- Voltage: 20 Volt
- Weight: 6.4 lbs.
Starting with one of the most well-known power tool brands on the market, let us look at DeWalt’s best SDS hammer drill. This is a 20 volts hammer drill with a brushless motor. The Active Vibration Control technology ensures minimal vibrations; its impact energy of 2.1 joules allows to drill tough materials even without the cord.
Highlight Features:
- Lightweight but extremely powerful.
- Compact design with high revolutions per minute.
- Interchangeable chucks allow for customized drill bit tightening.
- Very easy to handle due to the D-shaped handle and additional side handle.
- Has minimum vibrations.
- Brushless motor and long-lasting battery for prolonged runtime and stability
- Soft grip handle and side handle
- Comes with 20 volt Max Li-ion batteries.
- Ergonomic handle.
Handle and Side Handle
The drill comes with a side handle that will help you hold it stably and use it with ease. Not to mention the convenient D-shaped handle, which most people prefer their powerful tools. The side handle can also be attached facing either the left or right, depending on your orientation.
Speed and Chuck Type
It weighs 6.4 lbs and requires a Lithium-ion battery. This hammer drill’s no-load speed ranges from 0 to 1100 RPM. It uses an SDS chuck, which is the perfect chuck mechanism to have on a hammer drill/driver as it allows the back and forth motion much easier.
BPM and Drilling Specifications
And the drill’s blows per minute range from 0 to 4600, which means it can get the job done quite fast. The ideal concrete drilling for this tool is from 5/32-inch to ½-inch. Dewalt’s best rotary hammer drill for holes in concrete is an excellent tool for digging, chiseling and known as the, but keep in mind that it cannot be used in wet conditions.
2Ryobi P1813 One+ Lithium-Ion Cordless Drill Hammer
- Torque:: 750 in-lbs.
- Voltage: 18 Volt
- Weight: 3.15 lbs.
What is appealing about this 18 volts hammer action drill from Ryobi is that it is cordless and light. This is a very basic drill, with no complicated features and one that gets the job done.
Highlight Features:
- Remarkably lightweight drill that women can operate.
- Relatively affordable given its small size.
- Magnetic holder on the hammer drill allows storage of drill bits or fasteners.
- Has multiple modes of operation.
- Ergonomic design with a comfortable grip.
- Powerful motor produces 750 inch-lbs of torque
- 24 Position clutch.
- 0-410 / 0-1,800 RPM no-load speed with the 3-position speed adjustment knob
- 3-mode drive control: drill mode, drive mode, and hammer mode
Power, Amperage, and Speed
The drill provides up to 750 inches-pounds of torque and has three-speed options. Its P108 battery is 4 Amps and lasts a very long time while also needing only about an hour to fully charge.
Lightweight and Temperature Resistant
This lightweight hammer drill is weighing just around 3 lbs. Needless to say, the drill is very easy to hold and use for long periods of time because of this. It also functions well in both very high and very low temperatures.
Magnetic Holder
Another appeal of this Ryobi heavy-duty model is the magnetic holder on the body of the drill itself, where users can store small parts such as drill bits and fasteners. The hammer drill/driver requires one Lithium-ion battery, which comes included with the product.
3Milwaukee 2702-20 M18 1/2-Inch Compact Brushless
- Torque:: 500 in-lbs.
- Voltage: 18 Volt
- Weight: 3 lbs.
One of the most affordable yet capable battery power cordless tools on the market is the 18 volts Milwaukee M18.
Highlight Features:
- Temperature can be monitored, so the drill does not become overheated.
- A very lightweight power tool that gets the job done.
- Cordless, portable, and easier to use tight spaces.
- A very affordable option for a more-than-decent hammer drill.
- Designed with brushless motor produce 500 in-lbs of torque
- 2-steps variable speed 0-450 and 0-1800 RPM fit faster drilling applications.
- Automatic temperature control to prevent damage.
Multi-Functional and Cordless
The M18 battery power compact hammer drill operates as a drill, hammer, hammer drill/driver, and as a hammer-driver drill. It is cordless and uses a Lithium-ion battery.
Temperature Control
This drill’s signature Redlink Intelligence technology allows it to monitor the internal temperature, which helps prevent damage and extends the tool’s life. This technology also protects the drill from overload and applications for which it is not intended to be used.
Shock Resistant and Powerful
Also, the drill has a maximum torque of 500-inch pounds and a speed range from 0 to 1800 RPM allow to drill tough materials. Additionally, it is said to have 50% more run time than and twice the life of a regular brushed motor. It is equipped to withstand shock and weighs only 3 lbs, making it a very mobile power tool.
4Skil HD529402 PWRCore Brushless, 1/2 Inch
- Torque:: 500 in-lbs.
- Voltage: 18 Volt
- Weight: 3 lbs.
Highlight Features:
- Great value for money and perfect for regular use around the house.
- Works really well with concrete and tight spaces.
- Compact size, lightweight you can use it one-handed.
- Easy charging of the battery.
- Cordless, making it easy to use, transport, and store.
- 3-in-1 Functionality.
- Keyless Chuck and Multiple speed settings.
- Built-In Cooling System and Easy Charging.
- Ergonomic design.
- Comfortable grip.
Another affordable brushless hammer drill with a powerful motor is the PWRCore 20 from SKIL.
This power toll from SKIL is 20 volts, and one serves three functions. It can operate as a hammer drill, a drill, and a screwdriver. Switching from one of these modes to the other is also a breeze.
Drill bits can be changed out easily thanks to the 2 inches deep ratcheted keyless chuck. This tool weighs a little over 5 lbs, has a brushless motor, and features over 17 different torque settings. Its maximum torque amounts to 450-inch pounds.
An internal cooling mechanism keeps the PWR core 20 Lithium-ion battery from heating up, hence increasing run time and battery life. The built-in USB port allows you to charge other devices using the drill’s battery.
5Ridgid R8611503 Gen5X Cordless 1/2 Inch with LED Lighting
- Torque:: 780 in-lbs.
- Voltage: 18 Volt
- Weight: 4.04 lbs.
Highlight Features:
- Concentrated LED light shines on the area being drilled.
- Support handle helps with stability and drilling accuracy.
- Reasonably priced.
- Lightweight and Impactful
- Detachable Handle and Great Mobility.
This is an 18 volts cordless model from the brand Ridgid. It is one of the most affordable powerful tools out there, while also being very portable and powerful.
It weighs only 4 lbs and has a torque of 780 inch-pounds. The drill uses a Lithium-ion cell battery, and its speed dial goes from numbers 0 to 100.
Ridgid’s R8611503 brushless hammer drill has a detachable support handle, which makes an already light power tool even more comfortable to operate. However, the main grip is a standard one and is not D-shaped. That said, the attached belt clip truly indicates how mobile this hammer drill is.
6Hitachi DV18DBFL2 Lithium-Ion Cordless Brushless
- Torque:: 620 in-lbs.
- Voltage: 18 Volt
- Weight: 3.7 lbs.
Highlight Features:
- Very lightweight and easy to handle.
- An affordable option.
- Variable drilling speeds option for different conditions.
- Multiple modes to switch between.
- Brushless Motor
- Fast Operation and Keyless Chuck
- Built-In LED Light and Multiple Torque Settings.
Hitachi will be far from the first name that comes to mind when one is thinking of buying power tools. In fact, it has been some time now since Hitachi power tools were renamed become Metabo HPT. This particular model of hammer drive from Hitachi features a brushless motor which allows for longer run time and also an extended life for the tool itself.
It has a turning torque of 620 inch-pounds, an RPM of 0 to 1800, and a BPM of up to 27000. This is a lot of speed and power, given how lightweight the tool is. The drill also has a metallic keyless ratcheting chuck measuring ½”, which allows for quick and efficient replacement of bits.
And the brushless hammer drill has a 3-mode LED light built into it, which makes it great for use in dark places. It has 22 settings for torque, and both drill and hammer drill modes, as well as 2 clutch settings. This tool only weighs 3.7 pounds and requires 2 sliding Lithium-ion batteries.
Buyer’s Guide
Before investing in a cordless hammer drill, there are some things you should look for in your product of choice. Even if you are set on buying a particular hammer-drive drill from a specific brand, below are some features you should make sure the tool has.
What to Look for Before Buying the Best Hammer Drill for the Money:
Uses
Sure, a hammer drill/driver is a handy tool to have around in any home or workplace. However, it would help if you still evaluated what you will be using a hammer drill before buying one. Certain drills work better on, say, cement than on stone. Certain drill bits will also work better on specific materials.
These and other user-specific factors need to be considered by any potential hammer drill buyer.
Cordless or Not Cordless
While the cordless may seem like the more enticing option, a corded hammer drill ensures a consistent supply of power and an uninterrupted working experience. It would help if you only opted for a cordless hammer drill for small jobs or jobs in places with little-to-no power supply.
That said, a cordless hammer drill is a perfect option for you if you only intend to use it around the house from time to time. Cordless drills are not only more versatile than corded ones, but they are also highly portable and mobile.
Still, a corded drill will always be more powerful, given its higher RPM rate. This also translates to corded impact drivers being faster at the same job as a cordless hammer drill.
Amperage (Power)
On the one hand, a hammer drill with a higher amperage (say, 10 amps) will be faster and more powerful. However, a more powerful motor also means a heavier motor and an ultimately heavier hammer drill.
If a high amperage is a must for you, get a hammer drill with a motor over 7 amps, but be prepared to practice to get the hang of it. Even when you are used to the weighty hammer drill, it will eventually tire your arms out, so that is another thing to keep in mind.
Speed Options
When it comes to power tools, anything that gives the user greater control is a plus, and a variable speed option for hammer drills is one of those things. Adjusting the drill’s speed will allow you to work by the material and drill bit you are using.
If you cannot change your hammer drill speed, then that really narrows down the variety of materials you can use the drill on. With the right drill bit and increased speed, a hammer drill can even drill through steel or softwood.
Of course, you should read the manual for your particular hammer drill before trying out new speeds on a certain material. Otherwise, you may end up damaging one or both. Try to get a hammer drill with a variety of drill bits and a wide RPM range.
Other Features
There are several minor features a hammer drill can have, which will make its use safer and more productive. For instance, a depth gauge will allow you to drill holes that are identical in depth.
Another useful feature would be a keyed chuck. While a keyless chuck is definitely faster to switch drill bits into and out of, a keyed chuck ensures security. With a keyed chuck, you would need to tighten a ‘key’ manually to keep the drill bit in place. This will protect both your work and yourself.
A hammer drill needs to be easy to hold because chances are, you will be using it for lengthy periods of time. Being as powerful as they are, cordless tools need to have ergonomic handles that are easy to grip and absorb shock.
The hammer drills that are most convenient to use have two handles, providing optimum stability during use.
Some Tips You Should Know about Hammer Drills
Hammer drills may seem like straightforward tools, but you can do things to make the experience of using them optimally.
Practice Safely
Firstly, make sure you are practicing safety. There can be a lot of kickback from drilling cement or stone, and you do not want that dust to get in your eyes or lungs. Wear a mask over your nose and mouth and put on a pair of goggles when operating a hammer drill.
Use Spare Wall
If it is your first time using a hammer drill, it will be a good idea to practice using the tool on a spare wall. The main thing you want to do is to apply the right amount of pressure when drilling. Applying too much pressure may damage the drill’s motor and/or the drill bit’s tip.
Inspect Your Workspace before Purchasing
Before you even buy a hammer drill, inspect the area you would like to work on. If it is a wall, you need to make sure that there are no cables, wires, or pipes going through the wall. Drilling into any of those could bring up a whole new set of problems for you to fix, so it is better to know about them beforehand.
Additional Information/FAQs
Below are answers to some of the most common questions potential hammer drill buyers may have regarding hammer drills.
Are hammer drills very heavy?
The weight of a hammer-drive drill depends on the amperage of its motor. And the higher the amperage, the more powerful the motor, and the heavier the hammer drill/driver itself.
Are cordless hammer drills better than corded hammer drills?
For small projects which are limited to a home or an office, or for areas where there is limited access to electricity, a cordless drill would work just fine. However, a corded hammer drill will always be more powerful and efficient than even the best cordless hammer drill/driver.
What kind of safety gear is needed when operating a hammer drill?
Users should always wear masks and eye goggles to protect their lungs and eyes from the dust when using a hammer drill/driver.
Is it necessary for the hammer drill to be a rotating one?
While a regular hammer drill will do the job decently, a rotary hammer drill is more versatile in its functions and is also much more powerful than a standard hammer drill.
Will a more expensive hammer drill perform better than an affordable one?
Most rotary cordless tools are priced anywhere between $100 to $200, and these work perfectly. However, by spending a bit more, you can also buy more power and speed in the drill.
Is it better to buy the hammer drill by itself or to buy accompanying accessories too?
While most accessories such as a dust collector or extra drill bits may seem redundant, they are definitely missed when a user has only bought the hammer drill and nothing else to accompany it.
What materials can hammer drills be used on?
Most hammer drills are meant to be used for masonry, on stone, concrete, and even metal. Additionally, brands will often list which materials a particular hammer drill can be used on.
Final Words
With all that said and done, you will now hopefully be able to purchase the best hammer drill/driver for yourself.
No matter which brand or mechanism you go for, the most important thing is to practice safety while operating power tools such as hammer drills.
