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Working on extremely tough surfaces such as concrete, brick or masonry will make you appreciate the help done by hammer drills. The best hammer drill is essentially a tool that determines the groundwork of masonry projects and other similar works. This product is best described as a power tool that reciprocates the forward motion of a hammer while easily drilling holes to any surface.
Home improvements, remodeling, and other renovation work will surely demand the use of a hammer drill. When faced with the problem of drilling holes to metal and other concrete surfaces, some would try to use a regular drill but having it in your utility box will resolve your worries especially if you need to bore bigger holes than usual.
When it comes to taking on tough drilling tasks, having a reliable and efficient hammer drill is essential. Whether you’re a professional or a DIY enthusiast, finding the right tool is crucial. In this review, we’ll evaluate and compare seven top-notch hammer drills to help you make an informed decision. The models under scrutiny are the DEWALT DCD996B, SKIL 6445-04, PORTER-CABLE PCC620B, MAKITA XPH07Z, BOSCH BULLDOG XTREME, RYOBI P214 ONE+ Torque Hammer Drill, and DEWALT DWD520K. Read on to discover the hammer drill that suits your needs perfectly.
- DEWALT-built high power, high efficiency brushless motor of DEWALT 20V hammer drill delivers up to 75% more runtime vs. 18V NiCad brushed motors
- The cordless hammer drill features heavy-duty 1/2-inch ratcheting nitro-carburized metal chuck with carbide inserts for superior bit gripping strength
- 3-Mode LED provides lighting in dark or confined spaces up to 20X brighter than previous model
- LED Spotlight Mode features 20 minute shutoff function allowing for extended work time in dark or confined spaces
- Poweful 7.0 amp motor for tough applications
- 1/2 in. keyed chuck to accept large diameter bits designed for woodworking and cutting
- Side assist handle for controlled, accurate drilling
- Variable Speed trigger for controlled drilling speed
- High performance DEWALT hammer drill delivers 27,200 BPMs
- The cordless hammer drill has 2-speed gear box (0-400 RPM) for high torque applications (0-1600 RPM) for high speed applications
- 1/2-inch metal racheting chuck minimizes bit slipping in chuck
- Battery fuel gauge, belt hook, LED light, (2) magnets for bit storage
- Battery and charger sold separately
- BL Brushless Motor delivers 1,090 in.lbs. of Max Torque
- 0-31,500 BPM for fast hammer drilling in masonry materials
- Efficient BL Brushless motor is electronically controlled to optimize battery energy use for up to 50% longer run time per charge
- The BL Brushless Motor eliminates carbon brushes, enabling the BL Motor to run cooler and more efficiently for longer life
- The electronically-controlled BL Brushless Motor efficiently uses energy to match torque and RPM to the changing demands of the application
- 3 MODES: multi-function selector offers 3 modes of operation; Rotation-only, rotary hammer, and hammer only mode; Variable speed trigger with reverse offers accurate bit starting or easy fastener removing
- EASE OF USE: vibration control for comfort in all day applications
- ERGONOMIC: D-handle design provides comfort and optimal control, especially for overhead or downward drilling applications
- CONVENIENT: SDS-plus bit system provides tool-free bit changes with automatic bit locking, dust protection and maximum impact energy transfer; Vario lock positioning offers 36 bit positions for optimized chiseling angle
- POWER: 7.5 amp motor produces 0.1,300 RPM and 0.5,800 BPM to power through the toughest applications; delivers 2.0 feet /pounds of impact energy for maximum performance
- Product will either come in original packaging that is in less than perfect shape and has been opened to inspect contents or will come in non-retail packaging (brown/white box or white/clear bag). 24-position clutch and 2-speed gear box to match drilling and driving needs
- 1/2 in. all-metal, keyless, ratcheting chuck for increased strength and durability
- Clutch override for quick mode changes from drilling to driving
- Drill mode: For drilling holes in wood, plastic and metal
- Drive mode: For driving screws and bolts
- 10 amp motor of DEWALT hammer drill delivers increased drilling performance
- Patented DEWALT-built motor design generates 50% more power with increased overload protection for added durability
- Dual Mode: hammerdrill / drill for versatility in masonry, wood, or steel drilling applications
- 2-Speed range for high-speed drilling or high-torque applications
- Soft grip handle and two-finger trigger for increased comfort and greater control
Options When Buying a Hammer Drill
Choosing the type of hammer drill depends on the kind of work that you are involved with. If there will be a lot of tough materials to work with and you will be in need of a constant power source it will be best to buy corded hammer drills. The location of the job might also affect your choice. If the site does not have a power source nearby, going cordless will be better. Most workers will only opt for a cordless drill when they have limited access to electricity.
Things to Look Into When Buying a Hammer Drill
- Speed Settings – When looking for a hammer drill to buy, keep in mind that you should get a tool that allows a variety of speed settings. Some drills work on a single-speed setting if you want to use your drill on diverse types of jobs, get one with numerous speed settings. Great control on the speed of your hammer drill enables an easier way to chip and bore holes on concrete and other hard surfaces. Being able to properly adjust the speed will make your work more precise.
- Motor Power – Getting the work done quickly and efficiently will be the reason why we need to consider the power capacity of the tool that you will be buying. Having a motor capable of 7 amps will be good enough for a standard hammer drill. You can always opt for a drill with a motor capable of 10 amps but keep in mind that they might be bigger and heavier compared to the standard ones.
- Safety Features – Working with power tools requires an adequate level of safety to prevent accidents from happening. This feature often affects user feedback. That is why most tools nowadays are manufactured with added safety features to ensure that users are safe whenever they use the equipment. Some features you need to look out are overheating protection, automatic bit locking, and integral clutch.
- Weight – The weight of the tool will affect your control while using it. The pressure on your arms while using the tool affects the duration of the job you are doing. The hammer drill should have a proportional weight to the motor power it possesses so that you can maximize your work without putting too much strain on your arms.
Hammer drill vs. Regular Impact drill
The main differences between these two tools lie in their appearance, purpose, and method of operation. Although it can be used for drilling holes, a regular impact drill is mainly used for driving in nails and screws. This tool will only be useful for regular drilling jobs and shouldn’t be used for tasks that require the tool some extra power because it will surely cause damage to your impact drill. When your job involves drilling into hard surfaces like concrete, bricks or masonry, the hammer drill should be your go-to tool.
Hammer drills are usually heavier and bigger than impact drills. Unlike the rotary motion of the regular drill, hammer drills can move in a back and forth fashion like a hammer. It vibrates a lot and can be very loud when used. To ensure that the tool won’t cause any damage to the surface an adjustable clutch is present in hammer drills.
Conclusion:
Buying an expensive power tool needs careful consideration. Researching for the right model and knowing the features that you badly need will create a big difference once your order arrives at your doorstep.
This article is not just aimed for people who shop online. Being knowledgeable of the features that you are looking for in a tool that you plan to buy will keep you from receiving unnecessary promotional offers while you are in the store.
The variety of choices for hammer drills available in the market is wide. What we have covered are just some of the most preferred models of DIYers and professionals. We want you to make an informed decision. So you can always go through our list and check if one of these items fits your needs then see if it also fits your budget.
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