Tools

The Top 9 Best Cordless Hammer Drills, Buyer’s Guide & Reviews

Last updated on June 23rd, 2021

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We Reveal The Best Cordless Hammer Drills for 2021

There are many brands and designs of hammer drills produced on a daily basis. They range massively in price from £20 to well over £100 for professional models from leading brands such as DeWalt and Bosch.

Since selection can be overwhelming, we have jotted down a few pointers. These pointers are meant to act as a guide to help you make the right decision and get the best drill hammer available for your chosen budget and specification.

Below is our ‘Best Pick’ which after many hours of intensive research, we think would be the best cordless hammer drill for most people for both home use and professional tradesmen. It offers excellent performance, reliability and more importantly, offers excellent value for money and comes with everything you need with the battery and charger also included.

BEST PICK

Ryobi ONE Cordless Combi Drill
This model has been manufactured to the highest standards and should serve you for some years. It has been made from a treated plastic and metal to ensure the highest robust build quality to withstand the toughest working conditions. The Ryobi hammer drill comes with two 18v 1.3 Ah Lithium-Ion batteries which are efficient and easily rechargeable with the included charger. You will save the added expense of buying batteries and if you have other Ryobi power tools or garden tools it will also work in these.

Our Top 9 Recommended Cordless Drill Reviews

1. Ryobi ONE Cordless Combi Drill

BEST PICK

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Ryobi LLCDI18022 ONE+ 18V Cordless Percussion Drill/Driver with 2x 1.3Ah Batteries and Charger

The Ryobi ONE Cordless Combi Drill is one very productive model and the winner of our ‘Best Pick thanks to its high performance, features, build quality and excellent value for money, especially when you consider it comes with two batteries included.

This model has been manufactured to the highest standards and should serve you for years.

  • Comes with 2 x 18v 1.3 Ah batteries and a charger.
  • Three basic functions – hammering for drilling into brick, drilling and screwdriver.
  • 13 mm key-less One-touch mechanism for switching bits/screws in seconds with one hand.
  • It has two separate speed gears for better control when working with different materials.
  • Incorporates speed adjustment settings and brake mechanisms for better control when working on different materials.
  • 24 adjustable torque settings for better control, reverse and forward actions for convenience.
  • 2-year guarantee for extra peace of mind.
  • Max. torque: 50 Nm
  • No-load speed gear 1: 0-350 rpm – No-load speed gear 2: 0-1300 rpm

The model is made from treated plastic and metal to ensure the highest robust build quality to withstand the toughest working conditions. 

The Ryobi hammer drill comes with two 18v 1.3 Ah Lithium-Ion batteries which are efficient and easily rechargeable with the included charger. You will save the added expense of buying batteries and if you have other Ryobi power tools or garden tools it will also work in these to which is an added bonus that could save you a small fortune as you can purchase the bare tools should you wish.

This highly efficient combo drill has three basic functions which include drilling, screw driving, and more importantly for our review, hammer drilling. Depending on what you are working on, you will be able to select the primary function. This is especially useful when dealing with drilling and screw driving functions.

To make matters easier for you, the model is ergonomically designed to offer you comfort as you work. Considering that this model is not as lightweight as some brands on the market. It is important that the weight is evenly distributed which Ryobi have done perfectly. The grip has to be firm but ultimately comfortable.

For greater control, as you work, the model comes with a 2-speed setting and 24  adjustment torque settings. The model has a gearbox that is aimed at controlling the speed of 350 rpm for more delicate work and 1300 rpm for more rapid work.

You can decide to use the first gear for lighter materials and the other to be used for thicker materials. The 12 adjustment torque settings provide you with the maximum 50Nm or less torque depending on what material you are working with.

The model also has lock mechanisms. These mechanisms are created to prevent accidental motion that may cause harm. With a keyless chuck and a two-year warranty, the Ryobi ONE Cordless Combi Drill is a very impressive model and an all-around winner.

The 2-year warranty is there to show you that the manufacturer is committed to providing you with good quality products. It comes in a compact carry bag that will store it until you need the power tool.

  • It is quite heavy. This means it is not adaptable to small hands or working in tight corners. The charger is not durable and tends to stop working after some time.

Our recommendation

The Ryobi ONE Cordless Combi Drill is an effective tool that is created to handle small to medium projects which makes it perfect for home and professional use.

What we like about this model are its functionality and durability. It can work with plastic, woods and some form of metals. A brilliant drill for an avid DIY enthusiast, this tool will serve you very well.

The only thing we would add to this model is the LED light for better visibility in dimly lit areas. Other than that, it is a very efficient hammer drill with very few faults and is an absolute gem. This model is really hard to beat, comes with everything you need, (unlike other models) 2 batteries, a charger and even a nice carry bag to keep everything secure and tidy.

We were that impressed with this model that we awarded it our ‘Best Pick Award’ because of its build quality, high performance and excellent value for money as some models cost more just for the drill with no batteries or charger.

The only thing we would add is that if you have more intensive heavy-duty work to tackle on a daily basis, you may want to consider a more heavy-duty model with a little power. Other than this, this is the best hammer drill for most people, with amazing value.

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2. Bosch PSB 1800 LI-2 Cordless Combi Drill

AMAZING VALUE FOR THE HOME DIY USER

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Bosch Home and Garden Cordless Combi Drill PSB 1800 LI-2 (2 x 18 volt batteries, 20 torque settings, drill and impact function, in carrying case)

The Bosch PSB 1800 Cordless Hammer drill makes its debut in this review seamlessly and is the perfect drill for a range of jobs around the home and garden or the DIY enthusiast.

Being that Bosch is keen on providing people with tools that are energy efficient. The use of Lithium-Ion batteries is the first step. Lithium-Ion batteries are popular because they are compact, retain their charge and charge in as little as one hour. Their compact size and effective energy-saving structure, enable the power tool to be used whenever needed without having to worry about it losing its charge when it is not being used over long periods of time. What’s more, this model comes with two batteries so you can have one on a charge whilst using the other.

  • Technically advanced thanks to its Bosch Syneon chip that ensures sufficient energy utilisation at all times for the job at hand.
  • Ergonomically designed for comfort and features a LED light for better visibility when working in dimly lit areas.
  • 2- speed gearbox for maximum control and 20 torque adjustment settings that give better control for any type of job.
  • Incorporates the Bosch auto-lock system for safety purposes.
  • 3 different functions are supported by 18v Lithium-Ion batteries for longer work times and charge time of only 60 minutes thanks to the quick charger.
  • For convenience, it comes with a keyless chuck so you can change between the bits within seconds.
  • 2-year guarantee for full peace of mind which can be extended to 3 years by simply registering your purchase online.

We recently did a new Bosch PSB 1800 Combi Drill Review – Read our latest review in this new guide

The second step that Bosch has undertaken to ensure maximum performance is the use of the syneon chip that they have fitted to a range of their power tools, such as leaf blowers, hedge trimmers, and impact drivers as well as many other models they manufacture.

The function of the syneon chip is to make sure that energy is effectively used up and available when needed. This makes them highly efficient as well, as they only deliver maximum power when needed. Your motor, batteries and gears need to be in perfect sync to produce a maximum performance which it does very well. This chip is a miracle worker since the chip scientifically controls the amount of energy going through the power tool.

The ergonomic design ensures maximum comfort making it ideal even when you are working for longer periods of time. The grip and overall padding are important to protect both you and the material that you are working with. To make matters easier for you, the manufacturer’s have installed an LED light. Lights are installed in power tools to increase visibility when working in dimly lit areas. If you find yourself working in dimly lit areas, then the Bosch PSB 1800 Cordless Drill will come to the rescue, not an essential feature but a useful one that does come in handy.

The model features three functions just like some of the brands in this review. These functions include hammer drilling of which the hammer function comes in very handy when drilling into brickwork, screwdriver for driving in screws and regular drilling which is ideal for making pilot holes etc. These functions give you options when it comes to working with different materials and fastenings which makes it perfect for a range of jobs around the home.

To give you better control as you are working the hammer drill has adjustable settings. These adjustments are aimed at speed and torque. The Bosch PSB 1800 has a speed of up to 1350rpm. This 2-speed setting is controlled by the gearbox. According to the material you are working with, you might need slower or faster speeds. Control of speed is necessary especially with thicker materials such as steel where you might need to go slow and take your time to avoid burning out drill bits.

The Bosch PSB 1800 comes with 20 torque settings. These adjustable torque settings will come in handy when you are working with different kinds of material. The kind of impact dense hardwood can take when driving in large screws is not to be compared when working with materials like plastic.

For safety purposes, this model comes with an auto-lock. You can be certain that with the keyless chuck, that switching bits will be faster and the bits will stay in place. The two-year warranty acts as surety from the manufacturer that the product is constructed for high performance which is expected no less of from Bosch.

  • Designed for home use or lighter tasks and so would not be suitable for heavier daily use, ie not for professional use.

Our recommendation

The Bosch PSB 1800 Combi Hammer Drill comes in as a lightweight model perfect for general home use and DIY projects.

The model is effective at handling small to medium projects, it has enough power to support a speed of 1350rpm making it a good all-around general purpose drill to have around the house. 

It is perfect for smaller and more sensitive projects. We like that it is portable and makes use of smart energy systems which we had seen before on previous power tools and always be very impressed with.

The model comes at an affordable price and at least you do not have to purchase the batteries separately like some models as it has two batteries and a 1-hour charger, so no more waiting 5 hours for it to recharge, a huge bonus!

We like the fact that having 20 torque settings gives you more options and control over a range of jobs. We just wish that this product had a tighter chuck to hold the bits in place during impact, that being said it is more than sufficient for most home jobs but makes it a little unsuitable for excessive use of the hammer feature when drilling into the brick as you will find yourself tightening the chuck.

Overall if you are looking for a model for around the home or tackling amateur DIY projects then this model is worth considering. During our research, we did notice that this model was the Best Selling drill in the Hammer Drill category with well over 1000 reviews.

Anyone looking for a real workhorse for professional use would be better looking for a more powerful model such as our ‘Best Pick’ the Ryobi One Cordless hammer drill or the Dewalt 18v XR model (which we have reviewed below) as it has been designed for more rigorous use.

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3. DeWalt 18V XR Brushless Compact Lithium-Ion Combi Drill

EXCELLENT FOR HEAVY DUTY TRADE USE

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Dewalt 18V XR Brushless Compact Lithium-Ion Combi Drill

The DeWalt XR Brushless Combi Drill has been fashioned for durability and flexibility. It is adaptable to working with materials that need intensive drilling. The brushless technology is aimed at increasing the general running time, reliability and performance.

  • It comes with the latest in brushless technology for extra efficiency.
  • Compact lightweight design for working in tight areas.
  • Powered by Lithium-Ion batteries.
  • It comes with 14 adjustable torque settings and all-metal transmission speed adjustment settings.
  • It has an intelligent trigger that is ergonomically positioned on the hammer drill.
  • It also comes with a LED light for better visibility and it has an electric brake system.
  • It has a keyless all-metal chuck which makes for faster attachment and detachment during forwarding/ reverse mode.

Lithium-Ion batteries are a great source of compact energy, these batteries are easily rechargeable and can dispense power for longer periods of time. Their compact size facilitates easy portability and energy saving. This model does not weigh as much as some of the hammer drills in this review. In fact, we can consider it lightweight, making it perfect for working in tight areas or high ceilings. After all, you need to have a comfortable posture when you work, especially over longer periods of time.

When working with power tools that are designed to deliver impact, you need adjustable torque settings. These adjustable torque settings will make sure that whatever material you are working with, receives the right amount of impact. This DeWalt model comes with 14 adjustable torque settings and a speed regulator so no matter what job you are tackling you have the right amount of torque and speed.

The model has a speed of 0-600rpm and 0-2000 rpm. This way you have maximum control when you are working with various materials that will require different speeds. This is very convenient as different materials have different requirements to get through. To give you more control, this model has an intelligent trigger. This means that the hammer drill cannot go unregulated. You can start and stop whenever you need to instantly and the intelligent trigger also controls the speed so you can start off slow and increase speed as needed.

Ease of use is crucial for comfort. Hammer drills are created to give a little bit more impact. This impact has to be supported by a stable hand. To have a stable hand means that the grip has to be comfortable. An ergonomically designed product facilitates this, which this model does really well.

The use of an LED light is featured on this model, this LED light increases visibility in hard to see areas which are handy when working under stairs, inside cupboards etc. 

A keyless chuck saves you time when attaching and detaching your bits, this Dewalt model is fitted with an all-metal chuck. This function is an added bonus to a good hammer drill and the all-metal design is an improved design when compared to cheaper models that use plastic parts.

  • This model is expensive when compared to some models, however it is also superior in design and quality as you would expect from DeWalt.

Our recommendation

The DeWalt 18V XR Brushless Combi Drill can handle medium to heavy-handed jobs. Its speed and torque are enough to work on even the thicker most dense materials such as steel and hardwood.

Its ease of use and overall performance endears us to this product. It has an excellent battery life making it ideal for commercial and trade use.

This high-quality product is made to give options and impact. Overall it is fairly expensive when compared to our ‘Best Pick’, but it is perfect for heavy-duty commercial use, whereas our ‘Best Pick’ is perfect for both home and professional use but not quite on par in terms of heavy-duty use.

If you are looking for a serious hammer drill then this DeWalt XR model is perfect and will tackle just about any job you throw at it. An excellent model, very impressive but at a price. A worthy investment for any professional, highly recommended.

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4. Bosch UNEO Maxx SDC Hammer Drill

EXCELLENT FOR HEAVY DUTY TRADE USE

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Bosch Home and Garden Cordless Drill UneoMaxx (without battery, 18 volt system, in carton packaging)

The Bosch UNEO Maxx Cordless Hammer Drill comes with three basic functions under one body. Just like some of the brands in the market, multi-purpose functions are usually encouraged as it makes them more versatile and can be used for nearly all drilling jobs. This product can drill, drive in screws and has a hammer function that makes light work of drilling into brick, stone and concrete. To make matters more convenient, it is ergonomically designed for easy handling and is lightweight.

When the hours drag along and you are working on a heavy-handed project. Your body seems to get more exhausted as the hour’s pass. To support your arms and provide better grip, the machine has padding and efficient insulation which helps reduce stress on your arms and hands, especially when drilling into brick and concrete.

  • Three basic functions under one body – Drilling, hammering, and screw driving.
  • It comes with an economical design powered by a powerful 18V Lithium-Ion battery that can be used with other Bosch tools.
  • This lightweight model conveniently comes with its own hexagonal tool holder but you need to purchase the Bosch SDS Quick drill bits or other hexagonal bits separately.
  • The Bosch Syneon chip is installed to ensure effective energy management so you have maximum power when needed.
  • It comes with a manageable quick-change chuck and LED lights for better visibility when working in dimly lit areas.

The Bosch UNEO hammer drill is an efficient energy performance machine and incorporates the Bosch Syneon chip that is designed to distribute the energy equally from your batteries to your motor. This is convenient since you do not have to worry about overheating or losing too much charge as it only uses maximum power when needed. Smart energy management is a feature that we are noting with many current brands on the market have started to highlight and feature on all their tools.

This machine operates on an 18V Lithium-Ion battery. These batteries, as stipulated before, are good at storing power for longer periods of time and they do not require too much time to charge, usually within only 60 minutes. This product is part of the Bosch power for all system. This is where a pack of batteries can be used on many Bosch products. This saves you money and time in the long run as you can choose to buy your power tools and garden tools as bare tools instead.

This product comes with efficient speed and torque to drive through steel, concrete and wood. It has a powerful impact of 0.6 joules. To regulate the speed, this model comes with an electric trigger. You can decide when to accelerate to the maximum or otherwise.

To keep your bit sizes in place, the Bosch UNEO Max Cordless Hammer Drill has a durable keyless chuck. You can switch between your bit sizes whenever you need to without using tools. It has an LED light which is perfect for additional visibility when working in poorly lit areas. You can store some of your smaller tools in the hexagon tool compartment.

  • This product does not take standard bit sizes. You have to buy hexagonal-shaped bits or Bosch own SDS Quick drill bits.

Our recommendation

The Bosch UNEO Maxx Cordless Hammer Drill is another lightweight beauty that we have in this review.

Its light body offers excellent performance and durability. Its maximum speed of 900rpm is quite low compared to some of the brands in this review. Although the speed is not very high it is a hammer drill that DIY lovers would enjoy. It is easy to handle and would work well with small to medium projects.

The only shortcoming is that you need specialised bits to work with this product. This is something that can be solved by purchasing the right bits which are readily available online or at any good DIY stores.

We really like the powerful pneumatic hammer mechanism that makes light work of brick, concrete and stone. If this is the sort of jobs you have in mind then this model is perfect and will get the job done,

Overall this is an excellent drill, well designed and very powerful. The only real downside is that it only takes certain bit types which you may need to invest in if you only have standard bit types.

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5. Makita DHP481Z 18V LXT Li-ion Brushless Combi Hammer Drill

IDEAL FOR HEAVY DUTY WORK

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Makita DHP481Z 18V Li-Ion LXT Brushless Combi Drill - Batteries and Charger Not Included

The Makita DHP481Z Brushless Hammer Drill is another high-performance drill from one of our favourite power tools manufacturers. This compact structure is designed for durability and to within constant daily use. It is powered by 18V Lithium-Ion batteries but we recommend you use at least a 4Ah battery to get the most out of it.

These environmentally friendly batteries supply this machine with an efficient power to deliver the right impact when needed. To protect the hammer drill from overheating or short-circuiting, the model incorporates what Makita call ‘Extreme Protection Technology’ also known as XPT. This helps protect the tool under the most extreme working conditions that can damage other drills.

  • Features a brushless motor for better performance and reliability.
  • Powered by an 18V Lithium-Ion battery (not included) and it is furnished with XPT features (extreme protection technology) which increases the run time of the drill.
  • For ease of use, it is lightweight, has twin LED lights and is ergonomically designed for comfort and ease of use.
  • It has adjustable torque and speed settings for better control as you work.
  • You can work with the forward or reverse action and use the electric brake to stop instantly to avoid over-screwing.

To make it more energy-efficient, the model comes with a brushless motor which is a big advantage over standard models and far more superior and efficient. Basically, all the energy that would have gone to supporting a brushed motor is redirected to other more important areas. This redirection offers you a longer running time and a better performance.

This is certainly something you should consider when in the market for the best cordless hammer drill.

We cannot stress the importance of comfort as you work. This is because stress can affect your overall health. We understand that some of you use this tool daily and that is why we support brands with ergonomic designs. Where balance and padding are provided. One such product is this Makita DHP481Z Brushless Hammer Drill.

The grip is firm and very comfortable to support the weight of the hammer drill. To increase the overall visibility of the surface that you are working on, this model comes with twin LED lights.

To switch between bits fast when in the middle of work, this Makita model has a “single sleeve keyless chuck”. This means that you have no need for tools. That time can be redirected to better use.

To stop the hammer drill and avoid tightening screws too tight or screwing them in too deep it also features an electric brake. This means that it stops and starts only when you are ready.

The Makita DHP481Z Brushless Hammer Drill has adjustable settings for speed and torque. The reason why we love this is that they give you more options and control. Different materials have different requirements. So to manage this model’s maximum speed of 0-2100 rpm and blows per minute of 8250 on low and 31500 on high.

You can also control the 21 torque settings to work according to the material you have at hand.

  • This model can be a little overwhelming for smaller sized screws and a cordless screwdriver may be a better choice. 

Our recommendation

The Makita DHP481Z Brushless Hammer Drill is one of the best cordless hammer drills in this review. We love that it is such a beast for such a manageable weight. This model has a powerful motor that is protected from the damages that are usually caused by overworking the drill on difficult materials.

This model can easily work with the most basic materials and it is adaptable to working with light to bulky projects. That being said, a cordless screwdriver may be better for screwing in smaller sized screws.

If you want an alternative you can try the DeWalt XR Brushless Combi Drill which provides essentially the same power but with fewer torque settings. Overall, we think that this is one of the best ones currently on market.

If it was between the Makita and DeWalt models, I think it would alternatively come down to if you had other compatible batteries as both are fantastic workhorses designed for intensive daily work.

Overall though you can’t really go wrong with the Makita DHP481Z Hammer Drill.

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6. Black & Decker 18V Lithium-Ion 2 Gear Hammer Drill

BEST BUDGET HAMMER DRILL

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BLACK+DECKER 18 V Cordless 2-Gear Hammer Drill with Kitbox, EGBL188K-GB

The Black Decker 2 Gear Hammer Drill is powered by Lithium-Ion batteries (which are included). The 18V that is used up to run this hammer drill makes sure that you have enough power for a range of jobs around the home.

This model follows the industry guidelines for safety and it’s fitted with an efficient brake mechanism that enables you to stop whenever you need to, making matters even more convenient for you and giving you more control to avoid tightening screws too tight etc.

  • Features 11 torque settings that give you control depending on the material you are working with.
  • Comes with three functions drill, hammer and driver.
  • Comes with a 2-step gear to manoeuvre the speed from low to high or vice versa, low speed had more torque while high gives you that extra speed.
  • Powered by 18V Lithium-Ion batteries that enable forward and reverse actions.
  • It is ergonomically built and one-time chuck mechanism for easy bit fittings.

To adjust the torque, you use the settings located at the head. This is suited for when you are working with materials that need more or less impact to get through.

The maximum torque of this machine is around 38Nm, it’s not as powerful our some of the other models we have reviewed but it can handle fixing furniture or some fixtures in the house and around the garden, making it a great budget model.

To adjust the speed from low to high, you have a 2-step gear to aid you. You can move from low to the maximum speed of 1350rpm and 20250bpm. This impact can work through masonry, wood and steel with ease. There is a limit however to your reach just like most hammer drills. Ensure low gear is set for maximum torque and high for screwing at speed for easier jobs.

This Black Decker 2 Gear Hammer Drill offers you both forward and reverse functions as you would expect.

To save your body some unnecessary discomfort, the machine is ergonomically designed. The padding offers you a soft firm grip. This way, your hands will not be accustomed to blisters and excessive dryness. The machine is also balanced and when it is placed on a flat surface it does not topple over, something we have seen some models actually do which is a big design flaw.

  • It is not powerful enough to work on a masonry project efficiently due to lack of power or driving in very long screws into hardwood.

Our recommendation

The Black Decker 2 Gear Hammer Drill is a good product if you are not working on large projects and on a budget.

This product is only strong enough to handle more domestic tasks around the home and garden. Otherwise, it would probably buckle under the stress and overheat. It also lacks the speed and high torque some tougher jobs may need.

It has adjustable torque settings that will give you more range when working on smaller sensitive projects. It is not too heavy and will hold a charge for a while before it is time to recharge again. It cannot be compared with our Best Pick when it comes to performance but it’s less than half the price.

As you would expect there are better models, however in terms of price, you won’t get better value for money as it includes a battery, charger and case. It really is a great product to have around the home as long as you don’t expect too much from it.

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7. Worx WX390 20V 3-in-1 H3 Max Lithium-Ion Rotary Hammer

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WORX WX390 18V (20V MAX) 3-in-1 H3 SDS Rotary Hammer Drill

The WORX WX390 Rotary Hammer is among the lightest of the hammer drills and it is surprisingly small and lightweight. Its compact design is supported by a strong shell that keeps everything intact. The lightweight design is aimed at giving you an easier time as you work whilst still offering all the power usually associated with larger models. Worx even claims it’s the most powerful hammer drill in its class.

  • It comes in a compact lightweight design that is ergonomically designed for more comfort while drilling.
  • Features three basic functions combined under one compact body.
  • It is part of the Powershare platform where the batteries can be used by other WORX machines that are compatible with the batteries. This model does come with a 20V – 2.0Ah Lithium battery and a 1-hour fast charger.
  • It is compatible with standard bits and SDS plus bits making it very versatile with all most bit types, unlike most drills.
  • It comes with LED lights and a keyless chuck to make your work easier when working in dimly lot areas and changing bits.
  • It comes with adjustable speed settings and forward/reverse functions.

The hardest thing to keep up with, especially as a handyman, is having to handle heavy tools for long periods of time. You want to handle a machine that will not give you any problems despite the angle you are working with. That is why this model is designed to offer you comfort as you work. The firm grip and soft handle will go a long way in providing you with comfort.

The LED lights are present to offer you better visibility as you work. You will be able to see the surface you are working on, even in darker working areas.

Since it is a multi-purpose tool, it has three functions boiled into one. These functions include drilling, screw driving and a bit of hammering action. Instead of purchasing all three tools separately, you now have one tool that does all three. You can now save money and time. Is that not a bonus?

As an effort to be more environmentally conscious, this product is part of the powersharing system (which we have seen similar versions from Bosch, DeWalt and Ryobi). This system enables several machines in the same brand to interchange batteries of the same voltage. This is a way for the population to use fewer batteries which tend to be hazardous to the environment if poorly disposed of. This also will save you some money at the end of the day.

Having to buy bits every time you get a new power tool can prove frustrating. This is why we applaud manufacturers that design power tools that have the capability to adapt. Models that are compatible with a range of bits, is a bonus. The WORX WX390 Rotary Hammer is one such product. It is compatible with standard bits and the SDS-plus bits, this is great news as usually you either use standard drill bits or SDS Plus types but rarely the two.

This model also has the forward and reverse function as you would expect to screw and unscrew as you please.

This is a reliable product that that has speed adjustment mechanisms so that you have more control. The maximum speed of this product is approximately 900rpm and has an impact force of 1.2 joules. This is higher compared with some lighter models.

You and trust that the keyless chuck works and does not need a lot of attention to function well.

  • It cannot be expected to handle heavy work and lacks torque settings.

Our recommendation

The WORX WX390 Rotary Hammer is efficient and at first seems to have it all.

It is a lightweight that is perfect for small jobs around the house.

This product will give you good service if you do not overwork it. It has a higher impact force but the speed leaves us wanting more.

The compatibility with standard and SDS-plus bits is a huge bonus with this product. It is definitely a keeper for DIY projects and will not disappoint.

We do feel that our ‘Best Pick’ does offer more, for not a lot more money, however, it is a great tool and if you already have Worx tools it is worth considering as you will have spare batteries which are always a bonus.

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8. DeWalt 18V Cordless Lithium LXT Hammer Drill

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DEWALT 18V CORDLESS LITHIUM LXT COMBI DRILL,DRILL DRIVER WITH HAMMER ACTION FACILITY COMPLETE WITH LITHIUM BATTERY,FAST CHARGER,HEAVY DUTY CARRYING CASE

The DeWalt 18V LXT Hammer Drill is another high-performance product by a trusted reliable company. It is designed to house the basic functions needed for all your drilling needs. The housing is constructed from durable materials to ensure resistance to damage under workplace conditions.

These three basic functions stated are drilling, screw driving and hammer drilling. These functions are supported by an 18v Lithium-Ion battery that has become an industry standard for cordless power tools and comes included in the set along with the 1-hour fast charger.

  • Three functions are powered by an 18V Lithium-Ion battery that ensures maximum performance.
  • The full set comes with its own 1-hour charger, 18v battery and robust carrying case.
  • Forward and reverse functions baked up with 15 torque settings to ensure you have the correct torque no matter the job at hand.
  • It is designed to be part of the XR Li-Ion series aimed at improving speed and efficiency.
  • It comes designed with an intelligent trigger with speed control.
  • To manage the speed, you can adjust the controls for optimum speed and an electric brake to stop whenever you need it.
  • Includes 1-year guarantee for full peace of mind.

To make sure that the motor runs without incidents, the product is designed with XR technology. These Lithium-Ion based technologies work to provide efficient and faster energy management for power tools to ensure you have all the power needed for the job at hand.

For ease of use, the LED lights are effectively placed to offer better visibility. Working with tools needs precision. With light, you can see marking placed even in poorly lit places.

To save time, you can easily switch bits. You do not have to employ other mechanisms to attach and detach your bits thanks to the quick-change chuck we have come to expect.

The grip of the handle is padded. This is to make sure that any size of a hand can manoeuvre the machine without feeling the strain and for added comfort.

When working with different materials, control is everything. You need to have a handle on your movements and the tool that is at hand. As said before, machines with adjustable settings give you more options.

This model comes with 15 torque settings to be adjusted as you please. The maximum torque of this product is estimated at 42Nm. This is a bit on the lower side. The speed settings can also be controlled. You can move from minimum to maximum according to the material you are handling. The maximum speed on this product is estimated at 1500rpm and 25500bpm. This speed is enough to handle wood, masonry, and some metals. For thicker materials, you need more power.

This product comes with a one-year guarantee for full peace of mind.

  • Not as robust as some brushless DeWalt models but is more affordable.

Our recommendation

The DeWalt 18V LXT Hammer Drill comes in at an affordable price, including battery and charger.

We have seen the DeWalt XR Brushless Combi Drill which has faster speed and better performance overall. Comparing both these would be unjust. One is made for bulky heavy-duty jobs and uses a brushless motor which is a more superior motor, while this LXT model, although still impressive has carbon brushes that are replaceable. In general, all brushless motors are better and more reliable which is why they are more expensive than brush motors.

If you need an efficient tool for jobs around your house, backyard or even general trade use, then you can settle for this LXT model which will get the job done and at a fantastic price.

If you are in the market for something heavier, look at other model included in this review. We think that it will not disappoint. Just have extra batteries lurking in the corner. For easy portability and storage, it comes with its own storage box which is an added bonus.

Overall a great affordable model from a well known brand we have all come to love.

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9. Makita DHR242Z Cordless SDS Plus Rotary Hammer Drill

IMPRESSIVE HEAVY DUTY SDS HAMMER DRILL

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Makita DHR242Z 18V LXT Brushless 24mm Rotary Hammer SDS-Plus - Batteries and Charger Not Included

The Makita DHR242Z SDS-plus Hammer Drill supports three functions like most of the hammer drills in this review. The functions are noted as “Rotation & Hammering for drilling into concrete, stone or brick with ease, hammering only which is perfect for chiselling and rotation only for standard drilling. These functions are supported by a powerful 18V Lithium-Ion battery.

The makeup of these batteries makes sure that you can work effectively. High performance is something that needs to be checked and this model certainly passes.

  • A heavy-duty model with 3 functions – rotation & hammering, rotation only and hammer only for chisel work.
  • Perfect for drilling in concrete, stone, granite and Brick.
  • It utilises a powerful 18v Lithium-Ion battery (not included) and ergonomically designed to give maximum power thrust.
  • Features anti-vibration handle to absorb the impacts of heavy-duty drilling and chiselling
  • It comes with an all-metal gearbox for easy adjustment and a brushless DC motor for more efficiency which reduces energy loss by 30% giving longer run times between battery charges
  • It is ergonomically designed to facilitate high performance and a one-touch chuck mechanism for switching between SDS Plus bits.
  • Includes Makita 2 year warranty for extra peace of mind.

The vibration that is emitted by heavy-duty hammer drills can sometimes be overwhelming and very uncomfortable, making working for longer periods of time difficult. This is especially true when drilling or chiselling very hard materials such as concrete. Features comfortable grip in any operation, overhead application, drilling with palm-up or palm-down grip.

To combat this the Makita DHR242Z SDS-plus Hammer Drill features rubber insulation that absorbs the vibrations which protect both the drill and the user. These anti-shock handles make sure that you can be precise and fast whenever you are working with this tool. Also, it is ergonomically designed to make sure that the handle is firm and supple. All that vibration and weight can be supported by efficient design. Those high and hard to reach places will be a little bit easier to handle if you use this model.

The motor is designed to be brushless. Brushless motors save energy and make certain that you have a longer running time and are very reliable. To save you some more time, the Makita DHR242Z SDS-plus Hammer Drill comes with a one tough slide keyless chuck which saves you the frustrations of dealing with other tools to change bits.

This model has adjustable speed mechanisms. You will be able to control the speed you need. The maximum speed is estimated at 0-950rpm and 0-4700 blows per minute. This is enough supply of power to deal with all jobs no matter how hard the material.

  • This model is fairly heavy, however this is the price you pay for the extra power.

Our recommendation

The Makita DHR242Z SDS-plus Hammer Drill can deliver enough power to work on any heavy duty jobs from drilling concrete and granite to chiseling walls with the hammer action using a SDS Plus chisel bit.

The speed is a bit low compared to products such as Ryobi ONE Cordless Combi Drill. However, the impact force is the highest of any drill we have reviewed.

This drill is obviously designed for heavy-duty tasks of which, it makes light work. This model is simply unmatched when being used for drilling concrete, stone, brick and even granite. If this is what you have in mind then this drill is our top recommendation.

The only downside of this model is that it is not suitable for small lighter tasks as it is overkill for these smaller jobs.

Overall a great hammer drill that has been well designed for a certain purpose of which it does very well.

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Cordless Hammer Drill Buyer’s Guide

There is a wide range of brands out there and to make the best selection, there are characteristics that should be standard. These standards are there to make sure that all the basic functions are met by the tools. Whether you are in need of an ordinary hammer drill or the SDS type you have many excellent options to choose from. You have to ensure that the power tool that you decide to invest in gives you the best value for money without compromising on quality and performance. Durability and performance are also some of the major factors that you need to explore.

Continue reading to find out more.

Performance is key

When we discuss performance, we have to talk about speed, torque and battery life among other things. Since the discovery and assimilation of Lithium-Ion batteries into electronic devices power tools have had the ability to work for longer, charge faster and be mobile and compact.

We do not have to struggle with cords that limit our reach. With these batteries, your hammer drill will be able to serve for the required periods of time. The most powerful hammer drills utilise 18V-20V, or higher voltage or watts to provide maximum torque and speed. In general the higher the voltage the higher the hammer drills impact and overall performance.

For a powerful tool, you require a powerful motor. Be sure to check the amps on the hammer drill that you want to select. The higher the amps, the higher the impact. A powerful motor can work at fast speeds. The speed is measured in rotations per minute and blows per minute for the hammer effect depending on the function.

For heavy duty work, we recommend 2000 rpm.

The torque can be termed as the twisting power available for every drill. If you are planning to engage in heavy-duty work, settle for hammer drills that have a higher torque. If you get one that has adjustable torque settings, this is a very useful feature. You can adjust how much torque you need depending on the material you are working with, our Best Pick has a 12 torque setting which means it perfect for both light work and heavy-duty drilling into the brickwork.

What is the scale of work expected to be done and on which materials?

Depending on the amount of work you have to do, you have to select the right power. If you have intentions of working on a small DIY project, there is no need of purchasing a 20V hammer drill. 

The materials you are working with will affect the amount of power that you need. Materials like wood and plastics are easy to work with. You can adjust the torque and the speed to get the right impact power, harder materials like brick and stone need more power to get through. If you have the right motor you can work through these materials with ease.

Consider the weight and the size of the hammer drill

Manufacturers always consider that you may not always be in need of the hammer drill. They know that you may need to use them for light handed work or otherwise. That is why you can select the hammer drills in their different sizes and weights. If it is too bulky it may become more difficult to use as well as being more difficult to store.

There are models in the market that are made of lighter materials but still maintain the same function. Heavier materials are preferred by manufacturers mostly due to their sturdiness and durability.

Getting the most out of your budget

The features that you get will depend on how much you have to spend. There are models that just offer the basic functions for a cheaper price. There are brands in the market that offer you top of the line features but you will have to pay a little bit of extra money. Reflect on your budget and decide what will fit in that price range. Durability will also affect the amount of money you shell out for your product and brand also plays a larger part but as always, you get what you pay for.

Expect to pay around £60-80 for a good all-around model for home use and £100-£160 for a reliable professional model depending on features.

Safety and ease of use

Safety in the work environment is paramount. Every tool that you acquire, they have to have safety features. Safety features may be a lock mechanism that prevents the power tool from going off unnecessarily. The brake mechanism is important so that an individual can stop whenever they need to make abrupt adjustments. Models that lack brake mechanism or lock features tend to be prone to over-screwing which should always be avoided.

For easy attachments and detachments, a keyless chuck comes in handy. Extra tools to aid in attaching and detaching will not be needed. These mechanisms are installed as a matter of convenience. You can fix your bits within seconds without worrying about finding the chuck key.

Another thing in terms of ease of use is the inclusion of LED lights that are usually included in these tools. The lights are meant to acts as a visibility tool for when you work in poorly lit areas or tight corners. There are models on the market that have battery life indicators, to show you if your batteries have enough power before you begin the job. These are all handy little features that may not be essential but do come in handy.

The ergonomic functions are other things that you have to consider. These functions are convenient for easy handling. They make sure that your hands do not incur blisters or suffer from too many vibrations. The comfortable things will make certain that you have a handle on things and not working in uncomfortable conditions.

Final Conclusion

Cordless Hammer Drills are tools that are essential for both DIY enthusiast, home users and professional tradesmen. They vary massively in price, style and features.

You just have to look around and figure out which one is the best for you. Remember all the essential features are present on our top recommended models making choosing the right model that little bit easier.

Consider what you need it for and how much you are willing to spend. In general, once you have decided on a price range the rest is straightforward as all the models that have made it onto our top list are the ‘cream of the crop’.

The only thing we would recommend is maybe buying a model with a brushless motor for added reliability if your budget allows.

Below is a quick round up of some of our favourites.

BEST PICK

BEST PICK FOR HEAVY DUTY WORK

BEST PICK FOR LIGHT WORK

We hope that selecting a good hammer drill proves to be a daunting task no more. We hope that our information has been relevant and insightful and has helped you make a better decision when choosing the best cordless hammer drill for you.


 

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Welcome to my site, my name is John and I have been lucky enough to work in horticultural nurseries for over 15 years in the UK. As the founder and editor as well as researcher, I have a City & Guilds Horticultural Qualifications which I proudly display on our About us page. I now work full time on this website where I review the very best gardening products and tools and write reliable gardening guides. Behind this site is an actual real person who has worked and has experience with the types of products we review as well as years of knowledge on the topics we cover from actual experience. You can reach out to me at john@pyracantha.co.uk

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