I know, you’re wanting to smash holes through concrete but you’re having a hard time finding the best rotary hammer drill for your application.
With thousands of different rotary hammers on the market today it is damn near impossible to decide which rotary hammer drill is the right one for your own specific needs. And there is nothing worse than investing your hard earned dollars on purchasing an expensive rotary hammer, only to find out that it is way to much of a beast for you, or even worse, finding out that your new rotary hammer comes up short of being able to get the job done.
That is where Concrete Tool Reviews come in…
You always know that we’ve done the hard work of finding and researching the best rotary hammer drills available today so that you don’t have to.
On this page you will have access to countless hours of our research and hard work, all bundled into a nice little package that’s designed to make your life easier. We have provided you with a handy comparison table, an FAQ section, reviews of each rotary hammer, a helpful buyers guide and our final thoughts, which can all be accessed from the menu.
Compare Our Top 5 Rated Rotary Hammer Drills
One of the best ways for you to decide what the best rotary hammer for your application is to put them side by side and compare apples to apples.
That’s why you’ll love using our comparison tool to compare our selection of top rated Rotary Hammer Drills in 5 different categories including: Best SDS Plus, Best on a Budget, Best Cordless, Best SDS Max and Best Spline Drive. This table will also give you instant access to rotary hammer reviews and the best prices available online.
If you are still unsure what rotary hammer is best for you then our reviews and buyers guide should help you make your decision.
People Often Ask…
I’ve recognized that most people usually have a few questions when they are shopping for a rotary hammer drill. That’s why I have compiled a list of the most frequently ask questions right here! If there are any questions that you have, drop a comment below, I’d love to help answer it!
How does a rotary hammer drill work?
Rotary hammer drills are typically larger than your average hammer drill and the hammering mechanisms are actually quite different as well. Where a regular hammer drill uses a disc mechanism, a rotary hammer uses 2 pistons (fly piston & drive piston) paired with a little air pressure to deliver a more powerful force of impact.
What do you use a rotary hammer for?
Rotary hammers drills are most commonly used for doweling rebar into concrete. Or just drilling holes through concrete and masonry floors and walls. Rotary hammer drills can also be used for light jack hammering/chipping duties, removing tile, pounding ground rods and even digging clay if they have a hammer only function.
What is the difference between a hammer drill and rotary hammer drill?
Essentially both the rotary hammer drill and the regular hammer drill work onthe same principal. They both pound the drill bit while it spins and pulverizes the concrete.
However, they are both very different when it comes to the mechanisms that do the actual pounding. Where a regular hammer drill uses a disc mechanism, a rotary hammer uses 2 pistons (fly piston & drive piston) paired with a little air pressure to deliver a more powerful force of impact.
Can a rotary hammer drill wood?
In short, this depends on whether or not your rotary hammer drill is equipped with the “drill only mode”. But yes, they can certaily drill wood or even steel. You can even buy bits specifically designed for those purposes.
Can I use a rotary hammer to drill metal?
Just like drilling wood with a rotary hammer, this depends on whether or not your rotary hammer drill is equipped with the “drill only mode”. If this function is available then you can drill metal.
Can a rotary hammer break concrete?
If your rotary hammer is equipped with the “hammer only” mode then yes your rotary hammer can break concrete.
However, depending on the size of your rotary hammer, the amount of concrete that needs to be broken and thickness of your concrete this can prove to be a very hard task. In most cases you’re better off with a jackhammer, demolition hammer or even a combination hammer for smaller jobs.
Our 5 Best Rotary Hammer Reviews of 2020
I’ve spent hours finding, researching and testing (actually years was spent on the testing phase) some of the Best Rotary Hammer Drills available in 2020 and this is where you’ll learn exactly what I think of them!
I have broken the best rotary hammers into 5 different categories, each serving a different need. These categories include best SDS plus, best on a budget, best cordless, best SDS max and best spline drive. If you are sure of the type of rotary that is best for your needs check out our buyers guide for more information to help you make a great decision.
#1 SDS Plus Rotary Hammer
Pros:
Weighs only 6 pounds
36 different working positions
Ergonomic handle makes for easy overhead and downward drilling
Integral clutch prevents injury to wrist
SDS-Plus system makes bit changes quick and easy
Cons:
A little bit slow
Difficult to change the brushes, if you ever have to
Our Thoughts On The Bosch 11255VSR Rotary Hammer…
If you’re looking to drill holes in concrete or masonry up to and including 1″ in diameter then this rotary hammer will certainly not disappoint.
I’ve used almost every make of rotary hammer drill on the market and by far the Bosch Bulldog Xtreme series has to be my favourite.
The Bosch 11255VSR Bulldog Xtreme is a rotary hammer drill that packs a punch much like a lot of the big boys on the block. It’s built tough and sturdy and the Bulldog Xtreme drills let you take a bite out of those big jobs without all the extra weight and size.
Features You’ll Love!
- Weighing in at just over 6 lbs means that you will be able to run this thing all day without tiring out your arms
- This rotary hammer has a super handy, fold out hanger that makes it very convienent for when you need to set it down for a moment
- The multi-function selector lets you switch between rotation only, rotary hammer, or hammer-only modes effortlessly.
Who Is The Bosch 11255VSR Rotary Hammer For?
Overall, I think that the Bosch 11255VSR Bulldog Xtreme is a great buy for both DIYers and contractors looking for an affordable yet durable rotary hammer drill.
With a price point of less than $200, even for the average DIYer who plans to use this rotary hammer on a regular basis this is a pretty solid buying decision. However if you’re a DIYer who only plans to use it on occasion, you’ll be more than satisfied with our #1 pick on a tight budget.
For the contractors, this rotary hammer has certainly stood the test of time, and that’s not by mistake. It has been one of the top selling rotary hammers for years, for a reason.
For doweling and drilling holes up to 1″ you’d be insane not to add this tool to your arsenal. Trust me you and your employees will be thankful for it.
Final Verdict
For drilling concrete, chipping tile, drilling wood and many other chores I would definitely recommend this to anyone, in fact this rotary hammer drill is one of my all time favorites to operate. Though it is a little slow compared to its bigger, heavier competitors, its smaller, lighter size will save your arms at the end of the day. And for under $200 you definitely can’t go wrong.
#1 ROTARY HAMMER ON A BUDGET
Pros:
The price is affordable
Kit includes everything needed to get started
Amazing power for its price and size
Weighs only 9 lbs
2 year warranty
Cons:
Replacement parts are impossible to find
No reverse function
Our Thoughts On The VonHaus Rotary Hammer Kit…
Working in the concrete industry since 2008 and spending thousands of hours drilling holes and smashing concrete I was surprised that a rotary hammer at this price point was receiving the praise that it was. I’ve always been an advocate of using the best of the best which usually means the most expensive.
But drilling holes in concrete or masonry, chipping away tile or breaking up small amounts of concrete does not have to be expensive. This handy little kit comes with a budget friendly, yet surprisingly efficient and durable rotary hammer drill and all of the attachments and bits that most people are going to need to get their project done.
Features You’ll Love!
- Powerful 10 amp motor offers ample power for everything you can throw at it from drilling holes to hammering concrete
- Comes as a kit with carrying case, drill bits, grease, chisels, depth gauge and even an attachment for regular drill bits
- Has 3 operation modes: Rotary Only, Hammer Only and Rotary Hammer
- Equipped with anti vibration technology to help save your hands and arms
Who Is The VonHaus Rotary Hammer For?
This rotary hammer drill is a good choice for the average Joe who probably doesn’t plan to use a rotary hammer very often. It is probably not for a contractor that expects this tool to put in 12 hour days 5 days a week and come back to work the next week. With that said though, some people have put this rotary hammer to the test and said that it holds up as well as their more expensive units.
And with a price point of less than $100, purchasing this rotary hammer drill will probably make more sense for most average Joe’s doing projects around the house than renting one from your local rental or hardware store.
Final Verdict
Although VonHaus is not a leader in the rotary hammer drill space they do make a pretty reliable, very cost effective product that will suffice for most peoples needs. And heck, with a 2 year warranty you can’t go wrong!
#1 CORDLESS SDS PLUS ROTARY HAMMER
Pros:
3 year limited warranty
Brushless motor
Active vibration control
Weighs only 5.7 lbs (without battery)
Built in kickback control clutch
Long run-time on battery
Cons:
Lacks power in the hammer only mode
Our Thoughts On The Dewalt DCH273B 20V Rotary Hammer…
Don’t let the compact size and weight of this Dewalt 20V cordless rotary hammer fool you. The german engineered brushless motor on this beast delivers 2.1 joules of impact energy, which means it was designed to be able to throw punches in the ring with even the corded rotary hammer drills in it’s class. In fact, aside from having to change the batteries once in a while most people won’t even notice a difference.
Due to this rotary hammers compact size it also makes it the perfect candidate for getting into tighter, smaller spaces that most other rotary hammers of this capacity simply wouldn’t even dream of going. And due to it’s light weight at only 5.4 lbs (without battery) your arms and shoulder will definately appreciate it if you’re working overhead.
One of my favorite things about this rotary hammer and Dewalt tools in general is the confidence they have in their products. This is very clear when they offer their customers a 3 year warranty. Most other competitors only offer 1 year maybe 2 year warranty.
Features You’ll Love!
- Variable speed trigger delivers 1100 RPMS and 2.1 joules of impact energy
- Retractable hook allows for conveinient storage and hanging
- The D25303DH dust extractor mounts directly to the DCH273B for superior dust control
- Dewalts SHOCKS Active Vibration Control prevents the annoying numb, tingly feeling suffered from rotary hammers
Who Is The Dewalt DCH273B Rotary Hammer For?
As the price point on the Dewalt DCH273B rotary hammer is a little on the higher end most average joes will not find the value in owning this rotary hammer. However, for most contactors, they will find this rotary hammer to be the perfect addition to their aresenal, especially if their tools currently use the same Dewalt 20V batteries this one uses.
If you are a contractor who works in remote locations or who appreciates the convienience of a reliable cordless rotary hammer then you’ll love this rotary hammer for sure.
Final Verdict
If you’re in need of a quality cordless rotary hammer drill that’s built to last and take the beating that you are going to throw at it then the DCH273B is definitely the drill you’ve been looking for.
#1 SDS MAX ROTARY HAMMER
Pros:
One touch bit change/removal
Soft Grip handle helps eliminate vibration
Built in torque limiting clutch
Variable speed trigger
Cons:
No rotary only mode
Our Thoughts On The Makita HR4002 Rotary Hammer…
The bad-ass Makita HR4002 SDS Max 1-9/16″ Rotary Hammer is sleek, powerful and ergonomically designed for comfort and maximum production. It boasts a super powerful 10 amp motor that is sure to stand up to the most demanding jobs you throw at it. With 2500 blows per minute and sequential impact timing this beast is designed to provide 50% faster drilling speeds so that you can get in and get the job done with record speed.
Features You’ll Love!
- Rugged metal body increases durability
- “No hammering when idling” functions helps increase tool life
- 12 bit angle settings allow the bit to be set at different positions for operating convenience
- Automatic brush cut-off protects commutator from damage for longer tool life
Who Is The Makita HR4002 Rotary Hammer For?
Being as this rotary hammer uses the SDS Max system it is designed to optimally drill holes in concrete between 1/2″ to 1 3/4″ in diameter. It will also use SDS Max coring bits from 2″ up to 6″ in diameter. With that said, and considering the durability and very reasonable price point of this rotary hammer I would say that it makes sense for both home owners and contractors looking to drill holes within these ranges.
This rotary hammer is also a great option if you are doing minor concrete chipping, tile removal, digging in clay or pounding in ground rods.
Final Verdict
As I mentioned earlier this drill does not offer rotary only mode so if you are looking to be able to drill wood and steel this may not be the right rotary hammer for you but… If you are looking for an SDS Max rotary hammer drill that you can be sure is going to be able to attack whatever concrete, masonry or rock you throw at it and keep coming back for more then you would be an absolute fool not to pick up the Makita HR4002.
#1 SPLINE ROTARY HAMMER
Pros:
One touch bit change/removal
Soft start for increased accuracy
Built in torque limiting clutch protects gears and wrists
Constant speed control
Cons:
No rotary only mode
Our Thoughts On The Makita HR4041C Rotary Hammer…
The Makita HR4041C 1-9/16 in. Spline-Shank Rotary Hammer Drill certainly is not lacking in the power department with its powerful 11 Amp motor that’s been designed and engineered with field-core interlocking steel lamination’s, a dual ball-bearing armature and a large-surface commutator for an optimal transfer of power. In fact this rotary hammer delivers a staggering 6.8 ft lbs of impact energy, the highest of all five of the rotary hammers we’ve looked at.
This rotary hammer also delivers 230 – 460 RPM and 1,300 – 2,600 BPM and has 2 modes of operation including “hammer only” and “rotary hammer”. Soft-start functionality facilitates control and improved accuracy, while sequential impact timing promotes faster work so you can get the job done in a timely fashion.
Features You’ll Love!
- High quality aluminum housing for greater durability and longer tool life
- “No hammering when idling” functions helps increase tool life
- Constant speed control applies additional power to the motor to maintain speed under load
- Automatic brush cut-off protects commutator from damage for longer tool life
Who Is The Makita HR4041C Rotary Hammer For?
I would say that this rotary hammer would be good choice for contractors and average joes who are looking to smash a fair amount of concrete and drill holes in concrete between 1/2″ to 1 3/8″ in diameter. It will also use Spline coring bits from 2″ up to 6″ in diameter. This rotary hammer is also a great option if you are doing minor concrete chipping, tile removal, digging in clay or pounding in ground rods.
For contractors, you’ll find that the durability of aluminum housing on this rotary hammer will help it withstand the abuse that you put your tools through on a day to day basis.
For average joes, not only will this rotary hammer probably last you a lifetime, it is very reasonably priced for a rotary hammer of this caliber.
Final Verdict
Overall the Makita HR4041C rotary hammer is a great rotary hammer for anyone looking to handle the bigger jobs that rotary hammers are designed to do. However, spline drive rotary hammers are not as common as they use to be since the introduction of the SDS Max bit system. So, this also means that shopping for spline drive bits, chisels and clay spades can prove to a little harder task.
Personally, I’d skip the spline drive system all together and go with an SDS Max rotary hammer but if I had to use a spline drive rotary hammer, this would be the one.
What Should You Look For In A Rotary Hammer Drill?
Your Complete Buyers Guide
Before you rush out and purchase a rotary hammer drill there a few things that are important to keep in mind in order to find the right one for your intended use. And that’s where things can get a little complicated. You don’t know, what you don’t know!
This guide will help you to be able to pick the right rotary hammer drill and not make a bad buying decision that you’ll regret shortly after you start using your new rotary hammer.
What Size Of Rotary Hammer To Buy
Of course, one of the first things that you need to consider before you pull out your wallet and purchase a rotary hammer drill is, what size of rotary hammer do you need?
Each rotary hammer and chuck type are specifically designed to be able to efficiently handle different hole sizes. With that said, the diameter of holes that you plan to drill will determine the type of rotary hammer drill you should purchase. So let’s have a look at the different chuck types and their optimal hole diameters.
SDS Plus: The SDS Plus system is designed to optimally drill holes between 3/16″ and 3/4″ in diameter.
This does not mean that you cannot find SDS Plus bits that are bigger than this. The biggest bit that I have used in an SDS Plus chuck is 1 1/8″, I’m not sure if you can find them bigger or not. With that said, for the majority of people, average Joe’s and contractors an SDS Plus rotary hammer will be sufficient enough for what they want it to do.
Just a note: The SDS Plus chuck system replaced the SDS chuck system, it’s just a far better design. These bits are interchangeable if needed.
Spline: The spline chuck system is best used when you are looking to drill holes between 3/8″ and 1 3/8″ in diameter.
Again, of course this does not limit you to only being able to drill holes that are this size. It just means that these diameters are the optimal range for best performance. In fact, a nice thing about a spline chuck rotary hammer is that you can get spline drive coring bits (Amazon link) that range from about 2″ all the way up to 6″ in diameter.
SDS Max: The SDS Max system has been designed to perform best with hole diameters between 1/2″ and 1 3/4″.
Yet again, this does not limit you to only staying within those parameters. You can get a wide range of sizes of SDS Max bits. Actually the SDS Max chuck system also offers coring bits for drilling larger holes up to 6″ in diameter as well.
A final thought on rotary hammer chuck systems…
All of the chuck systems, SDS Plus, Spline and SDS Max are designed for a specific diameter of hole for optimal performance. If you are going to be regularly drilling holes larger than those specified, it is best to get a rotary hammer with a chuck system designed for your needs. But for a handful of larger holes you and your rotary hammer will be OK!
What Features Are Important In A Rotary Hammer?
When it comes to finding the best rotary hammer drill there are a few features to look out for that will help make your life a little easier. Personally I would not purchase a rotary hammer if it doesn’t at least offer these features. Let’s have a look at those features here:
- Reverse Function: If you’ve run any type of drill at all , I’m sure that you’ve had the experience of jamming up in a deep hole and not being able to get your bit out. That’s where the reverse function comes in handy, most times you can just throw your rotary hammer in reverse and voila, problem solved. Quick Tip – often times if you do not have a reverse function you can turn your drill to hammer only mode and it will un-jam your bit.
- 3 Modes of Operation: There are 3 different modes of operation you will find available in a rotary hammer drill, rotation only, rotary hammer and just hammer/chisel. Not all rotary hammers are designed with all 3 operation modes though, some will only have 2 modes. The most common mode that gets left out in a 2 mode rotary hammer is the rotation only mode. With that said, if you plan to drill wood or steel and install screws or bolts this will not be possilble without the rotation only mode.
- Vibration Dampening System: This is pretty much standard in most rotary hammers these days. But I’m sure that there are a select few rotary hammers that do not offer some kind of vibration dampening system. If you do come across a rotary hammer that doesn’t have vibration control, run away, run far away, your hands and arms will thank you for it.
- Kickback Control: This feature is a very imortant safety feature. Without some sort of kickback control, when your bit binds (and it will) while your drilling the rotary will spin instead of the drill bit. Resulting in injuries to your wrists, arms or other body parts as it rips out of your hands and spins uncontrollably.
Corded vs Cordless Rotary Hammer?
I think it goes without saying, when it comes to bang for your buck you are probably better of going with a corded rotary hammer drill if it meets your needs. With that said though, over the last few years cordless rotary hammer drills, or any cordless tools for that matter have come a very long way.
I remember the first cordless rotary hammer that I used was a joke, I think it was a Milwaukee. Either way, it lacked greatly in power and the battery life was a joke to say the least. But with the advancement of battery powered tools today that is no longer an issue.
So, if you are often working in remote locations with no power or your needs require you to be very mobile, then I would not hesitate to go with a cordless rotary hammer like the Dewalt DCH273B.
Do You Even Need A Rotary Hammer Drill?
For some people it might not even make sense to invest the money in a rotary hammer drill, just a regular hammer drill might do what you need it to. With that said, there a few things to consider:
What size of holes do you plan to drill and how many?
A regular hammer drill is capable of drilling holes in concrete and masonry up to about 3/8″. They do take a little longer to punch them out but if you only have a handfull of holes then a hammer drill might be the better option over a rotary hammer drill.
Do you have a use for the “hammer only” mode?
Rotary hammer drills work great for small concrete chipping jobs, removing tile and grout, digging hard clay and pounding ground rods. So, whether or not you need it for drilling you will probably find a rotary hammer handy for jobs such as these.
What Is The Best Brand Of Rotary Hammer To Buy?
Honestly, there is really no right or wrong way to answer this question. I would personally say though, as a rule of thumb, if you are a contractor who plans on really putting your rotary hammer to work then I would stick with the leaders in the industry. I’m talking about Bosch, Makita, Dewalt, Hilti, Milwaukee and Hitachi. I’m sure I left someone out, but these are the key players in the game.
Personally though I must say that I love my Bosch Rotary Hammers, on a power to weight ratio I find them far superior to most of their competitors. In fact I had a friend with a $800 Hilti Rotary Hammer that was big and bulky and my much cheaper $200 Bosch Bulldog Xtreme out performed his time and time again.
With that said, I’d say if you are particular to a certain brand, then stick with brand. If not go with the brand of rotary hammer that best meets your needs.
Final Thoughts…
I truly hope that this article has helped you in choosing the best rotary hammer for your needs. If there is any information that you think that I left out and you would like to see included, leave a comment below.
So, what if I had to purchase just one of these rotary hammers, which would it be?
Personally, I would have to go with the Bosch 11255VSR Bulldog Xtreme SDS Plus rotary hammer. This rotary hammer and the whole Bosch Bulldog Xtreme lineup has been my number 1 choice for years. I just love their power, durability and reliability. And this rotary hammer has stood the test of time since it has been added to Bosch’s lineup of rotary hammers.
About The Author
Chris Barmby
Chris has worked in the concrete industry since 2008. It was kind of a mistake that he got into concrete finishing as it was only suppose to be a short term, 2 week gig but he quickly developed a love for the art of concrete and has spent years perfecting his craft. When Chris is not hard at work finishing concrete he can be found spending time with his family, off roading in his side by side and creating content for ConcreteToolReviews.com
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