How much hammer drill do I really need?

[David 13]

I currently have an older Lion 18V Hitachi drill driver, which has served me well but I want to upgrade to a brushless hammer drill and eventually add a handful of other tools. I have several projects coming up that will require hanging garage storage tracks, cabinets etc into concrete block walls -- so basically I need something well-suited to drilling 3/16", maybe 1/4" Tapcons.

My budget for a hammer drill, charger and 1 or 2 batteries is ~$200. The one I have my eye on is the Dewalt MAX XR DCD796D2, but wondering if this is overkill at $230? https://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-...-2-20-Volt-2-0Ah-Batteries-DCD796D2/206523983

Would a 12V (Milwaukee M12 Fuel, Bosch ?) be adequate, or perhaps a smaller 18V?

https://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-...-3Ah-Batteries-Charger-Bag-DCD709C2/308960627

Lowes has a Bosch 18V kit only $99, but not sure I would want to commit to this tool line https://www.lowes.com/pd/Bosch-18V-...Kit-with-1-2-0-Ah-SlimPack-Battery/1002717846

Finally, as a home DIYer, how are the house brands (Ryobi, Kobalt, Rigid, etc) compared to the pro brands?

 

[txvwnut]

The Milwaukee M12 will serve you well. I have one it’s done everything I’ve needed it too.

 

[Dakotadadv8]

I have the Makita 18 volt hammer/drill from HD, with the right drill concrete bit - don't go cheap- drilled holes in concrete like butter. Never understood people buying good tools but use cheap drill bits. Of course if you are doing serious concrete drilling buy a dedicated corded hammer drill.

 

[jh87]

I have both an m12 hammer drill and an m18 hammer drill. For small projects I grab the m12. For more than a handful of concrete screws, I’d use the m18. For big projects or drilling anything bigger than say 1/4”, I’ve got an m18 rotary hammer.

I use them quite a bit as my house is made of concrete block, I also do industrial maintenance for a living so I do a lot there as well. For example on Saturday I was drilling 2-3/8” holes to run air lines through a block wall. That’s a job for the rotary hammer.

 

[dogdog]

if it is only a few dozen holes ?
A good bit and a water spray bottle would have get the job done cheaper at same speed . ( bosch bits) the secret is not to let the bit over heat and know when to pull out to extract the dust and water to lubricate and cool.

But if you are looking for a new battery operated toy! The Milwaukee m18 brushless rotary hammer that the Verizon installer used was impressive. As much as I hate Milwaukee. It actually impresses me. Me? I will be going for the Kobalt platform since I have their their battery. I have the hitachi dh45 corded one for big stuff. Like 6” holes.

 

[Old Man Roger]

How much hammer drill do I really need?​

Do you know what site you’re on? Lol

 

[dogdog]

duplicate

 

[mike93lx]

I'd spend that $200 on a corded Bosch Sds. You won't regret it.

Way more than is needed for a few shelves, but you will be glad to have it at some point. Tile removal, chipping, drilling larger holes, etc

 

[dnschmidt]

Hammer drills are basically useless in concrete. Fine for block but that's about it. I use SDS rotary hammers for concrete and buy non hammer drills for drilling. Multi-purpose tools do nothing well.

 

[David 13]

Hammer drills are basically useless in concrete. Fine for block but that's about it. I use SDS rotary hammers for concrete and buy non hammer drills for drilling. Multi-purpose tools do nothing well.

Thanks, my need for concrete is limited to block walls and can't foresee using any fasteners > 1/4"

 

[mike93lx]

Thanks, my need for concrete is limited to block walls and can't foresee using any fasteners > 1/4"

Never going to install a larger anchor in a floor or foundation wall? Sds hammers also have a hammer-only function for chipping and scraping

After owning one, I actively avoid buying cordless drills with hammer function.

 

[David 13]

No, will never happen. I truly just need a hammer drill and nothing more robust for concrete - but still trying to find my best fit. Now.. the Ryobi ONE looks interesting if for no other reason the vast homeowner tool selection on the platform.

 

[engineer2]

Hammer drills are basically useless in concrete.

I've use my Makita drill plenty of times for concrete and it works very well.
If you are drilling big holes in old concrete all day long, then a dedicated tool is the way to go.

 

[GeoBruin]

I have a dewalt drill (non-hammer) that I love and wouldn't give up for anything. A while back after getting in to the Milwaukee m12 system for other reasons I got a great deal on a milwaukee m12 hammer drill. It was my only hammer drill so when I had to replace all the footers in my shop and tapcon the new ones to the slab, it's what I used. I think I used 3/16" tapcons 3-1/2 long, and there were a lot of them.

The little Milwaukee never showed any sign of slowing down throughout the whole project (except when the batteries got low).

I later got a deal on a Dewalt SDS plus rotary hammer and drilled some larger holes, but also more for the same tapcons I used on my shop. It was instantly apparent how much better suited to the job the rotary hammer was. That said, the m12 hammer drill did the job I asked it to do.

The lesson is, a rotary hammer is the right tool if you have the money and space for the extra tool, but a hammer drill (even a 12 volt model) will get the job done if you're not in a hurry and you don't do it all day every day.

In my case, I'm fortunate to now have both, and I have also learned that I actually prefer my everyday drill not be a hammer drill.

Good luck!

 

[mike93lx]

No, will never happen. I truly just need a hammer drill and nothing more robust for concrete - but still trying to find my best fit. Now.. the Ryobi ONE looks interesting if for no other reason the vast homeowner tool selection on the platform.

I have Dewalt 20v and Milwaukee m12. The m12 range is extensive for sure, but limiting on the upper end of power for stuff like impacts.

Will this be your primary drill as well? Do you have a desire to eventually get stuff like a circular saw, ratchets, impacts, etc? Or is this a one and done?

 

[tyyost]

Given your intended use and budget that you shared nearly any drill with a hammer function will do the job for you. Honestly, a non-hammer drill would do what you describe with a good bit.

Unlike the poster above, I always buy the hammer version of the drill in my cordless drill flavor. I’d rather have the feature for the random tapcon or anchor than not and need to drag out another tool. In my drilling tools I have a current m18 fuel hammer drill, a new m18 Fuel SDS, ana an older Bosch 1/2” corded hammer drill. I have drilled holes up to 3/4 in block with no issue with the regular m18. Solid concrete SDS all the way. Very seldom break out the Bosch unless it’s a job needing a few drills.

If the OP buys yellows, red, or blue they should have no issues doing what they need to do.

 

[Forgottonia]

I got a cheap corded hammer drill a few years back when I needed one (Masterforce). But then I don't drill in concrete very often--say, maybe once or twice a year.

 

[tarbellb]

Typically it cost what, $20-30 more to upgrade to a drill w/ hammer function. Totally worth it.


But like others have pointed out, it is very limited, block, brick, and soft concrete up to bout 1/4".

After that, its SDS only, or burning up your whimpy hammer.


Buy the hammer version, upgrade to a dedicated SDS in the future if needed.

 

[David 13]

I have Dewalt 20v and Milwaukee m12. The m12 range is extensive for sure, but limiting on the upper end of power for stuff like impacts.

Will this be your primary drill as well? Do you have a desire to eventually get stuff like a circular saw, ratchets, impacts, etc? Or is this a one and done?

This new drill would be intended to be a primary tool. And yes, I could also see over time getting maybe a circular saw, jigsaw, impact driver, oscillating tool, rotary, maybe an orbital sander. I'm just doing occasional project work as wants / needs arise.

 

[PugetDude]

If you really need to drill homes in concrete, buy an SDS rotohammer and never look back.

 

[driftpin]

I needed to do a few projects in CBS walls and concrete slabs, and also demo work of tile, plaster and stucco walls and concrete floors. I looked at a Bosch corded hammer drill, the same from Milwaukee, but I ended up buying a SDS-Max Harbor Freight-Chicago Electric. It earned its purchase on its first job, demoing a bathroom to the CBS walls, or the 2x4 partition walls (walls were plaster finished on 1950's backerboard), and removing a tile floor on concrete atop 2x10's.

The tool worked perfectly, and I had two more baths to do the same. I used the demo hammer function the most, but then I had to drill for a bunch of hilti 1/2" threaded concrete anchors to anchor sill plates for a 10' X 20' building. The sub I hired to do the job used a battery DeWalt, and his 'business plan' was to swap out his kaput batteries so often, he could not drill a single hole on one pass! After he went through every drill in his inventory, and tried to 're-charge' the pitiful battery he first used, he then tried to (expletive coming) hammer the hole for the hilti fastener to the desired depth! he did that by trying to pummel the Hilti fastener into the half-drilled hole, leaving it probably 2" shy of being at the proper depth to allow the sill plate to be bolted-down with the hilti threaded fastener tamp-in pin. When I saw him do that, I called a stop to the proceedings, and fired him on the spot. &%$#! idiot.

I should have just done it with my Chicago Electric SDS-Max rotary hammer/drill and saved myself the aggravation. After I drilled the holes in the sill plate PT lumber (Milwaukee Holgun), I used a carbide SDS-Max bit to drill into the concrete pad for about 30 hilti pins, I think it took me probably 45 minutes, including using a good shop vac to vacuum clean the holes, in preparation for setting the hilti fasteners.

Another time I used it to demo a wood-framed plywood and metal lath, stucco building at my in-law's, about 15' X 15'. That one was about 3-1/2 tons I hauled to the county dump, from the weight slips.

The tool is ~9 amps, 120V, takes SDS-Max bits, and while I don't need to use it frequently, for those jobs, it did the job, and saved me thousands of dollars. I don't think I could have done those jobs with a cordless tool, in the same timeframe, with a pair (or even three) batteries. It cost me <$95 N.I.B., out the door.

 

[mike93lx]

This new drill would be intended to be a primary tool. And yes, I could also see over time getting maybe a circular saw, jigsaw, impact driver, oscillating tool, rotary, maybe an orbital sander. I'm just doing occasional project work as wants / needs arise.

Other than the circ saw and maybe sander, m12 would be a good fit for what you listed

 

[dogdog]

No, will never happen. I truly just need a hammer drill and nothing more robust for concrete - but still trying to find my best fit. Now.. the Ryobi ONE looks interesting if for no other reason the vast homeowner tool selection on the platform.

Then you really don’t need a hammer drill for your needs. You can make do with what you have. Just get a good bit and work on your drilling technique. Speed/pressure/ know when to pull out to clear clogged dirt and cooling / lube. Of cause if you really wanted a new battery toy! Anything will do. No differences.

 

[Bockscar]

This new drill would be intended to be a primary tool. And yes, I could also see over time getting maybe a circular saw, jigsaw, impact driver, oscillating tool, rotary, maybe an orbital sander. I'm just doing occasional project work as wants / needs arise.

If you're working with a limited budget the Ryobi should be perfect....and then you can add tools from Ryobi as needed.......

 

[David 13]

If you're working with a limited budget the Ryobi should be perfect....and then you can add tools from Ryobi as needed.......

Budget is really only limited by practicality .. I am going to use it over a few weekends, then maybe a few time a year. I just can't imagine needing to spend much more than $200, and could probably get away with half that.. but OTOH it is a new toy

 

[NFH2740]

I have bored a few dozen 5/8x6" holes in concrete with my M18 2806. It takes about 40 seconds.

SDS hammers aren't necessary for a home owner-- certainly not to set 1/4" tapcons.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I have an M12 3/8" hammer drill. Love the size and weight. Have not tried the hammer feature.

If you are going to be doing a bunch of holes n concrete or stone, rent an SDS drill.

 

[pbon]

Pick a platform that fits your budget. Ryobi, Milwaukee, Dewalt, Makita do you can expand and share batteries. I use Milwaukee but think Ryobi is a great value. Just beware some of the kits that look comprehensive to the uninformed are not great — the drill won’t be a hammer drill, the circular saw will be on 5.25 or 6.5 instead of full size 7.25” and the reciprocating saw will be a cheapie. You can drill 1/4” holes in block or concrete with a hammer drill. I have done it. If doing them regularly or doing lots, I agree on buying a rotary drill — maybe a plug in if you want to save money and will have access to an outlet.

 

[JWILLIE1977]

I picked up the Bosch Bulldog corded SDS rotary hammer drill.

It ripped through 250+ 3/4" dia holes. . 8" deep. . In 5000+ psi concrete this past February, without breaking a sweat. Used 2 of the Bosch Bulldog 3/4 bits off the shelf at BLowe's.

Zero complaints.

 

[brianh]

I bought a HF sds rotary hammer drill to do the foundation anchor bolts when I was building my shop for 70 bucks figured if it survived the job it paid for itself. That was 12 years ago have loaned it out and used it around the house still works fine. It has drilled and chiseled more than I expected it to.

 

[signcrafter]

I have two of the m12 hammer drills. I also have half a dozen sds drills of all sizes. Including the m12 5/8" ads that is amazing for tapcons. For your use get the m12 hammer drill and it will easily drill a dozen 1/4" holes in block. It will serve you just fine.

Hammer drills are basically useless in concrete. Fine for block but that's about it. I use SDS rotary hammers for concrete and buy non hammer drills for drilling. Multi-purpose tools do nothing well.

I will disagree that they are useless. I've drilled many holes in concrete with a hammer drill before I got sds drills. Sds is a whole another world and might make hammer drills seem useless. But a cordless hammer drill will drill a dozen 1/4" holes in block or concrete no problem. It will take longer then a sds but it will get the job done.

 

[Coloshaver]

I bought a HF sds rotary hammer drill to do the foundation anchor bolts when I was building my shop for 70 bucks figured if it survived the job it paid for itself. That was 12 years ago have loaned it out and used it around the house still works fine. It has drilled and chiseled more than I expected it to.

I got one of these to do the 3/4" anchor bolts for my 2-post lift. I've used it since then for holes and loaned it out for hammering around a sewer pipe through a foundation wall. It has worked for everything I've tried and worth every penny.

 

[sparky 1971]

All hammer drills work equally bad, but good enough for a few holes in block on occasion. Get whatever version you want.

 

[Bockscar]

Budget is really only limited by practicality .. I am going to use it over a few weekends, then maybe a few time a year. I just can't imagine needing to spend much more than $200, and could probably get away with half that.. but OTOH it is a new toy

If money isn't the issue then treat yourself to Dewalt or Milwaukee......I only mentioned Ryobi because you said you only wanted to spend x amount.....and for the DIY they would be more than enough

 

[Maninthesea]

I have had a corded Bosch bulldog sds since ever since. I picked up a corded hilt sds when homodepot quit Hilti but I never use it. I held off on cordless until the m12 sds came out. I love it so much i got another for the house. Now I have the m18 sds max for bigger uncorded jobs. I’ll never buy the m18 as the m12 takes care of so much. long story short get a m12 sds for you hammer needs. Get a non hammer drill for your drill needs. Or do whatever the next guy recommends.

 

[David 13]

If money isn't the issue then treat yourself to Dewalt or Milwaukee......I only mentioned Ryobi because you said you only wanted to spend x amount.....and for the DIY they would be more than enough

From what I've learned Milwaukee leans more towards mechanicals and Dewalt more towards construction. Then maybe my initial choice, the DCD796 would be the right one for me after all.

 

[vavet]

Hammer drills are basically useless in concrete. Fine for block but that's about it. I use SDS rotary hammers for concrete and buy non hammer drills for drilling. Multi-purpose tools do nothing well.

Absolutely this.
I tried using my Ridgid hammer drill to drill the holes in the floor for my lift. It was taking forever and going really slowly. Then I borrowed the Milwaukee corded SDS rotary hammer from work and drilled the next 7 holes in the same amount of time it took me to drill one with the Ridgid.

 

[PugetDude]

Absolutely this.
I tried using my Ridgid hammer drill to drill the holes in the floor for my lift. It was taking forever and going really slowly. Then I borrowed the Milwaukee corded SDS rotary hammer from work and drilled the next 7 holes in the same amount of time it took me to drill one with the Ridgid.

Same experience for me- bought a refurbished Milwaukee 5262-20 SDS from CPO Outlets- $99 IIRC

Right at your $200 budget-

Milwaukee 8 Amp Corded 1 in. SDS D-Handle Rotary Hammer 5262-21 - The Home Depot

This affordable Milwaukee Corded SDS D-Handle Rotary Hammer is suitable for use on the jobsite or DIY projects around your home. ETL certified product.

www.homedepot.com

I've drilled a lot of holes with it, recently used it with a chisel bit to tear down 100' of 6' high block wall around a pool. I was amazed at how well the chisel ripped through the mortar joints.
Also welded up an extended bit so I can use it to cut through the caliche we have so much off in AZ. It does a great job breaking that stuff up.

Looks like CPO doesn't handle Milwaukee any more, but they do have a few Makita and Bosch available:

Reconditioned Corded Drills | CPO Outlets

Shop cordless drills and drill kits from brands like Dewalt, Bosch and more. New and reconditioned power tools.

www.cpooutlets.com