10 Best Rotary Hammer Drills 2025 in the United States

The DEWALT 20V MAX SDS Plus Rotary Hammer Drill (DCH172B) is a versatile and powerful tool ideal for various heavy-duty tasks. With 1.4 joules of impact energy, it delivers fast drilling in concrete, making it suitable for rod hanging, concrete forming, and various mounting applications. The brushless motor and German-engineered mechanism enhance performance and runtime, ensuring efficiency during prolonged use.

Additionally, its lightweight design at 4.61 pounds makes it easy to handle and maneuver, reducing user fatigue during extended periods of work. The SHOCKS active vibration control system is a significant feature, as it reduces the vibration felt at the handles, improving comfort and control compared to models without this feature. The cordless design, powered by a 20V lithium-ion battery, offers flexibility and mobility, although it should be noted that batteries are not included and must be purchased separately. The maximum rotational speed of 1100 RPM and variable speed settings provide versatility for different drilling needs.

The mode selector switch allows for quick transitions between drill and hammer drill applications, adding to its user-friendly design. On the downside, the drilling capacity is modest, with 13 millimeters for metal and 26 millimeters for wood, which may limit its use for larger projects. Additionally, while it is OSHA table 1 compliant when paired with specific dust extraction accessories, these are additional purchases. The DEWALT 20V MAX SDS Plus Rotary Hammer Drill is a solid choice for professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike, offering a combination of power, portability, and advanced features.

The DEWALT 20V MAX SDS Rotary Hammer Drill, model DCH273B, is designed for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts looking for a cordless solution for heavy-duty drilling tasks, particularly in concrete. With an impact energy of 2.1 Joules and a maximum power of 300 watts, it provides solid performance, making it effective for various applications like rod hanging and cable tray mounting. The lightweight design, at just 6.4 pounds, enhances portability, allowing users to work comfortably over extended periods.

One of its standout features is the SHOCKS ACTIVE VIBRATION CONTROL system, which significantly reduces the vibration felt in the handles, a great advantage for user comfort during prolonged use. Additionally, the brushless motor contributes to its efficiency and longer runtime, which means less frequent battery changes. The three application modes—Drill, Hammer Drill, and Chip—offer flexibility depending on the task at hand.

There are a few considerations to keep in mind. The drill is a bare tool, meaning it does not come with a battery or charger, which may be an extra cost for those who do not already own compatible DEWALT products. Also, while the 2800 RPM speed is impressive, it might not be as powerful as some corded options available in the market, which could be a drawback for extremely heavy-duty tasks. In conclusion, the DEWALT DCH273B is a reliable and versatile rotary hammer drill well-suited for both casual and more serious users in need of a portable, efficient tool for concrete drilling, but potential buyers should be aware of the additional costs associated with battery and charger purchases.

The Milwaukee 2912-20 M18 Fuel 18V 1" SDS Plus Brushless Rotary Hammer is a powerful cordless tool designed for heavy-duty drilling tasks. It offers a maximum rotational speed of 1330 RPM and a power output of 800 watts, making it suitable for both professional and DIY users.

The tool includes AUTOSTOP Control, which enhances safety by sensing and stopping the drill during bind-ups, reducing the risk of injury and equipment damage. This feature, combined with its compatibility with the M18 system (over 200 solutions), makes it a versatile addition to any toolkit.

The drilling capacities are 0.5 inches in metal and 1.13 inches in wood, suitable for most common drilling needs. However, the drill weighs 7.8 pounds, which may be a bit heavy for extended use or for users who require a lightweight tool. Additionally, while it is battery-powered, the batteries are not included, which means an extra expense if you don't already own M18 batteries.