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10 Best Rotary Hammer Drills 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Milwaukee 2912-20 M18 Fuel 18V 1" Sds Plus Brushless Rotary Hammer

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,211
Power (Wattage)
Drilling Capacity
Weight

Most important from
458 reviews

Power (Wattage)
Compact size with impressive power, ideal for hard rock mining.
Drilling Capacity
Handles dense brick effortlessly, maintaining Milwaukee's reputation for quality tools.
Weight
Lightweight and powerful, perfect for masonry drilling tasks.

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.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,211
Power (Wattage)
Drilling Capacity
Weight

Most important from
458 reviews

Power (Wattage)
Compact size with impressive power, ideal for hard rock mining.
Drilling Capacity
Handles dense brick effortlessly, maintaining Milwaukee's reputation for quality tools.
Weight
Lightweight and powerful, perfect for masonry drilling tasks.
#2

BOSCH 11264EVS 1-5/8 Inch SDS-Max Combination Hammer, Rotary Hammer & Hammer Modes, 13 Amp

Rating
8.5
Power (Wattage)
Speed (RPM)
Weight

Most important from
358 reviews

Power (Wattage)
A massive step up in power and material removal, making it highly effective for demanding tasks.
Speed (RPM)
Variable speed is a valuable feature, preventing bouncing off materials and enhancing control during drilling applications.
Weight
Despite its weight, the tool is nimble enough for prolonged use without excessive fatigue.
Vibration Control
The anti-vibration features work very well, significantly reducing user fatigue during extended use.
Chuck Type
The SDS-Max system is efficient, allowing for easy and quick bit changes.
Additional Features
The tool's design, including its straight handle and dual-mode selector, provides versatility and precision for both drilling and demolition tasks.

The Bosch 11264EVS SDS-Max Combination Hammer is a powerful tool suitable for heavy-duty tasks, featuring a robust 13-amp motor and an impressive 6.5 ft.-lbs. of impact energy. This makes it highly effective for drilling into tough materials like concrete. Weighing 15.2 lbs., it offers a commendable power-to-weight ratio, aiding in handling and reducing user fatigue during extended use.

The tool's versatility is enhanced by its dual-mode selector, allowing users to switch between rotary hammer and hammer-only modes based on the task at hand. User comfort is a priority with Bosch's Active Vibration Control, which minimizes vibration and reduces strain, making it easier to work for longer periods. The one-handed, tool-free SDS max bit system simplifies bit changes, enhancing productivity on job sites.

Additionally, Bosch's Constant Response Circuitry ensures consistent performance by maintaining speed under load and providing smooth starts, while also offering overload protection. However, at a maximum rotational speed of 340 RPM, it might be slower compared to other models, potentially affecting efficiency in some drilling tasks. The weight, though managed well for the power it delivers, could still be a drawback for users who need to handle the tool for prolonged periods. Ideal for professional contractors and those involved in heavy-duty construction work, the Bosch 11264EVS stands out in its class, though those seeking lighter or faster drills might need to consider alternatives.

Rating
8.5
Power (Wattage)
Speed (RPM)
Weight

Most important from
358 reviews

Power (Wattage)
A massive step up in power and material removal, making it highly effective for demanding tasks.
Speed (RPM)
Variable speed is a valuable feature, preventing bouncing off materials and enhancing control during drilling applications.
Weight
Despite its weight, the tool is nimble enough for prolonged use without excessive fatigue.
Vibration Control
The anti-vibration features work very well, significantly reducing user fatigue during extended use.
Chuck Type
The SDS-Max system is efficient, allowing for easy and quick bit changes.
Additional Features
The tool's design, including its straight handle and dual-mode selector, provides versatility and precision for both drilling and demolition tasks.
#3

BOSCH RH1255VC SDS-max Rotary Hammer, 2 In.

Rating
8.2
Power (Wattage)
Drilling Capacity
Vibration Control

Most important from
49 reviews

Power (Wattage)
Operates smoothly off a 3kW portable generator, showcasing its reliability and versatility.
Drilling Capacity
This powerful tool effortlessly drills deep holes into hard-rock boulders, making it ideal for intensive tasks.
Vibration Control
The anti-vibration features significantly reduce operator fatigue, enhancing comfort during extended use.

The BOSCH RH1255VC SDS-max Rotary Hammer is a powerful tool designed for heavy-duty applications. With a substantial power rating of 850 watts and an impact energy of 14.1 ft.-lbs., it excels in delivering strong performance for demanding tasks like drilling through tough materials. The Turbo Power feature enhances torque and speed specifically in hammer mode, making it efficient for intensive use.

Its best-in-class power-to-weight ratio ensures that despite its heavy-duty capabilities, it doesn't become too cumbersome to handle for prolonged periods, aided by its Vibration Control for improved comfort during extended use. The Constant Response feature provides a soft start and maintains consistent speed under load, enhancing its usability and precision. However, the tool is on the heavier side, weighing 35 pounds, which might be challenging for some users to manage over long periods.

The maximum rotational speed of 220 RPM is relatively low compared to some other models, which might affect its efficiency in certain applications. Additionally, it is a corded electric tool, limiting its portability compared to cordless models. Despite these drawbacks, its robust build and advanced features make it an excellent choice for professionals and serious DIY enthusiasts who need reliable and powerful performance for large-scale projects.

Rating
8.2
Power (Wattage)
Drilling Capacity
Vibration Control

Most important from
49 reviews

Power (Wattage)
Operates smoothly off a 3kW portable generator, showcasing its reliability and versatility.
Drilling Capacity
This powerful tool effortlessly drills deep holes into hard-rock boulders, making it ideal for intensive tasks.
Vibration Control
The anti-vibration features significantly reduce operator fatigue, enhancing comfort during extended use.

Buying Guide for the Best Rotary Hammer Drills

Choosing the right rotary hammer drill can make a significant difference in the efficiency and ease of your drilling tasks. Rotary hammer drills are powerful tools designed for heavy-duty drilling and chiseling in hard materials like concrete, brick, and stone. To find the best fit for your needs, it's important to understand the key specifications and how they relate to your specific requirements.
Power (Wattage)Power, measured in watts, indicates the overall strength of the rotary hammer drill. Higher wattage means more power, which is essential for drilling through tougher materials. For light to medium tasks, a drill with 500-800 watts may suffice. For more demanding jobs, especially in construction or heavy-duty renovation, look for models with 800-1500 watts. Choose based on the toughest material you expect to work with regularly.
Impact Energy (Joules)Impact energy, measured in joules, determines the force with which the drill bit hits the material. This is crucial for breaking through hard surfaces. Light-duty tasks may require 1-2 joules, medium-duty tasks 2-4 joules, and heavy-duty tasks 4-10 joules or more. Consider the hardest material you will be drilling into and select a drill with sufficient impact energy to handle it efficiently.
Drilling CapacityDrilling capacity refers to the maximum diameter of holes the drill can create in different materials like wood, metal, and concrete. This is important to ensure the drill can handle the sizes you need. For example, a capacity of 13-16mm in concrete is suitable for light tasks, while 20-30mm is better for more intensive work. Match the drilling capacity to the typical hole sizes you will be making.
Speed (RPM)Speed, measured in revolutions per minute (RPM), affects how quickly the drill bit rotates. Higher speeds are useful for drilling into softer materials, while lower speeds with higher torque are better for harder materials. Variable speed settings are ideal as they allow you to adjust the speed based on the material and task. Choose a drill with a speed range that covers your most common applications.
WeightThe weight of the rotary hammer drill can impact your comfort and ease of use, especially during prolonged tasks. Lighter models (2-4 kg) are easier to handle and suitable for overhead work or extended use. Heavier models (4-8 kg) offer more stability and power for tough jobs but can be tiring to use for long periods. Consider the duration and type of work you will be doing to find a balance between power and comfort.
Vibration ControlVibration control features reduce the amount of vibration transmitted to your hands and arms, making the drill more comfortable to use and reducing fatigue. This is particularly important for extended use or for users with joint issues. Look for models with built-in vibration control technology if you plan to use the drill frequently or for long periods.
Chuck TypeThe chuck type determines how the drill bit is held in place. SDS-Plus chucks are common for light to medium-duty tasks and allow for quick bit changes. SDS-Max chucks are used for heavy-duty applications and can handle larger bits. Choose the chuck type based on the size and type of bits you will be using most often.
Additional FeaturesAdditional features like a depth stop, auxiliary handle, and carrying case can enhance the usability and convenience of the rotary hammer drill. A depth stop helps you drill to a precise depth, an auxiliary handle provides better control, and a carrying case makes transportation and storage easier. Consider which features will be most beneficial for your specific needs and preferences.

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