The cordless hammer drill has always been an important part of any handyman’s toolkit. It helps construct the framework of furniture, build sturdy homes, and overall it’s made our lives a lot easier. Whether or not you know how to use one, you can be sure that some part of your home has been fortified with the help of a handy cordless hammer drill.
Imagine how difficult it would be to spruce up your home or make the most basic repairs without the right tools by your side—If you’re not properly prepared you’re gonna have a tough time getting the job done.
It’s a delicate process, which is why I’m here to offer some help. I’ve looked through the internet to shortlist the market’s top cordless hammer drills, so you don’t have to sort through all this information yourself. You can rest assured that I’ve had plenty of experience with power tools, and have had the opportunity to try the models of this list by myself.
Comparison Table Of Cordless Hammer Drills
Name | Voltage | Weight | Rating | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|
DEWALT DCD996B | 20 volts | 4 pounds | 4.9/5 | |
Makita XPH07Z | 18 volts | 5.6 pounds | 4.8/5 | |
Milwaukee 2607-20 | 18 volts | 3.1 pounds | 4.8/5 | |
Bosch HDS182-02 | 18 volts | 8 pounds | 4.8/5 | |
Dewalt DCK299D1T1 | 60 volts | 13 pounds | 4.7/5 | |
Makita XPH12Z | 18 volts | 3.4 pounds | 4.7/5 | |
Milwaukee 2704-20 | 18 volts | 4.73 pounds | 4.7/5 | |
Porter-Cable PCC620B | 20 volts | 3.6 pounds | 4.7/5 | |
Dewalt DCD985B | 20 volts | 4.32 pounds | 4.6/5 | |
Makita XT612M | 18 volts | 41.3 pounds | 4.6/5 |
Should You Go For A Corded Or Cordless Hammer Drill?
Corded
Corded hammer drills have to be plugged directly into a power source. This means that it is usually capable of dishing out stronger drillings, better torque, and is more consistent at its job as well. It’s also lighter and thus easier to handle because it does not need to have a battery compartment.
However, its power comes with some considerable drawbacks—corded hammer drills are also noisier and less portable. It can also be more difficult to get your work done because you constantly have to worry about the position of the cord. Getting tangled up in the wires can be a serious hazard.
Furthermore, your range of work is also limited. This is because you always need to position yourself near an outlet or power source before you can use your drill.
Cordless
On the other hand, the cordless hammer drill can be taken anywhere and used anytime, given that it has enough battery charge to get the job done. This means that it can also be used in areas where power outages may make consistent construction work a more difficult task than usual. It’s definitely got plus points on convenience and portability.
I would strongly recommend going for a cordless hammer drill. You may be missing out on some extra power and some models may not be capable of giving consistent performance throughout its entire battery life. However, the added benefits of having a versatile and ever-ready drill is a good trade-off to make.
Most developments for hammer drills in the power tool industry are geared towards the cordless variety. There are many new models on the market that offer a good balance between the benefits of owning a cordless hammer drill with the strength of a corded one.
The Best Cordless Hammer Drills On The Market
DEWALT DCD996B
The Dewalt DCD996B is one of the most advanced Dewalt drills on the market. There is no trade-off in power with this drill, and I’ve personally witnessed how its 820-UWO motor effortlessly drives through wood, concrete, and steel.
At just a little over 4 pounds, the Dewalt DCD996B is one of the lightest cordless hammer drills on the market. It also comes with 3 LED modes to help light up dark or tight spaces with up to twenty times more brightness than the previous models.
I like that the drill has two modes that not only let it hammer through tough surfaces but also makes it drill through them as well. The Dewalt’s hammer-mode provides quite a bit of extra power and makes quick work of mortar, brick, or cement. The drill mode makes it act as a regular drill by disabling the forward and backward motion and just letting it rotate. I recommend using the drill mode for when you’re drilling through softer and less hard objects such as wood which it can drill through easily without breaking or damaging the object.
You don’t need to worry about grip on this model. This drill comes with excellent grip feel. It is well-balanced and has just the right weight to convey its sturdiness while staying comfortable.
Things I Liked About This Drill
- Durable; capable of withstanding considerable falls and damage.
- Equipped with flashlights so you can continue working even in the dark.
- Powerful drilling modes make sure you can work through any material with ease.
- Lightweight build ensures that the product is easy to use for prolonged periods.
- Ergonomic design factors into the product’s ease of application.
Things I Didn’t Like About This Drill
- Can’t be used for chipping due to its size.
- Chuck locks up when overused, so make sure to give the model breaks in between.
Makita XPH07Z
Makita has always been a really popular manufacturer of big rotary drills and even in the cordless industry, it does not disappoint. The Makita XPH072 is one of the most powerful cordless drills I have ever come across. I’ve observed that it lasts longer than the usual hammer drill, probably because of the quality of its brushless motor. This feature allows the drill and impact force of up to 1090 lbs at max torque which is a really powerful feat. Its hard plastic and rubber coating makes it so close to being shockproof despite the incredible power of the drill. My favorite part of the drill is the hammer mode; using this, I’ve comfortably drilled through a variety of materials, from cement, mortar, masonry, and lug nuts, like they’re soft as butter.
I enjoyed using the XPH072 despite some issues I had with its weight. The motor gives off a clean humming sound as it works, which helps ease the pain of holding it for an extended period of time. It comes in two speeds. The lower speed is good for beginners and the average handyman because it affords more control over its power, while on the other end of the spectrum you’re also capable of pulsing through materials at 2100 RPM. This is a considerable speed difference from the rest of the drills, because the standard speed is just 1500 RPM.
Things I Liked About This Drill
- Powerful hammer modes allow for versatile drilling.
- Comfortable, sits well in your hand while you’re using it.
- Long lasting battery lets you use it for extended periods of time.
- Durable; can hold its own after a few falls and other accidents.
- Versatile; can be used in a variety of ways.
Things I Didn’t Like About This Drill
- Fragile chuck screw may pose an increase safety hazard so make sure to check consistently.
- Heavy, may be uncomfortable to use in the long term.
Milwaukee 2607-20
The Milwaukee 2607 is an all in one cordless hammer drill that has a lot more features than the rest of the drills that are available on this list. Its compact size makes it so that it can be held by only one hand and also makes it so that you can basically store it on any space in your own home.
What I like about this product is how incredibly durable it is because of its metal gear casing that covers the entire drill itself. It also has rubber pads all over it so that it can both dampen some of the vibrations when using the drill. These pads also work to keep the tool shock-proof so that it won’t break easily when it falls. It also comes with a belt clip so that you can store it on your belt for easy access. It’s only 3 pounds. When you compare it to corded or cordless variants, it is very impressive. It also has led lighting that is positioned under the keyless chuck. The position makes it so that it doesn’t form shadows making it easier to work in darker areas of your house.
Unlike most hammer drills that only have one or two modes, this product has 3 modes: driving, hammering, and drilling. It also has a variable speed trigger and a switch for drilling which gives it higher rotation speed and a switch for screwing which gives it more torque and less speed. This helps it tackle both hard objects like cement and masonry or soft objects just like wood.
Things I Liked About This Drill
- Lightweight and easy to use due to its build.
- Durable, can withstand moderate to strong impact levels.
- Versatile, especially with the three different modes and the variable speed trigger.
- Comes with a belt clip you can use to keep the tools within reach.
- Compact and easy to bring along on long trips.
Things I Didn’t Like About This Drill
- Battery is not as strong as the other models, so stay close to an outlet.
- LED light is awkward to use, as it is built right under the chuck.
Bosch HDS182-02
This product is great if you want something compact that can fit into every nook, cranny, and crevasse of your house or workplace. Its compact head length makes sure that you can go into a tight area and drill away. Speaking of the compact head length, the materials used to build this powerful cordless hammer drill is a hard plastic and rubber padding on the outside, with strong metal gears on the inside.
It has a special EC brushless motor that provides twice the motor life even with low maintenance done on it. It’s also possible to use it for one hand bit changing because of the single-sleeve chuck. It’s durable and built to be abused at the workplace or at your own home. I appreciated how it has an electronic cell protection feature. This protects the battery from overloading and possibly leaking out or exploding.
The drill mode allows you to use two types of speed settings: one for drilling with extreme speeds of 1,700 RPM and one for smaller diameter bits going at a speed of 500 RPM. The hammer mode is a powerhouse with a torque of 442 in.-lbs and a blow per minute of 25,500 it can easily hammer through solid concrete and masonry thanks to the all-metal gearbox. I recommend using this on more serious jobs in a construction site or a demolition site due to the amount of power it has. At the same time, it can also be used in your household because of the compact size that makes it easy for storage.
Things I Liked About This Drill
- All-metal gearbox lets you drill reliably through even solid concrete and masonry.
- Controllable speed makes sure that you drill at your own pace.
- Long battery life lets you use it for extended periods of time.
- Easy to use both for work and for home purposes.
- Compact and can be maneuvered through tight spots.
Things I Didn’t Like About This Drill
- Pieces fall off due to the high vibration.
- Tends to overheat due to overworked battery.
Dewalt DCK299D1T1
This incredible fusion product packs both power and convenience into one drill. It comes with a flexvolt technology. This means that it is powered by a special battery that automatically switches between two voltages. It’s like an all in one battery that can be used on any compatible Dewalt drill.
The durability of this hammer drill is evident in the hard plastic and rubber that coats the outside of the drill. The battery length is also impressive because of the flexvolt battery that’s used on it. It can last for 3 or more hours regardless of whether or not you use it continuously or if you ration out the battery times. It also has an LED function that lets you see clearly when you’re working in the dark or at night.
Buying this power tool gives you two drills. The first drill, the DCD996 20V max, has a 3-speed feature that makes it go for speeds in between 0-2000 RPM. I like how this drill is compact and lightweight enough to fit areas that otherwise wouldn’t be reached by regular drills. The impressive speed makes it drill holes quickly for maximum efficiency. The second drill, the DCF887, has an impressive hammer mode that can rival the hammer mode of even the corded drills. The impact driver puts out 1825 in-lbs of max torque which is extremely high, even for corded hammer drills. It can also dish out 0-3700 impacts per minute.
Things I Liked About This Drill
- 2-in-1 Flexvolt voltage power can be used for a variety of purposes.
- Comes with an LED function that helps facilitate working in the dark.
- Has a three-speed feature that allows you to go between 0 to 2,000 RPM.
- High torque power that can rival even corded hammer drills.
- Long battery life means that it can be used for extended periods.
Things I Didn’t Like About This Drill
- High torque can injure you if you don’t handle it with care.
- Heavy; may be difficult to wield at times.
Makita XPH12Z
This version of the XPH127 comes with a BL brushless motor that helps it deliver a torque of 530 in-lbs max. The BL Brushless motor also extends the battery life of it by over 50% which makes it extremely good for jobs that require extended periods of time to finish. The electronically controlled BL brushless motor also efficiently rations energy to adjust both the RPM and torque depending on usage.
Just like all Makita drills, this cordless hammer drill doesn’t break easily. What I like about this drill is the fact that it’s made to withstand abuse and if you’re a clumsy person, it can also withstand falls very well. This is because of the extremely hard plastic exterior and the rubber padding that not only makes it shock proof but also helps with controlling the vibrations when using it. The pure metal gears and interior also makes it tight and sturdy so that it doesn’t easily break off parts.
The drilling and hammering modes are both amazing. The drilling mode ramps up to over 2000 RPM which is high considering most cordless drills only go up to 1500 RPM. Depending on the drill bit it can also drill through cement like it’s butter without damaging the cement or without you using applied force to penetrate. It has 2 modes of application which is one for delicate (0-500 RPM) and tough application (0-2000 RPM). The hammering mode is also quite good for both drilling holes without damaging the wall or the masonry itself and with demolishing walls themselves with the blows per minute reaching up to 30,000 BPM which is the highest bpm for a cordless hammer drill.
Things I Liked About This Drill
- Comes with two modes of application, depending on your needs.
- RPM rivals even the power of corded drills.
- Hammering mode is good at focusing drill power solely on the target spot.
- Durable and can withstand prolonged use as well as damage.
- Lightweight even with the battery, which makes it easy to use.
Things I Didn’t Like About This Drill
- Gets stuck in hammer mode from time to time.
- Build has some flaws which may be a turn off for some.
Milwaukee 2704-20
Milwaukee gets a second entry in my list because these two products are just too good to switch out one for the other. The 2704-20 model is equipped with a special power state brushless motor. It can output 1200 in-lbs of maximum torque. It also gets a fairly long battery life because of this unique new motor build. I recommend using Milwaukee’s red lithium batteries as they would give better and longer results and battery life.
The durability of this drill is average because it doesn’t have full metal grills. This affects its durability. However, what it lacks in metal casing it makes up for in hard plastic and multiple rubber pads that help with controlling vibrations, especially during hammer mode. It also is fairly light despite having heavier materials used for it, weighing in at 4.5 pounds. It’s also pretty well balanced and ergonomic which makes it extremely comfortable to handle and to use. It has a great variable chuck as well. My favorite part about this product is the fact that it has an anti-theft device named “One-key”. If your tool gets stolen you can just turn the tool off. This renders the power drill useless until you turn it on again.
This tool has a regular drilling mode and a hammering mode just like most hammer drills. The drilling mode is not too bad for fastening and for screwing and not too bad for drilling holes in wood without damaging the surface of the wood. The hammering mode, however, is a whole different story. It registers 32,000 BPM, which is remarkably high output on hammering mode for a cordless drill. The torque is just enough and can be controlled better as well because of the ergonomic rubberized handle.
Things I Liked About This Drill
- Hammering mode is a top performer in the cordless drill industry.
- Comfortable to use as it’s designed to fit the curves of your hand.
- Easy to control while drilling, which is good for beginners.
- Has an anti-theft mechanism as an unique added security measure.
- Solid BPM and torque for a cordless hammer drill.
Things I Didn’t Like About This Drill
- Not as durable as the other models on this list.
- Short battery life means that you may have to schedule breaks and position yourself close to outlets.
Porter-Cable PCC620B
Here’s a relatively fresh face to this list of industry leaders. Porter Cable is a company owned by Stanley that has made great quality tools for a long time now. What makes this drill stand out is its mostly metal construct, which is a far cry from the conventional hard plastic. There are tiny parts that are plastic but for the most part, it is metal. There are multiple patches of rubber on the outside. All this blend together to give it a futuristic metallic look.
This high-performance drill can deliver over 27,000 BPM which puts it second only to the Makita XPH12Z. Because of the high BPM, it can drill through almost any type of surface that you’d see in a construction or demolition site from cement to mortar, masonry, and even steel. The drill mode has two modes which you can use to adjust the speed. The first one is for lighter work like on wood which puts it at 0-400 RPM and one for slightly heavier work such as cement which clocks it up to an RPM of 0-1600.
This drill has a feature that most cordless drills lack, which is a battery gauge that displays the remaining energy left in the battery so that you know roughly how much time you have left before you need to charge it up again. It also has a special LED light that allows you to work on areas that are dark and to light up small workspaces.
Things I Liked About This Drill
- Has an indicator for the battery life to help you keep track.
- BPM capacity allows the model to drill consistently through a wide variety of materials.
- Versatile and can be used for many different purposes due to its BPM capacity.
- Comes with an LED light so you can continue working in the dark.
- Beginner-friendly; a reliable and affordable tool to start with for beginners.
Things I Didn’t Like About This Drill
- Not as durable and long-lasting as other drills on the list.
- Built for small homeowner projects and not as much for everyday construction use.
Dewalt DCD985B
The Dewalt makes another appearance on this list. This time, it doesn’t come with a brushless motor. However, it is still very powerful. This high-efficiency motor delivers 450 unit watts of power that just yells superiority in performance. The metal ratcheting chucks are solid and extremely durable making it perfect not only for house use but also in heavy-duty situations in a construction site or a demolition site. Because it’s cordless it requires a battery, I suggest you use the 20V Max lithium-ion batteries that Dewalt manufactures to get the longest possible battery life. The lithium-ion batteries actually make it so that the drill can run 35% more which is neat if you want to use it for longer periods of time.
This drill is especially great for heavy-duty jobs despite it being possible to use in your own home. The drill mode on this product is so powerful that it can drill holes into steam beams without a problem. The drill mode has 3 settings for speed: 0-600 RPM, 0-1250 RPM, and 0-2000 RPM. The hammering mode is just as good as the drill mode, the hammering mode can easily break down cement constantly without decreasing in speed.
The design of the drill is also spectacular. I like how comfortable this drill is because of the hammer drill’s slim handle design. The rubber grip also makes it a lot easier to handle and to maneuver around when you are using the drill. Lastly, this drill has an increasing amount of convenience because of the LED light which is above the trigger. It’s invaluable when working in dim or flat-out dark areas.
Things I Liked About This Drill
- Built to withstand prolonged and heavy usage.
- Powerful drilling capacity to facilitate seamless work even through tough materials.
- Great speed and RPM to help you finish your work efficiently.
- Comfortable to use due to its ergonomic design.
- Equipped with an LED light so you can continue working in the dark.
Things I Didn’t Like About This Drill
- Does not come with a brushless motor.
- Loose chuck may pose an increased safety hazard.
Makita XT612M
Just like Dewalt, Makita makes a third appearance in the list. The XT612M has a BL brushless motor which means that it not only boosts the torque and power of the drill itself but also boosts the battery life for it to be able to go for 50% longer. My favorite part is the application of the BL brushless motor which eliminates traces of carbon making the rill run cooler, longer, and smoother.
Similar to most Makita drills, it has two settings to choose from when it comes to speed: 0-500 RPM and 0-2,000 RPM for the regular drilling mode, and 0-7500 BPM and 0-30,000 BPM for the extremely powerful hammer mode. It also dishes out 1500 in-lbs of maximum torque which is just enough for just about any demolition or construction site job. The drill is also surprisingly light despite the fact that it’s durable with a solid metal interior.
This drill, or basically all the tools in this bundle, are the cream of the crop and can outperform most tools that rival them. It’s definitely the most expensive product on this list, but it’s only because this already comes with everything you want to have when it comes to owning power tools. The hammer drill is efficient, powerful, and durable. You can bring it as well as its components anywhere because it comes packaged in a bag of its own. Most of the tools inside the bag are battery powered as well. It’s a true companion for those who are always on the go.
Things I Liked About This Drill
- Product comes with quality equipment to help complete your toolkit.
- Powerful; can work through materials with ease.
- Can dish out consistently high BPM and RPM for strong drill work.
- Good for small home projects and construction work.
- Long battery life lets you use it for extended periods.
Things I Didn’t Like About This Drill
- Has the tendency to jam after extended periods of use.
- Motor is prone to greasing up and may require more cleaning than usual.
What To Look Out For In A Cordless Hammer Drill
Every cordless hammer drill model comes with a different combination of several factors. These work together to build unique products that have their own strengths and weaknesses. As such, you’ll need to closely analyze the hammer drills that you have in mind. All these factors weigh equally, more or less, and in order to find out the best fit for you then these are what you need to look out for.
The Higher The Volts, The Bigger The Punch
Voltage determines power. The higher the volts, the bigger the punch that a hammer drill is capable of packing. This can vary anywhere between 8 volts to 36 volts and while more power seems like a good thing, it may not always be the case. Ultimately the ideal hammer drill for you will depend on what kind of materials and plans you’ll need the drill for. You may not need to go all out on voltage when all you need is a consistent drill to get a few repairs in. The standard voltage you will encounter in this article is around 18 volts, which is already good for both home and official work use.
Grip & Comfort While Using Your Drill
It’s important that you feel comfortable wielding your drills. This isn’t just about how well you do your job. If your grip slips, there’s a chance you could get injured. When you’re looking for the ideal drill for you, test the products first by holding them in your hand and trying a number of different working positions. I would recommend looking for hammer drills that come with a rubber grip because it helps absorb shock and will work to keep your hands steady.
Choosing The Perfect Sized Hammer Drill
What is the purpose of your cordless hammer drill? Do you plan on using it to conduct general repairs on exposed areas, or will you need it to get into the nooks and crannies of your home? In either scenario, you will need a different cordless hammer drill to safely and conveniently get the job done.
Choosing The Right Battery
Unlike the voltage, the amp of a battery doesn’t affect the power of the cordless drill. However, it does affect how much time you have when you use the cordless hammer drill. There are a lot of amps available but the most popular is probably the 2 amp battery. Take note that the larger the amps, the larger and the heavier the battery is. A 2 amp battery should last about 1 hour of use and a 5 amp battery can reach up to 2-3 hours. Keep in mind that the 5 amp battery might add a lot of extra weight to the product, which will affect portability and comfort.
Weight Distribution And Its Effect On Muscle Strain
The way you handle the cordless hammer drill depends on two factors: the handle and the weight of the drill itself. Usually, the more powerful drills are also the heavier ones. The materials used also affect the weight of the drill, as some are made out of metal gears for the interior of the drill so that they don’t break easily.
Try to get a drill in between 4-10 pounds so that you don’t accidentally injure yourself while handling the drill. If you’re going to be using a drill for an extended period of time, any more weight could lead to muscle strain.
The Ideal Materials For A Hammer Drill
This is, quite literally, a make or break factor in buying a hammer drill. The best cordless hammer drills are made out of a combination of common materials to help keep the components in place while directing its power through the drill bit. Here are some of these common materials to look out for in the build of a hammer drill to ensure that it is durable:
- Metal Housing
A solid metal housing would help keep the parts inside in place while it’s being used. It also helps control the torque and reduce trembling.
- Hard Plastic
Reinforced plastic will help add more durability to a hammer drill without the downside of adding weight as well. Look for an equal balance between reliable plastic and metal parts in the build of a hammer drill.
- Rubber Padding
Lastly, rubber padding helps you keep a tight and steady grip on the hammer drill. It also doubles as a shock absorber for the vibrations caused by the motor. If you’re sensitive to this, you may want to look for a hammer drill that has considerable rubber padding so it can minimize the discomfort caused by the motor.
Additional Features & Perks
Some drills have LED lights that are attached at the top of the trigger to provide light on dimly lit areas where you want to drill. Some also have belt clips, and even vibration dampeners that help contain the vibration so that it doesn’t disturb your stance while drilling. Depending on what you need a hammer drill for, you may want to consider some extra add-ons to help make getting the job done easier.
Handling And Using A Cordless Hammer Drill
If you’ve never used a hammer drill before, this first time may be a daunting experience. It’s alright to feel intimidated handling power tools. Just know that there are many safety measures and guides you can arm yourself with before you get down to business. Make sure you are fully equipped with the relevant safety gear beforehand and that you have all the tools you need within reach before you begin.
Make sure your hammer drill is fully charged at this point so you can make the most out of its debut performance. I also strongly urge you to go through the instruction manuals that come with the hammer drill to supplement this guide. There may be certain nuances to the hammer drill you have that are not covered in this procedure.
Determine The Bit Measurement
The drill bits are the cutting tools used to create holes. These are the long metal wands attached to the drill and kept in place with the chuck. Get the right size for the drill bit you need to use. In case you plan on drilling a big hole, I would recommend drilling a pilot hole first to help facilitate the drill bit’s accuracy and minimize the risk of it bending into the material.
Find And Attach The Right Bit
Once you’ve got the measurements down, get the drill bit you need and attach it into the drill. Make sure it’s settled in well and use a chuck to tighten it in place.
Determine The Depth Of The Drill Bit
Avoid making the common mistake of drilling without planning for depth. If your drill comes with a depth stopper, set it up to stop at a certain point. However, if your model does not come with this feature, I would recommend just wrapping the drill bit up with some masking tape to mark how far you want the drill to go.
Get To Work
Place the tip of the bit on the area marked out for drilling. Make sure that you’ve nailed the spot right on its head. After this, rev up your drill and get to work. Try not to put too much pressure on the drill because it’s built to do most of the work for you. All you need to do is keep a steady hand.
Clean Up Regularly
To help facilitate the process, you will need to clean out the debris from drilling every once in a while. There may also be times when your drill may encounter markedly tough substances while drilling. If this happens, I recommend placing a concrete nail into the hole and hammering. This technique can help break through the tough material and clear the way for your hammer drill.
Pull It Out
Once you’re finished drilling all the way through, don’t just pull out the drill. It will be difficult to retrieve and even if you succeeded, you risk damaging both the material and your product. Just switch the unit to reverse so you can slowly pull the drill bit out of the hole.
Why You Should Use A Cordless Hammer Drill?
In general, hammer drills are a lot more powerful than regular drills. Regular drills rotate at a fast pace which is why it makes a buzzing sound when you use it. The rotating action causes a lot of noise. It is also messier and leaves more debris. Lastly, it is difficult to direct.
Hammer drills work differently, using a special mechanism that allows it to go forward and backward instead of rotating clockwise or counterclockwise. By doing this, it pushes into the object that it’s being used on making it more effective at drilling harder objects like bricks rather than the softer ones like wood. If you’d use hammer mode on wood, chances are the material would splinter and break.
Cordless hammer drills are used for more heavy-duty jobs such as at constructions sites or at demolition sites. It is versatile and portable, which suits the nature of work within these environments. Use it on a wooden cabin and the hammer drill wouldn’t do that well in drilling there because instead of a clean hole, it’d break or crack the surface of the wood, which would be extremely bad.
Another reason why you should use a hammer drill is its versatility. You can bring it around anywhere, use it on areas without electricity, or in places that don’t have an electrical outlet nearby.
Precautions While Using Hammer Drills
As with all construction tools, it’s important that you are properly equipped with the right safety equipment and that you understand the precautions you need to take while using it. According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 2,500 people every year receive hospital treatment because of drill press injuries.
Wear The Right Protective Equipment
It’s always a good idea to invest in the right equipment when you are handling power tools. Here’s a quick overview of what you need to suit up right.
Respiratory Protection
A thick piece of cloth wrapped around your mouth and nose will do in a pinch. However, if you see yourself doing some moderate to heavy drilling work, I would recommend getting a disposable respirator or half-face respirators. This works to keep you from inhaling any harmful airborne particles that would be dislodged by persistent drilling.
Auditory Protection
Drills need to be loud when they function, and if you aren’t wearing any auditory protection then there’s a chance that it may cause hearing problems. This type of PPE can come in the form of ear muffs or ear plugs, depending on both your personal preference and the amount of noise it will need to filter out.
Visual Protection
There are three types of protective equipment you can use for your eyes: safety glasses, safety goggles, and face shields. Protecting your eyes and face while using power tools is very important because of the high-speed flying particles which can either enter and damage your eyes, or leave scars.
Physical Protection
Now that you’ve got the most vulnerable parts of your body covered, it’s time to cover up the rest of your body. Fitted, full body clothing with thick gloves and boots help protect you from any unexpected injuries.
Important Note
Your personal protective equipment may have certain requirements or standards it needs to adhere to in order to verify its effectivity at keeping you safe. Make sure to read on the brands thoroughly and buy only from trusted sellers to make sure that you are getting your money’s worth.
Turn Off The Drill When Switching Out Bits
You can seriously injure yourself if you try switching out the drill bits while the drill is on. In addition to the movement, the drill bit also heats up while in use. Slowly turn down the drill, take the bit out, and pop the desired one in. Only once you’re sure that you have already secured the new bit in place should you turn the drill back on.
Make Sure The Chuck Is Tight Before Using
The chuck is what holds the drill bit in place while it’s turned on. If it isn’t tightened all the way, you run the risk of the entire drill bit actually falling off while you’re drilling. At best it’s a nuisance; at worst it poses a serious threat. Every time you move to turn on your drill, take a quick look at the chuck to see if it’s tightened all the way.
The Top Brands In Hammer Drill Industry Today
Hammer drills have been around for a while, and as the demand for housing grew, so did the demand for topnotch drilling materials and equipment. Throughout the years, several companies in the industry have worked hard to develop an extensive line of products to adapt to these changes. Here are some of the top companies that have managed to stand out.
This industry leader is named after its founder Raymond Dewalt, who perfected the first woodworking machine that increases both productivity and versatility. Even as they set up the company, they were already set on making tools and innovations that help people become more productive a lot quicker than when they are to use conventional methods. They rose into the higher ranks in the early 2000s and early ‘90s for creating innovative equipment.
Makita was founded in 1915 and has since been known for exceptional motor power as well as performance. They initially made electric motors and sold and repaired them as well. Their rise to fame happened in 2004 when they created the first ever brushless tool which was an incredible achievement for their company.
This company was founded in 1924, and ever since they’ve been dedicated to focusing on the craftsmanship of things and making improvement where improvement is needed. They focus on the little things that can make big differences which is why they rose to fame in the early later 90’s when they made products that were extremely durable and made for heavy duty work.
Before it got shortened to its current moniker, its full name was the Robert Bosch Tool Corporation. It was founded in 2004 and quickly rose to glory because of the quality of the products that they developed and sold. Bosch was even considered synonymous to engineering excellence after they became leaders in the design, manufacturing, and the sale of power tools.
Conclusion
I hope in this guide I’ve explained in full detail, how important hammer drills are as a toolkit staple; and the kind of features you should look out for in case you’re thinking of buying one in the future. It’s a matter of finding the right fit for your needs and preferences. If you work in construction, a great hammer drill will be a solid investment to your future; and if you’re a homeowner, it will be a solid investment to the upkeep of your house.
I hope I’ve managed to point you in the right direction, and at the very least, sparked an interest in the world of power tools. There’s so much more to learn about what you can do with this equipment, and cordless hammer drills are just the start. Once you figure out how to use more of them, you’ll get much more control over the aesthetics as well as the structure of your house. And that kind of independence can be very empowering.