Last Updated on October 16, 2023 by Pro Handyman Australia – Editorial Team
Both hammer drills and rotary hammers are built for tackling masonry tasks, but they serve different purposes. Simply put, if you’re handling light tasks like drilling a few holes in concrete blocks, a hammer drill should do the trick. However, for more demanding tasks such as drilling into older, denser concrete, the rotary hammer’s “hammer-only” mode, which excludes rotation, offers more potency.
Key Distinctions At a Glance
Hammer Drill: Best for lighter masonry tasks. If you’re thinking of drilling a couple of holes in a standard concrete block, this is your go-to tool.
Rotary Hammer: Suited for demanding masonry jobs. Equipped with an SDS chuck and a distinct “hammer-only” mode, it excels in situations requiring intense hammering, such as in older, tougher concrete.
By understanding the basic capabilities and distinctions of these two tools, you can quickly ascertain which tool might be the best fit for your specific needs. In the sections that follow, we’ll delve deeper into the intricacies of both tools, exploring their accessories, and offering tips to enhance their utility and efficiency.
Hammer Drill vs. Rotary Hammer: The Differences Unveiled
Both hammer drills and rotary hammers excel in creating a powerful pounding force, making them highly effective for penetrating masonry. The process by which they achieve this pounding force distinguishes one from the other.
A hammer drill employs two discs that come adorned with ridges akin to those on poker chips. As one disc glides past its counterpart, there’s a rising and falling action that prompts the chuck to thrust back and forth. Absent any force on the chuck, a clutch separates the discs, halting the pounding. This mechanism helps reduce unnecessary wear. Additionally, many hammer drills offer versatility, allowing users to toggle off the hammering action and use the tool as a regular drill.
In contrast, a rotary hammer’s pounding action originates from a piston propelled by a crankshaft. This piston operates within a cylinder, generating air pressure when pushed forward. It’s this air pressure that drives the hammer mechanism. Due to this design, rotary hammers can deliver substantially greater impact energy compared to hammer drills, marking them as the tool of choice for many professionals. Another notable feature of most rotary hammers is their trio of settings: drill, hammer drill, and pure hammer, granting them the versatility to function similarly to a mini jackhammer. Naturally, such advanced features make the rotary hammer a pricier investment.
Impact Comparison: Hammer Drill vs. Rotary Hammer
The rotary hammer distinctly stands out in terms of impact force when juxtaposed with a hammer drill. While the hammer drill’s impact force depends on the user pressing into the material, the rotary hammer automates this process using a flying piston. Simply put, a hammer drill uses a vibratory action to disrupt the concrete, whereas a rotary hammer actively chips away at the concrete during the drilling process.
Choosing the Right Drill Bits
Selecting Hammer Drill Bits
Hammer drills are ideally suited for lighter masonry tasks. They’re adept at drilling into bricks, mortar, and concrete blocks, with the capability to occasionally tackle poured concrete as well.
When shopping for hammer drill bits, there’s no need to break the bank. Nonetheless, investing in pricier bits can offer advantages. Higher-end bits often come with premium carbide tips that not only last longer but are also firmly attached to the bit’s shank. This robust construction minimizes the likelihood of breakage, especially during intensive operations.
Rotary Hammer Bits and Their Attachments
The SDS-Plus chuck has become the most prevalent type found in home centers today. One of the unique features of SDS-Plus bits is the grooves on their shanks. These grooves ensure a secure fit into the chuck while also allowing the bit to move independently from it. The result is a hassle-free insertion and removal process that doesn’t require any additional tools. However, it’s essential to be aware of larger rotary hammers that employ the SDS-Max system. Additionally, some brands have their proprietary systems, so always ensure that your bit is compatible with your specific tool.
In the realm of rotary hammers, their utility is amplified when switched to hammer mode. A diverse range of attachments is available to cater to a wide variety of tasks. Here are some popular attachments you might come across:
- Clay Spade: This is ideal for breaking up hard soil.
- Cold Chisel: It’s designed for breaking concrete.
- Tile Remover: This is particularly effective for removing ceramic tiles.
- Bull Point Chisel: Primarily used to initiate holes in concrete.
- Scaling Chisel: Useful for eliminating rust, concrete, and weld spatter.
If you’re a proud owner of a rotary hammer and are on the lookout for a robust drill suitable for boring large holes in wood or mixing joint compound, the SDS-Plus chuck adapter might be an excellent investment. Not only does it allow for the use of smooth-shank drill bits and hole saws, but also mixing paddles. However, always ensure the setting remains on drill mode to avoid potential damage to the chuck.
Deciphering the Right Bit: Rebar vs. Standard
Investing in a hammer drill might seem straightforward. For instance, a $50 hammer drill can effortlessly drill 1/2-in. holes in most masonry structures. However, allocating a higher budget can grant you faster drilling, especially beneficial when numerous holes need drilling.
The efficiency of a hammer drill can be gauged by its BPM (beats/blows per minute). Yet, BPM isn’t the sole determinant of performance. Factors such as motor amperage, the feel of the drill in hand, and chuck quality play crucial roles. While all-metal chucks are touted for their durability, keyless chucks, though convenient for standard drills, might lack the necessary grip for masonry tasks.
On the other hand, rotary hammers have their effectiveness measured in terms of impact energy. More amp power is advantageous, but higher impact energy is paramount. It’s also pivotal to note that while rotary hammers are classified based on the maximum hole size recommended by manufacturers, occasional larger holes can still be managed. Therefore, if a specific hole size, such as 7/8-in., is recurrently required, opting for a larger drill that doesn’t constantly operate at its peak capacity might be more efficient.
Assessing Task Scale with Drills
Rotary Hammers: Tailored for Bigger Tasks
Renowned for their prowess at drilling through hardened concrete, rotary hammers can be equipped with a plethora of attachments to make them even more versatile. With accessories ranging from chisels designed for scaling metal, breaking concrete, tile removal, and even hard soil excavation, the possibilities are vast. There’s also the provision to integrate a three-jaw chuck suitable for standard drill bits.
It’s worth noting the SDS-Plus chuck adapter’s significance again. Ensuring that the tool is always on drill mode when using this adapter is pivotal, as it prevents the chuck from sustaining damage.
Understanding the Scope: Large Jobs vs. Small Jobs
When it comes to classifying a task as “large”, the criteria might vary for different individuals. For some, a project that necessitates drilling more than a dozen holes or drilling holes beyond a certain diameter might fall under this category. For such demanding tasks, smaller hammer drills might not be the best fit, even if they perform exceptionally well for lighter duties.
Masonry professionals or tradespeople often find themselves working on projects that require drilling holes of 3/8-inch diameter or larger, drilling through rebar, or breaking up concrete. In such scenarios, the rotary hammer becomes their tool of choice due to its enhanced capabilities and precision.
On the other hand, hammer drills find favor among a broad spectrum of users. Their appeal lies in the added functionality they provide at almost negligible extra cost. Hence, from DIY enthusiasts and carpenters to plumbers and maintenance and repair operators, many prefer the versatility of hammer drills.
Drill Price Points and Expected Performance
$50 to $100 Range
Hammer drills in this bracket usually come with 6 to 8 amp motors. They are adept at drilling holes up to 1/2 inch in light masonry materials such as block, mortar, and brick. They also possess the capability to bore into concrete, albeit at a slower pace.
$100 to $150 Range
Equipped with motors that vary from 7 to 10 amps, hammer drills within this price segment can comfortably drill holes of up to 5/8 inch in light masonry and concrete.
$150 to $225 Range
Rotary hammers within this financial bracket are powered by motors ranging from 7 to 10 amps and deliver an impact energy between 1.5 to 3 ft.-lbs. They excel at drilling holes in light masonry and concrete up to 1 inch. Additionally, they can be switched to hammer mode for tasks such as mortar removal, light concrete busting, and tile chiseling.
Above $225
High-end rotary hammers that fall in this segment produce an impact energy exceeding 10 ft.-lbs. These powerhouses can consistently drill holes of 1-3/4 inches. Although their price can stretch between $400 to $800, they are available for rent at around $60 per day.
User Experience: Hammer Drills in Action
While product specifications and manufacturer claims can provide a wealth of information, there’s nothing quite like hearing directly from the users who’ve put these tools to the test in real-world scenarios.
Ella’s Account with the DEWALT ATOMIC 20V MAX: Ella, a professional carpenter, recently purchased the DEWALT ATOMIC 20V MAX and had some noteworthy feedback. She commented, “The DEWALT ATOMIC 20V MAX’s grip is comfortable for extended use, and its power surprised me when I drilled through old, dense concrete. The battery life also surpassed my expectations.”
Jacob’s Experience with the Bosch AdvancedImpact 18: On the other hand, Jacob, a DIY enthusiast, got his hands on the Bosch AdvancedImpact 18. He noted, “This tool is fantastic for occasional heavy-duty tasks. The chiseling feature is a bonus when I’m working with tiles. However, I did notice it gets a bit hot after prolonged use.”
Such hands-on experiences bring valuable insights that often aren’t captured in product specifications alone. They reveal the nuances of how a tool performs under real-life conditions and can guide potential buyers in making an informed decision.
In-depth Comparisons: Hammer Drill Face-Off
To get a clearer picture of how different hammer drills stack up against each other, let’s dive into a side-by-side comparison.
| Model | Power (Amps) | Battery Life (Hours) | Weight (lbs) | Price ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DEWALT ATOMIC 20V MAX | 10 | 5 | 6.5 | 220 |
| Bosch AdvancedImpact 18 | 8 | 4.5 | 7 | 200 |
| Makita DHP485Z | 9 | 4.8 | 6 | 210 |
| Milwaukee 2408-20 M12 | 9.5 | 5.2 | 6.8 | 230 |
While the DEWALT ATOMIC 20V MAX and Milwaukee 2408-20 M12 lead in terms of power and battery life, the Bosch AdvancedImpact 18 and Makita DHP485Z offer competitive features for their price points. Making a choice depends on what specific features are prioritized, whether it’s extended battery life, power, or weight considerations.
Other Drill Considerations
Advantages of Cordless Drills
If you’re already equipped with cordless tools, it would be wise to check if the same manufacturer offers a hammer drill or rotary hammer compatible with the batteries you possess. Often, purchasing a battery-less cordless tool might prove more economical than its corded counterpart.
Assessing Maximum Hole Sizes
Hammer drills tend to reach their practical limit around holes of 1/2-inch. In contrast, rotary hammers can comfortably manage holes up to 2 inches in diameter. Furthermore, when working on smaller holes, rotary hammers exhibit a more rapid drilling speed into concrete than hammer drills with the same bit size.
Although hammer drills might be sufficient for occasional concrete drilling, they aren’t the best fit for regular and extensive use. Especially when drilling several holes, rotary hammers have established themselves as the more efficient choice, both in terms of speed and cost-effectiveness. While drilling holes ranging from 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch, a hammer drill might suffice. However, for holes larger than 1/4 inch, the faster drilling speeds and versatility of a rotary hammer usually outweigh even their added weight.
Conclusion
Choosing between a hammer drill and a rotary hammer often boils down to the specific requirements of the task at hand. While both tools have their unique strengths and applications, it’s essential to match the tool to the job for optimum efficiency and results. Whether you’re a professional tradesperson, a home DIY enthusiast, or seeking assistance from Melbourne Handyman Services, understanding the capabilities of these tools can help you make an informed decision for your projects.