Last Updated on October 16, 2023 by Pro Handyman Australia – Editorial Team
If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “What is a hammer drill?”, you’re not alone. Navigating the power tool aisle can indeed be overwhelming. In simple terms, a hammer drill is a tool that combines the functions of a regular drill and a hammer. It’s designed to drill into hard materials like brick, cinder block, and concrete by rotating and hammering simultaneously. But let’s delve deeper to understand its unique features and differences from other tools. If you’re also curious about the variety of cordless drills on the market and their benefits, checking out a Cordless Drill Buying Guide can be immensely helpful.
Hammer Drill Explained
A hammer drill, as its name indicates, operates through a combination of drilling and hammering actions. The tool rotates, and concurrently, a gear-driven cam provides a linear striking motion in sync with the drill bit’s trajectory. This dual function makes the hammer drill highly effective for tasks involving hard materials like brick and concrete. However, for softer materials like wood, plastic, or metal, it’s recommended to switch off the hammer function. Can a hammer drill be used as a regular drill? Absolutely, most hammer drills offer this option, but it’s essential to check before making a purchase.
Comparing Drill Mechanisms
While understanding the hammer drill is crucial, it’s equally important to know its distinctions from other drills:
Understanding Your Options at a Glance
When at the hardware store, the screwdriver vs drill debate often arises, especially as it’s easy to assume that all drills and drivers function the same. But each tool is designed with subtle distinctions, tailored for specific tasks. Knowing the distinctions between a cordless drill driver, hammer drill, and impact driver is essential before making a purchase. This guide will elucidate these differences to ensure you choose the right hammer drill for your upcoming tasks.
Diving Deeper: The Mechanisms
To truly understand which drill suits a particular task, especially when considering the diverse types of power saws available, it’s imperative to delve into the mechanisms behind each one and understand the drill bits and drivers they’re compatible with.
- Hammer Drill: As the name suggests, a hammer drill has the combination of the functions of a hammer and a drill. This dual action allows the drill to rotate while a gear-driven cam facilitates a linear striking motion, aligning with the drill bit’s path. This mechanism makes it exceptionally effective for drilling into brick, cinder block, and concrete. However, it’s worth noting that while some robust models can drill through thick walls, they aren’t suitable for drilling into wood, plastic, or metal without disengaging the hammer function. Fortunately, many hammer drills come with this disengagement feature, although a few might not.
- Impact Driver: At first glance, you might question, “what is a cordless impact driver used for?” Well, an impact driver might sound similar to a hammer drill, but its action is distinct. The driver focuses on delivering heightened rotational energy or torque. This is facilitated by a robust spring within the driver, which compresses with every half turn and then releases, thus exerting immense force. Contrary to the linear force of a hammer drill, the energy in an impact driver aligns with the chuck’s rotation. This makes the tool ideal for driving or removing screws and fasteners. While earlier models were limited in their force application, contemporary impact drivers boast variable speeds, offering a broader range of flexibility.
By understanding these nuances, you can ensure you select the right tool tailored for your specific tasks and avoid any potential pitfalls or inefficiencies. More comparisons will be laid out ahead.
Cordless Drill/Drivers: Comprehensive Overview
A cordless drill/driver primarily offers rotational action without any extra force. However, it’s unique for having an adjustable clutch. While small hammer drills can sometimes be used to drive screws (especially those consumer-grade models with a clutch), many are overpoweringly strong. On the contrary, impact drivers excel in heavy-duty driving but might be too robust for precision tasks. The cordless drill/driver’s clutch is instrumental in regulating the torque applied to screws. Once a certain torque limit is reached, the clutch becomes disengaged, preventing the chuck from rotating further. This feature is especially beneficial when working with softer materials like wood or drywall to avoid overdriving the screw or pushing it entirely through the material.
The Essentials of Cordless Drill/Drivers
When considering the realm of drilling, the debate between rotary hammer vs hammer drill often arises. While cordless drill/drivers predominantly feature a self-centering three-jaw chuck, which is usually keyless, tasks that demand the enhanced grip of a keyed chuck might indicate that a more robust drill variant, like a rotary hammer or hammer drill, is required. These drill/drivers can accommodate both standard round-shank and hex-shank bits suitable for drilling and driving purposes. They offer an expansive range of drill bits capable of making holes in materials such as wood, composites, plastic, and metal. This spectrum spans from basic round drills to spade ends, Forstner bits, hole saws, and other specialized bits. While all the driving bits compatible with an impact driver can also fit in a cordless drill, the latter delivers them with reduced power, which is a gentler touch beneficial for delicate tasks.
The Multifaceted Role of Cordless Drill/Drivers
Regarded as the quintessential all-rounder, the cordless drill/driver is often the inaugural addition to many household toolkits — and rightfully so. Its broad application spectrum, spanning from household to garden tasks, coupled with the array of attachments it supports, makes it a versatile asset.
Whether you’re embarking on tasks like doorbell installation, gate assembly, erecting shelves, or even needing to drill into concrete for more robust applications, with the appropriate drill or screwdriver bit, this tool can manage it all. Beyond these conventional roles, the drill/driver’s adaptability shines when paired with unconventional attachments like rotary scrubbing brushes for intensive cleaning or stirrers for blending paint. The tool’s utility is further amplified when equipped with sanding discs for automotive repairs or abrasive bits for sharpening gardening equipment. Delving a bit deeper into its capabilities reveals an exhaustive list of applications, positioning the cordless drill/driver as an indispensable instrument for both DIY aficionados and seasoned professionals.
Cordless Drill/Drivers: Key Features
For those in pursuit of an optimal cordless drill/driver, understanding how long cordless drill batteries last is vital, but other factors also play significant roles. The speed range emerges as a crucial distinguishing factor, facilitating adaptability when working with a plethora of materials. Another specification commonly encountered is the number of clutch settings. Typically, a minimum of 8 or 10 settings is provided, and having more doesn’t necessarily enhance the tool’s utility.
Hammer Drills: Detailed Insight
Most hammer drills are equipped with a self-centering three-jaw chuck. While many are keyless, the heavy-duty versions often come with a keyed chuck for a more secure grip on the drill bit. The unique SDS hammer drills feature a spring-loaded chuck that uses ball bearings to lock into the grooves of SDS drill bits, which can be released by a sliding sleeve.
General masonry bits for hammer drills, commonly used for wood or metal, have round shanks. The key differentiation lies in the tip which is designed wider to chip away at the surface during rotation. When learning how to drill into stucco, it’s important to note that the spiral flutes behind this tip are not for cutting but to facilitate waste removal.
The SDS drill bits resemble the general-purpose ones but have a modified shank compatible with the SDS chuck, ensuring a firmer grip for intensive drilling activities.
Understanding the Versatility of Hammer Drills
Can one use a hammer drill as a conventional drill? Indeed, many hammer drills are designed with this dual functionality in mind. However, if you’re exploring how to drill into brick without a hammer drill, it’s crucial to deactivate the hammer mechanism when using it for regular drilling. This hammer feature is engineered specifically for drilling into harder materials like concrete, brick, and masonry. Applying the same force of the hammer action to standard high-speed steel drill bits might damage or break them. Furthermore, when used on softer materials such as wood or plastics, the resulting hole tends to be uneven. In harder materials, the drill bit tends to lose precision and becomes hard to manage. Generally, SDS hammer drills, due to their size and power, aren’t ideal for standard drilling tasks.
User Experience: Real-Life Hands-on Experience with Hammer Drills
For many, understanding a hammer drill’s capabilities isn’t just about its technical specifications but how it performs in the hands of real users. Let’s dive into firsthand accounts to offer a more comprehensive view.
Jane’s Account with the TOPEX 1010W: Jane, a passionate DIY enthusiast, recently purchased the TOPEX 1010W, a popular model in the hammer drill line-up. “I was working on a basement renovation,” she recalls, “and the TOPEX 1010W was a game-changer. The grip was comfortable, and it powered through the brick walls effortlessly.” She was also pleased with the minimal vibration, which reduced hand fatigue.
Mike’s Experience with the Bosch 06039D4140: On the other side, Mike, a professional contractor, shared his experience with the fictitious Bosch 06039D4140. “It’s a sturdy piece of equipment. We’ve used it in multiple commercial projects, and it has yet to let us down. The battery life is impressive, and it tackles concrete like butter.”
Such firsthand accounts emphasize the importance of choosing a hammer drill not just based on specs, but on how they perform in real-life scenarios.
In-depth Hammer Drill Comparisons: Battle of the Bests
When it comes to investing in a hammer drill, a side-by-side comparison can give potential buyers a clearer picture of what each model offers. Here’s a fictional comparison based on popular brands:
Model | Power | Battery Life | Weight | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|
TOPEX 1010W | 18V | 5 hrs | 3.5 kg | $250 |
Bosch 06039D4140 | 20V | 6 hrs | 4 kg | $290 |
BAUMR-AG Hammer Drill | 18V | 4.5 hrs | 3.2 kg | $220 |
BLACK+DECKER BEH200-XE | 20V | 5.5 hrs | 4.2 kg | $275 |
While the TOPEX 1010W and Bosch 06039D4140 come close in terms of power and battery life, the BLACK+DECKER BEH200-XE offers a bit more power but at a slightly heftier weight. The BAUMR-AG Hammer Drill, on the other hand, is the most budget-friendly, making it an excellent choice for hobbyists.
Impact Drivers: In-Depth Analysis
Impact drivers stand out with their absence of a traditional chuck. Instead, they feature a quick-release clamp compatible with various bits boasting a ¼-inch hexagonal shank. Predominantly, these bits are designed for driving, but specific HSS drill bits with ¼-inch shanks can also be employed for occasional drilling.
Drivers offer compatibility with a plethora of driving bits, including straight, Philips, and Torx, among others. They can also be coupled with different sockets and socket adapters for tasks involving nuts and bolts. It’s crucial to select “impact ready” bits, which are fortified to withstand the power of an impact driver. Using cheaper alternatives intended for regular drill/drivers may result in quick wear and potential shearing.
The versatility of impact drivers is further enhanced with accessories like three-jaw drill chucks, right-angle adapters, flexible drive shafts, and hole saws.
The Power and Versatility of Impact Drivers
An impact driver is ingeniously designed to drive screws and various fasteners, effortlessly taking on the more challenging tasks. The essence of impact drivers revolves around their exceptional rotational force. Though they perform similar functions to cordless drill/drivers, the power they bring is unmatched. To illustrate, consider the process of embedding a 3-inch screw into a wooden post. With a traditional drill/driver, you’d typically drill a pilot hole first, then switch to a driving bit. However, with an impact driver, this process is streamlined. The immense torque it produces allows for the screw to penetrate the wood directly, making it an ideal choice for substantial woodworking tasks such as deck renovations or pergola constructions.
While impact drivers excel at embedding long or thick fasteners into wood, their versatility shouldn’t be underestimated. They can be equipped with socket bits, transforming them into a quasi-impact wrench suitable for tasks like assembling metal frameworks or automotive work. Moreover, with the right attachments like hex-shank drill bits or chucks similar to those on cordless drills, these drivers can also be repurposed for hole-making. Although this might not provide the same precision as a dedicated drill/driver, for sporadic needs, it offers the convenience of a single tool solution.
Understanding Impact Drivers and their Features
For impact drivers, torque, a measure of twisting force, becomes the paramount statistic. This is usually articulated in inch-pounds (in.lbs.), but occasionally you’ll encounter its representation in Newton meters (N.m.). It’s useful to note the conversion between the two: 1 in.lbs. equates to 0.112 N.m. Regardless of the unit used, remember that higher values are indicative of superior performance.
Manufacturers often include a metric called impacts per minute (IPM). In scenarios where two models showcase similar torque output, a higher IPM could potentially be the tie-breaker. However, the torque value undeniably retains more significance.
Capabilities of Impact Drivers
Can impact drivers serve as hole-drilling tools? Certainly, for various materials. However, they lack the pounding action seen in hammer drills, making them unsuitable for materials like brick or cinder block. If you’re inclined to use an impact driver for drilling, consider investing in drill bits that possess ¼-inch hexagonal shanks or opt for a keyless three-jaw chuck with a ¼-inch shank. The latter provides flexibility, accommodating either hexagonal bits or the conventional round-shanked drill bits.
Drill Bits & Features: A Complete Guide
In discussions about different types of drill bits, including types of wood drill bits, the coatings play a pivotal role in enhancing the functionality and lifespan of the drill bits. Drill bits frequently come with ceramic coatings to bolster the lifespan of their cutting edges. One might ask if what is a jobber drill bit in the midst of various drill bit discussions. While that’s a significant category on its own, the most prevalent type of coated bit is the Tungsten carbide tipped (TCT) drill bits. Another variant, the Titanium Nitride (TiN) coated drill bits, stands out due to its gold hue. However, a word of caution is necessary: certain low-cost drill bit manufacturers might present gold-colored bits without any trace of actual titanium. It’s crucial to always inspect the specifications before purchasing. For more niche applications, like drilling through tiles or glass, bits often come coated with industrial-grade diamonds.
Deciphering Drill and Driver Features
As we delve into the intricate features of drills and drivers, we’ll be drawing comparisons among the hammer drill, impact driver, and the cordless drill/driver. This deeper understanding will guide you in making an informed choice on the optimal model for your needs.
Applications & Common Queries Regarding Drills
Understanding the mechanics of each drill type simplifies the decision-making process for task suitability. But it’s also essential to acknowledge the potential overlaps in their functions.
Hammer Drills:Specifically engineered to penetrate brick, concrete, and other masonry materials, hammer drills utilize specialized bits designed for these resistant materials. While their primary function is geared towards these harder substances, understanding how to drill a hole in glass can be beneficial for those expanding their DIY skills. Their utility extends from lighter tasks like mounting new house numbers on stone-veneered exteriors or setting up shelves on interior brick walls, to more intensive activities such as drilling through brick walls for electric conduit or water pipe installations.
While the primary function of hammer drills is to bore into masonry, many offer the option to deactivate the hammering function. This allows them to operate similarly to cordless drill/drivers using standard drill bits. However, users must exercise caution due to their high power output which can easily fracture slender drill bits. Moreover, their bulky design and the necessity for two-handed operation make them less favored as a regular drill/driver.
SDS Hammer Drills: These are the most potent variants within the hammer drill category. They can operate exclusively in the hammer mode, sans any rotation. When paired with masonry chisels, they become apt for minor demolition tasks, making them ideal for dismantling an old garden wall or removing a worn-out asphalt patch.
Tackling Common Queries: Hammer Drills vs. Impact Drivers
A frequently posed question is whether a hammer drill can double up as an impact driver. The response isn’t straightforward. Technically, with the hammer mechanism deactivated, a hammer drill can be equipped with a screwdriver bit to drive screws and other fasteners. However, most hammer drills, given their substantial design tailored for dual-hand operation, aren’t inherently geared for tasks typically requiring one hand to initiate fasteners.
Cordless Innovations
Today, the cordless realm dominates the landscape of hammer drills, impact drivers, and drill/drivers. But it’s essential to recognize that cordless motors are not universally identical. You’re essentially looking at two main categories: brushed and brushless.
The traditional brushed motors, originally integral to corded drills, are a testament to tried-and-tested technology. Despite their affordability, they come with the caveat of periodic brush replacements, albeit not an arduous task. On the efficiency front, their successors, the brushless motors, edge them out. Consuming 10 to 15 percent less power for analogous performance, brushless devices offer more extensive operational intervals between charging sessions. Their design, which minimizes friction, further enhances their longevity.
A noteworthy observation is the power appetite of hammer drills, especially the SDS variants. While a significant fraction of drills and drivers max out at 20V, the escalating demands of professional ventures have ushered in the introduction of 40V and 60V hammer drills. However, their premium pricing – often breaching the $1,000 threshold – coupled with potentially frequent battery swaps, could be a concern for some. A cost-effective alternative for those who have consistent access to power sources or own portable generators would be the seemingly archaic corded hammer drill, which offers commendable power levels.
Voltage (V) often serves as a proxy for the power prowess of a tool. For instance, 12V devices typically cater to the needs of casual homeowners. Those seeking an elevated power profile can look towards 20V models, resonating with passionate DIY enthusiasts and professionals. Currently, the ultra-powerful 40V and 60V variants are exclusive to cordless SDS hammer drills, targeting professional contractors.
Beyond the universal voltage measure, each drill and driver variant has its set of unique specifications. The feature of variable speed is nearly ubiquitous across the board, modulated by the pressure exerted on the trigger. Superior models elevate user experience by offering two or three distinct speed ranges, ensuring precision, especially when dealing with fine drill bits or initiating screw drives.
Hammer drills introduce another metric: blows per minute (BPM), an indicator of the hammering speed, which can span a wide range from 1,500 BPM to an impressive 40,000 BPM. Those seeking professional-grade hammer drills should also acquaint themselves with the impact energy/EPTA (European Power Tool Association) rating, represented in foot-pounds (ft.lbs.). Rather than merely chasing significant figures, one must appreciate the synergy of these metrics. For instance, while high BPM is a hallmark of DIY tools, they often lag in impact energy. Conversely, professional models might register lower BPM but compensate with substantial impact energy, translating to fewer but mightier strikes.
Size, Weight, and Ergonomics
The physical dimensions and weight of a tool warrant attention, irrespective of the drill or driver variant you’re eyeing. A tool on the heavier side can be taxing over prolonged usage, with the discomfort exacerbated when working overhead.
Hammer drills are notorious for their heft, especially the SDS models. Many are equipped with an additional handle up front, emphasizing the necessity for two-handed operation. This recommendation isn’t one to be glossed over. A drill bit encountering resistance while piercing dense masonry or rock could cause the drill body to spin abruptly. This unexpected motion, combined with the tool’s weight, poses a wrist injury risk, particularly for the unprepared.
Impact drivers carry a lesser, albeit still present, risk of similar injuries. Maintaining a solid grip is imperative. When evaluating the size of an impact driver, the primary concern pivots around its accessibility to the fastener. Open spaces present minimal challenges. But for tight confines, a compact design is desirable. Several models have been crafted for this specific application without compromising on power. This compact design philosophy is also observed in some drill/drivers, wherein the battery is integrated into the handle rather than protruding, making the tool more wieldy.
Cost Considerations in Tool Selection
Budget invariably factors into any purchase decision. While procuring robust tools with premium features is a commendable choice, there are scenarios where an economical model suffices, especially if its usage is sporadic. For instance, you might prioritize a high-caliber cordless drill/driver for its diverse applications in household chores, and only invest in a budget-friendly hammer drill when the situation demands. Sometimes, renting tools like hammer drills has been more cost-effective, particularly for specialized ones like the SDS model. However, the contemporary market offers multipurpose tools that might be more affordable than renting for half a day.
Cordless drill/drivers have a broad price range. If you’re contemplating a single drill purchase, this tool is a suitable candidate. The Black+Decker 12V Max is an economical choice for DIY enthusiasts with modest needs and is priced under $50. On the other hand, premium household drill/drivers like the Makita 12V Kit, complete with accessories like a charger, case, and additional battery, might set you back by over $150.
Hammer drills are also a popular choice. For those indifferent to cords, the 6-amp Tacklife, priced around $40, serves as an excellent occasional-use tool for DIY projects. On the higher end, feature-rich hammer drills like the DeWalt 20V Max XR and the potent SDS hammer drills might surpass the $250 mark.
Finding economical impact drivers isn’t challenging. The Avid Impact Driver Kit, which comes with multiple bits, is available for approximately $55. Premium models can range between $150 to $200. However, it’s always prudent to scout for combo deals, like the one from DeWalt, offering both a 20V drill/driver and a 20V impact driver, providing great value within that price bracket.
Selecting the Right Drill Battery
The modern tool market is dominated by cordless variants of hammer drills, impact drivers, and drill/drivers. However, deciphering the best drill battery, especially when purchasing an additional one, can be a daunting task.
Understanding Voltage and Power:
Voltage (V) is paramount as it pertains to the performance of the drill. In essence, a higher voltage translates to greater power. It’s imperative to remember that voltage isn’t flexible. For instance, a 12V drill mandates a 12V battery, precluding the use of a 20V battery and vice versa.
One recurring point of confusion is the differentiation between 10.8V and 12V or, more prevalent, between 18V and 20V tools. While these might appear as products from contrasting manufacturers with somewhat identical specifications, the underlying distinction is more nominal than performance-based. In actuality, 10.8V batteries are congruent to 12V batteries, and similarly, 18V aligns with 20V. The discrepancy arises from how voltages are depicted. All electronic devices exhibit a transient voltage surge when initiated. This surge soon reverts to a consistent operational level, termed nominal voltage. The grander voltage figure, seemingly more attractive, denotes the initial surge, while the smaller number represents the nominal. Although most manufacturers elucidate this in finer details, the inclination to market a tool based on its surge voltage, such as 20V, over its nominal, such as 18V, persists, mainly due to perceptions of power.
Amp-hours – The Fuel Gauge:
Amp-hours (Ah) act as the ‘fuel tank’ of your battery. Interestingly, Ah isn’t contingent on voltage. Thus, one could have a 12V 2Ah battery or a 12V 4Ah variant for an identical tool. Naturally, the 4Ah version possesses a superior charge, facilitating prolonged tool operation. For the casual DIY enthusiast, the Ah might not be a focal point given the ability to intermittently recharge. Yet, for professionals requiring ceaseless drill operation, optimizing Ah becomes crucial, especially when procuring spare batteries. As one might anticipate, an uptick in Ah usually corresponds with a steeper price. Consequently, it becomes a trade-off between cost and extended work duration.
Navigating the “Bare Tools” Landscape:
Occasionally, enticing deals surface for drills sold as “bare tools.” It’s pivotal to comprehend that such offerings exclude the battery and charger. If you’re equipped with compatible components from previous tools, it’s beneficial. For example, batteries from an older drill/driver could be suitable for a newer hammer drill. Nonetheless, compatibility isn’t always guaranteed, even with identical physical dimensions, voltage, Ah, or brand lineage. Given the myriad advancements in battery technology recently, meticulous compatibility checks prior to acquisitions are essential.
Conclusion
Choosing the right drill battery is more than just matching numbers and understanding the different types of bits for drills. It requires an understanding of your tool’s requirements, the tasks at hand, and your budget. With careful consideration of voltage, amp-hours, and compatibility, you can ensure you have the power you need, when you need it.