7 Best Rotary Hammers for Heavy Duty Drilling

When working with concrete and other masonry, a regular cordless drill, literally (and figuratively) won’t cut it. This is where rotary hammers truly shine.

Choosing the best rotary hammer drill can be tough, but we’ve taken the guesswork out with this list of heavy duty gems.

Related:  Different Types of Drills (w/ Pictures)

Our 7 Favorites

	Product	Power Source	Max RPM	Max BPM	Impact Energy
	DeWalt DCH273B	cordless-20V	1,100	4,600	1.55 ft-lbs
	Milwaukee 2912-20	cordless-18V	1,330	4,800	2.00 ft-lbs
	Bosch 11255VSR	corded	1,300	5,800	2.00 ft-lbs
	DeWalt DCH172B	cordless-20V	1,100	4,980	1.03 ft-lbs
	Bosch RH328VC	corded	900	4,000	2.60 ft-lbs
	DeWalt D25263K	corded	1,450	5,350	2.21 ft-lbs
	Bauer 1641E-B	corded	800	3,900	3.70 ft-lbs

Rotary Hammer Reviews

#1 – DeWalt DCH273B 20V Max Brushless

Kicking off our list is the DCH273B, a high performance, cordless 1-inch rotary hammer. Featuring a powerful DeWalt brushless motor capable of a no load speed from 0 to 1,100 RPM and 0 to 4,600 blows per minute (BPM), the German engineered mechanism provides an impressive 2.1 joules of impact energy.

You won’t feel the effect of this power, thanks to its SHOCKS Active Vibration Control technology and optimized ergonomic design that makes overhead drilling a snap. Topping off the list of features are a retractable utility hook and factory-set clutch.

This is perhaps the best rotary hammer drill for concrete, with consumers reporting very quick job times in even tougher concrete. When paired with a 60-volt battery, the tool is almost unstoppable.

While corded models have a higher impact energy rating, you simply can’t beat the versatility of this cordless model. And this DeWalt is the very best cordless rotary hammer drill out there.

The only real downside to this model is the limitation to serviceability. Many parts have to be bought in units due to way they’re welded together. This can result in long wait times at service centers.

Some parts can also be almost as expensive to replace as the rotary drill tool itself, making this one tool you might prefer to rent if you have limited use for it.

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#2 – Milwaukee 2912-20 M18 FUEL SDS Brushless

This compact cordless drill hammer packs a huge punch for its tiny size. Its POWERSTATE brushless motor is capable of 1,330 RPM, 2.0 foot-pounds of impact energy, and up to 4,800 blows per minute. The side handle is capable of full 360 degree rotation, allowing for a wide range of positions. Its AUTOSTOP Kickback Control helps improve safety for the user while the AVS Anti-Vibration System reduces strain on long jobs.

As part of Milwaukee’s M18 FUEL line, the drill is compatible with your existing REDLITHIUM XC6.0 batteries, allowing you to swap out as needed on long jobs. The tool also includes Milwaukee’s famous REDLINK PLUS intelligence to ensure full-circle communication between the tool, battery, and charger. This protects the tool and battery from over-discharging, overheating, and overloading. 

This little drill certainly packs a lot of power, and its small size makes it easier to work in cramped spaces. It also weighs surprisingly little compared to models of similar power. It’s also more efficient on battery life. Of course, sometimes a bigger, beefier model is needed. But for concrete or stone, this little hammer drill is hard to beat.

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#3 – Bosch 11255VSR SDS-Plus Bulldog Xtreme

Operating at 0 to 1300 RPM, 0 to 5800 BPM, and 2.0 foot-pounds of impact energy, the Bulldog’s small size can be misleading. Its multi-function selector allows you to choose between hammer only, rotary hammer, or rotary only, while the variable speed trigger improves both starting and removal with its reverse support.

Thanks to the SDS-Plus bit system, changing drill bits is a snap without loss of grip or energy transfer, and the various lock positioning offers 36 different positions.

This rotary drill has a lot of kick but can also take a beating. Owners of this tool have noted that it can tackle some difficult materials with ease, and use it in a wide range of commercial and residential applications.

The special SDS bits are worth the price, as they won’t vibrate like a normal bit when drilling into harder materials, allowing you to complete jobs in a fraction of the time.

This can be a really great tool, but it lacks enough bite to handle reinforced concrete. While this won’t be an issue for the average user, it may cause a dilemma for industrial users.

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#4 – DeWalt DCH172B 20V MAX SDS Plus Brushless

One can’t bring up the DCH273B without also mentioning its lighter-duty sister, the 5/8-inch DCH172B. This version also has a German-engineered mechanism, this time delivering 1.4 Joules (1.03 ft-pounds) of impact energy. The brushless motor is capable of 4,980 BPM and a maximum 1,100 RPM.

Designed to be lightweight and more compact, the drill has a maximum chuck size of 1 inch. It has the same SHOCKS active vibration control system as its beefier relative to ensure minimal vibration during long or difficult jobs.

A mode select switch allows for quickly swapping between drill and hammer drill modes. It can also be paired with the DWH161D1 dust extractor and DWH200D shroud for OSHA compliant dust collection.

When you need a hammer drill for light to medium jobs, it doesn’t get much better than this. However, it’s important to remember that this is a light duty model, so it will struggle with heavy-duty tasks and drain the battery much faster in the process.

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#5 – Bosch RH328VC SDS

This 1-1/8 inch rotary hammer drill packs amazing power for its weight, boasting 2.6 foot-pounds of impact energy. Active Vibration Control reduces strain when working for long periods of time.

An exclusive Vario-Lock lets you choose from 12 different positions while the tool’s in neutral, while the 360 degree auxiliary handle and variable speed 3-finger trigger gives you better control over tasks. The multifunction selector rounds off this impressive tool’s perks.

Capable of carving through solid stone with ease, this roto hammer is a mason’s best friend. Owners have used this tool on everything from granite to old concrete with equally impressive results. At a much lower purchasing price, the RH328VC is an excellent investment.

Unlike earlier models, the RH328VC can be a real hassle when something breaks. Parts are no longer sold individually, and you must purchase entire assemblies, making repair more expensive.

While this is still a great tool, this decision by Bosch can make the drill expensive to maintain over time for some industrial applications. Fortunately, the Bosch is one of the most durable models out there.

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#6 – DeWalt D25263K SDS

This 1-1/8 inch rotary hammer drill has an 8.5 Amp high performance motor that produces 3 joules of impact energy.

Despite this high impact capability, the inclusion of the SHOCKS Active Vibration Control and integral clutch means it won’t feel like your arms are made of jello by the end of the day. A rotating brush ring allows the drill to deliver full speed and torque in both forward and reverse.

The D25263K decimates tile, concrete, and stone with ease. Consumers report clearing an entire bathroom in as little as 15 minutes, and easily tearing into stone. When you want a no-nonsense, heavy duty tool that gets the job done, this should be at the top of your list.

This drill works well as a hammer drill or rotary hammer, but it isn’t the greatest when used as a normal drill. At least one consumer has also had problems with the vibration causing the setting to slip from one mode to another while in use.

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#7 – Bauer 1641E-B SDS (Harbor Freight)

If you’re looking for a budget rotary hammer that actually performs quite well, you’ll want to head over to your local Harbor Freight store (or buy online if there isn’t one in the area).

Starting with a 10-amp motor capable of 3,900 BPM and 3.7 foot-pounds of impact energy (highest on our list), this rotary hammer is an excellent choice when tackling concrete or masonry. Its dual controls allow quick switching between hammer, drill, or hammer with rotation modes. Meanwhile, the variable-speed control dial allows you to set the speed to match the material but maxes out at 800 RPM.

Getting the right angle is easy, thanks to the 360 degree rotating side handle. Bauer’s anti-vibration technology helps to ensure minimal user fatigue. And when it’s time to change bits, the quick change bit system makes it easy to swap out and holds the SDS bits securely.

While not as pricey as some of the other rotary hammers on this list, the 1641E-B is surprisingly good at its job and an excellent value. There’s plenty of power despite the lighter weight, although it won’t break up overly thick concrete.

The only frequent complaint about this tool is that its cord is a little shorter than most would like, and its draw means you need a proper industrial extension cord when you get too far from an outlet.

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FAQs

A good rotary hammer isn’t to be underestimated, as these tools pack a lot of punch. Unlike many tools which are a one-trick pony, a good rotary drill can perform the tasks of multiple tools. Attachments expand the potential even further.

The following information will help you get the most out of your new rotary hammer.

Rotary Hammer vs Hammer Drill – What’s the Difference?

Regular Hammer drills might seem similar at first, but there are a few key differences that make them stand apart beyond the pricing.

A rotary hammer is the industrial big brother of hammer drills, providing higher and durability by using air pressure created from a crankshaft and piston assembly.

Hammer drills are designed for lighter tasks and are better suited to home use but they excel at drilling into concrete. They also have more limited functionality, as many rotary hammers have settings that allow them to function as a standard drill or hammer drill in addition to their core function.

What are Some Common Types of Attachments?

There are numerous bits and attachments you can use with a rotary hammer, each designed to tackle specific jobs. Here are some of the most popular ones and what they do.

• Bull Point Chisel – These bits are ideal for starting holes in concrete.
• Clay Spade – When attached to a roto hammer, this attachment can break up hardened soil with ease.
• Cold Chisel – When you want to break up concrete, this attachment is the perfect choice.
• Scaling Chisel – As the name implies, this attachment is used to remove rust, scale, and weld splatter.
• Tile Remover – This attachment is perfect for when you need to remove ceramic tile.