Which Hammer Drill To Take For Home

14 best rock drills The best rock drills by experts and buyers. Advantages, disadvantages, prices, characteristics.

14 best rock drills

Need to remove old plaster, drill holes in concrete or brick? You can’t do without a puncher. The cost of the instrument starts from 2000 rubles. And reaches hundreds of thousands. So, in order to choose the best puncher, you need to clearly define for what purposes you need this tool.

Unlike a drill, to which the hammer drill, although it looks like, the kinematics of the hammer drill is based on a reciprocating movement, which is why it can deliver powerful blows, turning into a hand-operated jackhammer, and, if necessary, on most models, the percussion mechanism is blocked, retraining the hammer drill into a powerful drill And, if for a drill the main parameter is power, then for a hammer drill it is the impact energy that determines its performance that deserves the most attention.

  • Cordless rotary hammers it is rather a last-chance instrument with impact energy up to 2 J, less often more: they are convenient where there is no possibility of connecting to the mains, that is, with a small amount of field installation work (autonomy is seriously limited by the energy capacity of the battery).
  • Corded punchers with impact energies up to 4 J, it is an amateur instrument. These are punches for the home, and most often these are the devices that wake you up in the morning. Such a hammer drill is already quite confidently coping with brick or concrete in the hammer drilling mode, but the purely hammering mode is more likely for show. But the hammerless drilling mode is always useful, especially if the tool provides for a quick installation of the chuck under the drills.
  • Professional Corded Rotary Hammers technique not only of increased strength, but also with a much higher impact energy. As a rule, it fluctuates within 20 J and this is nothing less than a bullet hit by a standard cartridge 7.62×39 from a distance of 1300 m: it seems not dangerous, but I don’t want to experience it myself. Such a hammer drill can successfully replace a jackhammer, but the requirements for it are much more stringent: a professional tool is forced to constantly work in a dusty environment with minimal service interruptions.

Which hammer drill manufacturer is the best?

Do not save. A reliable tool, proven over the years, cannot cost a penny. Foreign brands with a worldwide reputation: Bosch, Makita, DeWalt, Hilti, Hitachi, Kress, Metabo, AEG

Hammer PRT 1100 LE PREMIUM

Very suitable for permanent and long-term use. The tool is very reliable. One hundred percent leader in its price category!

  • High impact energy
  • Long cable
  • Robust case
  • Power
  • Reliability
  • Good anti-vibration system
  • Does not overheat during long-term operation
  • Hammer drill, 1100 W
  • SDS-Max chuck
  • Operating modes: chiselling
  • Impact energy 9 J
  • Modification 78786
  • Impact rate 3750 beats / min
  • Rotation speed 470 rpm
  • Concrete drilling diameter up to 38 mm
  • Included: case
  • Weight 6.2 kg

MILITARY RH500

I’m not a builder, I don’t need an expensive professional tool from a famous brand. Will lie for a long time and will never pay for itself. And here is such an inexpensive perf. What you need. I worked for them a little. I drilled the plinths, laid a couple of cable channels. He coped with this work. I had a hammer drill, which is not comparable to it, much faster and less effort is spent. Now he is in the closet, waiting for me to drill the concrete. I am satisfied with how it works, it confidently performs its declared functions.

  • Low weight
  • Reliability
  • Speed ​​control is smooth
  • Sufficient wire length
  • Powerful
  • Heats up with long work
  • Hammer drill, 500 W
  • SDS-Plus cartridge
  • Operating modes: drilling, chiselling
  • Impact energy 1.5 J
  • Impact frequency 7500 bpm
  • Rotation speed 1650 rpm
  • Reverse mode
  • Drilling diameter in concrete up to 16 mm
  • Weight 2.38 kg

Sturm! RH2592Р

We are engaged in suspended ceilings, drilling the walls is the thing. As you understand, different walls have to be drilled and Sturm is doing just fine. We have been working for a year now, we do not know any problems.

  • Power
  • Relatively lightweight
  • Functionality
  • Equipment
  • Three operating modes
  • Effective striking mechanism
  • A bit noisy
  • Hammer drill, 920 W
  • SDS-Plus cartridge
  • Operating modes: drilling, chiselling
  • Impact energy 3 J
  • Impact rate 4400 beats / min
  • Rotation speed 1100 rpm
  • Key chuck included
  • Reverse mode
  • Drilling diameter in concrete up to 26 mm
  • Included: case
  • Weight 3.15 kg

How to choose a hammer drill for home. Master’s recommendations

which hammer drill to take for home

The hammer drill is used for drilling stone materials. The stone is not plastic, and a blow to the stone leads to its destruction. The hammer drill rotates the drill, and periodically hits it. Thus, while rotating, the drill breaks through, pierces the material.

The main characteristic is the impact force. It is measured in Joules (J). The greater the impact force, the faster the rock drill will drill through the material.

Linear

In this arrangement, the rotary hammer motor is located on the same mowing line with the auger axis. This arrangement is done with hammer drills with low power. And also with a small impact force.

I have not come across a rotary hammer with a linear arrangement, whose impact force would be more than 3.2 J.

Corner

Rotary hammers have the motor at an angle to the drill axis. This arrangement allows you to increase the engine power without greatly increasing the dimensions of the rock drill.

Electric rotary hammers are mains and battery. It makes sense to buy a cordless rotary hammer if you already have a cordless tool.

The main characteristics and functions of the punch

Hammer drill. A device equipped with a percussion mechanism. It is designed for drilling holes in hard materials such as concrete, brick wall, metal.

There are several main characteristics of this device.

  • Impact energy (J). This characteristic determines the diameter of the holes that the tool can drill. For household needs, it is better to take a device with parameters up to 2 J.
  • Spindle speed (revolutions / minute). On average, this figure is 500. 1500, but sometimes 4000. 5000 rpm.
  • Impact frequency or number of piston strokes per minute. The drilling speed depends on this characteristic.

The weight of the tool directly depends on its power. According to this indicator, performers are divided into:

  • Lungs. Up to 3 kg, power up to 800 W, impact energy up to 3 J;
  • Average. Up to 5 kg, power up to 1000 W, impact energy 3. 10 J;
  • Heavy. than 5 kg, power more than 1000 W, impact energy from 10.30 J.

For a home, a light model would be a good choice of a hammer drill, since its characteristics are sufficient for domestic needs. Such a tool will be optimal in terms of price, weight and dimensions. If you have more complex work ahead, you can choose the average weight of the device.

Review of hammer drills for home. What to look for

The key difference between household and industrial tools is the uptime. The home punch needs a break due to the lack of overheating protection. 20 minutes of work should be followed by 20 minutes of rest. This does not mean that a household tool has a simple structure. Which hammer drill is chosen for homework? This is a tool that has lightness, compactness, versatility, affordability, design reliability and electronic filling.

Generally, home rotary hammers have a horizontal motor and SDS Plus chuck. This design provides compactness and ease of use.

Depending on the number of modes, the devices are divided into:

  • Single-mode, which can only drill;
  • Drilling with and without impact is available to dual-mode devices. Make holes in brick and concrete walls up to 1 cm thick;
  • Three-mode. The most demanded. In addition to the previous ones, the chiseling function is available to them. Such a device can be chased and dismantled, but only in small volumes.

The BOSCH brand is represented by 9 items of tools. A good choice for home use. Perforators with power from 650.800 W and weighing up to 3 kg. Perforators from the German manufacturer are equipped with a safety clutch, rotation and impact blockers, a rotary brush holder, a hinged cable mount, soft pads for handles, and a convenient chuck. They are compact, lightweight, reliable and powerful.

ESCO company provides warranty and post-warranty service in its service centers in Kiev, Odessa and Dnipro.

Energy and frequency of impacts

For a hammer drill, the impact function, measured in joules, is very important. The performance of the device, as well as the diameter of the hole to be machined, depends on the impact energy. For daily work with a hammer drill, this is one of the most important indicators.

It is essential that the hammer drill at the maximum will very quickly deplete its resource, and with the hammer drill they perform this work for a long time without wear, especially with the single-mode model.

It turns out that energy and frequency determine the level of performance. When choosing a perforator on your own, you need to evaluate the amount of work on chiselling, then, according to the specified characteristics of the impact frequency, calculate the approximate productivity.

How to choose a hammer drill for personal use?

Choosing the right drilling tool means making home repairs easier for a long time. How can you successfully choose a puncher in order not to overpay for the brand and get high-quality equipment?

Several decades ago, only powerful electric drills equipped with drills for metal and concrete were used in everyday life. A truly branded, specialized tool was sold only abroad; it was impossible to just go to a construction supermarket and choose a suitable device.

What is the difference between a drill and a hammer drill and vice versa

The hammer drill is characterized by a longitudinal axial movement of the working part, similar to an impact drill. Therefore, hammer drills are confused with a heavy drill. In words, there is practically no difference, however, the hammer drill functions on the basis of pneumatics, and any impact (heavy) drill works thanks to mechanics.

Hence the difference in surface speed. Pneumatic drilling of holes in concrete, brick and stone walls reduces physical stress on the user. For any hammer drill, similar work is associated with great fatigue, and the hammer drilling mode wears out the internal components of the drill very quickly.

We come to the conclusion that the hammer drill should be larger and more massive than a drill with an impact function.

Spindle speed

An important characteristic for a hammer drill. Its shaft rotation speed is much lower than that of a drill. Different classes of the instrument are characterized by this indicator. Spindle speed range 600 1500 rpm The higher the power and performance of a given tool, the lower the rotational speed.

Chuck type

The type of chuck is important for a hammer drill, since it is the main working element of the structure. The weight of the rock drill depends on the cartridge used. If the applicant is looking for a lightweight device, then a model with an SDSplus cartridge should be selected.

Professional models differ both in the type of cartridge and in a more significant weight. Rotary hammers with SDSmax can weigh up to 11 kg. The overall dimensions of such a tool are also large. The hole that this punch will pierce can be more than 5 cm.

Not so long ago, manufacturers began to produce rotary hammers with SDStop chuck. A model with such a cartridge is perfect for making holes with a diameter of 1.6-2.5 cm.

Power

The hammer drill is less powerful than an electric drill. This is because drilling is much more difficult than hammering. In this regard, the rotary hammer shaft does not need the rotational speed that the drill should have. Depending on the type of chuck, the power of the tool differs. The power of the hammer drill can fluctuate in the ranges of 400-800 W and 1-1.2 kW, depending on the cartridge used. So, when buying a hammer drill, it is not necessary to pay attention to the power of the tool.

Modes

Depending on the number of additional functions, rotary hammers are divided into:

  • Single-mode drilling holes in relatively soft materials, such as wood. The hammer drill in this mode works like an electric drill.
  • Dual mode hammer drilling of holes in hard materials. Most rock drills are dual mode.
  • Three-mode drilling with impact crushing. The hammer drill in this mode works like a jackhammer. The most versatile option.

How to choose a puncher

Horizontal rock drills the electric motor in the structure is located parallel to the impact axis (horizontally). Most household rotary hammers belong to this type.

Vertical rock drills the electric motor in the structure is located perpendicular to the impact axis. They are equipped with a more powerful motor, so most professional rock drills are vertical.

Along with electric network punchers, there are electric rechargeable (autonomous). The main advantage is independence from the power source, with this their disadvantages are also associated with a relatively low power, limited work in time, large weight.

  • Cordless rotary hammer with complete set
  • Network puncher

Equipment

Reverse reverses the direction of rotation of the drill using a switch. May be needed to free a drill stuck in the material.

Additional handle helps to optimally distribute the load when using the tool and reduce vibration. It can be rigidly attached to the case or removable.

Drilling depth stop helps to make multiple holes of equal depth. It is a metal or plastic rod attached to the punch body.

Depth gauge it is used in cases when it is necessary to make a hole of a certain depth. It is a metal bar with graduations (ruler).

Dust collector collects dust that forms during the operation of the hammer drill. It is a sealed bag or container, both built into the body of the instrument, and removable. It can be removable (paper) or permanent.

Electronic speed control ensures high-quality work performance, increases tool life and productivity. This is a special processor that, depending on the given material and the diameter of the drill (determined by the hammer drill), determines the optimal rotation speed.

Anti-vibration system reduces tool vibration. As a rule, expensive and professional rotary hammers are equipped with it.

Anti-lock braking system protects the hammer drill motor from burnout in the event of a jammed drill. Most instruments are equipped with this device.

Soft descent helps to avoid sudden jerks when turning on the punch, which makes it more convenient to work with.

Switch stopper fixes the switch so as not to constantly press it with your finger. This makes it much easier to work with the tool, especially when it comes to drilling hard materials for a long time.

Case Designed for easy storage and transportation of the rotary hammer and its accessories.

High-end models are equipped with spare brushes for the motor (replaceable elements, the need for replacement of which will arise during intensive professional use of the tool), set of drills (basic set for household needs).

Perforator with impact

It is believed that such a tool and a drill are very similar. But this is not the case. Although a drill can be called a perforator, since it also has impact properties, its principle of operation is completely different. Both devices are used to punch a hole, but the force on the wall is different, and it comes from different sources.

As for the hammer drill, it was created precisely for drilling holes in stone, brick, concrete. If the impact energy is directed to a lance, blade or drill, then their productivity will increase dramatically.

An electromechanical or electro-pneumatic force is used to operate the device. It creates the impact that is so necessary in order to break through concrete or stone. You shouldn’t make a lot of effort, the device will do everything for you. True, holding on to the handle of the puncher, you will jump pretty much. There are mechanical devices. Their penetrating power is much weaker than that of electric ones, so it will take much longer to punch a hole.

Let’s distinguish two types of instruments:

  • L-drills have a special bearing that allows them to be used on the toughest surfaces;
  • There are narrow punches, which are represented by a drunken bearing mechanism. It spins, forcing the fight to make directional strikes.

Comparing mechanics and pneumatics, you will notice that the second mechanism works great on hard surfaces. If you have a mechanic in your hands, then you need three times more effort to make the same hole as with pneumatics. Here, practice does not disagree with theory, it is better to use the achievements of science and acquire a modern model.

Tool power

An electric drill has more power than a hammer drill. Since drilling takes place with a higher force return than drilling. The rotation element of the latter does not rotate as fast as a drill. The cartridges of the device can be different, they are responsible for the engine power. If the cartridge is of the SDS-Plus type, then the power is measured from four hundred to eight hundred watts. In the case when the SDS-Max cartridge is installed, the power reaches 1 or 1.2 kilowatts. But when choosing a hammer drill, you should know that this characteristic is not the most important quality of the tool.

Impact energy

The main parameter of the device is the impact energy. If you need to measure it, then use joules:

  • For lightweight models, one or two joules are sufficient;
  • Serious models hit with a force of eight to fifteen joules.

With a stronger impact, you can get a larger hole diameter. With a small impact force, the device will work like a drill. Will have to make a lot of effort and spend more than one hour of time to drill a hole in the concrete. It is about drilling, not punching. As a result, the tool will quickly fail, and there will be no performance. This is the reason why you need to buy high joule power drills.

The force of the impact of the tool has nothing to do with how much pressure is applied to the handle. As for the hammer drill, it is important to exert pressure on the handle.

Rotary hammer characteristics

Rotary hammers have many technical characteristics that you must pay attention to.

The main characteristics of professional electric drills-perforators.

  1. Impact strength. This characteristic is one of the most important in determining the performance of a tool. Impact force, or force of energy, is measured in joules. For different models, it varies from 1-2 to 10-15 joules. The higher the impact energy, the larger the hole size can be obtained during operation. With small values ​​of this parameter, the hammer drill will perform tasks much slower and with greater effort. In addition, the hole will be drilled rather than punched. Because of this, the parts will wear out faster and the tool will sooner fail. Owners of powerful, heavy models with an impact force of more than 10 joules may face the same problem: high tool loads will lead to faster destruction of parts.
  2. Impact frequency. This parameter, along with the impact force, characterizes the overall performance of the rock drill. The higher these indicators, the more work they will be able to do. At a high impact rate, the speed at which holes are punched will be higher.
  3. Power. This parameter is measured in watts and depends on what type of chuck is used in the tool. SDS-Plus cartridges consume 400-1000 watts, while SDS-Max cartridges consume more than 1 kilowatt.
  4. Speaking of the different types of cartridges, it’s worth discussing them as well. For small models of rock drills (up to 4 kg), the SDS-Plus is the optimal type of drill attachment. Models with this parameter can make holes up to 3 cm in diameter, but this is enough for home use. If it is necessary to punch larger holes (up to 5 cm), then it is worth choosing the type of SDS-Max drill attachment. Such models are usually chosen by professionals, they weigh much more and have large sizes, which are less convenient to work with at home.
  5. Shaft rotation frequency. It is measured in the number of revolutions and is usually in the range of 600-1500 revolutions. The dependence of the parameters in this case is as follows: the higher the power, force and frequency of impact, the lower the rotational speed of the perforator shaft. High rotational speed is not the best indicator for a rock drill. As a rule, these models have a heavier weight. In addition, due to the faster rotation, parts wear much faster, especially the spiral grooves, through which the debris formed during drilling is removed. With prolonged operation, models with a high shaft speed begin to get very hot. All of this can damage the instrument prematurely.

Types of punchers

Depending on the number of operating modes, perforators are of one, two, and three modes. The first type assumes only drilling (like a conventional drill), the second drilling and hammering, the third, in addition to drilling and hammering, also chiselling. Of course, every craftsman wants to have a universal device so that one tool performs several functions at once, because it is much more convenient. But in fact, sometimes it turns out that such devices serve less than models with one or two modes of operation. And they are much more expensive. Therefore, when choosing, you need to think carefully. If all modes are in demand, then you can stop at the three-mode model.

Rock drills also vary in weight. They are light (less than 4 kg), medium (4-5 kg) and heavy (over 5 kg). Heavy models, sometimes weighing even more than 10 kg, are able to work with greater productivity on the hardest surfaces. But they are less convenient to use, since part of the effort needs to be spent only on holding them. For home repairs, drills in light and medium weight are quite suitable. Heavy models are mainly used by professionals in their work.

Perforators in their design can have different types of impact mechanism: mechanical, electromechanical or electropneumatic. The first one is less durable, the need to apply more efforts when performing various tasks, difficulties when working with especially hard surfaces. A tool with a mechanical percussion mechanism is similar in effect to a conventional drill. Therefore, it is recommended when buying to pay attention to the models of perforators with electromechanical and electro-pneumatic mechanisms.

What is the best hammer drill for home?

Functionality

Impact punchers can work in one, two or three modes:

  • 1-mode rotation with impact;
  • 2-mode can be of two types: rotation with and without impact, or impacts without rotation (chiseling) and rotation with impact;
  • 3-mode chiseling, rotation with and without impact.

By the type of drive, the tool is divided into electric (mains or battery), gasoline and pneumatic.

Which rock drills are good? The most popular are the electrically driven models. The cordless hammer drill is the only option that can be used in places where power is not available. In explosive conditions, pneumatic models are used, gasoline is the best choice for road repair work.

Classification

Depending on the purpose, they conditionally allocate hand-held rotary hammers professional and household. over, the criterion for such a division into classes is weight.

  1. Light class up to 4 kg: power 400-700 W, energy 1.5-3 J. Suitable for drilling small holes in concrete (up to 2 cm). When asked which hammer drill for the home is better, experts recommend opting for the light category, it is most suitable for home use due to its low weight and versatility, almost all models can work in three modes;
  2. Middle class 5-8 kg: power 800-1200 W, power up to 8 J. Works in two modes, used mainly by professionals;
  3. Heavy class over 8 kg: power 1200-1500 W, energy up to 20 J. Operates in two modes. It is used exclusively for professional purposes, as it is capable of making holes up to 50 mm, which is simply not needed in everyday life.

Light tools are a household category, medium and heavy ones are professional punchers.

A separate category is cumulative perforator, since it is a highly specialized tool for working in the well. Its action is based on a cumulative effect. The main purpose is to create a channel through the casing and the cement ring.