Best Rotary Hammer Drills For Concrete (Reviews and Buying Guide)

When it comes to drills, the material that you’re working with is a crucial factor. Depending on the material used, you can tell if it’s going to be a light or a heavy-duty task. That means drills also differ based on their application.

Working with heavy-duty materials such as concrete requires a drill that can handle the pressure. Lighter models can be hard to work with and may take you longer. So, it is essential to get the right drill for the job if you want to get it done right. In one of our previous articles, we have covered how to drill into a concrete wall?

In this article, we’re going to review a few of the best drills available in the market for working with concrete. So, without further ado, let’s begin!

7 Rotary Hammer Drills For Working With Concrete

1. Bosch 11255VSR Bulldog Xtreme

Bosch is behind a lot of amazing innovations people use around the world. For professionals and homeowners alike, this Bosch product is effective and efficient, and you will not be disappointed by it.

Let’s find out more.

Features

Comfortable Design:

The drill has a compact design and is very ergonomic. You can work on heavy-duty tasks for long periods without getting tired. It’s an easy to operate, corded-electric model.

With the D-handle design, overhead and downward drilling becomes convenient.

Powerful motor:

The unit has a powerful 7.5 Amp rotary tool motor, which is capable of clearing tasks with speed and efficiency. It is perfect for heavy-duty applications, and you won’t have any problems working with concrete. The motor (0-1300 RPM; 0-5800 BPM) is capable of delivering 2.0 ft./lbs. of impact energy.

Multi-Mode Function:

With Bosch 11255VSR 1-inch SDS-plus Bulldog Xtreme Rotary Hammer, you get three modes of operation: rotary hammer, rotation only, and hammer only. Not only that, with Vario- lock positioning, you can rotate and lock the chisel into 36 different positions, and get the best out of the tool.

Variable Speed Trigger:

The unit features a variable speed trigger, along with reversing, which is useful for controlling the speed of your drill. Using this feature, you can drill more accurately and efficiently, and enjoy accurate bit starting as well as removing fasteners or bound bits. It happens when the integral clutch disengages torque transmission if the bit gets into a bind.

Thanks to the Bosch-exclusive rotating brush plate, the forward and reverse get equal power for greater flexibility on the job.

Added Features

The unit has plenty of added features such as the Bosch exclusive cord turret that allows 35-degree pivot for added flexibility and longer cord life. Then there’s the SDS- plus bit system, which allows tool-free bit changes with an automatic bit- locking, dust protection, and maximum impact energy transfer.

Specifications

• The product weighs 10.4 Pounds.
• Its overall dimensions are 22.5 x 11.2 x 4.8 inches
• The motor is 7.5 Amp and produces 0- 1, 300 RPM, and 0- 5, 800 BPM of power.
• The rotary hammer delivers 2.0 feet /lbs of impact energy for maximum performance.
• It features three modes of functioning.
• The set contains Rotary Hammer, Auxiliary Handle, Depth Guide, and a Case.

Why buy the product?
It is a high- powered product from a trusted manufacturer (Bosch) and is ideal for heavy-duty tasks involving concrete. You get plenty of flexibility and power for completing your task quickly, accurately, and with ease.

2. DEWALT Hammer Drill, 1/2-Inch, 7.8-Amp (DW511)

Dewalt is also another well- known name that you can trust, and this product is a worthy option, among many other products from them.

Let’s find out more!

Features

Lightweight Design:

The product has a lightweight design to facilitate comfortable working. Users can work longer without getting exhausted by the tool’s weight. It is also easier to take it around the room.
It has a 360-degree side handle with depth rod, that offers greater control, versatility, and increased depth accuracy

High- power Motor:

It features a powerful 7.8 Amp motor, which is capable of working through material like concrete and provides high performance and overload protection to the tool.

Dual-mode & Variable speed:

The tool is useful as a hammer drill/ drill for wood, steel, or masonry applications. The product features a variable speed feature that allows for precise hole placement on the work surface.

Specifications

• The product weighs 5.3 Pounds.
• Its overall dimensions are 12 x 10.2 x 3 inches.
• The motor is 7.8 Amp, can provide a maximum of 650 watts.
• The product features a dual-mode.
• The set contains DW511 DEWALT 1/2-Inch VSR Single-Speed Hammer Drill, 360-degree side handle, depth rod, and chuck key with holder.

Why Buy this unit?
It is a powerful machine, with a lightweight design, you can use for lighter or more heavy-duty applications as per your requirements. Variable speed allows for accuracy, and 7.8 Amp motor gives you high power to get the job done.

3. DEWALT 20V MAX SDS Rotary Hammer Drill, Tool Only (DCH273B)

Another Dewalt product, it is also worth looking into for heavy-duty applications..

Features

Lightweight Design:

The unit has a lightweight design and is quite easy to move. Thanks to the SHOCKS active Vibration Control Technology, the drill is ideal for overhead applications. The optimized ergonomic design makes it comfortable for users. It is a cordless model and has a retractable utility hook for convenient hanging and storage

Brushless motor:

It features a brushless motor, which ensures long run time, and durability of the device. The brushless motor is efficient and high- powered. The durable German mechanism delivers 2.1 Joules of impact energy.

Superior Productivity:

The outstanding power to weight ratio of the product ensures superior productivity. In the case of the bit jams, the Factory-set clutch reduces sudden, high torque reactions.

Specifications

• The product weighs 6.4 Pounds.
• Its overall dimensions are 13 x 4.2 x 8.6 inches.
• The unit features a brushless motor. It has No Load Speed of 0 – 1,100 RPM.
• It features the SDS chuck type and offers 0 – 4,600 BPM.
• The set contains 360 Degree Side Handle, Depth Rod, and Retractable Utility Hook (Battery and Charger sold separately).

Why buy this unit

The cordless tool offers you more control, and brushless motor ensures durability. It is still powerful enough for your heavy-duty applications while being cordless and compact.

4. Makita XPH07Z

Makita is a well- known name in the Industry, and among many options from the manufacturer, this product is a good start.

Here’s more about it.

Features

Ergonomic Design:

The unit is ergonomically designed and is easy and comfortable to operate. It is also lightweight, and users can work long hours without getting tired. The tool comes with a side- handle, and side clip for added safety.

Brushless & Cordless:

It is a cordless option and provides you with a range of applications. You can work in areas that are out of reach from a power source.
The brushless motor used in the tool is quite efficient and is also a safer and durable option.

Three-stage LED Gauge & Dual speed:

The tool features a three-stage LED gauge, which indicates the battery charge level. The all-metal variable 2-speed transmission (0-550 & 0-2,100 RPM) ensures a wide range of applications.
The power transfer is efficient and creates very little noise.

Specifications

• The product weighs 5.73 Pounds.
• Its overall dimensions are 15 x 6 x 11 inches.
• The BL Brushless Motor delivers 1,090 in.lbs. of Max Torque.
• It has an all-metal variable two-speed transmission (0-550 & 0-2,100 RPM).
• The set contains a tool with a side handle and side clip.

Why buy this product?

It is another cordless option, featuring a powerful brushless motor. Capable of high- power performance, it is a good option for your requirements.

5. Hiltex 10513 1-1/2 Inch SDS Rotary Hammer Drill

This Hiltex product is also an ideal option for masonry and other similar applications. It is a high-performance, corded model.

Here’s more about the product.

Features

Ergonomic design:

It is an ergonomically designed product that you’ll find comfortable to work with, and comes with included demolition bits, flat and Point Chisels.
The added 360 Swivel side Handle can be repositioned and has a textured grip. The auxiliary handle compliments harder angles, and lets you work comfortably.

High- performance motor:

The drill features a powerful 1,000 watts motor, which is capable of delivering 5 (ft-lb) impact energy for your heavy-duty projects on concrete, brick, and solid steel, at a no-load rotational speed of 0-800RPM and a no-load impact frequency of 0-3500 BPM.

Three Function Modes:

The drill features three functional modes which are, hammer only (chiseling only), hammer drill (hammering and rotation), and drill only (rotation only). The set includes three SDS drills for a wide range of projects around the home.

Specifications

• The product weighs 16.65 Pounds.
• Its overall dimensions are 17.3 x 13.2 x 5.1 inches
• The 1,000-watt motor delivers 5 (ft-lb) impact energy.
• It has a no-load rotational speed of 0-800RPM and a no-load impact frequency of 0-3500 BPM.
• The set includes a bonus accessory kit in the blow mold case: one universal chuck with adaptor and key, one depth gauge, one bottle oil, three 6” SDS drills (8mm, 10mm, and 12mm), and two 10” SDS chisels (flat and point).

Why buy this unit
It is a comprehensive drilling kit, with high- powered function, and flexible control with speed adjustment. It is a good set for professionals and homeowners alike.

6. Makita HR2475 1″ Rotary Hammer

The next option is the second Makita drill on the list, and another powerful device to consider for your heavy-duty projects. Let’s have a look.

Features

Compact & Ergonomic Design:

The drill is expertly designed and is compact and ergonomic. It can be easily carried and provides a powerful impact. The ergonomic D-shaped handle has a soft rubber grip for user comfort. To prevent gear damage, the torque limiting clutch automatically disengages gears if the bit binds.

Powerful Motor:

It has a powerful 7.0 Amp motor that delivers 0 to 1,100 RPM & 0 to 4,500 BPM for heavy-duty projects. The motor features include field core interlocking steel laminations, dual ball bearing armature, and more copper commutator bars, to ensure efficient transfer of energy.

Three- mode operation:

The product has three modes of function, which are, Rotation Only, Hammering with Rotation, and Hammering only. Thanks to 40-bit settings, you can set the bit at different positions for convenience. The Sequential impact timing minimizes overlapping bit impacts resulting in up to 50 percent faster drilling.

Specifications

• The product weighs
• Its overall dimensions are
• The 7 Amp motor delivers a no-load speed of 0-1,100 RPM, with 0-4,500 BPM and 2.7 Joules of impact energy.
• The product has 40-bit angle settings.
• The set includes Makita HR2475 1-Inch D-Handle Rotary Hammer, side handle, depth gauge, and a tool case.

Why buy this product?

It is an efficient and powerful device. It’s a powerful motor, and ergonomic design makes it easy to finish even the tough jobs.

7. Bosch RH228VC 1-1/8-Inch SDS-plus Rotary Hammer

This Bosch product is also a worthy addition for your tool- shed, if you’re looking for a heavy-duty drill. Here’s why!

Features

Lightweight Design:

The unit is lightweight and is easy to operate. It is a corded- electric device and is designed with counter balanced vibration control to increase user control while working. The tool features metal gear housing, ensuring increased Jobsite durability.

Powerful Motor:

The drill features an 8.0 Amp Motor, with No- load BPM 0-5,460, and No-load RPM 0-1,230, that can deliver 2.4 ft.- Lbs. of impact energy. With the integral clutch, the torque reaction is minimum as it disengages transmission if the bit gets in a bind.

Three mode operation:

The device as the SDS- plus drive system, and has three modes of functioning. These three modes are the rotary hammer, hammer only, or rotation only mode. For added comfort, it features Bosch’s Vario-Lock positioning, allowing for adjustable chiseling into 40 different positions.

Specifications

• The product weighs 6.9 Pounds.
• Its overall dimensions are 23.2 x 15 x 4.7 inches.
• The 8 Amp motor with No- load BPM 0-5,460, and No-load RPM 0-1,230, delivers 2.4 ft.- Lbs. of impact energy.
• It has three modes of functioning.
• The set contains one rotary hammer, one auxiliary handle, one depth gauge, and a carrying case.

Why buy this product?

It is a powerful machine with a high degree of control and can help you with all your heavy-duty projects. It comes from a trusted manufacturer and is a good purchase.

Now, let’s discuss the factors that you need to consider before finalizing which one of your choices you’ll bring home.

Things to Look For in the Best Drill Fro Concrete (Buyer’s Guide)

Manufacturer:

Before you buy a product, you should check to see if you’re buying from a trustworthy manufacturer. It can save you a lot of hassle afterward. This way, if there are any problems with the product, you can always count on satisfactory customer service.

Specifications:

Concrete is a hard material, and for that, a simple drill is not adequate. Something like a rotary hammer is more appropriate for such tasks, and you should consider that before finalizing. Different tools have different specifications, and based on what you mostly work with, you can identify the right drill for yourself.

Corded vs. Cordless/ Brushed motor vs. Brushless:

With corded drills, you don’t have to worry about the power, and you can plug it in and continue working. With cordless drills, you need to charge the battery after some time. However, with cordless models, you can work remote locations, where you may not have a power source, and you can also move freely. Depending on your work, you can choose between the two.

Based on the type of motor used in the device, you can also make a distinction. Brushless motors are a better choice because there’s no friction, and the durability of the tool increases drastically.

Additional Features:

Additional features that help you work better, such as LED lights, better ergonomics, multi-function, variable speed, accessories, etc. are also something you should look in your choices.

Conclusion

It is always best to research your options before buying anything. The same goes for drills as well. Whether its wood or brick you’re drilling into or, harder material, having the right tool with you is the key. Concrete is a hard material to get through, and the one that you are going to use needs to be right for the task. Choosing the wrong drill means that you can damage the material, or the device, or worse, yourself. Better safe than sorry, always!
There are a few things to consider that we’ve mentioned above, and just by following those steps, you can determine which one is the ideal choice for you. By getting the right drill, you can ensure efficient and thorough work, saving yourself time and energy.
Good luck and safe drilling!