The Best Cordless Rotary Hammer Drills For 2020

It’s smart to know that you need a hammer when screws and concrete call out for a drive. Wise is to know which hammer drill after all! Stuck at that?

Don’t worry, let’s get you out of the confusion.

Hammer drills are unbeatable in speed but not in force. But if durability, strength and powerful hammer blow is your pick, rotary hammers are the best choice to go by. Given their high force and shock-absorbing quality these are in high demand amongst the professionals and daily tradesmen. They are a perfect drive tool for hard materials like concrete and stones.

For a higher degree of efficiency, users also have the option of cordless rotary hammer. These battery-powered rotary hammers feature a cord-free operation. They, of course, have the added benefit when it comes to ease of use and superior control. From brands like Bosch to Fein, users have a range of cordless rotary hammers to choose from.

Why use a cordless rotary hammer drill after all?

Putting your money in new tools is not an easy decision. To clear even the last tiniest doubt about cordless rotary hammers, take a look at the list of benefits cordless rotary hammers promise:

• Forceful Performance
• Electricity Power needed No longer!
• Masonry Use
• Slip Clutch Mechanism

Forceful Performance

More than anything, one feature experts bet on for rotary hammers is performance. These are the tools specially meant for bigger holes and faster drilling. This also therefore implies that the user has enough prior experience and knowledge to match the powerful performance of rotary hammers.

Electricity power needed NO longer!

You do not have a direct electricity source point at your work site? No problem! The cordless hammers work on pre-charged batteries without any compromise on part of performance or speed!

Masonry Use

Cordless rotary hammers are high impact drill machines, just the right fit for masonry drilling. The pressure driven piston mechanism able the user smooth drilling on even the hardest surfaces like concrete and stones. So if you got some serious drills to do, rotary hammers got you covered. Did you know these are also popularly called the dedicated hammer drills?

Slip Clutch Mechanism

Rotary hammers, as you already know now, operate at a very high force. When suddenly stopped from full speed, the drill may create a violent motion damaging the drill as well as injuring the user. But slip clutch installed in rotary hammers stops the wrenching motion on sudden jam and ensures that no damage takes place. Hence, even with high impact performance, cordless rotary hammers ensure full safety mechanism.

How rotary hammer drill works?

This is a powerful impact tools that need to be precisely and carefully employed; after all your safety is at sake! We know how important that is, so we got you covered!

The Mechanism

Rotary hammers exclusively use a piston mechanism rather clutch. Placed within the cylinder, the piston compresses the air and creates an air pressure which in turn drives the back and forth high impact hammer mechanism, considered more powerful than even the hammer drills. Most rotary hammers come with a set of accessories-

• Chuck – The most popular and highly recommended is the SDS Plus/ Max. You can also opt for a 3 jaw chuck.
• Bull point chisel – for holes in concrete
• Scaling chisel – to remove concrete and rust
• Clay Spade – for the hard soil
• Chisel – for the concrete
• Tile remover – for the ceramic tiles

Now, here are some options to choose from as per your needs

Best Cordless Rotary Hammer Drill Options

Let’s find out some more details about these drills. Shall we?

1. Dewalt DCH273B Rotary Hammer

This powerful drill tool by Dewalt has the major selling asset of a brushless motor that supports extended operating time. The durable German engineered mechanism renders an impact energy that measures 2.1 joules. Weighted 6.4 pounds, the cordless rotary hammer is easy to use and carry with the added retractable hook for hanging. Talk about safety and this model by Dewalt provides an Active Vibration Control Technology which reduces high impact vibration. Coupled with the clutch, sudden reactions are also minimised in case of jams. Moreover, the discreetly optimized design ensures every nook cared to the core. The power to weight ratio has been maintained for exceptional performance.

Hence, for overhead applications this might be your best bet! Here is your takeaway:

• • • Brushless motor
    • Durable engineered mechanism
    • Energy – 2.1 joules
    • Weight – 6.4 pounds
    • Easy to carry and store
    • Active vibration control technology
    • Clutch for sudden jam

If this cordless rotary hammer by Dewalt matches your list of needs, what’s the wait for? Go grab it right now on Amazon.

2. Makita XRH04Z Cordless Rotary Hammer

This cordless rotary hammer by Makita is your one stop solution for a compact yet powerful drill tool. Weighted 7.2 pounds, it is powered upto 1200 RPM and 4000 BPM by the variable speed motor. Want some extended run time? This rotary hammer backed by fast charging batteries is definitely good to go! Another attractive bait is the 3 mode mechanism – hammer with rotation, rotation only and hammer only. Safety is also locked given the built in clutch and the torque limiter for torque control. The sliding clutch also adds to easy operation. On account of power and productivity, this cordless rotary hammer by Makita backs big thumbs up from contractors and professionals.

Let’s jump to the takeaway:

• • • Compact pistol design
    • Weight – 7.2 pounds
    • Pounding rate – 0-1200 RPM | 0-4000 BPM
    • Variable speed
    • 3 modes – hammer with rotation, rotation only and hammer only
    • Built in clutch; one side slide
    • Torque limiter
    • Fast charge lithium ion battery

Check out this high powered rotary hammer on Amazon right away. 

3. Milwaukee 2713-20 Cordless Rotary Hammer Drill

This high impact SDS plus cordless drill tool by Milwaukee is powered by lithium ion brushless batteries that supports extended operating time. The durable mechanism supports pounding rate of upto 1500 RPM and 4400 BPM. Hence speed and performance are set to make you happy! Weighted 7 pounds, the cordless rotary hammer is easy to use and carry. Talk about safety and that’s well covered for you. This model supports variable position chisel for easy adjustment. Coupled with the mechanical clutch, sudden reactions are also controlled in case of jams. Moreover, an orientation LED light is pre-installed for effective job in dark places.

What more could we ask for! Here is your takeaway:

• • • Lithium ion brushless battery
    • Durable mechanism
    • Pounding rate – 1500 RPM | 4400 BPM
    • Weight – 7 pounds
    • Easy to carry and store
    • Adjustable chisel
    • Mechanical clutch for sudden jam
    • LED light

What’s now the wait for? Go grab this cordless rotary hammer by Milwaukee right now on Amazon. 

4. Hitachi Cordless DV18DBFL2 Rotary Hammer

Talk about masonry tools and you know Hitachi is a brand you can trust. This cordless rotary hammer by Hitachi is a great bet for a professional level powerful drill tool. Weighted just 3.7 pounds, it generates power that measures 620 in/ lbs. and pounding rate of upto 1800 RPM and 27000 BPM, ideal for drilling into materials from concrete to even wood and tiles. You definitely want increased run time and longer operating life, eh? The lithium ion brushless batteries have that ensured for you! What’s more are the 22 torque settings, hammer drill and rotary drill modes, keyless metal chuck, built in LED lights for easy operation in the dark! This tool also ensures you don’t have a difficult time during as well as after your drill mission. It thus comes with light weight, comfortable grip and a metal hook. So a balanced built is definitely a tick on the list.

Let’s jump to the takeaway:

• • • Weight – 3.7 pounds
    • Power – 620 in/ lbs.
    • Pounding rate – 0-1800 RPM | 0-27000 BPM
    • Material – concrete, wood, tiles, etc.
    • Lithium ion brushless battery
    • Extended run time
    • 20 + 2 torque settings
    • 2 modes – rotary, hammer
    • 1” Keyless metal chuck
    • Built in LED lights
    • Design – comfortable grip, metal belt hook

Check out this high powered rotary hammer on Amazon right away. 

5. Bosch Cordless RHS181BL Rotary Hammer Drill

You might have been already waiting for Bosch in the list. Don’t worry, we have it here! Sigh! The high impact yet surprisingly compact cordless rotary hammer by Bosch is powered by lithium ion batteries that feature probably the best run time. However, these are not brushless. But weighted at just 4.5 pounds, this cordless rotary hammer carries ideal performance to weight ratio perfect for masonry and concrete drills. It is a great tool to add to your DIY kit. Talk about safety and that’s also well covered for you. This model supports an easy to use trigger. Moreover, an orientation LED light is pre-installed under the chuck for effective job in dark places.

Here is your takeaway:

• • • Lithium ion battery (not brushless)
    • Unbeatable run time
    • Weight – 4.5 pounds
    • Balanced performance to weight ratio
    • Easy to carry and store
    • Easy to use trigger
    • LED light

If a handy and comfortable drill tool is all you want then what’s the wait for? Grab this cordless rotary hammer by Bosch right now on Amazon. 

6. Ryobi P221 Rotary Hammer

The cordless rotary hammer by Ryobi adorns a compact and durable built powered by variable speed motor. Backed by SDS plus drill, it offers range of 1- ½”; the chuck size supports upto 1/2”. It also in fact features 2 modes of operation – rotation only and rotary hammer, that provide functional versatility across multiple masonry surfaces. Reportedly weighted at 4.9 pounds, the tool renders 1250 RPM and 5000 BPM count. The auxiliary handle with 360 degree rotation ensures efficient operation. You can easily count on it for even the needs at home.

Here is your takeaway:

• • • Compact and durable
    • SDS  plus drill
    • Variable speed
    • 2 modes – rotation only and rotary hammer
    • Weight – 4.9 pounds
    • Pounding rate – 1250 RPM | 5000 BPM
    • Auxiliary handle with 360 degree rotation

You sure as hell don’t want to wait another minute to add this tool to your personal kit.

7. Hiltex 10513 Rotary Drill

This drill tool by Hiltex is a one stop solution for HIGH performance. It generates 5 ft-lb. impact energy on variety of masonry surfaces from concrete to solid steel. Talk about capacity and you won’t be disappointed; upto 800 RPM and 3500 BPM count and drill range is 1-1/2” for concrete and 1” for steel! Hiltex cordless rotary hammer also features 6 speed settings and 3 operation modes – hammer drill, rotation only and hammer only. It weighs 16.6 pounds; however the design certainly ensures ease of use given the 360 degree rotational auxiliary handle, hand trigger plus the convenient speed dial. It is a great bet for jobs more than just drilling!

Here is your takeaway:

• • • Impact energy – 5 ft-lb.
    • Pounding rate – 800 RPM | 3500 BPM
    • Drill range – 1-1/2” for concrete |1” for steel
    • Weight – 16.6 pounds
    • 6 speed settings
    • 3 operation modes – hammer drill, rotation only and hammer only
    • 360 degree rotational auxiliary handle
    • Hand trigger

If this cordless rotary hammer by Hiltex seems a good fit for your needs, what’s the wait for? Go grab it right now on Amazon.

8. Bosch Cordless RH328VC- 36K Rotary Hammer

The cordless rotary hammer by Bosch features a compact and durable design that locks batteries capable of extended run time. Backed by SDS plus drill, it offers range of 1- 1/8”. A unique feature is the Vibration Control system to curb the high impact vibrations during the job. This hammer works on 3 modes of operation – rotary hammer, rotation only and hammers only, controlled by a variable speed dial. Weighted at 9.6 pounds, the tool renders 940 RPM and 4100 BPM count. Convenience is another major asset! The Bosch hammer comes with an electric precision control; vario-lock positioning and kick back control for an efficient drill.

Here is your takeaway:

• • • SDS  plus drill
    • Variable speed
    • 3 modes – rotary hammer, rotation only and hammer only
    • Range – 1-1/8”
    • Weight – 9.6 pounds
    • Pounding rate – 940 RPM | 4100 BPM
    • Vibration Control system
    • Electric precision control
    • Vario-lock positioning
    • Kick back control

You sure as hell don’t want to wait another minute to purchase this. 

Buyer’s Guide – Factors to consider when buying a cordless rotary hammer

Now that you already know a lot about the tool for your drill missions – cordless rotary hammers , we know you’re hell excited to surf through the various models BUT let that wait until you’re done with a few but uber essential guidelines for the right buy. Time to act responsible!

Here’s the list of things you need to take care of when looking for the ideal cordless rotary hammer:

Type of rotary hammer

There exist two types of rotary hammers- demolition and combination. While demolition hammers are heavy duty tools for breaking concrete, combination hammers feature dual mode for drill and as well as chipping. So determine your primary use and make your choice of type accordingly!

Interface System

This refers to the internal components of the hammer that transfer energy from the electric motor to the bit. There are 3 kinds of interface systems found in rotary hammers:

• • • Spline – It is the oldest system that has been used since many years but is now being replaced by advanced versions. It offers range of 3/8” – 1-3/8”.
    • SDS Plus – One of the advanced interface systems, SDS plus offers a range of 3/16” – ¾”.
    • SDS Max – The most superior and highly recommended interface system invented by Bosch. It offers a range of 1/2” – 1-3/4”.

Chuck Material

For durability, always rely on metallic chucks rather the plastic ones. While for a regular drill, keyless chucks may be handy but they won’t stay stable for masonry drilling.

Chuck Size

This is not any major surprise point but still crucial. Chuck size runs proportional to the maximum diameter or the hole size that drill can handle. This also dictates the interface system. Thus prefer avoiding any offset from the recommended size. However, once in a while moving beyond the recommended maximum size for bigger holes is also acceptable.

Operation Modes

The variety of operation modes a particular model features is another major catch! While large rotary hammers usually offer 2 modes- hammer drill and rotation, others may offer 3 modes- hammer drill, rotation only and drill only.

Masonry Bits

With advanced hammer tools coming up every day, rotary hammers bits have also been revised and upgraded. Flute designs have been optimized for better dust removal and speed. While full head carbide bits ensure extended durability, stop bits help control depth to avoid ‘post tension cables’. Bits are major components that decide the performance and life of rotary hammers.

Pounding Power

The pounding power of rotary hammers is measured in terms of blow per minute (BPM) and revolutions per minute (RPM). You got to be on the lookout for that! Higher the count of BPM and RPM, better and harder would be the hammer performance.

Battery Capacity

Harder the drill, larger the motor demand. Larger the demand, higher got to be the battery capacity! As per the application, you may resort to high battery capacity upto 4AH or go for even higher.

Hammer Weight and Size

Batteries are generally the major weight inducing component in cordless rotary hammers, which in turns partially decides the amount of fatigue you will have to bear after the drill mission. An important point you need to take care of is that the intensity of application does not decide the weight and size of the tool! You can always find compact models for even high impact hammers.

Safety Features

Final decision always comes down to whether the tool is safe for application. For cordless rotary hammers you got to look out for the quality and reliability of specific safety features provided.

Now that you’ve gathered all the necessary information about cordless rotary hammers, it is now action time! You are all set to explore and buy the best out there.