The 10 Best Rotary Hammer Drills of 2024, Vetted

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Rotary hammer drills are part high-performance drill, part demolition hammer. Learn how to choose the right model for DIY, remodeling, or construction tasks.

Standard hammer drills are powerful tools that can drill through a variety of tough materials, but even the best can’t make a hole beyond about ½ inch in diameter.

That’s when the rotary hammer drill takes over. These mighty tools have little trouble drilling through concrete slabs, concrete blocks, stone, and other tough materials. Drill bits that are a foot long or more are common. Flip a lever, and the same tool becomes a compact demolition hammer. It can strip tiles from walls, knock down brick walls, and break up asphalt.

A rotary hammer drill sounds like a fearsome tool, and some do have impressive capabilities. However, there also are very manageable models aimed at the DIY enthusiast. Keep reading to learn how to choose a rotary hammer drill for a variety of purposes, and check out the list of some of the best options on the market below.

1. BEST OVERALL: Bosch RH328VC SDS-Plus 1⅛-Inch Corded Rotary Hammer
2. RUNNER-UP: DeWalt 1⅛-Inch SDS Plus D-Handle Hammer Kit
3. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Eneacro 1¼-Inch Heavy Duty Rotary Hammer Drill
4. BEST CORDLESS: DeWalt 20V MAX XR Rotary Hammer 
5. BEST FOR DIY REMODELERS: Makita HR2475 1-Inch SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer
6. BEST SDS MAX: Makita HR4002 1-9/16-Inch SDS-Max Rotary Hammer
7. BEST WITH DUST EXTRACTION: DeWalt DWH052 20V MAX Rotary Hammer & Dust Extraction
8. BEST COMPACT: Milwaukee M18 Fuel 1⅛-Inch SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer
9. BEST CONTROL: Bosch GBH2-28L SDS-Plus Bulldog Xtreme Rotary Hammer
10. ALSO CONSIDER: Aoben 1¼-Inch SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer Drill

How We Chose the Best Rotary Hammer Drill

A great deal of research went into making our selections, which is conducted by experts with years of experience and in-depth technical knowledge. I am an engineer by trade and understand the key features in determining performance. I also have undertaken two complete house renovations using this type of tool, so I know first-hand how a rotary hammer drill functions.

I believe the most important factors to look for in rotary drills are available power, recommended maximum diameter, and impact energy. These largely determine the force that can be applied to a particular task and differentiate DIY tools from pro models.

I also have given consideration to the manufacturers’ reputations. Certain brands have long-standing reputations for reliability and durability. That said, I was careful not to overlook a bargain even if the maker is not one of the big names.

Our Top Picks

The following picks cover some of the best tools for both DIY and trade users. To make it easier to find the best rotary hammer drill for your needs, the products are shown in specific categories; we even included pros and cons for each.

Best Overall

Bosch RH328VC SDS-Plus 1⅛-Inch Corded Rotary Hammer

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Product Specs 

• Drilling capacity: 1⅛ inches
• Impact energy: 2.4 foot-pounds (ft-lbs)
• Blows per minute (BPM): 4,000

Pros

• Comparatively light and easy to handle; should not cause too much strain on the user
• Comes with vibration control and a variable-speed trigger built into the handle
• Comes with a depth stop and an auxiliary handle for added ease of use
• Compatible with Bosch’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)-standard dust extraction

Cons

• Heavy-duty competitors have a higher impact energy

With so many good models available, it is challenging to pick a single best rotary hammer drill. The corded Bosch SDS-Plus takes the top spot for its combination of user-friendly features, comparatively light weight, and competitive performance. The brand also has a well-earned reputation for long-term reliability.

Vibration control is built into the handle, which incorporates a 3-finger, variable speed trigger that’s easy to use with gloved hands. Mode selection is via a large, clear dial. There’s a handy depth gauge and the expected auxiliary handle. The chuck incorporates a clutch that reduces torque (and therefore the potential for injury) if the bit should jam.

Get the Bosch RH328VC rotary hammer drill at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.

Runner-up

DeWalt 1⅛-Inch SDS Plus D-Handle Hammer Kit

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Product Specs 

• Drilling capacity: 1⅛ inches
• Impact energy: 2.2 ft-lbs
• BPM: 5,350

Pros

• Renowned DeWalt reliability; comes with vibration control and a clutch
• Compatible with DeWalt’s OSHA-standard dust extraction
• Traditional D-handle design allows room for gloved hands to steady while operating

Cons

• The 17½-inch length can sometimes be awkward

DeWalt has an almost legendary reputation for durability, which is a key feature of tools intended for tough jobsite use like this corded rotary hammer kit. It features the traditional D-handle design that allows plenty of space for gloved hands. The length also allows the user to apply greater leverage than with compact models, which is particularly useful when chiseling or demolishing.

There is a useful depth gauge and a straightforward mode selection dial. The DeWalt rotary hammer drill also offers vibration suppression and an integrated clutch that minimizes torque-related injuries. It’s a tool that perhaps appeals more to the contractor than the DIY user, yet the price is very competitive.

Get the DeWalt SDS Plus rotary hammer drill at Amazon.

Best Bang for the Buck

Eneacro 1¼-Inch Heavy Duty Rotary Hammer Drill

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Product Specs

• Drilling capacity: 1¼ inches
• Impact energy: 5.5 ft-lbs
• BPM: 4,200

Pros

• Easy-to-use controls; comes with dual handles for ample control when in use
• Built with an aluminum housing and a 13-amp motor for reliability and long-term use
• Everything required is in the case; includes a variety of accessories and tools

Cons

• At 18.1 pounds with accessories, it’s heavier than most other options on the market

Eneacro may not be one of the better-known tool manufacturers, but the brand’s corded rotary hammer drill is popular for good reason. It is a basic yet robust and capable performer that’s primarily aimed at the DIY user. An aluminum housing protects the heavy-duty 13-amp motor, which provides plenty of power for drilling and light demo work.

What really adds value is the accessory set. There are two chisels, three drill bits, lubricating grease, spare motor brushes, and a hard-shell case. Surprisingly for such a low-cost rotary hammer drill, it also has a safety clutch to reduce torque injuries and vibration damping.

Get the Eneacro rotary hammer drill at Amazon.

Best Cordless

DeWalt 20V MAX XR Rotary Hammer

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Product Specs 

• Drilling capacity: 1 inch
• Impact energy: 1.54 ft-lbs (2.1 joules)
• BPM: 4,600

Pros

• Versatile construction lends to use as a drill, hammer drill, or chipper
• Depth-stop rod lets users know when they have reached the appropriate depth
• Comes with user-friendly features, accessories, and a lightweight construction
• Works effectively on concrete, stone, brick, and block

Cons

• Our testers reported that this model had a long 3-hour charging time
• The accessory handle was not very sturdy

Those who want a lot of portability in their rotary hammer drill can rely on this cordless model from DeWalt. Perfect for

drilling into brick

, concrete, stone, and block, this hammer drill comes with three operation modes: drill, hammer drill, and chipper. The depth-stop rod lets the user know when they have drilled to the desired depth.

For more user-friendliness, this DeWalt delivers 1.54 ft-lbs (2.1 joules) of impact energy. It has active vibration control and a brushless motor, an adjustable hook, a 360-degree side handle, and a rotating dial for adjusting the operating modes. Plus, this rotary hammer drill weighs only 6.4 pounds without the battery and won’t cause strain on the user during long-term use. The only downside to this option is that it only includes the tool and does not come with the required battery.

What our tester says: Glenda Taylor, Bob Vila staff writer and product tester, notes in The Best Cordless Hammer Drills that “it drilled through smoothly, and the ergonomic design allowed us to get a firm grip to maintain steady pressure. It drilled holes just as easily through cinder bricks. This model comes with a special chipping feature, so we inserted a masonry chip bit (shaped like a paddle) and used the rotary hammer to chip old grout off used bricks; it worked well and was simple to control.”

Read our full review: DeWalt 20V MAX XR Rotary Hammer Get the DeWalt 20V MAX cordless rotary hammer at Amazon (tool only) or Acme Tools.

Best for Diy Remodelers

Makita HR2475 1-Inch SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer

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Product Specs

• Drilling capacity: 1 inch
• Impact energy: 2 ft-lbs
• BPM: 4,500

Pros

• 7-amp motor is designed to provide a long service life
• Sequential impact timing delivers 50 percent faster drilling than many comparable models
• The rubberized D-shaped grip adds comfort and allows for precision while working
• Comes with 13 feet of cord for use at home as well as on a jobsite

Cons

• Limited vibration control; may be hard to hold properly while in use

The corded Makita is difficult to categorize. It has many of the features of pro-grade rotary hammer drills, though competitors offer higher performance. The D-handle design isn’t typical of DIY tools, yet it is priced to appeal to that type of user.

These factors make it an ideal choice for a DIYer taking on the kind of remodeling jobs that are beyond many entry-level drills. Sequential timing of hammer action and rotation maximizes the power available. The motor is designed for durability and minimal servicing requirements.

While this Makita rotary hammer drill does not offer active vibration control, it does have a soft-grip handle and a clutch to reduce torque if the bit jams.

Get the Makita HR2475 rotary hammer drill at Amazon.

Best Sds Max

Makita HR4002 1-9/16-Inch SDS-Max Rotary Hammer

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Product Specs 

• Drilling capacity: 1-9/16 inches
• Impact energy: 4.6 ft-lbs
• BPM: 2,500

Pros

• Heavy-duty performance with the help of a 10-amp motor and dual operation modes
• Physically no larger than SDS-Plus models; great for use in tight spaces and easy to transport
• Comes with a side handle, depth gauge, grease, and a carrying case
• No-hammer idle for increased tool life and reliability

Cons

• No drilling-only function; may not be ideal for some users’ preferences
• Vibration suppression could be improved

The corded Makita SDS-Max rotary hammer drill accepts 18-millimeter shank bits, which allows the use of larger diameter bits than SDS or SDS-Plus tools. A high-performance 10-amp motor provides the energy required to drive these bits efficiently. The two modes of drilling with hammer and hammer only underline the heavy-duty nature of this tool. Though the impact rate isn’t as high as many rivals, it’s the amount of force rather than the speed that is important for demolition work.

A torque-limiting clutch is fitted, and there’s a depth gauge. A rubberized soft-grip handle offers some reduction of vibration, though it’s surprising that there’s no active control. The price reflects the professional nature of the Makita SDS-Max rotary hammer drill. When compared to its direct rivals, it remains competitive.

Get the Makita HR4002 rotary hammer drill at Amazon or The Home Depot.

Best with Dust Extraction

DeWalt DWH052 20V MAX Rotary Hammer & Dust Extraction

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Product Specs 

• Drilling capacity: 1 inch
• Impact energy: 1.5 ft-lbs
• BPM: 4,600

Pros

• Brushless motor maximizes battery performance and performance time
• Active vibration control allows for steadiness and accuracy while preventing strain on the user
• Connector and hose for OSHA-standard dust extraction

Cons

• Bare tool; no batteries or additional accessories are included with purchase
• High amp hour (Ah) batteries are expensive

The DeWalt DWH052 rotary hammer drill is a high-quality cordless tool. The MAX name refers to the DeWalt batteries required as opposed to the SDS size. The drill takes standard 10-millimeter shank SDS bits.

The rotary hammer drill has all the features expected from DeWalt. Active vibration control reduces user fatigue, and the brushless motor makes efficient use of the available power. Mode selection is easy and a depth gauge is fitted.

This model also includes a dust shroud and hose that are compliant with OSHA workplace dust extraction regulations. It has a rotary fitting for free movement with a 1⅛-inch diameter, a size common to many other demolition tools.