The Best Cordless Hammer Drills, Tested and Reviewed

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Don’t waste effort trying to drill through tile or concrete with the wrong power tool. We tested the top cordless hammer drills on the market—find out which ones powered through.

Drilling through concrete, bricks, and stone requires additional force from a drill, and even the most powerful corded drill drivers can’t stand up to the task. These intense drilling projects require the extra oomph of a hammer drill. This power tool does two things: It spins the bit while simultaneously generating a rapid hammering action. The double action of a hammer drill boosts its drilling power—making it possible to drill through tough masonry materials.

Several national manufacturers produce cordless hammer drills, and we wanted to find out which ones were best suited to drilling through various types of masonry, so we tested them. We selected the highest-rated models and then drilled holes in concrete, ceramic tile, and cinder brick. Then we documented each tool’s ability, performance, and design aspects—pros and cons.

The following list represents the models that scored highest in our hands-on testing. They range in weight, power, and price, but each one earned its spot on this lineup of the best cordless hammer drills.

1. BEST OVERALL: DeWalt 20V MAX 1-Inch XR SDS Plus Rotary Hammer
2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Craftsman V20 Cordless ½-Inch Hammer Drill Kit
3. BEST FOR HEAVY-DUTY: Metabo HPT 36V MultiVolt ½-Inch Hammer Drill
4. BEST FOR MEDIUM-DUTY: Makita 40V Max XGT Brushless ½-Inch Driver-Drill Kit
5. BEST FOR LIGHT-DUTY: Skil PWRCORE 20 20V ½-Inch Hammer Drill Kit
6. BEST COMPACT: Milwaukee M12 Fuel ⅝-Inch SDS Plus Rotary Hammer Kit
7. ALSO CONSIDER: DeWalt 20V MAX XR Cordless Hammer Drill/Driver Kit

Before You Buy a Cordless Hammer Drill

In general, hammer drills (corded and cordless) are considered masonry-only drills, so don’t mistake them for typical cordless drills, although many come with a drill-driver option. Even compact hammer drills often have heavy-duty components, which means they are substantially heavier than standard cordless drills. They also have much more torque, so don’t be surprised by their power.

You probably don’t need a cordless hammer drill if you’re not drilling into concrete, bricks, stone, or other masonry. Instead, just save a bit of money and use a standard drill for most other projects. However, for those frequently mixing concrete or paint, the extra torque hammer drills offer can help speed up the task.

How We Tested the Best Cordless Hammer Drills

In selecting the models for our hands-on tests, we researched the most sought-after cordless hammer drills in their respective categories. We considered power output, speed, motor type, battery type, weight, and unique features.

We also considered brand to a large extent. Manufacturers such as DeWalt, Makita, and Milwaukee have excellent reputations for producing high-end power tools for both pros and DIYers. Still, we didn’t automatically eliminate other brands if their models rated highly with users.

In actual testing, we fitted each hammer drill with various-size masonry bits and used them to drill through concrete, ceramic tile, and cinder bricks. As we tested, we awarded points based on a rubric. The better a hammer drill performed a specific function, the more points it received. We also awarded points for material quality, ergonomics, and any special features the drills came with.

After testing, we added and averaged the points and used them to help determine the best categories for each tool.

Our Top Picks

The following list of cordless hammer drills excelled in our hands-on tests for drilling through masonry materials. While they vary in power, price, and best use, each model stands out in its category. Discover how each of these popular hammer drills performed in our tests, and find out what we liked best (and disliked) about each one before buying the best hammer drill for your needs.

Best Overall

DeWalt 20V MAX 1-Inch XR SDS Plus Rotary Hammer

The DeWalt drill powered through all our masonry-drilling tests without a glitch. We’re familiar with many DeWalt power tools, but this was our first use of its rotary hammer drill, and we weren’t disappointed.

Traditionally, rotary hammers are large and unwieldy, making them a burden in the tool box, but this isn’t the case with the DeWalt rotary hammer. This heavy-duty tool has a standard pistol-style grip, which makes it easy to grasp and control. It came without a battery, so we paired it with a DeWalt 5.0-amp-hour (Ah) rechargeable battery for testing. This tool has so much power and torque that we wouldn’t suggest using it with anything less than a 3.0Ah battery. The higher the capacity battery, the better.

We started with a large masonry bit and tested the DeWalt hammer drill’s ability to drill through concrete. 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.

This specific model is a little beefy for drilling through ceramic tile, but we tested it for that purpose by switching to a smaller bit. It drilled a smooth hole through the tile without cracking or chipping the surface glaze. Still, we prefer a lighter model to drill through tile, which requires a delicate touch. The DeWalt weighs just under 8 pounds with the 5Ah battery, making it an ideal weight for heavy-duty drilling.

DeWalt’s brushless motor generates up to 4,600 beats per minute (bpm) and a top speed of 1,050 rotations per minute (rpm). While this is lower than some of the other models we tested, the DeWalt isn’t built for speed but for long-term power. Drilling through concrete isn’t a speedy chore. The tool has a dial for selecting drill only, chipping, or drill and hammer combined. A nice feature is the depth rod on the top of the tool that can be adjusted to suit the desired drill depth.

The DeWalt has a brushless motor for enhanced power and durability, a side accessory handle, a belt hook, and a slotted drive shaft/system (SDS) chuck. An SDS chuck is designed for use with SDS bits, which lock into place via twisting rather than tightening the chuck as is typical with nonSDS (3-jaw) chucks.

Read our full review: DeWalt 20V MAX 1-Inch XR SDS Plus Rotary Hammer

Product Specs

• Model: DCH273B (tool only)
• Maximum speed: 1,050 rpm/4,600 bpm
• Battery type: Lithium-ion

Pros

• Ergonomic design and grip make it easy to grasp and control the tool
• 3 modes: drill only, hammer only (chipping), or a combination of hammer and drill
• Adjustable depth-stop rod makes it easy to know when users have drilled the required depth

Cons

• Slightly heavy for repeated drilling through ceramic tile, which requires a delicate touch

Get the DeWalt SDS cordless hammer drill at Amazon, Ace Hardware, or Acme Tools.

Best Bang for the Buck

Craftsman V20 Cordless ½-Inch Hammer Drill Kit

Don’t spend a lot on a hammer drill for around-the-house DIY projects such as drilling through tile or occasionally drilling through concrete. We found the Craftsman V20 hammer drill both efficient and affordable.

First, this is not a heavy-duty hammer drill like the one that took the top spot in our lineup, but it’s powerful enough for many DIY uses. We charged both of the 2.0Ah batteries that came with the drill (although some retailers sell this drill with 1.3Ah batteries) and started testing by drilling through the ceramic tile with a masonry bit. We could make clean holes without chipping or cracking on both the high and low speeds. We were able to switch between drill-only and hammer drill modes.

We then switched to drilling holes in concrete and cinder brick. The Craftsman hammer drill tended to bog down slightly if we used too much pushing pressure when drilling through concrete. That could be related to both its brushed motor—brushed motors aren’t quite as powerful as brushless motors—or it could be associated with its low-capacity batteries. Craftsman tool users with higher-capacity batteries may want to use them in this drill.

This hammer drill produces up to 1,500 rpm at high speed, sufficient for most light- or medium-duty projects. When it comes to boring holes in brick or concrete, the Craftsman produces up to 25,500 bpm—more than respectable from a value-priced model. We wouldn’t suggest it for someone who needs to drill mainly in dense concrete, but it’s a good pick for drilling through ceramic tile, cinder bricks, or the occasional hole in a concrete basement floor.

Product Specs

• Model: CMCD711C2
• Maximum speed: 1,500 rpm/25,500 bpm
• Battery type: Lithium-ion

Pros

• 2 speed options and the ability to switch between drill and hammer drill modes
• Suitable for light- to medium-duty projects
• Features an onboard LED guide light—helpful for use in low-light situations

Cons

• The included batteries are relatively low capacity and require frequent recharging

Get the Craftsman cordless hammer drill at Amazon or Ace Hardware.

Best for Heavy-Duty

Metabo HPT 36V MultiVolt ½-Inch Hammer Drill

Metabo HPT (not to be confused with tools from the German manufacturer Metabo) has created a powerful hammer drill well suited to outdoor or shop use. After charging the two included 2.5Ah batteries, we started testing by drilling holes in concrete using a masonry bit.

We successfully drilled into the concrete while using moderate pushing force without the drill bogging down. It began to drag a bit if we exerted a lot of pressure. It drilled smooth holes in cinder brick and even cleaner ones in ceramic tile; we partly attributed this to its variable-speed trigger that let us start drilling at a very slow speed, which helped keep the tile from chipping.

The Metabo HTP hammer drill offers two speeds; users can choose between standard drilling and hammer drilling.

Although this is a reasonably lightweight hammer drill at just 4.5 pounds (minus the battery), it offers quite a bit of torque and power—2,100 rpm and up to 31,500 bpm. In addition, we found the Metabo HPT vibrated less on hammer-drill mode than some of the other standard models we tested, making it easier to use for prolonged periods.

The thing that sets this hammer drill apart is its optional AC adapter (sold separately) that allows users to plug it into an electrical outlet, making it well suited for shop use. Remember that using a drill inside a shop can lead to excessive dust and mess. The Metabo HPT comes with a bright LED guide light that makes it handy for low-light situations and features a belt hook. This is a decent all-around hammer drill that offers an added benefit with the AC plug-in option.

Product Specs

• Model: DV36DAG
• Maximum speed: 2,100 rpm/31,500 bpm
• Battery type: Lithium-ion

Pros

• Brushless motor increases the hammer drill’s power and efficiency
• Lightweight and well designed, this tool can be used longer without muscle fatigue
• Optional AC adapter allows users to operate the device via an electrical outlet

Cons

• Slight motor drag if significant pushing force is used when drilling concrete

Get the Metabo HPT cordless hammer drill at Amazon, Acme Tools, or Lowe’s.

Best for Medium-Duty

Makita 40V Max XGT Brushless ½-Inch Driver-Drill Kit

Makita has a reputation for producing top-notch tools, so we were excited to test its new hammer drill, yet we were slightly skeptical about its digital clutch. All the drills we’ve used in the past came with clutch rings for manually adjusting the torque needed to insert screws without stripping out the heads. How would a digital clutch fare?

Still, our main testing concern was how well the Makita would bore holes in concrete and other masonry materials, and in that area, it performed very well. Its brushless motor delivered ample torque and power, and the percussion hammering was reasonably smooth—it didn’t reverberate through our hands and arms as some hammer drills do. It excelled in drilling holes in concrete, cinder brick, and ceramic tile.

The Makita offers three modes: hammer drill, standard drill, and driver (for screws). We switched to driver mode to turn on the digital clutch, and a small LED readout on the tool’s base lit up. We could select from a range of clutch settings via a button.

We tested the digital clutch’s torque and slip (degree of resistance necessary to stop the bit from turning) by inserting screws into pine lumber. We felt the digital clutch was as accurate as any manual clutches we’ve worked with, but there’s an additional digital lock that we had to depress and hold for a couple of seconds each time before we could select the clutch range. For professionals who want to speed up their projects, repeatedly needing to unlock the digital clutch may become annoying.

On the other hand, those who purchase the Makita primarily for hammer-drill purposes may not mind occasionally navigating the lock feature. This powerful tool comes with two speed modes, a variable-speed trigger, bright LED light, a removable bar handle for two-hand stability, two 2.5Ah batteries, and a charger.

Product Specs

• Model: GPH01D
• Maximum speed: 2,600 rpm/39,000 bpm
• Battery type: Lithium-ion

Pros

• Low vibration in hammer mode for reduced hand and arm fatigue
• Offers 3 modes: hammer drill, standard drill, and driver mode
• Powerful brushless motor provides ample torque for drilling through concrete

Cons

• The need to press and unlock the digital clutch may slow down some users

Get the Makita cordless hammer drill at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Acme Tools.

Best for Light-Duty

Skil PWRCORE 20 20V ½-Inch Hammer Drill Kit

When it comes to minor home repairs or DIY projects, a light-duty, reliable option is the Skil 20V ½-inch hammer drill. This three-in-one tool functions as a hammer drill, drill, and screwdriver and comes with two speed settings: high and low.

We tested the Skil hammer drill after fully charging its included 2.0Ah battery. That’s on the low-capacity side, but it should still provide ample power for drilling an occasional hole in a concrete patio or basement floor. We found the motor on the Skil bogged down a bit when we increased the pushing force while drilling in concrete, but when we eased up, it drilled fine. This hammer drill doesn’t have a brushless motor, but it’s still suitable for light-duty use. We wouldn’t use it to drill more than a dozen holes in succession, and we wouldn’t exert too much pressure.

The Skil was also successful at drilling through cinder brick and ceramic tile. In fact, we found it drilled some very smooth holes in the tile without chipping the surface glaze. In hammer mode, it vibrated more than other models we tested but not too much to handle. It features two additional modes, drill and driver, and it comes with a belt clip to boot. We wouldn’t hesitate to keep it on hand for those times when we need to drill a couple of masonry holes, but we wouldn’t consider it a jobsite prospect.

Product Specs

• Model: HD527802
• Maximum speed: 1,450 rpm/ 21,750 bpm
• Battery type: Lithium-ion

Pros

• Suitable for drilling in wood and metal in addition to masonry materials
• 2 speed settings and 3 modes: hammer drill, drill, driver
• LED light offers added illumination in low-light work situations

Cons

• This model is not as powerful as the others we tested, so its use is limited

Get the Skil cordless hammer drill at Amazon or Lowe’s.

Best Compact

Milwaukee M12 Fuel ⅝-Inch SDS Plus Rotary Hammer Kit

We’re big fans of Milwaukee tools, but we were perplexed as to why the company would make a rotary hammer drill in a 12-volt version. Hammer drills are typically considered more powerful than standard drills, and rotary hammer drills (like the best overall pick in this lineup) are among the most powerful of all. While other manufacturers are producing 20- and 36-volt hammer drills, why would Milwaukee incorporate rotary technology in a lower-capacity 12-volt model? What we discovered sold us on this little powerhouse.

Since it’s a rotary hammer drill, the compact Milwaukee takes SDS bits, so we loaded an SDS masonry bit and started testing by drilling into concrete. Surprisingly, this little 12-volt drill was pretty powerful, and we could quickly drill holes in concrete, cinder brick, and tile. The hammering action was smooth. It felt more like a gentle vibration than percussion, so it was comfortable to use. Some may consider it a one-handed hammer drill, but we felt it would benefit from an accessory bar for added stability.

This compact model has only two modes—drill and hammer drill. Unlike many rotary hammers, it doesn’t feature a chipping mode.

The Milwaukee 12-volt isn’t going to replace a full-size rotary hammer drill anytime soon. It’s not designed to compete with full-size 18- and 20-volt models. The lower voltage motor is better suited to light-duty use rather than commercial or heavy DIY use. Still, it’s an excellent pick for a pro, such as an electrician or plumber, who has to drill occasional holes in a masonry wall to run wiring or conduit. It’s perfect for use in tight spots. Like other Milwaukee tools, this little hammer drill is high performance despite being small. We were impressed with its power and design.

Product Specs

• Model: 2416-21XC
• Maximum speed: 900 rpm/ 6,200 bpm
• Battery type: Lithium-ion