Cordless hammer drills provide the power and freedom necessary to make holes in tough materials, wherever you need them. They are the power drill of choice in the construction industry, thanks to their power, portability, and safety features.
Given how popular hammer drills are, it is unsurprising that you will have numerous models to choose from, made by some of the leading names in power tools. This means you will have plenty of options but it can also leave you at a loss when you want to find the right drill for your needs.
To help you with your search, we have reviewed seven of the best cordless hammer drills that are currently available. We chose these tools for their drilling power, speed settings, weight, battery life, and charge time.
- SDS chuck
- Anti-vibration system
- 5-year warranty
- Leading brand
- Ergonomic design
- Brushless motor
- Power management systems
- 3 drilling modes
- HEPA vacuum attachment
- LED light
- 1-hour charge time
- 24-position clutch
- All-metal transmission
- LED light
- Nitro-carburized chuck
- Weighs just 2.99 pounds
- 750-inch pounds of torque
- 30-minute charge time
- Budget-friendly
- Includes versatile bit set
- 1-hour charge time
Review Methodology: At Sensible Digs, we conduct comprehensive assessments and hands-on testing to evaluate the best cordless hammer drills from a user’s perspective. Our professional team employs rigorous benchmarks and criteria, analyzing factors such as performance, durability, power, and efficiency. We meticulously compare and rank these tools, identifying key decision-making factors such as battery life, torque, and speed. Our findings are based on experience, evidence, and quantitative data, providing an in-depth review that helps you understand what sets each product apart. Our evaluation results in a reliable score that reflects the effectiveness and unique design choices of each drill. Trust in our research-backed recommendations and find the optimal cordless hammer drill for your needs.
The Best Cordless Hammer Drills of 2023
Cordless hammer drills are among the most popular power tools today, used by both professionals and DIYers. To help you find the right one, we have reviewed seven of the best cordless hammer drills that are currently available, chosen for their power, weight, durability, battery life, and how quickly they can be charged.
Milwaukee 2712-20 M18 Fuel Rotary Hammer Drill
Best Cordless Rotary Hammer Drill
Milwaukee is an iconic name in power tools. This cordless hammer drill has a slotted drive shaft (SDS) chuck, which means it only accepts specialist bits. This is a good thing because, once the drill bit is inserted, it is held in place securely and won’t slip when drilling into tough material.
It has a brushless motor, which requires less maintenance and transfers energy more efficiently. This efficiency also has the benefit of extending battery life, so you can use it for longer between charges.
What We Like
SDS Chuck
A slotted drive shaft chuck is ideal for drilling through the toughest materials as it won’t allow the bit to slip in the chuck. It also makes it easier to switch bits quickly.
Weight
Despite weighing just 5.5 pounds, this drill packs a punch. This means you can enjoy the benefits of a powerful drill with reduced fatigue during long periods of sustained use.
Anti-Vibration System
Milwaukee has equipped this model with an anti-vibration system to minimize the strain on your hands and wrists.
Warranty
This drill is covered by an industry-leading 5-year limited warranty. You can buy it with confidence.
What We Don't Like
Made in China
Milwaukee is an iconic American brand but its manufacturing has been outsourced to China to reduce costs. If you prefer to buy American-made tools, you will need to look elsewhere.
Product Specs
| Weight | 5.5 pounds |
| Number of batteries | 1 |
| Dimensions | 3.25 x 11.8 x 8.17″ |
| BPM | 4,900 |
| RPM | 1,400 |
| Warranty | 5-year limited |
Our Ratings
Community Feedback
DeWALT 20V Max SDS Rotary Hammer Drill
Best SDS Cordless Hammer Drill
DeWALT is one of the leading power tool brands in the world and this SDS hammer drill is another great example of why. Its chuck spins at 1,100 RPM and the tool hammers at 4,600 beats per minute.
Vibration control makes the drilling process smoother and less strenuous, while the brushless motor has superior durability and extends the battery’s runtime.
What We Like
Leading Brand
DeWALT is a global success story with a century of experience. Today, it is one of the leading power tool brands in the world.
Ergonomic Design
The ergonomic design and power-to-weight ratio make this drill ideal for overhead work. It also has a vibration-reducing feature to decrease hand and wrist fatigue.
Brushless Motor
A brushless motor requires less maintenance than a brushed one. It also distributes power more efficiently, increasing the runtime of the battery.
What We Don't Like
Separate Battery and Charger
DeWALT does not include a battery and charger with this drill so you will need to buy them separately. This will increase your costs significantly, but it could save you money if you already own a DeWALT battery that will fit.
Expensive
This product is expensive for a cordless hammer drill, especially when you factor in the additional cost of the battery and charger.
Product Specs
| Weight | 6.4 pounds |
| Number of batteries | 0 |
| Dimensions | 13 x 4.2 x 8.6″ |
| BPM | 4,600 |
| RPM | 1,100 |
| Warranty | 3-year limited |
Our Ratings
Community Feedback
Makita XRH01Z LXT Rotary Hammer Drill
Best Cordless Hammer Drill For Concrete
This Makita rotary hammer drill packs a serious punch. Its RPM is lower than some of its competitors but this is less important when drilling through concrete. It hammers at a very impressive 4,700 BPM, which will help it penetrate the toughest materials.
The brushless motor increases the battery’s runtime by as much as 50% more than brushed drills to make the most of each charge. This drill has 3 settings: rotary, hammer, and hammer drill, so it will be able to make holes in even the hardest concrete.
What We Like
Power Management
The batteries have three protective power management systems to prevent overload, over-discharge and overheating.
Longer Runtime
The drill’s runtime is increased thanks to its brushless motor. It is more efficient, requires minimal maintenance, and the motor stays cool so you can work for longer without stopping.
HEPA Vacuum Attachment
The vacuum attachment costs extra but it makes this drill safer to use. It removes any dust particles that could otherwise be inhaled.
What We Don't Like
Separate Batteries
This Makita drill doesn’t include any batteries or a charger. Buying them separately is fine if the tool itself is cheap but the drill is quite expensive. When you combine the costs, it adds up to a significant amount.
Product Specs
| Weight | 7 pounds |
| Number of batteries | 0 |
| Dimensions | 4 x 10 x 5″ |
| BPM | 4,700 |
| RPM | 950 |
| Warranty | 3-year |
Our Ratings
Community Feedback
Hychika Cordless Hammer Drill
Best Heavy-Duty Cordless Hammer Drill
This Hychika hammer drill produces 450 inch-pounds of torque, making it an ideal model for mid to heavy-duty drilling. It has variable speed settings from 400 RPM to 1,500 RPM. It also includes a 2 Ah battery that provides a significant amount of runtime.
It charges from empty to full in 60 minutes to minimize downtime. A 24-position clutch helps protect the drill’s gears and prevents the brushless motor from burning out due to too much resistance.
What We Like
LED light
Despite being one of the most affordable hammer drills we have looked at, its features mean it can still compete with more expensive brands. These include an LED light to illuminate the surface you are drilling into.
Quick Charge Time
This drill can be charged from empty to full in just 60 minutes, which is among the fastest charge times for a hammer drill.
24-Position Clutch
You have a wide range of torque settings to choose from, which will prevent the drill’s motor and gears from suffering damage when encountering too much resistance.
What We Don't Like
Battery Life
With a 2 Ah battery, this drill probably isn’t suitable for large-scale jobs as you might need to stop frequently to charge it. This is less of an issue thanks to its quick charge time.
Product Specs
| Weight | 6.56 pounds |
| Number of batteries | 1 |
| Dimensions | 14.96 x 11.42 x 4.53″ |
| BPM | Not specified |
| RPM | 1,500 |
| Warranty | Not specified |
Our Ratings
Community Feedback
DeWALT 20V Max XR Hammer Drill
Best Cordless Brushless Hammer Drill
This DeWALT hammer drill is a serious tool that can penetrate even the toughest materials. It produces a remarkable 38,250 BPM, spins at 2, 250 RPM and, as it is a brushless model, its battery should run for more than 50% longer than a brushed drill.
It is suitable for use on professional job sites as all its switches are coated and sealed to protect them against moisture and dust. Its durability is further enhanced by its all-metal transmission and nitro-carburized chuck, which can cope with even the most challenging drilling jobs.
What We Like
All-Metal Transmission
The 3-speed all-metal transmission means this drill is tough enough for difficult jobs. It also means you shouldn’t need to spend as much time on maintenance.
LED
You might need to drill in dark or dimly-lit areas. Thankfully, this tool has an LED spotlight that will ensure you can see what you’re doing.
Nitro-Carburized Chuck
The metal chuck gives this tool superior strength and its carbide inserts help it hold bits more securely.
What We Don't Like
No Battery or Charger
This tool doesn’t include a battery or charger. DeWALT batteries are interchangeable so you might already have one that fits. If not, you will need to spend a significant amount to use this, perhaps as much as the cost of the drill itself.
Product Specs
| Weight | 4 pounds |
| Number of batteries | 0 |
| Dimensions | 4 x 10 x 8″ |
| BPM | 38,250 |
| RPM | 2,250 |
| Warranty | 3-year limited |
Our Ratings
Community Feedback
Ryobi P1813 One+ 18V Hammer Drill
Best Lightweight Cordless Hammer Drill
This Ryobi hammer drill generates 750 inch-pounds of torque and has a 24-position clutch to ensure you can adapt it to any job. Its 2-amp-hour battery can be charged in just 30 minutes, quick enough to fully recharge it while eating your lunch or during an extended coffee break.
At the base of the drill, there is a magnetic bit holder that ensures you can always have the right attachment to hand. This also makes it less likely that you will misplace a bit when switching back and forth.
What We Like
Lightweight
As cordless hammer drills go, this one is light, weighing just 2.99 pounds. This makes it one of the most lightweight tools we have seen during our research and reduces the likelihood of hand and wrist fatigue while using it.
Torque
Despite being lightweight, this drill still produces 750-inch pounds of torque. This should be plenty of torque to drill through even the toughest materials.
Fast Charge Time
This tool’s charger will fill its 2-amp battery in just 30 minutes. You can spend more time working and less time waiting for it to charge.
What We Don't Like
Build Quality Issues
We have seen multiple complaints that the build quality of this drill is inferior to the leading power tool brands. Some reviewers even say their drill stopped working after a few months.
Chuck
There are issues with how securely the chuck grips drill bits, which can lead to them falling out during use.
Product Specs
| Weight | 2.99 pounds |
| Number of batteries | 1 |
| Dimensions | 8 x 3.4 x 8.2″ |
| BPM | 5,400 |
| RPM | 1,800 |
| Warranty | 3-year limited |
Our Ratings
Community Feedback
CACOOP 20V MAX Cordless Hammer Drill
Best Budget Cordless Hammer Drill
This CACOOP hammer drill is very affordable compared to some of the models we have included. You can buy it for less than half the price of some of its competitors. Despite this low price, it still provides plenty of power to penetrate dense materials.
It has a 1-hour charge time and spins at a maximum of 1,400 RPM. Its BPM is far more impressive at 25,600. With 21+1 torque settings and a generous selection of bits included, this is a surprisingly versatile drill for its price.
What We Like
Low Price
This is one of the cheapest cordless hammer drills we have seen during our research. Even so, its performance is a match for many drills that are considerably more expensive.
Accessories
Despite its low price, this drill includes a versatile set of bits. It also includes a battery and charger, which some of the leading brands fail to provide with their power tools.
Fast Charging
Even when the battery is fully drained, this charger will refill it in an hour. This is as quick as many of the more expensive drills on the market.
What We Don't Like
Build Quality
This drill is inexpensive, which is reflected in the quality of some of its parts. You shouldn’t expect it to have the same durability as tools from the leading brands.
Spare Batteries
If you like having a spare battery for your power tools, you might struggle to find one for this drill as CACOOP doesn’t appear to sell them separately.
Product Specs
| Weight | 7.76 pounds |
| Number of batteries | 1 |
| Dimensions | 13.34 x 12.16 x 4.64″ |
| BPM | 25,600 |
| RPM | 1,400 |
| Warranty | 2-year |
Our Ratings
Community Feedback
| Product | Best | Weight | No. of batteries | Dimensions | BPM | RPM | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee Fuel Rotary Hammer Drill | Rotary Drill | 5.5 lbs | 1 | 3.25 x 11.8 x 8.17 | 4,900 | 1,400 | 5-year limited |
| DeWALT 20V Max SDS Rotary Hammer Drill | SDS Drill | 6.4 lbs | 0 | 13 x 4.2 x 8.6 | 4,600 | 1,100 | 3-year limited |
| Makita XRH01Z LXT Rotary Hammer Drill | Concrete | 7 lbs | 0 | 4 x 10 x 5 | 4,700 | 950 | 3-year |
| Hychika Hammer Drill | Affordable | 6.56 lbs | 1 | 14.96 x 11.42 x 4.53 | Not specified | 1,500 | Not specified |
| DeWALT 20V Max XR Hammer Drill | Brushless | 4 lbs | 0 | 4 x 10 x 8 | 38,250 | 2,250 | 3-year limited |
| Ryobi P1813 One+ 18V Hammer Drill | Lightweight | 2.99 lbs | 1 | 8 x 3.4 x 8.2 | 5,400 | 1,800 | 3-year limited |
| CACOOP 20V Hammer Drill | Budget | 7.76 lbs | 1 | 13.34 x 12.16 x 4.64 | 25,600 | 1,400 | 2-year |
When to Buy a Cordless Hammer Drill
Cordless hammer drills have some important advantages over their corded counterparts. They are portable, enabling you to drill holes anywhere, and they are still powerful enough to penetrate tough materials, despite being battery-powered.
These drills are ideal when there isn’t an electrical outlet nearby, which is often the case when working on new builds or renovation projects. Importantly, they also mean you won’t leave a power cable trailing across the floor, which will otherwise create a trip hazard.
How to Choose a Cordless Hammer Drill
You will have numerous cordless hammer drills to choose from, which can make it challenging to choose one. There are some key features that influence how a hammer drill will perform, so it is worth taking the time to consider them before spending your money.
Weight
Cordless hammer drills are heavier than corded models, due to the extra weight of their batteries. Most cordless hammer drills weigh between 6 and 10 pounds, which is usually about twice as heavy as their corded equivalents.
It is important to find the right balance of weight and power. Lighter drills will be easier to carry, which is essential if you need to use one throughout the day. However, very lightweight drills often use cheaper, less durable materials, so we don’t recommend blindly choosing the lightest model you can find.
Clutch
Other than its battery, a clutch is the main difference between cordless drills and plug-in models. The clutch disengages the drill’s motor when it encounters too much resistance for the available torque. This prevents the drill from being overstressed and potentially suffering damage.
If you have ever used a cordless drill, you will have witnessed a clutch in action. The chuck will stop spinning, thus stopping the drill bit, and the tool will make a loud ratcheting noise. Higher-end hammer drills often allow you to set the maximum torque, adapting them to various materials.
Speed
Budget-friendly drills generally only have one speed setting. You should try to find one with adjustable speed settings as it will be more suitable for different materials. When drilling through masonry and concrete, speed is less important than torque, as the bit needs to move with greater force. The greater the range of speeds, the more versatile your drill be.
Motor
If you want an efficient motor, you should choose a brushless model. These motors have much longer lifespans and require less maintenance. They are less susceptible to overheating and their improved efficiency can extend battery life by as much as 50%.
Beats Per Minute
Hammer drills use percussive impact to penetrate materials. Inside the drill, a small anvil slams into the chuck to generate a driving force, hence the term “hammer drill”, which is then transferred through the bit to the material.
Beats per minute (BPM) is how many times the anvil strikes the chuck each minute, as opposed to revolutions per minute (RPM), which is how many times a rotary drill bit turns. The higher the BPM, the more effective the drill’s hammer action will be.
Charge Time
Charge time is how quickly a tool’s battery can be fully charged, which is more important if you are a professional. The best cordless hammer drills usually have very fast chargers that will fill the battery in as little as half an hour. This will ensure minimal downtime, as you will be able to fully recharge the drill during your lunch break. In contrast, cheap drills can take as long as five hours to charge, causing long delays.
Batteries
Most cordless hammer drills use lithium-ion batteries. They hold their charge for longer, deliver power more efficiently, and have a longer lifespan. Older and cheaper models often have Nickel Cadmium (NiCad) batteries that are less efficient and more harmful to the environment. Cadmium is highly toxic.
Voltage
Voltage has a major influence on how effectively a power tool will work. The greater the voltage, the more power a tool will be able to utilize. In the United States, most cordless hammer drills are 20-volt. Hammer drills rarely have lower voltage because they require a generous amount of power to penetrate hard materials effectively.
Drill drivers can have lower voltage because they are used in less demanding situations.
Keyless Chuck
A keyless chuck will allow you to switch bits more quickly. Simply place the bit into the chuck and hold the chuck as you press the drill’s trigger. You won’t need to worry about accidentally losing your key and there will be less downtime as you swap bits in and out.
How to Determine the Horsepower of Cordless Hammer Drills
Horsepower measures a machine’s speed and torque. A tool’s horsepower can be misleading because manufacturers often state a tool’s peak power, which is the maximum it can produce before stalling.
A drill may be able to reach this level but it won’t be able to sustain it for long without burning out. True horsepower is also affected by the tool’s overall efficiency. An efficient tool might utilize about 90% of the power generated by the motor thanks to high-quality parts and a durable gear system.
Cheaper drills with the same horsepower may only deliver 70% due to inferior design and materials.
Which Hammer Drill Voltage Should You Choose?
Most cordless hammer drills are advertised as either 18V or 20V. In reality, there is effectively no difference between 18V and 20V. If you want to know whether one model is better than another, you should pay closer attention to the torque the motor can provide with its available voltage.
For example, you may find a hammer drill with an 18V battery that produces greater torque than a more expensive 20V hammer drill. In this scenario, there is no drawback to choosing the 18V hammer drill.
When choosing a hammer drill, you shouldn’t consider anything below 18V unless you don’t anticipate using it for any heavy-duty work. A drill with lower voltage is unlikely to have enough power to penetrate tough concrete.
FAQs
Can I Put In Screws With a Cordless Hammer Drill?
A cordless hammer drill can be used to put in screws, but it is not ideal. It requires a lot of force, so you may strip the head of the screw or damage the material.
If possible, it’s better to use an actual screw gun specially designed to ensure a smooth and secure installation.
A cordless hammer drill can also work with special bits that allow you to attach screws quickly and easily. Still, they should only be used when necessary. If you want the best results, using a specialized tool like a screw gun for your projects is better.
How Much Torque Is Good for a Cordless Hammer Drill?
The amount of torque a cordless hammer drill provides depends on the model and design of the drill. Generally speaking, the more powerful models provide higher levels of torque which can be beneficial for tackling heavier tasks or working with dense materials.
Look for drills with a high maximum speed, usually over 500 RPM, as this will allow you to change speeds quickly and apply greater force when needed.
Examine models with variable speed triggers that allow you to adjust the torque level depending on the material or situation you are working in.
Do You Need a Special Bit for a Cordless Hammer Drill?
In most cases, you will not need a special bit for a cordless hammer drill if you use it to drill holes. It has various integrated bits that can handle steel, wood and even masonry materials.
However, if you want to use the cordless hammer drill to drive screws, then you will need a special bit. This bit is designed to give the user more control over the process as it forces the screw into the material instead of pushing it in like an ordinary drill bit.
This is especially useful when working on hard materials or putting in drywall or other screws which require extra precision.
Is Cordless Hammer Drill Better Than Impact Drill?
When it comes to drilling and driving, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Both cordless hammer drills and impact drills have their distinct advantages.
Cordless hammer drills are generally lighter in weight and provide more torque than impact drills, making them better for tougher tasks or materials.
Impact drills are more compact, making them easier to maneuver in tight spaces and having an adjustable speed setting for different materials.
Ultimately the choice of which tool to use should depend on the task at hand. Hence, it’s important to be aware of both options before deciding which one is better for you.
Can You Use a Cordless Hammer Drill for Everything?
A cordless hammer drill is a versatile tool that can handle many different drilling and driving tasks. With the right bit and technique, it can be used for drilling into wood, concrete, metal, and more. However, depending on the task it is not always the best choice.
For example, an impact drill might be better if you’re drilling into very hard materials such as concrete or metal since it offers more power and control. It’s important to consider the intended job before making a decision on which type of drill to use.
Which Brand Is Good for a Cordless Hammer Drill?
Makita is renowned for producing reliable and durable, high-quality cordless hammer drills. Thanks to their advanced engineering and innovative technologies, Makita’s cordless hammer drills offer superior power and performance that surpasses many other brands.
Plus, they have lightweight designs that make them comfortable and easy to use while offering plenty of torque for the toughest jobs.
