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Nail it with 9 best hammer drills

Nail it with 9 best hammer drills

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Which hammer drills are best?

Everyone should have a basic set of tools. That way, you can fix minor issues instead of having to pay through the nose for help. And among these tools should be a good power drill.

But what happens if your usual drill isn’t strong enough? You get a hammer drill. Hammer drills work exactly like standard drills, only they have a feature that essentially simulates the back of the drill being hit with a hammer, adding extra power for punching through hard materials. When the feature is disabled, it can be used like any standard power drill.

What to know before you buy a hammer drill

Corded vs. cordless

Hammer drills are powered either by a cord or by a battery.

Impact rating and revolutions per minute

Two of the most important numbers to know concerning your hammer drill are its impact rating and its rpm.

Second handle

Hammer drills, especially the most powerful, can be difficult to hold with only one hand. The best drills counter this by using a second handle near the tip of the drill. This handle is usually adjustable — most offer three positions, while the best have full 360-degree customization. Some of these handles can be removed if you’re going back to low-power jobs that don’t need the extra stability.

What’s included

Hammer drills come in three package tiers.

How much you can expect to spend on a hammer drill

A hammer drill with nothing but the tool included typically costs $50 to $150. Starter sets with a battery and other accessories typically cost $100 to $300.

What are the best hammer drills to buy?

Black and Decker Hammer Drill

This corded drill has a three-position handle so you can always drill at a comfortable angle. It has a 6.5 amp motor and a half-inch single-sleeve chuck to handle larger bits.

Sold by Amazon

Cacoop Hammer Drill Set

This set includes a cordless drill, a battery, a fast battery charger, eight multipurpose titanium-plated drill bits and eight hex shank Phillips and slotted nickel-plated bits. The drill has a two-year warranty.

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DeWalt Atomic Hammer Drill

Only the cordless drill is included but it works with most DeWalt batteries that you may already have on hand. It’s only 2.5 pounds without a battery, making it easier to use for extended periods.

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Handife Rotary Hammer Drill Set

This set includes a corded drill, multiple bits and a case for storing everything. The drill has six adjustable speed settings to tackle everything from wood to concrete. It has a 360-degree detachable handle.

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Makita Hammer Drill

This cordless drill is sold alone, though there are two options that include batteries of different capacities. It has a brushless motor that can eke out up to 50% more battery life.

Sold by Amazon

Milwaukee Hammer Drill

This cordless drill is sold alone. It has a maximum chuck size of 6.35 millimeters and weighs 4.5 pounds.

Sold by Amazon

Porter-Cable Hammer Drill

This corded drill weighs 6.4 pounds. It has a maximum speed of 3,000 rpm and a maximum power of 550 watts. It has a rotating handle to give you a better grip.

Sold by Amazon

Shieldpro Hammer Drill Set

This set includes a corded hammer drill, several bits and a carrying case to store everything in. It has three functions — hammer only, drill only and combination. It has a 360-degree rotating handle.

Sold by Amazon

Skil Hammer Drill Set

This includes a corded hammer drill, but the real draw is the massive 70-plus piece bit set that sets the drill up to chew through and screw in almost anything.

Sold by Amazon

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Jordan C. Woika writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.

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