If you have something to hide and are approached by a man with a hammer drill – just give up all the secrets. This tool won’t take any jokes. Well, except for this one. And to be serious, we love hammer drills, they are so powerful – they can work through anything! But if you hate being bounded by looking for extensions cord – you’ve found new friends in us.
We’ve tested over 20 tools to show you 9 best cordless hammer drills in existence. And even offer our top choice – Makita XPH07TB. We’ve checked speed settings and variations for all the products to determine which of them work better with thick materials and can save time. If you need to use the drill for a long period of time, we’ve picked lightweight models to consider. Read on to see them all!
Extra features: 2 Li-Ion batteries included
Winning our nomination for Best All-around Cordless Hammer Drill, this 18-volt drill is powered by a lithium-ion battery and brushless motor. The brushless motor affords a longer run time and overall tool life, while delivering higher speeds and power than others in its class. There are two 18-volt 5.0Ah batteries included with the purchase of the drill, as well as a battery charging pack, which delivers a pretty quick re-charge time of only 40 minutes. This means you can get more done in a shorter amount of time.
This drill can deliver 1,090 pounds of torque, making it a good option for any job that you’ll face. At almost 6 pounds, it’s one of the heavier drills we’ve selected, but it’s weight packs a punch. There’s almost no task that you can’t accomplish with this tool. And, with a 3-year warranty included with your purchase, you can rest easy knowing that you’re covered, no matter what.
Finally, you’ll be pleased to know that the tool, batteries and charger come packed in a hard carry case, making the set portable and keeping all your content safe for knocks and bumps.
Extra features: comes with impact driver, contractor bag, 2 20V high capacity Li-Ion batteries
The DEWALT DCK299P2 2-Tool combo kit is the best tool kit for you if you’re looking for multiple applications. The kit features a brushless hammer drill and an impact driver, both of which are very comfortable to use, thanks to their very compact dimensions – you’ll be able to work even in the most cramped of spaces!
The hammer drill is a high-performance, 3-speed drill, which ranges up to a whopping 2,000 RPM. The XR High Capacity batteries ensure a long runtime. Its performance makes it the best option for drilling through concrete, as the impact driver provides 1,825 in. to lb. of torque.
Triple-mode LED lights illuminate even the darkest of spaces and allow you to adjust the lighting based on the amount of brightness that you need, without wasting any unnecessary charge.
This kit also comes with two 20V lithium ion batteries, a charger and a large, sturdy and protective contractors bag. Your purchase is protected by the standard DeWalt 3-year warranty, allowing you to use your new tool with full confidence.
Extra features: built-in magnetic bit holder, comes with contractor’s bag and battery charger
This Ryobi kit offers it all: a drill, a battery, a battery charger and a flexible bag for storage. The drill itself provides up to 750 pounds of torque, which will allow you to work even with very tough materials. The hammer drill has a 24-poisition clutch and three different speed settings. All of that power is packed into a relatively small and light drill, weighing only 3 pounds, so you can work for extended periods of time without discomfort or having to take a break due to fatigue. The in-built magnetic bit holder will come in handy while you’re working.
The drill has also been designed for ease of use, and is covered in rubber coatings to ensure a firm and steady grip, no matter what the conditions are. The 18V battery will help you power through whatever job is at hand: wood, steel or stone.
The Ryobi P1813 One+ comes with a lengthy 5-year warranty, allowing you to enjoy using your tool worry-free!
This tool comes with a battery charger and a contractor’s bag for storage and easy transportation.
Extra features: LED work light, patented 3-speed all-metal transition
This three-speed cordless hammer drill is a great pick for someone who wants it all. This DeWalt drill is best in class for better control and balance, and its extended runtime batteries provide long battery life which makes working with it so much more convenient! It also has a self-tightening ½-inch chuck and 22 different clutch settings, meaning there’s almost no project it can’t tackle.
The drill delivers high power of 450 units of max power, without unnecessary weight. The drill weighs in at just under 4 lbs. without the battery, which takes the strain off your wrists that other heavier drills can cause. Additionally, the drill features an LED work light, which is perfect if you’ll be working in dimly lit, confined spaces.
Finally, the drill comes with a lot of extras, including a 3-year warranty and a 90-day money-back guarantee. And, the drill can be powered by any DeWalt 18V battery. If you have other tools powered by the same battery, this pick makes sense for you so you don’t have to worry about getting different batteries.
Extra features: comes with a 14-piece drill bit set
The DCD771C2 20V Max Lithium Ion Compact Drill/Driver Kit features a lightweight, 2-speed drill and a 14-piece drill bit set. The drill relies on a 20V battery to power it, which means plenty of power, whatever the task at hand may be. The kit also comes with a battery and compact battery charger, meaning that this is the only thing you’ll need to buy to get all your projects done!
This DeWalt hammer drill, is incredibly lightweight and compact, and many users have reported how much easier they have found working with it after their previous, much bulkier and heavier drills. Plus, it has a highly ergonomic handle, for ultimate comfort whilst working.
The only thing we weren’t a fan of when reviewing was the brushed motor, however this seems like a minor detail when we consider its impressive performance: the drill delivers certainly just as much power as a brushless motor.
Overall, if you need a “no-nonsense” drill, then this is the choice for you: it’ll get the job done time and time again. Just make sure you don’t try it on overly tough materials, such as dense concrete, as it may struggle.
Extra features: in-built LED work light, comes with tool bag and 15-piece accessory set
If you’re looking to get the most bang for your buck, this kit is it! This great value set from VonHaus features a drill, a battery, a charger, a 15-piece drill bit set and a large carrying case. The drill itself runs on a 20V battery, and puts out 366 lbs. of torque. It features an LED work light, variable trigger speed and driver and hammer function. The drill’s battery charger can also work quickly, charging the battery in about 50 minutes, meaning you can get back to work sooner.
As this is not a traditional hammer drill, rather a tool with both drill and hammer drill functions, you may overlook this option when searching for your cordless hammer drill. Don’t let this put you off though: it’s a tough little tool and will even drill through concrete. It’s not the lightest on the market, but is still relatively compact – and for a cordless drill under $100, this is an amazing find.
Finally, although the warranty isn’t particularly lengthy, 2 years still provides that extra peace of mind. However, with the sturdy build and cast aluminum gear head and parts, you can use your tool with full confidence.
Extra features: 32,000 BPM; 1,200 in-lbs; red lithium XC5.0 battery pack, Redlink Plus Intelligence
Another top-tier cordless drill you can find in the market is the MILWAUKEE’S 2804-20 M18 FUEL which is a 3.2 lbs device. The tool features a brushless motor designed to be more efficient than most of the competition. Additionally, since this motor is made specifically for the M18, it can provide close to 60% more power than what you get in some drills in the market.
Notably, the device uses the XC5.0 battery pack to power its functions, although we didn’t like that the battery is not a part of the initial purchase. As such, you’ll need to set aside some extra funds for the same. That said, the battery can provide users more work per charge and should have a reasonably long lifespan as well. Also, if you own a few other MILWAUKEE power tools, chances are you already own a compatible battery as well.
The drill comes with Redlink Plus Intelligence, which is an advanced electronic communication tool. This tool is compatible with the full range of M18 products from MILWAUKEE, including compact drills, reciprocating saws, hammer drills, and more.
One of the benefits of the Redlink Plus Intelligence feature is that it ensures optimal performance in each device. It even provides overload protection, ensuring this particular MILWAUKEE’S 2804-20 M18 FUEL hammer drill can last longer. Lastly, the drill can produce a maximum of 1200 lbs of torque when pushed to the limit.
Extra features: LED light, built-in magnetic bit tray
If you’re a basic homeowner looking for a decent drill without wanting to spend a lot of money, stop looking: this is your drill. Earning our Budget Pick nomination, this drill delivers results at a fraction of the cost. With the Ryobi P214, all of your projects will be completed with ease. This drill provides 600 pounds of torque and up to 24,000 BPM. The 24-position chuck is easily adjustable, as is the 2-speed gearbox. It’s a great choice if you’ll be working with masonry, although concrete may be a tricky one, depending on how dense the material is.
Unlike other models in this same category, this drill also features a magnetic bit tray, meaning you can keep multiple bits in your sight—not shoved into your pockets! The drill also features an LED work light, to help illuminate the project at hand. Weighing in at just under 4 lbs., it’s one of the lighter drills on the market, helping you not get fatigued while using it. The warranty is also on the longer side, clocking in at five years, allowing you to use your tool with confidence.
Extra features: LED work light, XRP extended run-time batteries
This DeWalt drill is a compact unit, measuring a mere 9 x 6 x 15 inches, making it highly comfortable to work with. The three-speed cordless hammer drill is a great pick for someone who wants it all. This DeWalt drill is best in class for better control and balance, and its extended runtime batteries provide a long battery life, allowing you to work for longer and finish your projects uninterrupted! It also has a self-tightening ½-inch chuck and 22 different clutch settings, meaning there’s almost no project it can’t tackle. The drill delivers high power of 450 units of max power. Additionally, the drill features an LED work light, which is perfect if you’ll be working in dimly lit, confined spaces.
Finally, the DeWalt comes with a lot of extras, including a 3-year warranty and a 90-day money-back guarantee. And, the drill can be powered by any DeWalt 18V battery. If you have other tools powered by the same battery, this pick makes sense for you so you don’t have to worry about getting different batteries.
The kit comes with a protective kit box, drill, two batteries, a one-hour charger and a 360-degree side handle.
If you think all power drills are the same, you’re in for a surprise. The truth is, is that there are a few different types of drills. This buying guide is all about the cordless hammer drill and gives you insight into how to pick the best (cordless) hammer drill. A hammer drill operates like a normal power drill, rotating in a circular motion, but it also has a forward motion that resembles a hammering motion. When it’s equipped with a masonry bit, it can drill into stone, brick, mortar and concrete.
There are a few different varieties of hammer drills, but the best option for the average user is the cordless hammer drill. The corded hammer drills can provide more power and higher RPMs, but they’re only useful if there’s electricity nearby—which isn’t usually the case. The biggest selling point of the cordless hammer drill is that it’s portable. With today’s technology, the power that these drills can provide can rival the power that of their corded counterparts. Cordless hammer drills are a great solution for those who value consistency, efficiency and portability.
When you’re shopping for your cordless hammer drill, there are a variety of things to consider, including speed ranges, motor power, chuck, clutch, weight, dimensions, batteries, LED work light, tool case and additional accessories. If you’re not familiar with what some of these words mean, don’t worry, they’re all defined below. And, lucky for you, you don’t need to spend hours in the store or online reading reviews and product specs to find the best drill for your needs. We’ve done the hard work comparing models to help you easily find the best cordless hammer drill. This is your buying guide to finding a cordless hammer drill.
When shopping for a cordless drill, you should consider its speed ranges. Some of the cheaper options are single-speed, but you’ll probably regret going with that option. Look for a drill that has multiple speed settings to get the most versatility out of your tool. With a cordless hammer drill, there will be two ranges: revolutions per minute (RPM) and blows per minute (BPM), as the drill moves in two different directions. In general, the higher the number, the harder and faster the drill will drive into the surface you’re working on. With BPM, the higher the number, the stronger the impact.
You should be mindful, though that speed isn’t everything. A higher RPM and BPM will mean that your drill drains power from its batteries quicker. As with anything in life, there’s got to be a trade-off somewhere. You’ll need to evaluate if higher speed is worth needing a second battery or frequent battery charging.
Cordless drills rely on batteries to power their motor, which is one of the earliest designed types of motors, a brushless DC motor. This motor is magnet-based, and requires a direct voltage source for the motor to work. Removable battery packs make it possible for these drills to be cordless. This type of motor design is affordable, easy to understand, offers second-to-none speed control and torque control. The connection between speed, torque and power is linear, too, which means that when your battery starts to get low, you’ll experience less power output and lower speeds.
A not-so-common purchase point to consider is the chuck size of each drill. What’s a chuck, you ask? The chuck is where you insert your drill bit, and as such, the chuck size will limit the size of the drill bit or bits that you can use. Chuck sizes typically run anywhere from ¼-inch to ½-inch. Most people can get by using a 3/8-inch chuck, which is the option available between the other two sizes.
Another point of content is the keyless versus the keyed chuck. The difference between the two is pretty self-explanatory. You can’t change the bit on a keyed chuck unless you have the key to unlock the chuck. It’s a more kid-safe version of the chuck, but if you’re looking for efficiency, a keyless version may be the way to go. A keyless chuck allows you to loosen the chuck with your hand to be able to change the bit.
A clutch on a cordless drill works like a clutch on a car. A clutch fits between the parts of your drill, allowing the motor to power the other parts of the drill. The average drill has different clutch settings. A lower setting means that a lower torque will be used, which can help you avoid stripping or breaking a screw. You would want to use a higher clutch setting if you were driving larger screws or driving a screw into a hard surface (which you probably are given your choice of a hammer drill). The Ryobi P1813 One+ has 24 different clutch settings!
This is bit self-explanatory as well. Just like with any other household tool, you have to consider how much it weighs, and if you’ll be able to use it.
The average cordless drill weighs around 3.5 pounds. More powerful models will be heavier.
This might not seem that heavy, but if you consider the projects you’ll be using it for, you may decide that a more powerful, heavier drill might not be right for you. Just imagine holding the drill above your head for an extended period of time – your shoulders will thank you for making the smart choice on drill weight from the get-go.
Just like weight, you should carefully consider the dimensions of a drill before pulling the trigger and making your purchase. Aside from the dimensions of the clutch, you’ll need to consider how much power drill you can handle. You might want to head to a store and look at a few models instead of making the purchase online. After all, you’ll be holding it and using it, so you should look in-person to see if the drill is too big for you to handle. Drills can range from a compact 8 x 3.4 x 8.2 inches, such as the Ryobi P1813 One+ , to upwards of 19 x 5.5 x 8 inches, as found in the Makita XPH07TB, so you’ll need to choose carefully based on dimensions you’ll personally find comfortable to hold and use, as well as store in your tool bag.
As we’ve mentioned throughout this guide, the battery power of cordless drills is what makes them portable. However, batteries aren’t cheap, you need a charging dock to be able to charge the batteries and they’re not always included with the purchase of your drill. Carefully read the fine print to ensure that your drill purchase comes with a battery and a battery charger.
If you want to purchase an extra battery, you can always do that as well. You should also read up on the recharge time of your battery, as some batteries can take up to four hours to recharge. If you’re doing small jobs here and there, you might not need to spring for the more expensive speedy-charge batteries, but if you’re someone who needs to get a lot of work done fast, you might want to spend a little more to get a fast-charging battery.
Some drills come with an LED light mounted so that you can precisely see what you’re using your drill for. This is a nice edition, but if the areas you’re going to be working on are well-lit, or if you can have a helper shine a light for your projects, it’s not always worth the extra money.
Everyone likes getting extras added to their purchase. Review your drill purchase carefully to make sure that it, at the very least, includes a protective tool case. You don’t want to risk damaging your new purchase right away! Some drills also come with accessories, like different drill bits, in the tool case. The worst thing you can do, though, is expect every drill you look at to come with extras, because that’s not the case. Do your research so that you aren’t left empty-handed and in need of making another trip to the store.
The DCD771C2 20V Max Lithium Ion Compact Drill/Driver Kit, for example, comes with a 21-piece drill bit set, while other options like our Budget Pick, the Ryobi P214 One+, only come with a carrying case.
As with any tool, your drill will likely come with some sort of warranty. Read the fine print on the warranties to check what is and what is not included, so you can decide if springing for the extended or store warranty is worth it. Remember, it’s not a blender or vacuum. You’re going to be using your drill to do work, and a lot of things can happen when you’re doing a remodel. With a hammer drill especially, as you’ll be using it to drill into hard surfaces, the odds of something happening to your drill increase, so knowing what you’re covered for and opting for additional coverage may be worth it. The longest warranty for our picks is 5 years. It’s also interesting to note that the DeWalt picks in this guide offer a 90-day money-back guarantee!
When it comes to buying a drill, you really need to put your personal needs first. Our recommendations for the top three drills you should consider include: Makita XPH07TB, which made it to the top spot, the DEWALT DCK299P2, and Ryobi P1813.
All of these drills provide optimal performance, and include everything you’ll need to get to work right away. We liked the reliability of the Makita, which will power through pretty much any job you throw at it, so picking our top choice was not too difficult. The DEWALT DCK299P2 may look simple but it certainly packs a punch and will drill through everything the job requires, no matter the material you’re working with. The Ryobi P1813 offers it all: a drill, a battery, a battery charger, and a flexible bag for storage. The drill itself provides up to 750 pounds of torque, which will allow you to work even with very tough materials.
While these are our best cordless hammer drill picks, it’s up to you to now pick the best one for you and the type of work you’ll be doing. We hope our buying guide will help you to make the most informed decision and we hope that what we like about these drills will be beneficial for you. Good luck and happy shopping!
