10 Best Rotary Hammer Drills 2025 in the United States

The DEWALT 20V MAX SDS Rotary Hammer Drill, model DCH273B, is designed for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts looking for a cordless solution for heavy-duty drilling tasks, particularly in concrete. With an impact energy of 2.1 Joules and a maximum power of 300 watts, it provides solid performance, making it effective for various applications like rod hanging and cable tray mounting. The lightweight design, at just 6.4 pounds, enhances portability, allowing users to work comfortably over extended periods.

One of its standout features is the SHOCKS ACTIVE VIBRATION CONTROL system, which significantly reduces the vibration felt in the handles, a great advantage for user comfort during prolonged use. Additionally, the brushless motor contributes to its efficiency and longer runtime, which means less frequent battery changes. The three application modes—Drill, Hammer Drill, and Chip—offer flexibility depending on the task at hand.

There are a few considerations to keep in mind. The drill is a bare tool, meaning it does not come with a battery or charger, which may be an extra cost for those who do not already own compatible DEWALT products. Also, while the 2800 RPM speed is impressive, it might not be as powerful as some corded options available in the market, which could be a drawback for extremely heavy-duty tasks. In conclusion, the DEWALT DCH273B is a reliable and versatile rotary hammer drill well-suited for both casual and more serious users in need of a portable, efficient tool for concrete drilling, but potential buyers should be aware of the additional costs associated with battery and charger purchases.

The Hilti TE 60 is a powerful rotary hammer drill ideal for heavy-duty drilling in masonry and concrete. With a strong 1300-watt motor, it delivers enough power to handle drilling diameters from about 1/2 inch up to 4 inches, making it suitable for a variety of construction tasks including coring and hammer drilling. Its optimum drilling range (5/8 inch to 1-9/16 inch) covers common drilling sizes well. The drill operates at a variable speed with a maximum of 1300 RPM, allowing better control depending on the material.

Weighing 26 pounds, it’s heavier than many cordless models, which could affect comfort during extended use, but this weight is typical for a corded tool designed for tough jobs. The SDS Max chuck system provides a secure bit hold and easy bit changes, which is a plus for professional or frequent users. The drill is corded, so it provides continuous power but requires access to an outlet, limiting portability compared to battery-powered models.

The Hilti TE 60 is suited for professionals or serious DIYers needing high power and reliable performance for demanding drilling tasks, especially in concrete and masonry. If you want a strong, corded rotary hammer with solid drilling capacity and variable speed, this is a good choice, but be prepared for its weight and ensure you have power access on site.

The Milwaukee 2912-20 M18 Fuel 18V 1" SDS Plus Brushless Rotary Hammer is a powerful cordless tool designed for heavy-duty drilling tasks. It offers a maximum rotational speed of 1330 RPM and a power output of 800 watts, making it suitable for both professional and DIY users.

The tool includes AUTOSTOP Control, which enhances safety by sensing and stopping the drill during bind-ups, reducing the risk of injury and equipment damage. This feature, combined with its compatibility with the M18 system (over 200 solutions), makes it a versatile addition to any toolkit.

The drilling capacities are 0.5 inches in metal and 1.13 inches in wood, suitable for most common drilling needs. However, the drill weighs 7.8 pounds, which may be a bit heavy for extended use or for users who require a lightweight tool. Additionally, while it is battery-powered, the batteries are not included, which means an extra expense if you don't already own M18 batteries.