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10 Best Rotary Hammers 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Bosch GBH18V-22K24 18V Brushless SDS-plus® Bulldog™ ¾ In. Rotary Hammer Kit with (2) CORE18V® 4 Ah Advanced Power Batteries

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,493
Power (Wattage)
Drilling Capacity
Speed (RPM)

Most important from
111 reviews

Power (Wattage)
Delivers powerful performance and remains durable even after heavy daily use, handling 1" concrete drilling without issues.
Drilling Capacity
Delivers powerful performance and remains durable even after heavy daily use, handling 1" concrete drilling without issues.
Speed (RPM)
The variable-speed trigger enables precise control for accurate starts and versatile operation.
Weight
Lightweight design makes it comfortable to use for extended periods without fatigue.
Vibration Control
Anti-kickback safety feature works flawlessly and is not overly sensitive, adding confidence during tough drilling tasks.

The Bosch GBH18V-22K24 is a cordless rotary hammer designed for heavy-duty concrete work, delivering solid impact energy at 1.4 ft-lbs, which helps it perform well in tough drilling jobs. Its brushless motor is efficient, meaning the battery lasts longer, and since it comes with two 18V 4Ah batteries, you get plenty of runtime for extended projects. It spins up to 1,050 RPM, which is a good speed range for versatile drilling and chiseling tasks. Weighing just over 6 pounds including batteries, it’s quite lightweight, making it easier to handle during overhead or tight-space work. Bosch’s anti-vibration system and kickback control add comfort and safety, reducing strain during long use and helping prevent sudden jerks if the bit binds. The SDS-plus chuck is a standard type, so you can use many common bits without hassle.

Its L-shaped design and variable-speed trigger give you better control and precision. While it delivers strong performance, the impact energy is moderate compared to some heavier corded rotary hammers, so it’s best suited for users who value portability and cordless convenience over maximum power. This model fits professionals and serious DIYers needing a reliable, lightweight rotary hammer with good battery life and safety features, especially where cordless operation is important.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,493
Power (Wattage)
Drilling Capacity
Speed (RPM)

Most important from
111 reviews

Power (Wattage)
Delivers powerful performance and remains durable even after heavy daily use, handling 1" concrete drilling without issues.
Drilling Capacity
Delivers powerful performance and remains durable even after heavy daily use, handling 1" concrete drilling without issues.
Speed (RPM)
The variable-speed trigger enables precise control for accurate starts and versatile operation.
Weight
Lightweight design makes it comfortable to use for extended periods without fatigue.
Vibration Control
Anti-kickback safety feature works flawlessly and is not overly sensitive, adding confidence during tough drilling tasks.
#2

Milwaukee 2912-20 M18 Fuel 18V 1" Sds Plus Brushless Rotary Hammer

Rating
8.8
Power (Wattage)
Drilling Capacity
Weight

Most important from
456 reviews

Power (Wattage)
Compact size and good power, holds up well in hard rock mining.
Drilling Capacity
Definitely worth the money for drilling smaller anchor holes in brick.
Weight
Lightweight and powerful for its size, perfect for masonry drilling.

The Milwaukee 2912-20 M18 Fuel 18V SDS Plus Brushless Rotary Hammer is a versatile tool designed for those who need a powerful and portable solution for drilling. One of its standout features is the cordless design, which boosts productivity by allowing you to work without being tethered to a power outlet. This model is part of Milwaukee's M18 system, meaning it is compatible with over 200 tools, adding to its versatility if you already own other M18 tools. With a maximum power of 800 watts and a rotational speed of 1330 RPM, it offers solid performance for a variety of drilling tasks.

Weighing 7.8 pounds, it is relatively lightweight for a rotary hammer, making it easier to handle for extended periods. Additionally, the AUTOSTOP Control feature is a great safety addition, as it senses bind-ups and can stop the tool to prevent injury. However, it does not come with batteries, which means additional costs if you don't already have M18 batteries.

Despite these few drawbacks, many users are satisfied with its performance, making it a reliable choice for both DIY enthusiasts and professionals.

Rating
8.8
Power (Wattage)
Drilling Capacity
Weight

Most important from
456 reviews

Power (Wattage)
Compact size and good power, holds up well in hard rock mining.
Drilling Capacity
Definitely worth the money for drilling smaller anchor holes in brick.
Weight
Lightweight and powerful for its size, perfect for masonry drilling.
#3

Makita HR4013C 1-9/16" Advanced AVT® Rotary Hammer, accepts SDS-MAX bits

Rating
8.8
Vibration Control

Most important from
118 reviews

Vibration Control
The Makita HR4013C blasts through rocky, concrete-hard clay soil with ease, thanks to its powerful performance and effective vibration control.

The Makita HR4013C Advanced AVT Rotary Hammer is a powerful, corded electric tool with a robust 11 AMP motor that delivers 8.4 ft.lbs. (11.4 J) of impact energy, making it suitable for the most demanding drilling and chiseling tasks. It accepts SDS-MAX bits, which are known for their durability and efficiency in heavy-duty applications.

This rotary hammer stands out with its Advanced Anti-Vibration Technology (AVT), which includes multiple components designed to significantly reduce vibration, providing a comfortable user experience even during lengthy use. This is achieved through mechanisms like an internal counterbalance system, a vibration absorbing housing, and an integrated damper spring. With a low vibration rate of 5m/s², users can work longer with less fatigue and discomfort.

Additionally, the tool features variable speed settings, allowing for better control depending on the specific task at hand. However, at 14.08 pounds (6.4 kg), it is on the heavier side, which might be cumbersome for some users during extended use. The maximum chuck size is 10 millimeters, which might limit versatility with some larger bits. Despite these drawbacks, the Makita HR4013C is a reliable choice for professionals who need a high-performance, vibration-controlled rotary hammer for demanding applications.

Rating
8.8
Vibration Control

Most important from
118 reviews

Vibration Control
The Makita HR4013C blasts through rocky, concrete-hard clay soil with ease, thanks to its powerful performance and effective vibration control.

Buying Guide for the Best Rotary Hammers

Choosing the right rotary hammer can make a significant difference in the efficiency and ease of your drilling and chiseling tasks. Rotary hammers are powerful tools designed for heavy-duty work, such as drilling through concrete, masonry, and stone. To find the best fit for your needs, it's important to understand the key specifications and how they relate to your specific requirements. Here are the main specs to consider when selecting a rotary hammer.
Power (Wattage)Power, measured in watts, indicates the overall strength of the rotary hammer. Higher wattage means more power, which is essential for tougher materials like concrete. For light to medium tasks, a rotary hammer with 500-800 watts should suffice. For more demanding jobs, look for models with 800-1500 watts. Choose based on the type of materials you'll be working with and the intensity of the tasks.
Impact Energy (Joules)Impact energy, measured in joules, determines the force with which the hammer strikes. This is crucial for breaking through hard materials. Light-duty tasks may require 1-2 joules, while medium-duty tasks might need 2-4 joules. For heavy-duty applications, look for 4-10 joules or more. Consider the hardness of the materials and the depth of drilling or chiseling when selecting the impact energy.
Drilling CapacityDrilling capacity refers to the maximum diameter the rotary hammer can drill into different materials like concrete, wood, and steel. This is important to ensure the tool can handle the sizes you need. For concrete, capacities typically range from 12mm to 40mm. For wood, it can be up to 65mm, and for steel, up to 13mm. Match the drilling capacity to the specific requirements of your projects.
Speed (RPM)Speed, measured in revolutions per minute (RPM), affects how quickly the drill bit rotates. Higher speeds are useful for drilling through softer materials, while lower speeds are better for harder materials. Rotary hammers usually have variable speed settings, allowing you to adjust based on the task. For general use, a range of 0-1,500 RPM is common. Choose a model with adjustable speed to provide flexibility for different tasks.
WeightThe weight of the rotary hammer can impact your comfort and ease of use, especially during prolonged tasks. Lighter models (2-4 kg) are easier to handle and suitable for overhead work or extended use. Heavier models (5-10 kg) offer more stability and power for heavy-duty tasks but can be tiring to use for long periods. Consider the duration and type of work you'll be doing to find a balance between power and comfort.
Vibration ControlVibration control features reduce the amount of vibration transmitted to your hands and arms, making the tool more comfortable to use and reducing fatigue. This is particularly important for extended use or for users with sensitivity to vibration. Look for models with built-in vibration control systems if you plan to use the rotary hammer frequently or for long periods.
Chuck TypeThe chuck type determines the kind of bits you can use with the rotary hammer. SDS-Plus chucks are common for light to medium-duty tasks and offer quick bit changes. SDS-Max chucks are used for heavier-duty applications and can handle larger bits. Choose the chuck type based on the size and type of bits you need for your projects.

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