Rotary hammer drills are versatile and perform many of the tasks that other tools do, allowing you to dispense of them.
But this is only possible if you have the best rotary hammer drill.
If you don’t have the time to research the thousands of rotary hammers available online, then don’t worry, as we have done this for you! We compared many of the rotary hammers out there today and were able to narrow the list to these 3 best choices to give you an initial taste of what people are generally happiest with.
DeWalt DCH133B 20v Max XR Rotary Hammer Drill
Features
• The compact size makes the rotary hammer easy to use
• The Max XR maintains its speed throughout use
• The Max XR is built to work faster than other rotary hammers
• Its impact energy is equal to 2.6 joules
Pros
• Doesn’t lose speed, even when used with large bits
• Can be used in tight spaces
• Easy to operate
• Good for up to 1,500 RPM
Cons
• Does not come with carry case
• The battery is not included
Summary
- The DeWalt Max XR is an all-around rotary hammer drill, and it’s been optimized for speed and precision. It has a long lifespan and provides a steady performance, even when used on hard concrete.
- The fact that it’s able to maintain top speed during the entire process is another advantage. One of the problems with some rotary hammers is they’re too powerful and unwieldy to use. With the DeWalt, the specs are just right for casual users.
Hiltex 10513 SDS Rotary Hammer Drill
Features
• The Hiltex rotary hammer is equipped with a 1,000-watt motor
• Its impact energy is equal to 5 ft./lb., good for concrete and other materials
• Comes with three modes: drill only, hammer drill and hammer only, providing lots of flexibility
• The no load speed is 0 to 800 RPM with 0 to 3,500 RPM load impact frequency
• 6-speed control
Pros
• Easy to use
• Comfortable handle
• Comes with useful accessories
• Well-designed flat and point chisels
Cons
• Can’t be used with SDS Max chisels
• More for light- and medium- than heavy-duty use
Summary
The Hiltex is a decent rotary hammer and is ideal for beginners and casual users. It doesn’t have the specs of more powerful rotary hammers, but if you don’t need a heavy-duty power tool, the Hiltex will do just fine. It isn’t as brittle as some may think, and overall the quality is high.
Bosch RH328VC 1-1/8-Inch SDS Rotary Hammer
Features
• The unit is equipped with an 8-amp motor.
• Impact energy is equal to 2.6 ft./lbs., and weighing 7.7 lbs., offers an excellent power-to-weight ratio.
• The SDS rotary hammer has vibration control for more convenient use
• It comes with a multi-function selector so you can choose between its three modes: rotation only, hammer only, and rotary hammer
• The rotary hammer has an integral clutch which reduces the torque
Pros
• Offers variable speed
• Good vibration control
• Precision bit starting
• Very good operator control
Cons
• Doesn’t work with larger bits
• Depth guide sometimes slips
Summary
The Bosch SDS is a well-made rotary hammer, suitable for a variety of tasks. Its power-to-weight ratio is excellent, and the variable speed trigger gives you greater control over the process.
With its power and reliability, this one is built for long-term use. If low-powered rotary hammers are not sufficient, check out the Bosch SDS, which is a heavy-duty tool and does what it’s supposed to. If power is lacking for your DIY projects, you may want to switch to this.
Head-to-head comparison
- If we had to pick one as the winner, it would be the DeWalt Max XR, but the other two rotary hammers also have outstanding features, so it depends on what you’re looking for.
If you need a lot of power with a good power-to-weight ratio, the Bosch SDS Rotary Hammer is ideal. With its impact power and vibration control, you can perform a lot of projects, including light and heavy duty. For many users, the variable speed control is the biggest draw. - If you infrequently use a rotary hammer, and don’t need a lot of power, the Hiltex is probably what you will need. It is portable, easy to use, and provides a good performance. With its multiple function modes, you also can fine tune your work and finish those projects faster.
- If you’re looking for the right combination of performance and ease of use,the DeWalt Max XR is our recommendation. It simplifies a lot of the problems that arise from manual concrete breaking, and operation is straightforward. This is also ideal for those who need to work in tight spots.
Conclusion:
The large number of rotary hammers on the market is testament to the increase in demand. Hopefully with this review guide you’ll now have a better idea of what model and specs are best suited for your projects.