16 best rock drills
What to look for when choosing a hammer drill
When choosing a rotary hammer, you need to consider not only the amount of energy consumed or the standard set of functions, but also many other factors. Only the combined combination of useful qualities can make the technique successful and durable, and this is exactly what any user needs. When choosing a good model, you need to take into account the following parameters:
- Type of food the perforator can be rechargeable or mains;
- A reliable device should have at least four operating modes;
- Optimal types of drill attachment, that is, the cartridge of the device, are considered SDS-Max and SDS-Plus;
- The higherbuild quality, the longer the puncher can work;
- Equipment the model must be complete, it is desirable that it includes a cover and a set of replaceable nozzles;
- The punch must havepower from 7000 strokes per minute to carry out repairs quickly;
- Ergonomics and weight - equally important parameters, for example, the lower the mass, the less the hand will get tired;
- Guarantee from the manufacturer must exceed a year.
The best manufacturers of rotary hammers
Not all manufacturers comply with established technical standards when they manufacture rock drills. It is because of this that it is necessary to monitor who is engaged in the creation and development of the acquired model. The following world-class companies deserve unconditional trust:
- Japanese brandMakita specializes in the creation of construction equipment and repair tools;
- BOSCH - one of the largest companies that develops perforators according to German standards;
- ProductionHammer conducted since 1992, and this brand was founded in the United States;
- Bort- a manufacturer of drills, hammer drills and other processing tools from Germany;
- Metabo - a German seller of a professional or semi-professional electronic instrument;
- DeWALT - an American company that creates equipment using innovative technologies;
- Interskol Is the most powerful domestic brand that has been producing tools since 1991.
The best inexpensive rock drills
Truly inexpensive rotary hammers simply don't exist. The fact is that their internal parts have a rather complex structure, therefore, a lot of materials and time are spent on their creation. But there are models, the price of which is suitable if you are simply looking for a device for home use. Let's try to understand what are their pros and cons.
Interskol P-26 / 800ER NEW (3 J)
The perforator Interskol P-26 / 800ER NEW (3 J) has a fairly low price, while its technical characteristics can suit even a user with average requests. What can this device do? It works in three modes, thanks to which it is able to seethe, drill and perform hammering work. Impact or rebound mode is characterized by special power, since the vertically placed motor in combination with the balanced mass of the striker protects against vibration overload. The punch, according to the reviews, has a pretty comfortable handle. So it is optimal for situations when the device is used irregularly, but for a long time.
PROS:
- the manufacturer's warranty is two years;
- nice design;
- rated power consumption is 800 W;
- Sold in a durable plastic case;
- can work with concrete, steel, wood and brick.
MINUSES:
- does not support a revolving system;
- the handle is comfortable, but often flimsy.
BOSCH PBH 2100 RE (1.7 J)
PROS:
- works with wood, metal and concrete;
- light weight, which allows you not to get tired of long work;
- long cord;
- quality assurance from the manufacturer;
- adequate cost.
MINUSES:
- weak reverse;
- the cord is very thick and heavy.
Bort BHD-900 (3.5 J)
The Bort BHD-900 (3.5 J) is a good electric rotary hammer with a blue body. But on a nice looking design, its merits are not limited. So, this model allows you to carry out high-quality amateur repairs and, of course, handle a variety of surfaces at home. The complete set of the model includes a depth gauge, a set of pressure-resistant metal drills, as well as a key chuck and adapter for connecting to the network. At the same time, all additional accessories, like the Bort BHD-900 itself (3.5 J), are stored in the case supplied by default. In terms of performance, the model hits up to 4,700 strokes per minute, but what else is needed for a non-professional rock drill?
PROS:
- additional set of brushes in the complete set;
- there are all the necessary cartridges;
- good performance;
- good design and comfortable handle;
- a light weight.
MINUSES:
- the reverse begins to jam over time;
- the case is made of cheap plastic with a characteristic odor.
Hammer PRT 800 D (2.6 J)
Hammer PRT 800 D hammer drill (2.6 J) makes up to 5600 blows per minute with a power of 2.6 J each. In this case, the rotation speed is approximately equal to 1250 rpm. This makes the model quite popular in the budget category: even middle-class devices do not always have such performance indicators. Buyers are also attracted by the fact that the device can work with logs, concrete and metal sheets with a thickness of up to 13 millimeters. The manufacturer offers three standard modes: crushing, drilling with or without impact. It is because of this that the Hammer PRT 800 D (2.6 J) is considered to be almost ideal for novice repairers.
PROS:
- there is an additional handle;
- widespread in real stores;
- a safety clutch protects against damage and injury;
- built-in depth stop for drilling;
- carbon brushes included.
MINUSES:
- no anti-vibration system;
- there is no system for quick replacement of the cartridge.
The best rotary hammers in terms of price-quality ratio
A good value for money with rotary hammers is quite common. But it is difficult to understand that the model really deserves attention. All devices have approximately the same cost, and in order to understand the features of a perforator, you need to understand the technical features. The next four devices have pretty good specifications.
Makita HR2470 (2.7 J)
Despite its compactness, the Makita HR2470 hammer drill (2.7 J) is rightfully called reliable. Firstly, a well-known world brand is engaged in production. Secondly, it has a good package including an additional handle, depth gauge and case. And thirdly, the hammer drill perfectly copes with all standard user requests: with crushing, drilling with or without impact. All of this is backed by an SDS + cartridge and a durable horizontal motor capable of up to 4500 strokes per minute. Of course, this is not as much as for the devices described earlier. But if you are just starting to explore the world of repair and construction, the model is for you.
PROS:
- locking the power button;
- pleasant appearance;
- reliable reverse system;
- the length of the power cord is 2.5 meters;
- there is a safety clutch.
MINUSES:
- the tool is not suitable for rough work;
- leads to the side even with a slight misalignment of the drill.
BOSCH GBH 240 (2.7 J)
The BOSCH GBH 240 hammer drill (2.7 J) is a professional lightweight device. According to the description from BOSCH, the device belongs to the list of products in the basic price category. But in fact, the cost of the hammer drill is slightly higher than average. Should I overpay a little? For the answer, let's look at the features of the model. It has a relatively light weight - only 2.8 kilograms - and good ergonomics, allowing you to keep the hammer on weight for a long time. The SDS + keyless chuck in combination with a 270 W electric motor and a steel gearbox allows you to successfully work in drilling modes without impact or with it, as well as in a jackhammer format.
PROS:
- 4200 beats per minute;
- comfortable handle with anti-slip coating;
- works with wood, metal and concrete;
- good safety clutch;
- additional handle included.
MINUSES:
- the price is above average;
- not very convenient reverse switch.
DeWALT D25133K (2.8 J)
DeWALT D25133K (2.8 J) makes about 5500 beats per minute, the force of each of which is 2.8 J. At the same time, the number of idle speed is 1500 beats per minute. This provides a variety of operating modes of the device: it can be a screwdriver, drill and crush, drill with impact. Such indicators allow the device to drill concrete, metal sheets and, of course, wooden surfaces. The good news is that the manufacturer has foreseen possible problems and equipped the D25133K (2.8 J) perforator with a reverse, anti-vibration system and electronic speed control.
PROS:
- cable four meters long;
- drill mounting type - SDS +;
- lateral rubberized handle;
- built-in depth stop for drilling.
MINUSES:
- no additional keyless chuck;
- there is no system for quick replacement of the cartridge.
Metabo KHE 2660 Quick case set (3 J) 18 N • m
Perforator Metabo KHE 2660 Quick case set (3 J) 18 N • m is able to drill holes, perform drilling with impact and, like other devices, crush concrete walls by about 26 millimeters. This device delivers about 4300 blows per minute, and its idle speed is 1100 rpm. At the same time, the power of the device is 850 W, which allows it to work from a standard home outlet. It comes with a convenient storage case, as well as a drilling or drilling depth stop and a spare handle. True, the handles of this Metabo development are not the most comfortable: a device weighing 3.1 kilograms is difficult to hold with their help.
PROS:
- good German build;
- pleasant appearance;
- additional drill chuck included;
- large and roomy case;
- long soft cable.
MINUSES:
- there is no chuck for a drill;
- weight is slightly above average.
The best professional rock drills
Professional rock drills have their own characteristics, for example, they have a significantly higher power, a larger list of operating modes. Even in customer reviews, it is noted that for such devices, the operating time exceeds average. Do they have any other virtues? Definitely. It remains to understand which ones.
Metabo KHE 5-40 (7.5 J) 95 N • m
The professional hammer drill Metabo KHE 5-40 (7.5 J) 95 N • m has a SDS Max standard chuck and a Metabo VibraTech vibration protection system. It is she who reduces the negative impact on the user. In fact, the device is pretty amazing. Its compact L-shaped layout and vertical engine are combined with a weight of 6.2 kilograms. However, for multifunctional professional rotary hammers, this is a very good indicator. Thus, the device is suitable for processing concrete, brick, stone and other materials of increased hardness. It also copes with the dismantling of plaster, so this model is optimal for repair work of any degree of complexity.
PROS:
- the power of the device is 1010 W;
- good design of the hammer drill;
- impact energy is 7.5 J;
- advance presetting of the number of revolutions;
- safety clutch.
MINUSES:
- high price;
- heavy weight of the device, making it difficult to use.
Makita HR4003C (8.3 J)
Makita HR4003C (8.3 J) has an impact force of up to 11.4 J, which allows it to work with almost any dense material - concrete, metal, brick and wood. The SDS-Max chuck also helps in this, in which you can fix any type of drill. The auxiliary handle helps to hold the hammer drill, which weighs up to 6.2 kilograms. This powerful device can be powered from the mains, which is facilitated by a long four-meter cable. Also, the tool has a reverse, with which it is quite easy to remove a stuck drill. A safety clutch also helps in the work, protecting a rather expensive device and its gearbox from potential breakdowns.
PROS:
- drilling depth stop;
- electronic speed control;
- has a power button lock;
- compliance with European standards;
- smooth start.
MINUSES:
- no spindle fixation;
- there is no anti-vibration system.
DeWALT D25601K (8 J)
The DeWALT D25601K perforator (8 J) also operates from the mains, due to a two-meter cable with a dense coating. This allows professionals to use it for a long time, without any interruption. It is very convenient to do this, despite the impressive weight of the device of 6.8 kilograms. The device is ergonomic, and all its components are located so that they do not interfere during operation. The manufacturer has provided a limiting clutch that protects against sudden breakdowns, as well as a depth stop for drilling or drilling. The hammer drill also dampens unnecessary vibrations, which only increases the comfort of using the D25601K (8 J).
PROS:
- drilling modes with and without impact, crushing;
- the maximum impact energy is 12 J;
- locking the power button;
- good ergonomics;
- powerful vertically located engine.
MINUSES:
- reverse is not provided;
- there is no system for quick replacement of the cartridge.
BOSCH GBH 5-40 D (8.5 J)
Professional hand tools BOSCH GBH 5-40 D (8.5 J) belongs to the high price category. Is it worth overpaying for it? Definitely yes. The rotary hammer has a convenient layout that allows it to be used for a long time, despite its weight of 6.8 kilograms. The device is suitable for dismantling, assembly and construction work. It handles concrete, stone of natural or artificial origin, wood of almost any density. The fact is that BOSCH GBH 5-40 D (8.5 J) has a powerful SDS-Max chuck, and the maximum drilling with a hollow crown is approximately 90 millimeters. Yes, the power of the hammer drill is impressive, but its use is completely safe: all thanks to the clutch.
PROS:
- makes from 1500 to 2900 beats per minute;
- high quality and upright engine;
- presetting the number of revolutions;
- good design;
- bag-case included.
MINUSES:
- is quite expensive;
- there is no vibration protection system.
Best cordless rotary hammers
The main advantage of battery powered rock drills is that they can be used away from electricity. For example, they are used when working in a construction site, no less often portable battery devices are bought for summer cottages, rural conditions. But even such models have their own unpleasant nuances.
Makita DHR202RF Li-Ion 18 V (1.9 J)
The Makita DHR202RF Li-Ion 18 V (1.9 J) cordless rotary hammer is well suited for occasional use in conditions where it is not realistic to connect the device to the network. It is powered by a lithium battery. The configuration allows you to use the device as a drill or drill, and as a drill. The user is only required to select the right tool. In terms of power, it can handle a wide variety of materials. So, the model processes drywall, metal of low and medium density and wood. The hammer drill also copes with crushing grooves and grooves. At the same time, you do not need to worry about accuracy: everything is controlled by the depth gauge.
PROS:
- rather low weight, not exceeding 3.5 kilograms;
- all kinds of wires are missing;
- the presence of backlight;
- easy to pick up nozzles;
- good ergonomic handle.
MINUSES:
- small battery capacity;
- the battery is discharged after 30 minutes of operation or when it overheats.
BOSCH GBH 180-Li 0 Li-Ion 18 V (1.7 J)
Cordless hammer drill BOSCH GBH 180-Li 0 Li-Ion 18 V (1.7 J) makes up to 4500 beats per minute, which is a good indicator for a battery-powered device. It provides four modes of operation to choose from: you can crush, drill or hammer wood, drywall and even reinforced concrete structures. If reviews are to be believed, there is no difference in timing between this model and standard networked devices. This is good news, because the main task of the manufacturer remains: the low weight of the device is successfully combined with the classic BOSCH functionality and ergonomics.
PROS:
- rich equipment;
- the hammer drill is sold in a convenient case;
- comfortable and durable handle;
- cool design;
- widespread in ordinary hardware stores.
MINUSES:
- the hammer drill overheats during long work;
- high price.
DeWALT DCH133N Li-Ion 18 V (2.6 J)
Rotary hammer DeWALT DCH133N Li-Ion 18 V (2.6 J) makes about 5680 blows per minute, and the number of revolutions of an idle chuck reaches 1550. There are three default modes: drilling with or without hammering, crushing. These indicators make this battery model optimal for home use or for small repairs. The device has some nice control features. The developer has provided a reverse, an anti-vibration system and, of course, a drilling depth limiter. You can also adjust the frequency of rotation and impacts. Because of these parameters, DeWALT DCH133N Li-Ion 18 V (2.6 J) has acquired such a good reputation.
PROS:
- light class of the device and weight of 2.3 kilograms;
- Li-Ion battery with a voltage of 18 V;
- SDS-Plus drill mount;
- reliable handle;
- good design.
MINUSES:
- no blocking of the power button;
- there is no case included.
Metabo KHA 18 LTX 0 box 18 V (2.2 J)
Metabo KHA 18 LTX 0 box 18 V (2.2 J) is supplied in a large and convenient case, which, in addition to the tool itself, stores the battery and the charger for it. Compared to other relatively inexpensive hammer drills from Metabo, this model has good characteristics. It has a built-in illumination, standard functions - drilling with and without impact, crushing, as well as the type of SDS + chuck, a safety clutch. The device, by the way, can process several types of materials: concrete, metal and wood. Work, no matter what surface is being modeled, is always safe. This is facilitated by the built-in depth stop.
PROS:
- Li-Power 18 battery;
- nice looking design;
- up to 4000 beats per minute;
- the perforator makes up to 1100 revolutions in 60 seconds;
- strong horizontally located engine.
MINUSES:
- during operation emits sound up to 87 dB;
- rarely found in non-specialized stores.
Which rotary hammer is better to choose
When choosing a perforator, you need to pay attention not to visual properties, but to the overall quality of a particular device. It is formed from the technical characteristics and the brand. Yes, and you need to pay attention to the brand: only trusted companies give long enough guarantees, comply with all production standards and provide the user with additional accessories. That is why it is important to understand in a timely manner what goals you are pursuing when buying a hammer drill.
If you need a device to do occasional minor repairs, you can go for a battery model with an understated standard, or opt for something wired and inexpensive. But if you plan to make money from renovations, the hammer drill is worth the investment. This is due to the fact that only professional models can cope with long-term loads. And, of course, the quality of their work cannot be compared with any other: it is close to ideal. Especially if the device is in the hands of a master.
It is because of this that you need to choose a hammer drill not based on personal preferences, but after analyzing your real needs. If you are at a loss with a choice, contact sales consultants. But remember that without knowledge of the basic requirements for a tool in a hardware store there is nothing to do.
