A hammer drill is a drill with a hammer function that rapidly strikes the drill bit back and forth while it rotates. This combination of rotation and hammering is necessary for drilling into hard materials such as brick, concrete and masonry. A standard cordless drill cannot do this.
Hammer vs. rotation
- Rotation only (standard drill) — Suitable for wood, plastic, metal
- Rotation + hammer — Necessary for brick, concrete block, masonry
The hammer function chips away at the material while the rotation clears the debris.
Types
| Type | Impact energy | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Hammer drill | Low-medium | Brick, concrete block, light concrete |
| Rotary hammer (SDS) | High | Reinforced concrete, heavy-duty work |
For DIY, a hammer drill is sufficient for most tasks. A rotary hammer is for professional use in concrete.
When do you use the hammer function?
| Material | Hammer function on? |
|---|---|
| Wood | No |
| Metal | No |
| Plastic | No |
| Brick | Yes |
| Concrete block | Yes |
| Concrete | Yes (or rotary hammer for heavy concrete) |
| Tiles | No (breaks the tile) |
Drilling for wall plugs
The most common application: drilling holes in walls for wall plugs:
1. Choose a drill bit — Masonry bit with carbide tip, diameter = plug diameter
2. Hammer function on — For brick and concrete
3. Drill — Perpendicular to the wall, mark depth with tape on the drill bit
4. Blow out dust — With a blow bulb or vacuum
5. Insert the plug — The plug should fit tightly in the hole
6. Drive in the screw — With a cordless drill (hammer function off)
Related terms
- Cordless drill
- Sander