What is a hammer drill?
A hammer drill is a drill with a hammering function that rapidly strikes the drill bit back and forth while it rotates. This combination of rotating and hammering is necessary for drilling into hard materials such as stone, concrete, and masonry. A standard cordless drill cannot do this.
Hammering vs. rotating
- Rotation only (standard drill) — Suitable for wood, plastic, metal
- Rotation + hammering — Required for stone, concrete, sand-lime brick, brick
The hammer function “pounds” the material loose while the rotation removes the debris.
Types
| Type | Impact energy | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Hammer drill | Low-medium | Brick, sand-lime brick, light concrete |
| Rotary hammer (SDS) | High | Reinforced concrete, heavy structures |
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 |
| Sand-lime brick | 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:
- Choose the drill bit — Masonry bit with carbide tip, diameter = plug diameter
- Hammer function on — For stone and concrete
- Drill — Perpendicular to the wall, mark the depth with tape on the drill bit
- Blow out dust — With a blow pump or vacuum cleaner
- Insert the plug — The plug should fit tightly in the hole
- Drive in the screw — With a cordless drill (hammer function off)
Related terms
- Cordless drill
- Sander