Rotary hammers in our range are corded and cordless SDS Plus tools for drilling into concrete, brick and stone, and for light chiselling. They suit homeowners fixing anchors and shelves as well as tradespeople who drill every day. Leading brands include DEWALT, Makita and Bosch, with Einhell and Ryobi also available.
How to choose a rotary hammer
Power source. Corded models give steady output all day and need no battery planning, which matters for long runs of holes. Cordless models are easier to carry around a site or up a ladder, and our range has both, with corded tools in the majority. If you already own batteries from one brand, buying a bare tool for the same platform usually makes sense.
Impact energy. Measured in joules, it shows how hard each blow hits. Models in our range with listed figures sit around 2 J to 3.1 J, which is enough for anchors and holes in masonry at home. Heavier demolition or large-diameter drilling calls for a higher-energy machine.
Chuck type. SDS Plus is the standard for rotary hammers, and the bit simply slides in and locks without tightening. It is the chuck most models in our range use, and bits are widely available. A keyless chuck takes ordinary round-shank bits, which suits mixed drilling in wood and metal but is less suited to heavy masonry work.
Drilling capacity. Check the maximum diameter for concrete, steel and wood rather than relying on a single headline figure. Listed concrete capacities in our range are mostly between 1.6 cm and 2.8 cm, steel is up to 1.3 cm and wood up to 3 cm. A larger concrete figure usually applies to core bits and not to ordinary drill bits.
Operating modes. Most rotary hammers offer drill-only, hammer drilling and chiselling. Drill-only is useful for wood and metal, while a chisel mode lets you remove tiles or render. If you plan to do both drilling and chiselling, check that the tool lists these modes.
Rotary hammer brands we carry
- DEWALT: known for its yellow-and-black cordless system built around 18 V and FLEXVOLT batteries, and the largest brand in this category in our range.
- Makita: its 18 V LXT battery platform is shared across a very large number of its cordless tools, so one battery can serve several machines.
- Bosch: the Bosch Professional blue range is a long-standing choice among trades for SDS Plus rotary hammers.
- Ryobi and Einhell: both run battery systems (ONE+ and Power X-Change) that work across many garden and workshop tools, which suits home users.
- Scheppach: a brand best known for workshop and garden machinery, with rotary hammers aimed at occasional use.
Also in our range: BATAVIA B.V., Blaupunkt, Wuber, Dedra, Yato and Prime3.
Rotary hammer FAQ
What is the difference between a rotary hammer and a hammer drill?
A rotary hammer uses an internal piston mechanism to deliver a much stronger blow than a hammer drill, which relies on ridged discs. This makes it faster and less tiring in concrete and hard masonry. A hammer drill is usually enough for occasional brick work and general drilling.
What does SDS Plus mean on a rotary hammer?
SDS Plus is a bit-fitting system with grooved shanks that lock into the chuck without tightening. The bit can slide back and forth slightly, which lets the hammer action work freely. It is the most common fitting on small and medium rotary hammers.
Can a rotary hammer be used as a normal drill?
Many can, because they include a drill-only mode with the hammer action switched off. You will need an SDS Plus adaptor or a model with a keyless chuck to hold round-shank bits. Check the specification, as not every model offers this.
What impact energy do I need for drilling into concrete at home?
Around 2 J to 3 J is generally enough for drilling anchor holes in concrete and brick around the house. Models with these figures are easy to handle and fit SDS Plus bits. Larger holes or frequent heavy use call for higher impact energy.
