What is a Hammer Drill Used For?

Worried about tackling that tough concrete wall? You’re not alone! Many DIYers and pros wonder if they have the right tool.

A hammer drill is designed for drilling into hard materials like concrete, brick, and stone. It combines rotation with a hammering action to pulverize the material, making it easier to drill holes for anchors, fixings, or running cables.

Ready to learn more about when and how to use this powerful tool? Keep reading, and I’ll share some insights.

Can a Hammer Drill be Used on Concrete?

Ever looked at a concrete wall and wondered how to drill into it? It seems impossible, right?

Yes, a hammer drill can definitely be used on concrete! It’s designed for this purpose. The combination of rotation and hammering action allows it to effectively drill into concrete when paired with a masonry drill bit.

But how does it actually work?

Hammer vs. Regular Drill on Concrete

I remember the first time I tried drilling into concrete with a regular drill. It was a disaster! The bit just spun and spun, making no progress. That’s because a regular drill relies solely on rotation, which isn’t enough to break down hard materials like concrete.

A taladro percutor¹, on the other hand, uses a pounding action in addition to rotation. Inside the drill, there’s a mechanism that creates rapid, short bursts of force, like a tiny hammer hitting the back of the drill bit. This helps to fracture the concrete², while the rotating bit removes the debris. It’s like a mini jackhammer for your drill.

Rasgo	taladro percutor	Regular Drill
Action	Rotation + Hammering	Rotation Only
Best for	Concrete, brick, stone	Wood, metal, plastic
Bit Type	Masonry bits (carbide-tipped)	Standard drill bits
Effectiveness	Highly effective on hard materials	Ineffective on hard materials
Noise Level	Louder due to hammering action	Quieter
Características adicionales	Stop bar to set an exact depth	N/A

When drilling concrete, safety³ is key. Always wear eye and ear protection, work gloves, and a dust mask. Concrete dust contains silica, which can be harmful if inhaled. If you’re drilling many holes, consider using dust mask.

Is it Normal for a Hammer Drill Bit to Wobble?

Ever notice your drill bit wobbling and wonder if something’s wrong? I know I have.

A slight wobble in a hammer drill bit can be normal, especially in hammer mode. This wobble helps clear dust and debris from the hole, allowing for faster drilling in hard materials.

Diagnosing the Wobble

It’s important to distinguish between normal wobble and a sign of a problem. Here’s how I usually check:

1. Check in Rotary Mode: If the bit wobbles significantly in rotary-only mode, it could be a defective bit or a problem with the drill’s chuck.
2. Inspect the Bit: Look for any visible bends or damage to the drill bit. A bent bit will definitely cause a wobble.
3. Tighten the Chuck: Make sure the drill bit is securely tightened in the chuck. If it’s loose, it will wobble.
4. SDS Chucks: SDS (Slotted Drive System) chucks, commonly found on rotary hammers, are designed with a bit of play. This is normal and allows the bit to move freely during hammering. However, excessive wobble can still indicate an issue.

If the wobble seems excessive, try a different drill bit. If the problem persists, the drill itself might have a faulty chuck⁴ or internal issue. Also make sure that you’re inserting the drill bit correctly⁵.

Issue	Possible Cause	Solución
Wobble in rotary mode	Defective bit, faulty chuck	Replace bit, repair/replace chuck
Bent drill bit	Impact with rebar, misuse	Replace bit
Loose chuck	Improper tightening	Retighten chuck securely
SDS chuck wobble	Normal play, excessive wear	Monitor, replace worn parts

Remember, safety first. If you’re unsure about the wobble, it’s best to have the drill inspected by a professional.

Why Can’t I Drill into Concrete, with a Masonry Drill Bit??

Frustration hits when your drill bit just won’t bite into the concrete. I’ve been there!

If you can’t drill into concrete with a masonry bit, several factors could be at play. It could be due to using the wrong type of drill, a worn-out or low-quality drill bit, incorrect drilling technique, or encountering rebar within the concrete.

Let’s troubleshoot this.

Common Culprits

1. Wrong Drill Type: A regular drill might not have enough power for concrete. Make sure you’re using a hammer drill or rotary hammer.
2. Dull Drill Bit: Masonry bits can wear out quickly, especially when drilling hard concrete. Check the bit for damage or dullness.
3. Incorrect Technique: Apply firm, steady pressure, but don’t force the drill. Let the hammer action do the work. Also, use lower speed to monitor dust extraction.
4. Hitting Rebar: If you encounter metal, you’ve likely hit rebar. Use a rebar cutter or try a different location.
5. Overheating: Concrete drilling can generate a lot of heat. Pause to let the bit cool down, or use water to keep it cool.
6. Dust Extraction: Make sure the dust is being extracted continuously. If not, extract the bit, blow out the hole, and continue.

Problem	Possible Solution
Wrong drill	Use hammer drill or rotary hammer
Dull bit	Replace with a sharp, high-quality masonry bit
Incorrect technique	Apply steady pressure, let drill do the work
Hitting rebar	Use rebar cutter, relocate hole
Calentamiento excesivo	Pause to cool bit, use water

I recommend investing in high-quality drill bits. I use masonry bits with carbide tips, which are made with diamond particles, designed to withstand the impact of hammer drills.

What is the Best Hammer Drill to Buy?

Choosing the right hammer drill can feel overwhelming. Which one will give you the best bang for your buck?

The best hammer drill depends on your needs and budget. Factors to consider include power, size, cordless vs. corded, and features like variable speed and multiple modes. Popular brands include Milwaukee, DeWalt, Makita, and Bosch.

Here are some of my favorites:

Top Hammer Drill Recommendations

1. Milwaukee M18 Fuel: This cordless hammer drill is compact, powerful, and has a long battery life.
2. DeWalt 20V MAX XR: Another excellent cordless option with a brushless motor for enhanced power and runtime.
3. Bosch Bulldog Xtreme: A corded rotary hammer that’s perfect for heavy-duty concrete drilling.
4. Makita 18V LXT: A versatile cordless hammer drill that’s great for a variety of tasks.

When choosing a taladro percutor⁶, also consider the type of chuck. SDS (Slotted Drive System) chucks⁷ are common on rotary hammers and allow for quick and easy bit changes.

Marca	Modelo	Escribe	Key Features
milwaukee	M18 Fuel	Cordless	Compact, powerful, long battery life
DeWalt	20V MAX XR	Cordless	Brushless motor, high power and runtime
el bosco	Bulldog Xtreme	Corded	Heavy-duty, SDS chuck
makita	18V LXT	Cordless	Versatile, good for various tasks

Consider what features are most important to you. If you’re a professional who needs a durable and powerful tool for daily use, it’s worth investing in a higher-end model. If you’re a DIYer who only needs a hammer drill occasionally, a more affordable option might be sufficient.

Conclusión

Hammer drills are invaluable for tackling tough materials like concrete, brick, and stone. Choosing the right tool and technique is important. So get the right tool, stay safe, and get drilling!