Don’t waste your hard-earned money on a cordless hammer drill that won’t stand up to the test of time.
When it comes to spending money on a specialty power tool, you need to make sure the product you buy is durable and high-performance.
Today, I’m going to break down my choices for the 3 top rated cordless hammer drills on the market.
These are the models that get the job done time after time again. They stand up to the heavy abuse of the job site, have long battery life, and break through even the strongest materials.
What is a Cordless Hammer Drill Used for?
A hammer drill is designed with one main purpose in mind – drilling through extremely strong materials, like concrete, brick, and steel.
They combine the normal rotating motion of a typical drill with a high-powered back-and-forth hammering motion.
This combination enables you to drill holes into strong materials without much effort – and without breaking your tools.
Add in the cordless feature, and now you don’t have to worry about working near an electrical source.
Sure, cordless models are typically slightly less powerful than corded hammer drills, and you also have to recharge the batteries, but the newest models are certainly powerful in their own right.
Though most contractors should buy a separate cordless hammer drill, most homeowners will be more than happy with a regular cordless drill that simply has a hammer feature.
Remember that the hammer drill feature isn’t for driving screws (though many people confuse it with an impact driver).
Instead, a cordless hammer drill is specifically made for drilling into masonry, rock, and other hard materials.
Related: 11 of The Best Hammer Drills For All Projects
3 Top Rated Cordless Hammer Drills
1. DeWalt DCD985B
: Best Overall Cordless Hammer Drill
The DeWalt DCD985B is an absolute beast
It boasts an extremely efficient motor that delivers 450 watts of maximum power. Couple this with a maximum drilling speed of 2,000 RPM and it’s easy to see why this cordless hammer drill is so capable of getting the job done.
But… it’s this hammer drill’s durability that’s the real kicker for me. I’ll admit it – I’m extremely tough on my tools. So, I demand a power tool that can stand up to heavy abuse and still last for years on end. This is that power tool.
I also love that this DeWalt hammer drill has a long battery life thanks to its 20-volt lithium-ion battery.
Other highlights include the convenient and comfortable ergonomic handle, LED work light to see where you’re drilling, and lightweight construction.
Simply put, the DeWalt DCD985B is the best cordless hammer drill for contractors and serious DIYers. It’s also a safe bet for homeowners that prefer a designated tool for masonry drilling.
Related: Best Cordless Impact Wrench
2. Makita XPH10Z
: Best Budget-Friendly Cordless Hammer Drill
Not everyone wants to or needs to spend the money on a top-of-the-line cordless hammer drill.
Many people, including most homeowners, are more than happy with a model that acts as a normal cordless drill with a hammer drill option.
That’s where the Makita XPH10Z enters the picture. It’s a cordless drill with a hammer application that comes in at under 100 bucks. ( Other Cordless Drills Under 100)
It’s still extremely rugged and high-performing. It will more than meet the needs of most homeowners and DIYers.
That said, I wouldn’t recommend this cordless hammer drill to contractors and serious DIY hobbyists. It will last for years on end of normal use but probably isn’t quite rugged enough to stand up to serious daily wear and tear.
It’s also not strong enough to hammer drill through materials like rebar, or even to drill large holes in concrete. However, it does drill small holes through concrete without a hitch – typically, more than enough for your average homeowner.
Personally, my favorite aspects of using this Makita drill are its lightweight design (it clocks in at just 3.4 pounds), multiple speeds and applications, and compact and ergonomic design for easy portability and storage.
If you’re a homeowner looking for an excellent deal on a cordless hammer drill, this is the model for you.
Related: Best Circular Saws For Beginners
3. Milwaukee 2704-20
: Most Powerful Cordless Hammer Drill
If brute force is what you want in a cordless power drill, then look no further than the Milwaukee 2704-20.
The 1,200 in-lbs of torque and 2,000 RPM provide the fastest drilling speeds under the heaviest loads. This is the hammer drill to buy when you need to drill large holes into seriously hard surfaces.
The Milwaukee 2704-20 also has one of the best batteries I’ve seen. It lasts longer than either of the other two on this list – plenty long enough to complete even the toughest jobs.
In addition to the powerful motor and hammer drill action, what I like most about this hammer drill is its main ergonomic handle and the second side handle for increased stability.
Contractors that frequently need to drill through tough materials like concrete and masonry should strongly consider this option.
Related: Top 5 Best Cordless Jigsaws
Final Thoughts About The Top Rated Cordless Hammer Drills
Cordless hammer drills are designed for the toughest jobs – so you need to make sure you get your money’s worth.
I’ve used my fair share of lackluster models, so believe me when I say that buying one of the top rated cordless hammer drills is important.
Though any of the three models reviewed above will get the job done, I personally recommend the DeWalt DCD985B. It has a highly efficient motor, powerful hammering action, and long battery runtime.
Best of all, you can truly treat it like a tool – use it outside in all weather conditions without much thought for wear and tear. This DeWalt cordless hammer drill is truly a workingman’s power tool.
What about you? What’s your choice for the best cordless hammer drill? Have you used any of the models on my list?
I’d love to hear from you in the comments below. Also, don’t hesitate to ask me any questions you have about hammer drills or similar power tools.
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