When you need to drill into concrete, brick, or masonry, a standard drill won't cut it. A rotary hammer combines rotation with a hammering action to power through hard materials efficiently. This guide covers the best rotary hammers for home renovation and DIY masonry work.
Quick Picks
| Model | Type | Best For | Price | |---|---|---|---| | DEWALT DCH273B | SDS-Plus 20V | Best cordless | ~$179 (bare) | | Bosch RH328VC | SDS-Plus corded | Best corded overall | ~$199 | | Milwaukee 2712-20 | SDS-Plus M18 | Best for Milwaukee users | ~$199 (bare) | | Makita HR2631FT13 | SDS-Plus corded | Best compact corded | ~$189 | | DEWALT D25223K | SDS-Plus corded | Best value corded | ~$159 |
1. DEWALT DCH273B — Best Cordless Rotary Hammer
The DEWALT DCH273B is a 20V MAX brushless SDS-Plus rotary hammer that runs on standard DEWALT batteries. It delivers 2.1 joules of impact energy — adequate for anchor holes, rebar cutting, and tile removal in a home setting.
Key Specs: 20V MAX brushless, 2.1 J impact energy, 0–1,360 BPM, 3 modes (drill/hammer-drill/chisel), SDS-Plus chuck, anti-vibration, 6.7 lbs bare.
Pros: Cordless freedom is a major advantage for concrete work where outlets may be far. 3-mode operation — drill, hammer-drill, chiseling. Anti-vibration handle included. Cons: Battery life shorter under sustained load; keep a spare charged.
Verdict: Best for homeowners who want cordless convenience for occasional concrete anchor work, tile removal, or masonry drilling.
2. Bosch RH328VC — Best Corded Rotary Hammer
Bosch's RH328VC is a professional-grade SDS-Plus rotary hammer with Vibration Control technology. Its 8.0-amp motor and 2.0-joule impact energy handle sustained concrete drilling without fatigue.
Key Specs: 8.0A, 0–900 RPM, 0–4,500 BPM, 2.0 J, 3 modes, Vibration Control, SDS-Plus.
Pros: Vibration Control reduces operator fatigue significantly on long sessions. Consistent power from the outlet. Strong Bosch reputation. Cons: Corded — less mobile than battery models.
Verdict: Best corded rotary hammer for homeowners doing substantial masonry work — foundation anchors, tile demo, or installing concrete screws.
3. DEWALT D25223K — Best Value Corded Rotary Hammer
For occasional home use — drilling a few concrete anchors, mounting a TV bracket into block wall, or setting expansion bolts — the DEWALT D25223K is all you need at a lower price than the Bosch.
Key Specs: 7.5A, 0–1,100 RPM, 0–4,500 BPM, 2.1 J, 3 modes, shank rotation: SDS-Plus, includes chisel, drill bits, carrying case.
Pros: Comes with accessories in a case. 3 modes covers all masonry tasks. Good price for DEWALT quality. Cons: Slightly more vibration than Bosch VC.
Verdict: Best rotary hammer value for infrequent home masonry tasks.
Buyer's Guide
Rotary Hammer vs Hammer Drill
| Feature | Rotary Hammer | Hammer Drill | |---|---|---| | Mechanism | True piston-driven hammering | Ratchet/cam hammering | | Impact energy | 1–8+ joules | < 1 joule | | Best for | Concrete, masonry, demo | Light masonry, concrete block | | Bit system | SDS-Plus or SDS-Max | Standard round/hex shank |
For real concrete work, always use a rotary hammer — not a hammer drill.
SDS-Plus vs SDS-Max
- SDS-Plus: Most common for home/DIY — bits up to 1 inch, most accessories
- SDS-Max: For large demolition and bits 1 inch+ — contractor/professional use
Impact Energy (Joules)
- 1–2 joules: Light anchors, small holes in block/concrete
- 2–4 joules: Standard home renovation — tile removal, anchor installation
- 4+ joules: Heavy demolition, large-diameter holes
Last updated: March 2025. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.