Rotary hammers are made for drilling into concrete, brick and stone, so they suit builders, renovators and serious DIY users. Our range includes mains and cordless models with SDS Plus and SDS Max chucks, with the most products from BOSCH, Makita, DeWalt and Einhell.
How to choose a rotary hammer
Power source. A mains rotary hammer runs without interruption, so it suits long jobs such as many holes in a foundation or channels cut into walls. A cordless model is easier to use where there is no socket nearby or when you work on a ladder and a cable gets in the way. Our range includes both. If you buy cordless, check first whether you already own a battery and charger from the same maker, since one battery system often fits several tools.
Chuck type. SDS Plus is used on lighter and mid-sized rotary hammers, and a very large choice of bits and chisels is made for it. SDS Max is for bigger, heavier machines that drill wide holes and handle demolition. Most models in our range use SDS Plus, some have SDS Max, and a few have a keyless or quick-release chuck instead of an SDS system.
Hole diameter in concrete and impact force. For wall plugs at home, holes of around 1 cm and slightly more are usually enough, while the maximum concrete diameter for some of our models reaches 3.2 cm. The higher the impact energy (given in joules), the faster the drilling in concrete, but the heavier and bulkier the tool. If you will be drilling into ceilings, weight matters too.
Working modes. Some rotary hammers offer drilling, hammer drilling and chiselling, while others have no chiselling mode. If you expect to break up tiles or plaster, choose a model with chiselling. A mode without impact matters when you want to drill wood or metal: the maximum diameters listed in our range reach up to 3 cm in wood and up to 1.6 cm in steel.
Rotary hammer brands we carry
- BOSCH: the blue Bosch Professional line is known for sturdy SDS Plus and SDS Max rotary hammers, while the green line is aimed at home projects.
- Makita: has the widely used 18 V LXT battery system, with batteries that fit many tools from the same maker.
- DeWalt: known for yellow and black site tools and cordless systems, including the higher-voltage FLEXVOLT.
- Einhell: mostly makes tools for home users, and its Power X-Change batteries can be used across several different tools.
- Metabo: a German maker known for professional power tools, including drills and angle grinders.
- Fischer: best known for wall plugs and fixings, which are exactly what rotary hammers are used to drill for.
Also in our range: CIMCO, KWB, Batavia, Blaupunkt, Yato and Dehn + Söhne.
Rotary hammer FAQ
What is the difference between a rotary hammer and a hammer drill?
A rotary hammer creates its impact with a pneumatic mechanism, so it drills concrete and masonry faster and is easier on your arm. A hammer drill creates impacts mechanically and is more often used for lighter drilling in brick or wood. For concrete and wide holes, a rotary hammer is the better choice.
Can a cordless rotary hammer drill concrete?
Yes, most modern cordless rotary hammers drill concrete, and they are enough for plug holes. For long sessions, large holes or chiselling, a mains model is usually more convenient because you do not need to swap batteries. Look for an SDS Plus chuck and a battery of sufficient capacity.
Should I choose SDS Plus or SDS Max?
SDS Plus is enough for home renovation and most building work. SDS Max is worth choosing when you need thick bits, deep holes or regular demolition in concrete. These machines are heavier, so working with them for long periods or overhead is harder.
Can a rotary hammer drill wood and metal?
It can, provided it has a mode without impact and a suitable chuck or adapter. Wood and metal need the correct bits, and the hammer action must be switched off. If you do this kind of work often, an ordinary drill is simpler and more comfortable to use.
