Category Archives: Hammer Drills

Hammer Drill Reviews

Makita XPH012 Cordless Hammer Driver-Drill Kit Review

Makita XPH012 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Hammer Driver-Drill Kit

The Makita XPH012 is an interesting newcomer, a cordless hammer drill/driver. The price is very reasonable, the size is small and the drill is lightweight. Is it too good to be true?

First we should make it clear that the Makita XPH012 is a powerful drill for its size. It weights only 4 pounds, including the battery but has plenty of punch. The Makita XPH012 is also a very versatile tool, it can be used as a driver, drill and hammer drill. But it is not as powerful as large mains powered hammer drills.

Like all good drills, the Makita XPH012 has a keyless chunk, belt clip and built-in LED work light. Variable speed with two speed ranges (0-400 & 0-1,500 RPM) makes it suitable for a wide range of drilling, driving and hammer drilling applications.

The light weight makes it easy to use, also for longer periods of time, without getting tired. The compact size is an advantage if you are working in cramped spaces. All in all, it is a versatile and good drill. Also note that the kit includes one 18V Lithium-Ion battery and a fast charger (30 minutes) as well as a hard case. Quite clearly you get very good value for the money.

On the whole, the Makita XPH012 does not have any major shortcomings. But if you are going to do use the hammering action a lot, you may prefer a corded hammer drill.

The Makita XPH012 Hammer Driver-Drill is backed by a 3-year warranty and a 1-year warranty on the battery.

Pros

  • Compact and Lightweight
  • Versatile Hammer Drill/Driver/Drill
  • Very Good Value For the Money

Cons

  • No Major Shortcomings

Makita XPH012 Cordless Hammer Driver-Drill Specifications

Cordless/Corded Cordless
Voltage (Volts) 18
Battery Power Type Lithium-Ion
Batteries Included Yes (One)
Battery Amp Hours 3.0 Ah
Charger Included Yes, 30 minutes fast charger
Max. Capacity – Concrete 1/2 inch
Max. Capacity – Steel 1/2 inch
Max. Capacity – Wood 1-1/2 inch
Maximum Torque 480 ft-lbs.
Speed (RPM) 0 – 400 / 0 – 1,500
Variable Speed Yes
Blows per Minute 0 – 6,000 / 0 – 22,500
Product Weight 3.3 lbs (tool only); 4.0 lbs with battery
Chuck Size 1/2 Inch
Chuck Type Keyless
Built-in Light Yes
Shipping Weight 10.1 pounds



The following is included in the Makita XPH012 Cordless Hammer Driver-Drill Kit

  • Makita XPH012 Cordless Hammer Driver-Drill
  • 18V LXT Lithium-Ion 3.0 Ah Battery (BL1830)
  • 18V Lithium-Ion Rapid Optimum Charger (DC18RC)
  • Hard Case



What the Customers Say about the Makita XPH012 Hammer Driver-Drill Kit
The customers have given the Makita XPH012 Hammer Driver-Drill Kit a very impressive average rating of 4.8 out of 5. In other words, most of the buyers were very satisfied with their new hammer drill. Virtually everyone said that they had got very good value for their money.

Most of the customers said that the Makita XPH01 was a compact and lightweight drill/driver. The battery and the rapid charger were also praised. Very few negative remarks were mentioned, on the whole virtually everyone was happy with their Makita XPH012.

Here are some typical customer comments:

“So far, so good. I can’t speak to longevity yet but this is smaller, lighter and more powerful than my Porter Cable 14.4 volt. It is also shorter from the chuck to the end of the motor so it is great for tight spaces.”

“great drill. replaces my old Ryobi that i had for the last 3 years. the three in one functions are great, and makes this drill very versatile. the LED light is a nice touch to keep the work area well lit. the charger works great, with easy to read charge status – if you just need to drive a couple screws, and dont want to wait for a whole charge, this charger will tell you when the battery can be removed without damage due to under charge. makita also puts on an handy belt clip on most of their drills, including this one.”

“This is EVERYTHING you’d want in a cordless drill. It drills, screws, and hammer-drills. It has a bright work area light. It has a 2 speed gear box. Its Lithium-ion powered for lighter weight and faster charging (30 min.). It is 18v. for tons of power. It came with a case, battery and charger”

“I was looking for a good quality drill that wasn’t really bulky. This drill is definitely good quality. I think I could have found one a little smaller and lighter but it would be more expensive. I am really happy with this one”

Here you can read more Makita XPH012 Hammer Driver-Drill customer reviews.

Makita XPH012 Hammer Driver-Drill Kit Review Summary

The Makita XPH012 Cordless Hammer Driver-Drill Kit offers excellent value for the money. The drill is compact and lightweight but powerful. It is also very versatile, it can be used as a driver, drill or hammer drill. Additionally, the price is very competitive. If you are looking for a versatile cordless drill, then you should certainly have a closer look at the Makita XPH012.

You can buy the Makita XPH012 Hammer Driver-Drill Kit at Amazon.com, taking advantage of Amazon’s low prices and excellent customer service. Click here to go to Amazon.com

Makita LXPH01Z LXT Cordless Hammer Drill/Driver Review

Makita LXPH01Z Cordless Hammer Drill

Note that the Makita LXPH01Z LXT hammer drill/driver has been replaced by the Makita XPH01Z Hammer Driver-Drill. Here you can learn more about the Makita XPH01Z.

The Makita LXPH01Z LXT hammer drill/driver is a lightweight but versatile cordless drill. Despite being lightweight, it is a powerful cordless drill. It has two speed ranges and a reversible engine. You can use it as a hammer drill, standard drill or screwdriver.

The rubberized soft grip makes the LXPH01Z comfortable to hold. The compact design makes it easy to use in cramped spaces. It has a built-in LED light. Like most drills today, it has a 1/2 inch keyless chuck, allowing quick bit changes. Additionally, it has 16 clutch settings.

The Makita LXPH01Z uses 18 Volt LXT lithium-ion batteries which can be charged with the Makita Rapid Optimum Charger. Note that battery and charger are sold separately, you only get the drill. If you already own Makita lithium-ion batteries and a charger, you are getting a very good deal. You can use Makita BL1815 or BL1830 batteries. The BL1830 last longer but also makes the LXPH01Z drill heavier, 4.0 pounds instead 3.4 pounds.

The Makita LXPH01Z drill/driver is backed by a 3-year warranty.

Pros

  • Lightweight and compact design
  • Very versatile drill
  • Very good value for the money

Cons

  • Drill only, no battery or charger included



Makita LXPH01Z Hammer Drill/Driver Specifications

No Load Speed Low 0 – 400 RPM
High 0 – 1,500 RPM
Blows Per Minute Low 0 – 6,000 BPM
High 0 – 22,500 BPM
Max Torque 480 inch/pound
Battery 18V LXT Lithium-Ion
Overall Length 8-1/8″
Net Weight (w/battery) 4.0 lbs.
Shipping Weight 3 lbs.



For more details about the Makita LXPH01Z Hammer Drill/Driver, you can read the Owner’s Manual here

Note that you only the Makita LXPH01Z drill/driver, no battery or charger is included. You only get the Tool Belt Clip (Makita 346034-2) with the LXPH01Z. If you want a kit with 2 batteries, charger and a case, the Makita LXPH01CW Hammer Drill Kit, is what you need. Here is more information about the Makita LXHP01CW Kit

All in all, the Makita LXPH01Z is a powerful and very versatile hammer drill/driver. If you already have own Makita lithium-ion batteries and a charger, you are getting very good value for your money. Otherwise, you may want to have a look at a complete Makita Hammer Drill kit instead, for example the Makita LXHP01CW, as mentioned above.

You can buy the Makita LXPH01Z hammer drill/driver at Amazon.com, taking advantage of Amazon’s low prices and excellent customer service. Click here to go to Amazon.com and have a look at the Makita LXPH01Z.


Information From The Vendor
Makita’s 18V Lithium-Ion Cordless Hammer Driver Drill has a built in L.E.D. light that helps illuminate darker work areas. A 1/2 inch keyless chuck for quick bit changes. 16 clutch settings a tool belt clip that can attaché to either side of the tool and an all metal 2 speed Transmission. (bare tool only) Makita-built 4-pole motor delivers 480-Inch Pound of Max Torque.

DEWALT DW511 VSR Hammer Drill

Dewalt DW511 Hammer Drill

The DEWALT DW511 hammer drill has been around for quite some time but it is still a good hammer drill for DIY tasks around the house.

It is a mid-range hammer drill, if you are going to do a lot of heavy drilling in masonry or concrete, you may prefer a high-end hammer drill or an SDS hammer. The DEWALT DW511 is relatively lightweight, 4.3 pounds, for being a hammer drill. It is a good drill for the price.

The DEWALT DW511 does not have a keyless chuck, for most people that is not a big deal but nowadays most drills come with a keyless chuck. Since it is not a cordless drill, you don’t need to worry about batteries.

Note that the DEWALT DW511 is not good for mixing thinset, the combination of high torque and low RPM can quickly overheat the motor.

The DEWALT DW511 hammer drill comes with a three-year limited warranty, one-year free service, and 90-day money-back guarantee.

The customers have given the DEWALT DW511 hammer drill an average rating of 4.2 out of 5. Most buyers were happy with their DW511 hammer drill but some of the customers had noticed that suitable for mixing thinset. The problem with using the drill for mixing meant that average rating dropped a fair bit. Apart from the mixing problem, most customers said that it was a good drill. Here you can read DEWALT DW511 customer reviews.


Pros

  • Good mid-range hammer drill
  • Good value for the money

Cons

  • Not suitable for heavy duty masonry drilling




You get the following with the DEWALT DW511 Hammer Drill:

  • 360° side handle
  • Depth rod
  • Chuck key with holder



DEWALT DW511 Hammer Drill Specifications

Amps 7.8Amps
Max Watts Out 650W
No Load Speed 0-2700rpm
Blows/Min 0-46000bpm
Capacity in Steel 1/2
Capacity in Wood 1-1/4
Concrete Optimum 5/32 – 3/8
Tool Length 11-1/2
Tool Weight 4.3lbs

For more information, you can download the DW5111 User Manual from here.

As long as you are not going to use the DEWALT DW511 for mixing mortar, it is a good hammer drill. The DW511 has been around for quite some time but the price is competitive.

You can buy the DEWALT DW511 VSR hammer drill at Amazon.com, taking advantage of Amazon’s low prices and excellent customer service. Click here to go Amazon.com.


Information From The Vendor
Able to handle everything from wood and steel to masonry and concrete, the DEWALT DW511 1/2-Inch VSR Single-Speed Hammer drill is a versatile tool. Featuring a dependable 7.8 amp motor, variable-speed control, and a comfortable grip, this tool makes quick work of your drilling or fastening tasks.

The DEWALT 1/2-Inch VSR Single-Speed Hammer Drill’s durable and powerful 7.8 amp motor is capable of delivering a maximum of 650 watts. Also, it offers overload protection and a variable-speed trigger for precise hole placement and material-appropriate performance.

Skil 6445-02 Hammer Drill Review

Skil 6445-02 Hammer Dril

The Skil 6445-02 hammer drill gives you excellent value for the money. You can find better hammer drills but they are a fair bit more expensive.

If you are looking for a good hammer drill and don’t want to pay a fortune, then the Skil 6445-02 is the right hammer drill for you. It is almost as powerful as the high-end hammer drills. As long as you are not going to do a lot of heavy drilling in hard materials such as concrete or masonry, it will be able to do the job. It is slightly heavier than the average hammer drill but not so heavy that it is uncomfortable to use.

Since it is a corded drill, you have no problems with batteries. Despite the low price, the 6445-02 has a number of useful feature, including variable speed trigger (lets you control drilling speed), 2-finger trigger with lock-on (for increased control), forward/reverse speed and a detachable side-assist handle.

It does not have a keyless chuck but many people prefer a keyed chuck. If you really want a keyless chuck, you can buy a keyless chuck attachment.

All in all, the Skil 6445-02 hammer drill may not be suitable for professionals who need a powerful hammer drill for heavy duty drilling but for DIY tasks around the house it is a very good choice. You get get a good hammer drill for a very competitive price.

The Skil 6445-02 hammer drill comes with a 1 year limited warranty.

The customers have given the Skil 6445-02 an average rating of 4.5 out of 5. In other words, most of the customers were happy with their new hammer drill. Virtually everyone thought that they had got excellent value for their money. Many buyers recognized that the Skil 6445-02 is not the most sophisticated hammer drill but it has no problem drilling in hard materials like concrete. You can read Skil 6445-02 customer reviews here.

Skil 6445-02 Specifications

Voltage 120 V
Amperage (amps) 7
Maximum Speed 3000 RPM
Blows per Minute 51000
Chuck Size 1/2 In.
Chuck Type Keyed
Cord Length 8 Feet
Weight 5.1 pounds
Shipping Weight 6.04

For more details, you read read the Skil 6445-02 User Manual here.

Quite clearly, if you are looking for a hammer drill and want excellent value for your money, then you should have a closer look at the Skil 6445-02. It may not be the best hammer drill on the market but it gets the job done.

You can buy the Skil 6445-02 hammer drill at Amazon.com, taking advantage of Amazon’s low prices and excellent customer service. Click here to go to Amazon.com and have a look at the Skil 6445-02.



Information From The Vendor

Tackle tough jobs with the 6445-02 120-volt 1/2-Inch hammer drill from Skil Power Tools. The drill sports a powerful 7-Amp motor and a 1/2-Inch keyed chuck for the most common bit shank sizes. A switch lets you set the tool to operate as a traditional drill or a hammer drill with a hammering action. A detachable side-assist handle offers greater control, as does the two-finger, variable-speed precision trigger.Powerful 7.0-Amp Motor with hammer function for tough applications including masonry.

DEWALT D25213K SDS Hammer Review

Dewalt D25213K SDS Hammer

If you are going to do plenty of drilling in hard materials, a standard hammer drill may not be powerful enough. What you need is an SDS Hammer.

The DEWALT D25213K SDS Hammer has three modes, drill-only, hammer-only and drill+hammer. In hammer-only mode it can be used for chipping. Note that the D25213K uses SDS Plus drill bits. But you can buy an SDS+ To 1/2″ Chuck Adapter if you want to use your 1/2 inch drill bits.

Compared with most standard hammer drills, the DEWALT D25213K is not cheap but it is a quality drill, it will save you a lot of time compared with using a standard hammer drill. The drill goes through bricks and mortar like they were butter, well that is maybe a little bit of an exaggeration but the drill has a far superior hammer action compared with standard hammer drills.

As mentioned earlier, in hammer-only mode the D25213K can be used as a jackhammer. It is very powerful for its size. Despite all the power, the D25213K is relatively lightweight, making it possible to use it for longer periods of time without suffering from fatigue.

If you need something more powerful that a standard 1/2 inch hammer drill, then the DEWALT D25213K is worth having a closer look at. It is an excellent SDS hammmer, giving you splendid value for the money. Although most rotary hammers are more powerful than the D25213K SDS Hammer, they are also much more expensive.

The DEWALT D25213K SDS Hammer comes with a 90 day money back guarantee, 1 year free service contract and 3 year limited warranty. You get a plastic case with the hammer but no SDS drill bits.

The customers have given the DEWALT D25213K SDS Hammer an average rating of 4.8 out of 5. In other words, most of the buyers were very happy with their D25213K SDS Hammer. Many of the customers were amazed that such a relatively small hammer can be so powerful. Virtually everyone thought that they had got excellent value for the money. Here you can read DEWALT D25213K customer reviews.


DEWALT D25213K SDS Hammer Specifications

Amps 8.0 Amps
Impact Energy 2.5ft-lbs
Vibration Control No
Vibration Measurement 21.0 m/s2
No Load Speed 0-1,150rpm
Blows/Min 0-4,300bpm
Chipping Yes
Clutch Yes
Tool Length 16.6
Tool Weight 6.1lbs
Shipping Weight 10.5lbs

For more information, you can download the DEWALT D25213K User Manual from here.

If you need an SDS hammer drill, then the DEWALT D25213K is well worth having a closer look at. It is a good SDS hammer with a very attractive price. In other words, you get excellent value for your money. You can buy the DEWALT D25213K at Amazon.com, taking advantage of Amazon’s low prices and excellent customer service. Click here to go to Amazon.com.



From the Manufacturer
The DEWALT D25213K 1-Inch D-Handle Three Mode SDS Hammer has 2.5-Foot-pounds of impact energy provide fast drilling and powerful chipping. The 8.0 Amp motor provides high performance and overload protection. It has a reverse feature that assists in the removal of fasteners. Variable speed allows for precise hole placement on work the surface. The factory-set clutch reduces sudden, high torque reactions if bit jams. It comes with a 360-Degree side handle that adjusts easily for preference or use in tight spaces. Applications include drilling capacities cover a broad range of mechanical, chemical and epoxy anchoring applications, as well as through-hole applications for running pipe and conduit through floors and walls. Optimum Range in Concrete: 5/32-Inch-5/8-Inch.

DEWALT Bare-Tool DCD950B XRP Hammerdrill/Drill/Driver Review

Dewalt DCD950B XRP Hammer Drill

The DEWALT DCD950B is expensive but it is an excellent hammer drill. It has been the best-selling hammer drill for quite some time. One handy feature is that the drill can be used with both DEWALT 18V Ni-Cad and Lithium-ion batteries. Note that DEWALT 20V batteries does not work with this drill.

The DEWALT DCD950B XRP is a powerful and versatile drill/driver. It can be used as a hammer drill, standard drill or screwdriver. It is a tool for professionals. Despite being a hammer drill, the DCD950B is lightweight and relatively compact. That said, if you are going to use the hammering action a lot, you may still prefer a corded hammer drill. The hammering action quickly drains the battery.

The DEWALT DCD950B features triple speed ranges (0-500, 0-1,250, 0-2,000 RPM) as well as three speed ranges in hammer mode (0 – 8,500, 0 – 21,250, and 0 – 34,000 BPM). This makes it suitable for wide variety of tasks. The clutch has 22 settings and the reversible motor delivers up to 450 watts. It also has a built-in work light.

Note that you only get the drill, if you don’t have any 18 V DEWALT batteries, you need to buy batteries as well. Needless to say, you also need a charger. On the other hand, if you already have DEWALT 18V batteries and charger, then the price is very attractive. You get 360-degree side handle and a manual with the drill, nothing else.

The DEWALT Bare-Tool DCD950B comes with a 90 Day Money Back Guarantee, 1 Year Free Service Contract and a 3 Year Limited Warranty.

The customers have given the DEWALT DCD950B XRP an average rating of 4.7 out of 5. In other words, the buyers were very happy with their DCD950 hammer drill. Most of the customers said that the DEWALT DCD950B was a powerful drill, suitable for a wide variety of tasks. Some customers were amazed that such a relative compact drill could be so powerful. A few customers had noticed that the hammering action drains the battery quickly. But that is a problem with all cordless hammer drills. Here you can read DEWALT DCD950B customer reviews.

DEWALT Bare-Tool DCD950B XRP Specifications

Voltage 18V
Max Power 450UWO
# of Speed Settings 3
Max RPM 0-500/0-1,250/0-2,000
Max BPM 0-8,500/0-21,250/0-34,000
Clutch Settings 22
Chuck Size 1/2
Chuck Type Metal, ratcheting
Tool Weight 3.9 (tool only) lbs
Shipping Weight 4.5 lbs

For more details, you can download the DEWALT DCD950B User Manual from here. Make sure to select the right type, you find the type on the warning label or name plate.

All in all, if you are looking for a versatile cordless hammer drill, then the DEWALT DCD950B is well worth having a closer look at. It can be used as a hammer drill, standard drill and driver. It is relatively compact and lightweight but still powerful, no wonder that this has been the best-selling hammer drill for quite some time.

You can buy the DEWALT Bare-Tool DCD950B XRP Hammer Drill/Driver at Amazon.com, taking advantage of Amazon’s low prices and excellent customer service. Click here to go to Amazon.com and have a look at the DEWALT DCD950B.




Information From the Manufacturer
Featuring an easy-handling length rated best-in-class for improved balance and better control, the DEWALT DCD950B 1/2-Inch 18-Volt XRP Hammerdrill/Drill/Driver packs a powerful punch in a heavy-duty industrial design. Powered by any DeWalt battery, this cordless tool keeps things simple and efficient with user-friendly features and a patented three-speed, all-metal transmission.


This hammer drill /drill/driver has three speeds for all kinds of fastening and drilling applications.
Versatile, Powerful, and Reliable
Whether you’re tackling a heavy-duty professional job like electrical rough in or basic fastening and professional maintenance, you’ll appreciate the versatility and dependability of the DEWALT DCD950B 18-Volt XRP Hammerdrill/Drill/Driver. It offers 22 clutch settings, and the 1/2-inch metal, self-tightening chuck tightens throughout operation providing superior bit-gripping strength.

Its stand-out feature is its patented triple speed range (0-500, 0-1,250, 0-2,000 rpm) and a corresponding triple speed range for hammer drilling (0 – 8,500, 0 – 21,250, and 0 – 34,000 bpm) which makes it easy to match the correct speed to the job.