What Do You Use a Hammer Drill For? A Practical Guide
Explore what you use a hammer drill for, how it works, when to choose it over a standard drill, and tips for selecting bits and staying safe on masonry projects. Perfect for DIYers and pros seeking practical guidance.
A hammer drill is a power tool that combines rotary drilling with a percussive hammering action to bore into hard materials.
What do you use a hammer drill for and how it works
If you're wondering what do you use a hammer drill for, the short answer is that this tool combines rotary drilling with a percussive hammering action to bore into hard materials. In practice, the tool spins a drill bit while driving the bit forward with rapid hammer strokes. This dual action breaks up masonry dust and creates clean holes with less manual effort. Most models offer adjustable hammer modes, allowing you to switch to a non hammering drill for wood and metal tasks. The result is a flexible tool that simplifies masonry anchoring, tile removal preparation, and other heavy duty drilling tasks without renting specialized equipment.
Beyond concrete, you can use it on brick, block, and stone. The hammering action reduces the resistance the bit experiences, enabling you to drill more confidently through dense substrates. When you choose a hammer drill, consider the motor power, impact rate per minute, and hammering energy. Higher power helps with thicker materials, but it also increases vibration, so balance power with comfort and control. For long-term projects, a corded model often provides steady performance for extended drilling sessions, while a cordless version offers greater mobility for wall mounting and temporary setups.
The Drill Bits Pro team notes that understanding the exact use case guides your bit choice, speed settings, and safety gear so you avoid overdriving the tool or glazing the bit. In residential work, the hammer drill shines for anchor installations in concrete slabs and masonry walls, as well as when you need to drill pilot holes through thick masonry prior to installing fasteners.
When you ask what do you use a hammer drill for, remember that accuracy comes from planning: mark your pilot hole depth, choose the right size bit, and use a slow start to prevent bit wandering. Keep the bit cool by applying steady pressure and using short, deliberate bursts rather than aimless pushing. With the right technique, a hammer drill turns challenging masonry tasks into manageable DIY projects.
Core use cases for a hammer drill
A hammer drill excels at creating holes in hard materials where a standard drill would struggle. The most common uses include anchoring into concrete slabs or masonry when installing electrical boxes, pipes, or structural supports. It’s also practical for drilling into brick walls for wall anchors and for tasks like running conduit or wiring behind masonry surfaces. In addition to drilling, some hammer drills offer a chiseling mode that helps remove old mortar, create clean channels for cables, or create openings in masonry without needing a dedicated rotary hammer. For DIYers, the hammer drill is a versatile workhorse when you need speed and control in a single tool.
For professional projects, finish and durability matter: compound drilling in reinforced concrete, masonry tile installations, and the preparation of installation footprints all benefit from a hammer drill’s percussive action. Even when drilling into softer masonry, a hammer drill can speed up work compared to a standard drill, reducing effort and fatigue while maintaining hole quality. Always start with a smaller pilot hole if you’re dealing with hard material to guide the bit and reduce the risk of bit wandering.
Got Questions?
What is the main difference between a hammer drill and a rotary hammer?
A hammer drill provides a lighter hammering action suitable for drilling into concrete, brick, and masonry with standard bits. A rotary hammer delivers more powerful percussive impacts with SDS bits and is designed for heavy concrete drilling and chipping. For most home projects, a hammer drill is sufficient, while professionals may opt for a rotary hammer for frequent heavy-duty work.
A hammer drill is for lighter masonry tasks, while a rotary hammer is for heavy duty drilling and chiseling.
Can I use a hammer drill to drill wood?
Yes, you can drill wood with a hammer drill using non masonry bits, but it is not the most efficient choice. For most wood projects, a standard drill with a wood bit or a drill/driver is preferred for speed and clean holes. Reserve the hammer function for masonry when needed.
You can, but use a standard wood bit and a regular drill for best results in wood.
What types of drill bits work with hammer drills?
Masonry bits with carbide tips are standard for concrete, brick, and stone. For wood and metal parts of your project, use regular twist bits and bits designed for those materials. Some hammer drills accept SDS bits, but most home models use standard shanks with masonry bits.
Use carbide tipped masonry bits for concrete and standard bits for wood or metal.
What safety gear should I wear when hammer drilling?
Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from dust, hearing protection to guard against noise, and a dust mask when drilling concrete or masonry. Gloves and sturdy footwear add protection, and keep hair and clothing away from the chuck to prevent entanglement.
Always wear eye protection, hearing protection, and a dust mask when hammer drilling.
How do I maintain a hammer drill to extend its life?
Regularly clean dust from vents, inspect power cords, and replace worn brushes if applicable. Use the correct bits, avoid overheating by letting the tool cool between long bursts, and store it in a dry, protected place. Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance guidelines for your model.
Keep it clean, check the brushes, and avoid overheating to extend life.
Is a hammer drill necessary for all masonry projects?
Not every masonry task requires a hammer drill. For light masonry or single shallow holes, a standard drill with a masonry bit may suffice. For thicker concrete, brick, or repeated drilling, a hammer drill speeds up the process and reduces effort.
Not always essential, but very helpful for heavy or repetitive masonry work.
Top Takeaways
- Follow proper bit selection to match material and hole size
- Use pilot holes to guide larger masonry holes
- Choose the right hammer mode for the task
- Balance power with control to minimize bit wear
- Maintain your drill for longevity and reliability