Busted every drill bit in your tool box trying to drill a hole in your concrete wall? It’s time to get the right tool for the job and when it comes to concrete that’s a hammer drill.
Hammer drills are designed to bore through tough materials such as concrete, masonry, stone or thick steel, materials that are just too tough for a regular drill. These tools work differently than regular drills and are more violent requiring proper safety equipment to be used.
In this article you’ll learn the difference between regular and hammer drills and how they function. You’ll also learn of the safety items you’ll need.
The typical drill that we are all familiar with is a rotary. The tool and the associated bits are designed to bore a hole by rotating a cutting blade through the material. A hammer drill differs by not only rotating the bit, but by adding an impact or “hammering” action to the movement. Hammering helps to force the bit into the material while cutting, to create the hole.
This hammering action requires special hardened bits designed for use with a hammer drill as a normal bit will shatter and can throw sharp pieces of metal around. Many hammer drills are designed with a special slotted tool head that will only accept the proper bits.
Hammer tools are much more violent in their action than a plain rotary drills and require the user to wear proper safety equipment such as safety glasses, gloves, dust mask, protective clothing and because of the noise that can be generated, hearing protection.
Like their counterparts, they are available both corded and cordless. Whether you choose a corded or cordless will mainly depend on the normal use you require.
If you need to drill multiple holes through thick concrete or masonry a corded drill will normally provide more power than a cordless. If on the other hand, an electrical outlet is not available, or you are drilling only a moderate number of holes, then a cordless battery powered hammer drill may be the right choice.
Now that you understand the difference between a normal rotary drill and a hammer drill you’ll be able to choose the proper tool for each job and prevent damage to both your tools and possibly yourself. Always wear proper safety equipment when operating power tools and don’t forget a dust mask when cutting or drilling masonry, stone or concrete.
When you go shopping for your drill consider the materials you’ll be drilling, how frequently you’ll be using it, and if electricity will be available in the environment that you’ll be working. For general around the house work you might consider a combination drill/driver/hammer drill, that can perform all three duties. If you have only a single job you might consider visiting the tool rental department and simply renting a drill for the day or weekend.