Cordless Hammer Drill Comparison Guide
Cordless hammer drills are an essential power tool for construction pros and contractors. They’re designed to make holes in tough materials such as concrete, brick, and masonry. Finding the best cordless hammer drill for your needs can be a hassle without the right resources. That’s why we put together a comparison guide—so that you can easily find the one that’s right for your business's needs.
If you’ve never purchased a cordless hammer drill before, there are several factors that will go into your purchasing decision. What will you be using the hammer drill for? How much power do you need? Do you need a more compact drill? These are all questions that you should know the answers to before you shop.
This comparison chart features top-rated, battery-powered hammer drills. Find the one that’s right for you!
| Milwaukee M18 FUEL Cordless Hammer Drill | DeWalt 20.0V Cordless Hammer Drill | Makita Cordless Hammer Drill | |
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| Description | The Milwaukee M18 FUEL 1/2" Hammer Drill is designed with a POWERSTATE™ brushless motor to deliver serious torque and speed while staying energy-efficient. Thanks to REDLINK PLUS™ intelligence, this drill keeps cool under pressure, protecting against overheating and overloading even during heavy-duty use. The REDLITHIUM™ XC5.0 batteries have extended runtime and fast recharging to keep your projects on track. Compact, durable, and featuring an all-metal ratcheting chuck, it offers superior control and reliability. Whether you're drilling into concrete, wood, metal, or masonry, this high-performance tool is the dependable partner small business owners and contractors can count on. | The DeWalt Cordless Hammer Drill is ready to tackle your toughest tasks with ease. Its brushless motor delivers up to 75% more runtime, giving you the power to work smarter, not harder. With a 3-speed transmission and a hammer function that hits up to 38,250 BPM, this drill brings precision and muscle to wood, metal, and masonry projects alike. The durable metal ratcheting chuck keeps your bits locked in tight, while the LED spotlight with a 20-minute shutoff ensures you can see what you’re doing, even in dim spaces. Complete with two 20V MAX 5.0 Ah batteries, a charger, and a rugged storage box, this kit has everything professionals need to get the job done right—every time. | The Makita Cordless Hammer Driver packs 480 in.-lbs. of max torque into a compact, durable design that’s built to last. With variable 2-speed settings (0–600 and 0–1,900 RPM) and a hammer function that reaches up to 28,500 BPM, it’s ready to handle wood, metal, and masonry without breaking a sweat. Weighing just 3.9 lbs. with the battery, this lightweight, ergonomic tool helps keep fatigue at bay, so you can power through your day. The kit comes fully equipped with two 18V LXT® 2.0 Ah batteries, a rapid charger, a soft carrying case, and a handy LED light—everything you need for demanding jobsites, all in one dependable package. |
| Dimensions | |||
| Chuck Size | 1/2" | 1/2" | 1/2" |
| Tool Length | 6 7/8" | 7 3/4" | 7 3/4" |
| Overall Width | 2 3/8" | 11 1/2" | — |
| Overall Height | 8 1/4" | 4 1/2" | — |
| Details | |||
| Voltage | 18V | 20V | 18V |
| Battery Capacity | 5.0 Ah | 5.0 Ah | 2.0 Ah |
| Chuck Type | Keyless | Metal Ratcheting | — |
| Cordless Tool Kit Contents | Bare Tool, Charger, 2 Batteries | Bare Tool, Charger, 2 Batteries | Bare Tool, Charger, 2 Batteries |
| Brushless Motor | Yes | Yes | No |
| Max. Torque | 1,400 in.-lb. | — | 480 in.-lb. |
| Clutch Style | Mechanical | Adjustable | Adjustable |
| Modes of Operation | Hammer | Hammer Drill/Driver | Hammer & Rotate, Rotate Only, Rotation with Clutch |
| Battery Series | M18™ REDLITHIUM™ | XR® | LXT® |
| Drill Chuck Type | Keyless | Keyless | — |
| Chuck Style | Keyless | Keyless | — |
| Number of Clutch Settings | 16 | 11 + Hammer | 21 + Hammer |
| Drilling Capacity in Masonry | 1/2" | 13mm | 1/2" |
| Maximum Blows per Minute | 33,000 bpm | 38,250 bpm | 9,000 bpm, 28,500 bpm |
| Chuck Material | Metal | Metal | — |
| Reversible | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Drilling Capacity in Wood | 4" | 4" | 1 1/2" |
| Drilling Capacity in Steel | 1/2" | — | 1/2" |
| Standards | UL Listed | — | Energy Star Rated |
| Tool Weight | 4.91 lbs. | 4.7 lbs. | 3.4 lbs. |
| Charger Model Number | 23Y581 | 11A157 | DC18RC |
| Number of Speed Settings | 2 | 3 | 2 |
| Handle Type | Pistol | T-Handle | Pistol Grip |
| Battery Model Number | 35GJ99 | DCB205 | BL1820B |
| Maximum Speed | 2,100 rpm | 2,250 rpm | 1,900 rpm |
| Drilling Capacity in Concrete | 5/8" | 1/2" | 1/2" |
| Number of Auxiliary Handle Positions | 1 | Continuous | — |
| Solid Bit Capacity | 6 1/4" | — | 1/2" |
| Handle Grip Material | Rubber | — | Rubber |
| Series | M18 FUEL | 20V MAX XR | 18V LXT |
| No Load RPM | — | 0 to 2,250 | 0 to 600/0 to 1,900 |
Did one of the hammer drills in the chart catch your eye? Zoro has hammer drills for all of your construction needs. Shop cordless hammer drills today and find everything else you need for your business, too.
Product Compliance and Suitability
The statements contained in this guide are intended for general informational purposes only. Such statements do not constitute a product recommendation or representation as to the appropriateness, accuracy, completeness, correctness, or currentness of the information provided. Information provided in this guide does not replace the use by you of any manufacturer instructions, technical product manual, or other professional resource or adviser available to you. Always read, understand, and follow all manufacturer instructions.
