There are a number of different drill type tools out on the market everything from the standard forward / reverse basic $15 drill to dedicated screw guns for drywall and deck screws so when you need a drill why is it better to go for a hammer drill?
Hammer drills are basically what their name describes them as, they not only drill into a surface but they also add a hammering feature that will increase the speed or even your ability to drill into ceramic, cement, stone, brick and other similar materials.
Hammer drills come in 3/8ths and 1/2″ sizes which can drill holes maybe up to an inch wide in hard materials. The drill will have all the same features as a standard drill and may have a clutch setting 1 through 12 which is often used for driving screws and then a fixed hammer setting that will both hammer and drill at the same time.
Hammer drills can be found in corded or battery operated models but corded tools will have a better torque and can get through more material if you have a large project.
Rotary Hammers are actually the next step up and can drill or hammer seperately and drill and hammer at the same time. Rotary Hammers are used for larger work and can be rented with diamond percussion bits that will drill holes 6 inches wide.
So what would you need a hammer drill for?
For light duty projects like attaching an anchor for railing into concrete or attaching decorative letters to your home’s brick. When using the hammer feature you will also need to use a drill bit with a Carbide Masonry tip.
If you are thinking about buying a new drill you have to ask yourself how will you use it. Even if you were an electrician and most of your work was screwing down fasteners or drilling half inch holes in studs to run lines there may come a time when you need to drill for an anchor in concrete. If you try to use a masonry bit in a standard drill you most likely will burn out its motor and mess up your thrust bearing. Having one of these tools in your set is really an advantage
If you are a new home owner and you are looking at some basic tools the first drill you will probably want is a cheap 3/8ths knockoff costing $15 to put up your window coverings but as you find more projects around the home you might want to step up and get a better model drill which won’t burn up its motor with some heavy use. A Hammer drill is probably a better investment for you even though you may never or seldom use the hammer feature. The internal parts of a Hammer Drill need to withstand a good pounding and although it may not help you if you drop your drill off of the roof it will definitely give you a longer lasting tool.
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