How to Choose Hammers and Rotary Hammers: A Buying Guide
✅ Why Choose the Right Tool
Whether on the construction site or in home maintenance, rotary hammers and hammer drills are essential tools for drilling hard materials such as concrete, brick, stone or for light demolition. Using the right tool means working with greater precision, speed and safety, avoiding damage to the materials or the tools themselves. The choice depends on the type of work, the material to be treated and the frequency of use.
🔍 Difference between Hammer, Hammer Drill and Drill
Hammer drill
Designed to drill hard materials using pneumatic percussion. It is ideal for drilling concrete and masonry. It can have 2 or 3 functions:
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2 functions: rotation + percussion
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3 functions: rotation, percussion, and chiselling (only for more advanced models)
Demolition Hammer
More powerful than the hammer drill, it is designed for heavy demolitions: removal of floors, walls, plaster, concrete. It is not suitable for drilling but only for breaking down hard materials.
Impact drill
Much lighter and suitable for domestic work or on light masonry. Unlike the hammer drill, it uses a mechanical percussion, less effective on reinforced concrete.
🛠️ Technical Features to Evaluate
Power (Watts or Volts)
Corded hammer drills start at 600W for basic use, up to over 1200W for intensive use. Battery-powered models require at least 18V to offer adequate performance even on hard materials.
Impact energy (joules)
This value indicates the impact force of the percussion.
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Up to 2 Joules → light and domestic use
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Between 2 and 3 Joules → excellent for doweling on concrete or masonry
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Over 3 Joules → suitable for light demolition or prolonged professional drilling
Number of functions
Choose a model to 2 functions if you only drill holes in masonry. For greater versatility, the models 3 functions They also allow chiselling or corrections of walls, floors, tiles.
Type of attack
Most professional hammer drills use a shank SDS Plus (up to 4 Joules) or SDS Max (for heavy-duty work and demolition). This system ensures quick engagement and optimal power transmission.
Anti-vibration mode
The most advanced models integrate systems AVS or similar that reduce operator fatigue during prolonged operations.
Power supply: wired or battery operated
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The hammer drillers on the wire provide continuous power for construction site use.
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The hammer drillers battery operated They offer freedom of movement and are ideal for rapid interventions or in spaces where there is no power supply.
Weight and handling
For overhead drilling or vertical work, it is important to choose a well-balanced model that is not excessively heavy. Lightweight hammer drills range from 2 to 3 kg, demolition hammer drills even over 5 kg.
🔧 Recommended Accessories
To work efficiently and safely, it is advisable to have:
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SDS-Plus or SDS-Max drill bits for masonry and concrete
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Flat and pointed chisels for demolition
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Transport case
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Additional handle
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Dust extraction system or vacuum cleaner adapters
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Replacement batteries for cordless models
🧑🔧 Which One to Choose Based on Use
For small household or occasional jobs, a lightweight 2 Joule hammer drill with 2 functions is sufficient. For intensive work on concrete, systems, installation or renovation, a 3 Joule hammer drill with 3 functions, perhaps battery-powered, is better. If you work in demolition or resurfacing floors and walls, you need a demolition hammer with SDS-Max attachment and high impact energy.
🛒 Where to Buy Them
Professional hammer drills and rotary hammers are available at the points of sale EmmetiStore, where you can choose from the best brands such as Bosch, DeWalt, Makita, Milwaukee And Stanley. The EmmetiStore team is available to help you find the most suitable tool based on the type of work and frequency of use, with technical support and original accessories.
Hammers and hammer drills








