Guide: How to choose the right electric hammer drill

Guide: How to choose the right electric hammer drill

Hammer drills are versatile and essential tools, whether you're working on small renovation projects or larger construction tasks.

When buying a hammer drill, it’s important to consider several factors to ensure you get the right tool for your needs. A hammer drill is essential for both professionals and DIYers, and the right choice can make a big difference in how effectively and comfortably you can perform drilling tasks in materials such as concrete, wood, and metal.

Some of the key aspects to consider include the machine’s power, drilling capacity, weight, and whether it’s corded or cordless. Below, we review some of the best options on the market for both professionals and amateurs.

What to Consider When Buying

  1. Power and Capacity: If you plan to drill in hard materials like concrete or stone, you’ll need a machine with higher power and larger drilling capacity. For simpler projects, such as drilling in wood or plastic, a smaller machine may suffice.
  2. Ergonomics: If you’re going to be using the drill for extended periods, choose a model with an ergonomic design and lightweight to reduce the risk of fatigue and discomfort.
  3. Speeds and Features: Many modern hammer drills offer adjustable speeds or different drilling modes, which can make it easier to adapt the machine for different types of materials and tasks. Be sure to have the features you need.
  4. Build Quality and Durability: Robust build quality and reliable safety features are important for long-term use, especially if you plan to use the machine frequently.

By considering these factors, you can choose the best hammer drill for your projects and ensure you get a tool that’s both effective and durable. Below are our recommendations for the best hammer drills, which are both powerful and easy to use.

Our selected Impact Drills
After reviewing the market, we have selected 5 Impact Drills from affordable options to premium models. See our recommendations below.
Price Range: 1,200 – 2,500 SEK
Bosch GSB 16 RE
Bosch Logo
8/10
The Bosch GSB 16 RE is a compact and lightweight impact drill suitable for both DIYers and professionals. It offers good control and power for small to medium tasks and is ideal for drilling in wood, metal, and concrete.
Power750 W
Torque18 Nm
Drill Ø (Concrete/Steel/Wood)18 mm / 13 mm / 30 mm
Idle Speed0–2,800 rpm
Impact Frequency0–47,600 impacts/min
Weight2.3 kg
Noise Level97 dB(A)
Product page Link
  • Compact design with a powerful 750 W motor.
  • Electronic speed control for precise drilling.
  • Quick-change chuck for tool-free bit replacement.
  • Ergonomically designed handle with Softgrip.
  • Limited impact energy makes it less suitable for heavy-duty drilling in hard materials.
  • Lightweight and easy-to-use design, ideal for tight spaces.
  • Efficient drilling in various materials such as concrete, steel, and wood.
Quality
8/10
Ease of use
9/10
Performance
7/10
Value for money
8/10

Total rating: 8.0/10

Price Range: 1,500 – 2,100 SEK
Bosch AdvancedImpact 900
Bosch Logo
8/10
The Bosch AdvancedImpact 900 is a powerful and versatile impact drill with a strong motor, ideal for larger tasks. Suitable for both professionals and DIYers who need reliable performance for demanding jobs.
Power900 W
Torque1,6 / 0,5 Nm
Drill Ø (Concrete/Steel/Wood)18 mm / 13 mm / 40 mm
Idle Speed0–2,850 rpm
Impact Frequency0–48,450 impacts/min
Weight2.6 kg
Noise Level96 dB(A)
Product page Link
  • Kickback Control for increased safety during tool jamming.
  • Constant Electronic maintains speed under load.
  • Innovative quick-change chuck for easy bit replacement.
  • Integrated drill guide for better precision.
  • Slightly heavy for its category, which may reduce comfort during extended use.
  • Powerful motor and high impact rate make it ideal for drilling in hard materials.
  • Advanced safety features for secure operation.
Quality
9/10
Ease of use
8/10
Performance
8/10
Value for money
7/10

Total rating: 8.0/10

Price Range: 3,000 – 4,300 SEK
Metabo SBEV 1300-2
Metabo Logo
8.5/10
The Metabo SBEV 1300-2 is a powerful impact drill with two-speed gearing, high torque, and overload protection. Ideal for both drilling and hammer drilling in tough materials—a reliable choice for demanding users and professionals.
Power1,300 W
Torque44 / 16 Nm
Drill Ø (Concrete/Steel/Wood)22 mm / 16 mm / 40 mm
Idle Speed0–1,100 / 0–3,100 rp
Impact Frequency0–58,900 impacts/min
Weight2.8 kg
Noise Level103 dB(A)
Product page Link
  • Two-speed gearbox for adaptation to different materials.
  • Pulse function for drilling on smooth surfaces and tight screws.
  • Marathon motor with dust protection for longer lifespan.
  • Safety clutch protects the user during tool jamming.
  • High noise level may be disturbing during extended use.
  • Powerful and durable design for intensive use.
  • Efficient and precise drilling in various materials.
Quality
9/10
Ease of use
8/10
Performance
9/10
Value for money
8/10

Total rating: 8.5/10

Price Range: 3,100 – 3,800 SEK
DeWalt DWD522KS
DeWalt Logo
8.5/10
The DeWalt DWD522KS a powerful corded hammer drill with high performance, ideal for both craftsmen and professionals. With a power of 1050 W, it’s perfect for handling tough materials like concrete.
Power950 W
Torque40 Nm
Drill Ø (Concrete/Steel/Wood)20 mm / 16 mm / 40 mm
Idle Speed0–1,250 / 0–3,500 rpm
Impact Frequency0–56,000 impacts/min
Weight2.8 kg
Noise Level94 dB(A)
Product page Link
  • Two-speed gearbox for maximum control and performance.
  • Electronic speed adjustment for precise drilling.
  • Robust metal gearbox for increased durability.
  • Ergonomic handle with vibration damping.
  • Slightly heavier compared to competitors in the same category.
  • Suitable for both drilling and hammer drilling in various materials.
  • Durable construction for professional use.
Quality
9/10
Ease of use
8/10
Performance
9/10
Value for money
8/10

Total rating: 8.5/10

Price Range: 6,600 – 8,100 SEK
Bosch GSB 162-2 RE
Bosch Logo
8.8/10
The Bosch GSB 162-2 RE is a powerful impact drill with high performance, ideal for drilling into tough materials like concrete and steel. It suits both professionals and advanced DIYers who need reliable power for heavy tasks.
Power1,500 W
Torque20 Nm
Drill Ø (Concrete/Steel/Wood)22 mm / 20 mm / 40 mm
Idle Speed0–1,000 / 0–3,000 rpm
Impact Frequency0–51,000 impacts/min
Weight4.8 kg
Noise Level92 dB(A)
Product page Link
  • Two-speed gearbox for optimal speed and power.
  • Kickback Control protects the user during tool jamming.
  • Metal gearbox housing for high durability.
  • Softgrip handle for better comfort during use.
  • High weight makes it less suitable for work in tight spaces.
  • Exceptional performance for heavy-duty drilling in concrete and steel.
  • Robust design for long-term use.
Quality
10/10
Ease of use
7/10
Performance
10/10
Value for money
8/10

Total rating: 8.8/10

Compare products
#ProductPowerPrice Range
1Bosch GSB 16 RE750 W1,200 – 2,500 SEK
2Bosch AdvancedImpact 900900 W1,500 – 2,100 SEK
3Metabo SBEV 1300-21,300 W3,000 – 4,300 SEK
4DeWalt DWD522KS950 W3,100 – 3,800 SEK
5Bosch GSB 162-2 RE1,500 W6,600 – 8,100 SEK

Summary

The best corded hammer drills from this list offer a good balance between performance, durability, and user-friendliness, making them perfect for both professionals and DIYers.

  • Bosch GSB 162-2 RE offers high performance and comfort with its ergonomic design and powerful motor. It’s ideal for use in both concrete and wood, making it versatile for different types of work.
  • Dewalt DWD522KS is the most powerful model with a power of 1050 W, making it an excellent choice for tough materials and longer working periods. It’s perfect for professional users who need reliable performance.
  • Metabo SBEV 1300-2 S offers a robust design and overload protection for safe use. Its 1300 W motor makes it powerful enough for both drilling and hammer drilling in tough materials, making it ideal for professional users.
  • Bosch GSB 16 RE is a light and compact machine that fits both DIYers and professionals for smaller to medium-sized projects. It’s great for those who want a reliable and easy-to-use drill for daily tasks.
  • Bosch AdvancedImpact 900 is a versatile machine with a good balance between power and usability. It’s perfect for those who need a powerful drill for larger projects but don’t want weight to be a barrier during long use.

In summary, the best options depend on usage: Dewalt DWD522KS and Metabo SBEV 1300-2 S are powerful and durable choices for professionals, while Bosch GSB 16 RE and Bosch AdvancedImpact 900 provide good performance for smaller, but still challenging, projects.

FAQ

Check power (W), speed (rpm), impact rate (bpm), maximum drilling diameter in different materials, and features like side handle, depth stop, and variable speed. Look for an impact stop if you also plan to drill in wood or metal.
It's primarily used for drilling in brick, lightweight concrete, and masonry. The hammer function breaks up material as the drill bit rotates. With the hammer mode turned off, it works like a regular drill.
For general use, 600–800 W is enough. For tougher jobs like larger holes in hard materials, 900–1,100 W is better. A high impact rate (over 40,000 bpm) improves performance.
Clean the ventilation holes, inspect the chuck, and replace worn carbon brushes if needed. Lubricate if recommended by the manufacturer and store the tool in a dry, dust-free place.
Yes, for lighter tasks in brick and masonry. For concrete and heavy-duty work, a rotary hammer is more effective. However, a hammer drill is more versatile and often more affordable.

Read more

Which tool do you use the most?
Screwdriver
Hammer
Saw

Do you want to be seen here?
Do you sell machines, tools or accessories? Showcase them in our product guides and reach the right audience with strong exposure. Send an inquiry to info@bigg.se