What Size Corded Hammer Drill Do You Need?
For most home masonry work, a corded hammer drill with a 1/2 inch chuck and a motor rated at roughly 7 to 7.8 amps is the right size. That covers anchor holes in brick, block and plain concrete. If you plan large, deep or frequent holes, or any reinforced concrete, step up to an SDS rotary hammer instead.
Hammerhead HAHD075Best overall
DEWALT DW511Highest motor current
CRAFTSMAN CMED741)Fastest listed hammer actionWhat "size" really means
When people ask what size corded hammer drill they need, they usually mean one of three things: the chuck size, the motor power, or the largest bit the drill can handle. These are linked, but they are not the same thing.
The chuck size tells you the biggest bit shank the drill can grip. Motor current, listed in amps, hints at how well the drill keeps its speed in hard material. The bit diameter you need depends on the anchor or fastener you are installing, not on the drill itself.
Start with the job. Work out the hole sizes and depths first, then pick a drill that handles them comfortably instead of one that is just barely enough.
Start with the hole you need to make
Anchors and screws set the bit size. A 3/8 inch wedge anchor needs a 3/8 inch masonry bit. Small screw anchors for light fixtures use much smaller bits. The anchor maker's instructions give the exact hole diameter and depth, so check them before you buy bits.
As a general rule, a standard corded hammer drill suits small to medium holes in brick, block and plain concrete. Very large or deep holes are slow and hard on this type of tool. The table below gives a rough guide to what fits where.
| Job | Drill type that fits | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Pilot holes in wood or metal | Any drill, hammer mode off | No hammering needed |
| Small anchors in brick or block | Corded hammer drill, 1/2 inch chuck | Hammer action speeds up masonry |
| Medium anchors in plain concrete | Corded hammer drill, higher amps | Steadier speed in hard aggregate |
| Large, deep or many holes | SDS rotary hammer | Built for heavy masonry work |
| Reinforced concrete | SDS rotary hammer | Standard hammer drills are not meant for it |
Chuck size: why 1/2 inch is the usual answer
All six drills on our "best hammer drill corded" page have a 1/2 inch chuck. That is the size to look for because it accepts larger masonry bits. A smaller chuck limits the shank size you can fit.
You will also choose between keyed and keyless. A keyless chuck lets you change bits by hand, which saves time when you switch often. A keyed chuck needs a chuck key but grips tighter, which helps keep large masonry bits from slipping under load. Our best hammer drill corded page shows which models use which style.
Motor amps: how much power is enough
The drills on our page range from 6.5 to 7.8 amps. Higher current helps the motor keep its speed when a masonry bit meets hard aggregate or binds in a deep hole. For occasional anchor holes, the lower end can be enough. For many holes in dense material, aim higher.
Here is how the models compare on published specifications.
- Under 7 amps: lighter-duty home drilling, such as a few small holes in brick or block.
- 7 to 7.5 amps: a solid middle ground for general masonry jobs around the house.
- Around 7.8 amps: the top current we list, better for dense material and longer sessions.
| Model | Amps | Chuck | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| DEWALT DW511 | 7.8 | Keyless | 5.55 lb |
| Hammerhead HAHD075 | 7.5 | Keyless | 5.18 lb |
| SKIL HD182001 | 7.5 | Keyed | 5.34 lb |
| CRAFTSMAN CMED741R | 7 | Keyed | 5.29 lb |
| Bosch 1191VSRK | 7 | Keyed | 4.1 lb |
| BLACK+DECKER BEHD201 | 6.5 | Not listed | Not published |
Hammer rate, weight and controls
Blows per minute (BPM) counts how many times the hammer mechanism strikes the bit each minute. More blows generally means faster progress in brick, block and concrete. Most drills on our page list 48,000 BPM, the CRAFTSMAN lists 52,700, and DEWALT does not publish a figure for the DW511.
Weight matters more than it seems. Among models that list weight, the Bosch is the lightest at 4.1 lb, while the DEWALT is the heaviest at 5.55 lb. A lighter drill is easier to hold overhead, but you may give up some motor current.
Control features also help you get good holes. A side handle gives leverage when the bit catches. A depth rod helps you stop every anchor hole at the same depth. A lock-on trigger keeps the motor running so your finger does not tire. Only the Hammerhead lists all three.
When a hammer drill is not the right size
A hammer drill has limits. The Hammerhead listing says plainly that it cannot be used in reinforced concrete walls, and that is a good rule for most standard hammer drills. Rebar can stop a masonry bit and twist the drill hard in your hands.
If your project involves lots of large holes, deep holes, or reinforced concrete, an SDS rotary hammer is the better tool. If you only need holes in wood and metal, a regular drill is enough. Our best drill page covers that option. If you need to work away from an outlet, see best hammer drill cordless models too.
Safety before you drill
Hammer drilling throws dust and chips and makes a lot of noise, so take a few steps first.
- Wear safety glasses and hearing protection every time.
- Wear a dust mask when drilling masonry, since the dust is unhealthy to breathe.
- Check for hidden wires and pipes before drilling into a wall. Unplug the drill when you change bits.
- Use the side handle and keep a firm two-handed grip in case the bit binds.
- Keep the cord clear of the bit and work area, and use an extension cord rated for the drill's current.
Frequently asked questions
Can a corded hammer drill replace a regular drill?
Yes for most tasks, because you can switch off hammer mode and drill wood or metal normally. The extra weight and length may feel bulky for small jobs, so a lighter regular drill can be easier for everyday screws.
Does a bigger chuck mean a more powerful drill?
No. Chuck size only limits the bit shank you can fit. Power depends on the motor, which is why we list amps separately. All six drills on our page have the same 1/2 inch chuck but different motor ratings.
Do I need masonry bits with a hammer drill?
Yes. Use carbide-tipped masonry bits made for hammer drilling. Standard twist bits for wood or metal wear out quickly in brick and concrete and can overheat.
How deep can I drill with a corded hammer drill?
It depends on the bit length and material. Use a depth rod to stop at the depth your anchor needs, and clear dust from the hole often. Very deep holes in dense concrete are better handled by an SDS rotary hammer.