Properly selected
power tools make even the heaviest renovation or construction tasks easier and faster to carry out. However, it is easy to get lost among the numerous models offered by stores. An example can be the
rotary hammer and the impact drill. Choosing between them can be difficult for someone who does not know their construction and applications. Therefore, below we present the strengths of the rotary hammer and the impact drill. Check which tool will work better for your case.
Rotary hammer: what is it used for?
Electric rotary hammer is a tool for heavy construction work such as drilling and chiselling. The first of these can also be carried out using electro-pneumatic impact. It is performed with the help of a small compressor placed in the device. It also requires the use of drills with an SDS shank. This method of mounting is responsible not only for the rotational movement but also for a reciprocating (back-and-forth) motion. Thanks to this, the
rotary hammer requires less force during operation.
So is a
rotary hammer suitable for every drilling task? What is it generally used for? It is a less precise tool, which is why it excels mainly at working on hard materials, particularly concrete.
Professional rotary hammers are also used for chiselling and grooving walls for installations, e.g. electrical.
What characterizes impact drills?
Another drilling tool with impact is the
impact drill. What is this power tool used for? Due to its greater precision it will be suitable for working on softer masonry made of brick. It is most often equipped with a mechanical impact based on the operation of a gear. This is a less efficient solution, requiring the operator to apply more force. Better results are provided by rotary
hammer with pneumatic impact, which also uses a small compressor. Such a model is also available as rotary
hammer for concrete, since it will perform well when working on harder materials.
Differences between an impact drill and a rotary hammer
Pneumatic impact drills are intended for soft materials such as brick masonry. On the other hand, rotary hammers will cope even with the hardest concrete. The difference is also visible in work comfort. A small impact drill works with simple,
universal chucks or
hex-type chucks. However, during work it is necessary to press the tool against the material. Meanwhile, drill bits and
chisels for rotary hammers can perform a reciprocating movement, thanks to which rotary hammers do not need to be pressed against the wall surface. This is mainly due to a different construction of the impact itself. In addition, impact drills also work well when drilling metal or plastics, whereas rotary hammers are used only when drilling or chiselling masonry and walls.
Parameters of the impact drill and rotary hammer to pay attention to
When buying power tools, it is worth comparing their specifications. Not every
rotary hammer will cope with the hardest building materials. What should you pay most attention to?
- Device power. For professional applications it is worth choosing rotary hammer models above 1 kW. For impact drills, 800 W is sufficient.
- Impact energy, which is specified for pneumatic impacts, usually ranges between 5-10 J. The higher this parameter, the harder materials you will be able to chisel or drill.
- Impact frequency is a characteristic typical for electro-pneumatic impact. In models for home use it usually amounts to 48,000 impacts per minute. A battery-powered drill for specialists can operate at an even higher frequency.
- Type of chuck. With rotary hammers, an SDS chuck is standard. For impact drills, drill bits for a universal chuck are generally used. In professional applications, when using pneumatic impact, even drills are fitted with SDS-shank drill bits.
- Power supply method. Cordless rotary hammers are definitely more convenient and mobile, however operating time is limited by the battery capacity.
Before purchasing power tools, it is worth taking them in hand and checking how they feel. Not only the handle contour matters, but also the weight distribution.
When is it better to use a rotary hammer, and when an impact drill?
Battery-powered impact drill is an excellent addition to a home workshop. A versatile tool with high mobility will handle most challenges in such cases. A
pneumatic rotary hammer will be suitable for professionals for whom work efficiency is a high priority. Frequent work in the field without access to mains power? A
battery-powered rotary hammer, on the other hand, will allow work in any location. For hard-to-reach places, which are common when, for example, installing wooden structures, an
angle impact drill will work well.
Impact drill or rotary hammer – what to choose in the end?
Are you wondering whether a small
cordless impact drill will be enough for you, or whether it's better to invest in a modern tool like a
rotary hammer with dust extraction? The choice depends on the type of work you most frequently do. A
professional rotary hammer allows chiselling and drilling in the hardest concrete. Of course, you will also need appropriate
concrete drill bits, preferably with an SDS shank. On the other hand,
battery-powered impact drills will perform best in a home workshop. If you want more advanced equipment but do not plan major renovations, an interesting option may be a
two-speed impact drill, providing better adjustment of working parameters to your needs.