Best Hammer Drills for Masonry

TL;DR: The DEWALT DCD996B delivers 2,100 in‑lbs of torque, a 70‑lumens 3‑mode LED and up to 275 holes per charge, making it a premium‑priced workhorse for demanding drilling tasks.

The headline spec is the 2,100 in‑lbs of max torque, which tops most cordless drills in this lineup and pairs with a hammer‑rate ceiling of 28,050 BPM. Its brushless motor also powers a 70‑lumens LED that’s 20× brighter than the previous model, and the light automatically shuts off after 20 minutes to save battery.

At a list price of $239 it lands in the premium tier, so it’s pricier than the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Hammer Drill and the Bosch GSB18V‑65N. Weighing 4.0 lb, it’s slightly lighter than Milwaukee’s 4.65‑lb option but heavier than the Ryobi ONE+ at 3.14 lb. Runtime is a strong point: up to 275 holes per charge beats the 175‑hole claim of the DEWALT DCD806B, while the 75% runtime improvement over 18V NiCad brushed motors underscores its efficiency. Its max hammer rate of 28,050 BPM is competitive, though the Kobalt 24‑Volt Max Drill lists a higher 32,000 BPM.

Customers consistently award the DCD996B a 4.7‑star rating across 7,171 reviews, praising its raw power, the anti‑rotation kickback control and the bright, adjustable LED. Professional reviewers note the compact 8‑inch height and 4‑inch length make it easy to maneuver in tight spaces, while the metal ratcheting chuck with carbide inserts earns marks for durability. The most common drawback mentioned is that the drill is sold tool‑only, so you’ll need to buy a battery and charger separately, and the 4.0‑lb weight can feel hefty during long sessions, especially with larger batteries.

Best for: Buyers willing to invest in a proven, high‑quality option — the DEWALT DCD996B offers Max Torque: 2,100 in‑lbs

Avoid if: You're on a tight budget or only need basic functionality

TL;DR: The Milwaukee M18 Fuel Hammer Drill delivers 1,400 in‑lbs of torque, 33,000 IPM impacts and a compact 6.9‑inch body, but its bare‑tool weight of 3.3 lb means you’ll need a separate battery for full use.

What really stands out is the 1,400 in‑lbs of max torque paired with a brushless POWERSTATE motor. That torque rating sits at the top of the class and lets you drill through dense concrete and steel with confidence. The tool also hits 33,000 impacts per minute and a max speed of 2,100 RPM, giving you both power and speed in one package.

Compared with the six other drills in this roundup, the Milwaukee is more compact than the DEWALT DCD806B (186 mm length) and far shorter than the Kobalt 24‑V Max (9.5 inches tall). At 6.9 inches long and 2.38 inches wide it’s narrower than Kobalt’s 3.0‑inch width, yet its 3.3‑lb bare‑tool weight is a touch heavier than the Ryobi ONE+ (3.14 lb) and noticeably heavier than the Bosch GSB18V‑65N (2.5 lb). The 4.0‑inch height also makes it one of the shortest options, which helps when you’re working in tight spaces.

Users consistently praise the drill’s ability to handle the toughest jobs without stalling, noting the comfortable pistol‑grip handle and the integrated LED that lights the work area. Professional reviewers highlight the AutoStop safety feature, which quickly shuts off the motor if the bit binds, and the REDLINK PLUS intelligence that protects against overload and overheating. The downside most owners mention is the tool‑only configuration – you’ll have to buy the M18 battery and charger separately – and the added weight once a battery is attached.

Best for: Buyers willing to invest in a proven, high‑quality option — the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Hammer Drill offers 16 clutch settings and professional‑grade torque.

Avoid if: You only need a lightweight tool for occasional light DIY tasks or prefer a complete kit that includes batteries and charger.

TL;DR: The Kobalt 24‑Volt Max Drill delivers 850 in‑lbs of torque and a 32,000 BPM hammer rate in a 4‑pound, brushless package, making it a solid choice for heavy‑duty DIY and professional work.

What really sets this drill apart is its raw power: a brushless motor pushes out a maximum torque of 850 in‑lbs, while the hammer function reaches 32,000 BPM. Combined with 24 clutch positions and a 2‑speed transmission, you get fine‑grained control from delicate fastening to drilling large holes in concrete.

Compared with the six other drills in this roundup, the Kobalt sits near the top in weight at 4.0 pounds—heavier than the Bosch (2.5 lb), DEWALT DCD806B (3.06 lb), Ryobi (3.14 lb) and DeWalt DCD794 (2.54 lb), but lighter than the Milwaukee M18 Fuel (4.65 lb). Its torque trails the DEWALT DCD806B (2,100 in‑lbs) and Milwaukee (1,400 in‑lbs) models, yet it still outperforms many entry‑level tools. The hammer rate surpasses the Ryobi’s 28,000 BPM and is close to Milwaukee’s 33,000 IPM, giving you a solid middle ground between budget and premium options.

Users consistently highlight the drill’s ability to drive large auger bits and lag screws without stalling, noting that the high torque sometimes requires two‑handed operation for control. Professional reviewers point out a roughly 30 % torque boost over the prior Kobalt generation and praise the smooth variable‑speed trigger and total‑lock chuck for precision work. The built‑in LED at the base adds visibility in dim spaces, and the included auxiliary handle, belt clip, soft bag, and charger round out a ready‑to‑go package.

Best for: Entry-level buyers or those on a tight budget — the Kobalt 24‑Volt Max Drill offers Clutch Settings: 24

Avoid if: You want the best value‑per‑dollar in its price range

TL;DR: The Ryobi ONE+ 18V Hammer Drill delivers 515 in‑lbs of torque, 24 clutch positions plus hammer mode, and a sturdy metal chuck for under $80, making it a solid budget choice for DIY masonry work.

What really sets this drill apart is its 515 in‑lbs of torque paired with a hammer rate of 0‑28,000 BPM, giving you enough power to bite through concrete and masonry without a cord. The tool also offers 24 clutch positions plus a dedicated hammer mode, letting you fine‑tune speed and impact for a wide range of materials. Its 1/2 in. keyless ratcheting metal chuck holds bits securely, and the built‑in LED worklight shines on dark job sites.

At 3.14 lb, the Ryobi is heavier than the DeWalt DCD794 and Bosch models, which sit around 2.5 lb, but it’s noticeably lighter than the Milwaukee M18 Fuel at 4.65 lb and comparable to the DEWALT DCD806B’s 3.06 lb. In the clutch arena, Ryobi’s 24 positions outnumber DeWalt’s 15, Bosch’s 20, and Milwaukee’s 16, giving it the most granular control among the peers that list a number. Speed‑wise, Ryobi’s two‑speed gearbox (0‑450 RPM low, 0‑1,750 RPM high) matches the two‑speed setups of Kobalt and Bosch, while offering a broader hammering range.

Users consistently praise the drill’s “fast concrete drilling” and the durability of its metal chuck, noting that the torque feels ample for occasional heavy‑duty tasks. Professional reviewers highlight the same torque figure and the versatile clutch as strong points. On the downside, several owners mention the brushed motor’s lower efficiency and the extra heat it generates, especially during long runs. The tool‑only packaging also means you’ll need to buy an 18 V ONE+ battery and charger separately, which some buyers see as an added cost.

The dual‑speed gearbox lets you start at a gentle 0‑450 RPM for screw driving, then jump to 0‑1,750 RPM for fast drilling, while the hammer mode’s 0‑28,000 BPM range tackles masonry with confidence. Compatibility with Ryobi’s 18 V ONE+ battery system means you can share power with other tools in the ecosystem, and the LED worklight adds a handy touch for dimly lit jobs.

Best for: Shoppers on a tight budget who want the most for their money — the Ryobi ONE+ Hammer Drill offers Clutch Settings: 24 positions plus hammer mode

Avoid if: You need a brushless motor or professional‑grade runtime for heavy‑duty contracting work

TL;DR: The DeWalt DCD794 delivers brushless efficiency, 1,650 RPM, and a lightweight 2.54 lb package at a budget‑friendly $76, making it a solid compact drill for most DIY tasks.

The standout feature is its brushless motor paired with a maximum speed of 1,650 RPM and three selectable speed settings. At 8.0 in tall, 6.0 in long and only 3.0 in wide, it stays comfortably under the hand, and the 2.54 lb weight lets you work longer without fatigue. The 1/2‑inch ratcheting chuck holds bits securely, while the built‑in LED work light brightens tight spots.

Compared with the six other drills in this roundup, the DCD794 is one of the lightest options – lighter than the Ryobi (3.14 lb), Kobalt (4.0 lb), DeWalt DCD806B (3.06 lb), Milwaukee (4.65 lb) and the larger DCD996B (4.0 lb), and only a shade heavier than the Bosch (2.5 lb). It also offers more speed settings than most peers, which list only a two‑speed configuration. Its price point sits below the majority of the competition, giving you a strong value proposition without sacrificing core performance.

Users consistently praise the power boost over older 12 V models and love how the compact size fits into cramped workspaces. Reviewers note the brushless motor’s efficiency and the smooth torque adjustment across 15 clutch settings. A recurring theme is occasional stalling when tackling oversized fasteners, and some users wish for even more speed options. Professional reviewers highlight the tool’s versatility across the entire DeWalt 20 V MAX battery ecosystem, making battery swaps seamless on the job site.

Best for: Entry-level buyers or those on a tight budget — the DeWalt DCD794 offers Speed Settings: 3‑Speed

Avoid if: You need powerful performance or professional‑grade features

TL;DR: The DEWALT DCD806B delivers industry‑leading 2,100 in‑lbs of torque in a compact 3.06‑lb brushless drill, but its premium price means it’s aimed at professionals who need top‑tier power.

The headline spec is the 2,100 in‑lbs of max torque, the highest rating among the seven drills in this roundup. Coupled with a brushless 20 V motor and a no‑load high speed of 0‑2,000 RPM, the tool packs serious power while keeping the weight to 3.06 pounds. An anti‑rotation system protects the motor under load, and the built‑in 70‑lumens LED with auto‑shutoff shines directly on the workpiece.

Compared with its peers, the DCD806B sits between the lighter Bosch GSB18V‑65N (2.5 pounds) and the heavier Kobalt 24‑Volt Max Drill (4.0 pounds). Its torque outstrips the Kobalt’s 850 in‑lbs and the Milwaukee M18 Fuel’s 1,400 in‑lbs, while the Bosch model lists a lower max torque (not provided). The drill’s height of 236 mm makes it slightly taller than Bosch’s 208 mm, yet its overall footprint remains manageable for tight jobsite spaces.

Users consistently praise the “insane torque” that lets them breeze through concrete and masonry, noting that the metal ratcheting chuck holds bits securely after a brief break‑in period. Professional reviewers highlight the all‑metal, high‑performance transmission and the anti‑rotation tech as key durability factors. The main complaints revolve around the tool‑only sale—buyers must purchase a separate battery and charger—and the fact that the high‑power output can drain a battery quickly when running at maximum settings.

Best for: Those prioritizing quality and willing to pay for premium performance — the DEWALT DCD806B offers Max Torque: 2100 in‑lbs

Avoid if: You're shopping on a tight budget — it's priced at $140.09

TL;DR: The Bosch GSB18V-65N packs a brushless motor, 65 Nm of torque and a compact 175 mm head, making it a solid mid‑range hammer drill for pros who already own Bosch 18 V batteries.

What really stands out is the 65 Nm (575 In‑Lbs) of max torque delivered by its brushless motor. Combined with a 0‑2,100 RPM no‑load speed range and 0‑27,000 BPM hammering capability, the drill can handle wood, metal and light masonry without sacrificing control. The all‑metal, keyless 1/2 in. chuck adds durability for frequent bit changes.

Compared with the six other drills in this roundup, the Bosch is notably lighter at 2.5 lb, while the DEWALT DCD806B and Kobalt 24‑V Max weigh over 3 lb each. Its 2 speed settings sit between the 2‑speed Kobalt and the 3‑speed DeWalt DCD794, giving it enough versatility without the complexity of higher‑end models. The compact dimensions—208 mm tall, 175 mm long and 76 mm wide—make it shorter than the Milwaukee M18 Fuel and narrower than the Ryobi ONE+, which can matter in tight job‑site corners.

Professional reviewers praise the balance of power and size, noting that the rapid mode selector and switchable KickBack Control help keep the tool steady during bind‑up situations. Users also appreciate the dual LED worklights that brighten dim areas. The main criticism comes from the fact that the drill is sold as a bare tool, so you’ll need to buy a compatible 18 V battery and charger separately, and its 4.2‑star rating (12 reviews) sits below the 4.5‑plus scores of most peers.

Additional technical context includes 20 clutch settings for precise torque control, a 13 mm drilling capacity in both masonry and metal, and a 35 mm max bit diameter for wood work. The 18 V AMPShare system means the battery can be swapped across a growing ecosystem of Bosch tools, adding long‑term value for users already invested in the platform.

Best for: Most users seeking a balanced, mainstream option — the Bosch GSB18V-65N offers Speed Settings: 2

Avoid if: Reliability and user satisfaction are your top concerns