Rankings
The Milwaukee M12 FUEL 1/2" Hammer Drill is the most compact and lightweight hammer drill in its 12V class, featuring a POWERSTATE brushless motor and REDLINK PLUS intelligence. It delivers high torque and speed in a subcompact form factor, making it ideal for tight spaces and all-day use by tradespeople. Best suited for professionals such as electricians and plumbers who need a lightweight, compact drill for overhead, confined, or all-day use without fatigue.
The Bosch GSB18V-65N is a compact, bare-tool 18V brushless hammer drill delivering 575 In.-Lbs. of torque with advanced safety features like KickBack Control. Its main limitation is the bare-tool format and limited masonry capacity compared to larger corded models. It is best suited for professionals needing versatile power in tight spaces.
The Ryobi RSDS18BL-0 is a compact, brushless SDS+ cordless hammer drill designed for the 18V ONE+ system, offering high power for drilling into concrete, brick, stone, steel, and wood. Its key strength is the 2.5J impact energy, which allows for 50% faster drilling of larger holes compared to previous models. While it is power-hungry and requires high-capacity batteries, it is an excellent upgrade for users needing cordless portability without sacrificing power.
The Kobalt 24-Volt Max Brushless Cordless Drill is a heavy-duty tool featuring a 24V 2.0Ah battery and brushless motor that delivers 650 in-lbs of torque. It includes a 2-speed gearbox, 1/2-inch all-metal keyless chuck, and auxiliary handle, making it suitable for demanding professional tasks. Best suited for contractors and installers needing high torque and speed versatility.
The Craftsman V20 RP SDS Rotary Hammer Drill is a lightweight, cordless tool designed for efficient concrete drilling in tight spaces. Its brushless motor and 2.0J impact energy provide strong performance for DIYers, though the bare-tool format increases initial cost. It is best suited for homeowners needing occasional drilling up to 7/8 inch.
The Einhell TE-RH 40 3F is a powerful 1,050-watt corded rotary hammer designed for heavy-duty concrete drilling and chiseling. It delivers 10 joules of impact force, making it suitable for renovation work requiring up to 40 mm holes. While it comes with useful accessories and a transport case, its high vibration levels and single-gear transmission limit its appeal for professional or extended use.
The Greenworks 24V Brushless Hammer Drill is a versatile cordless tool designed for DIYers, featuring a powerful brushless motor and 530 in-lbs of torque. Its main limitation is the lack of a side handle and lower torque capacity compared to pro-grade tools, making it less suitable for heavy construction. It is best suited for homeowners performing routine maintenance, furniture assembly, and light masonry work.
The Berserker 1-1/8" SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer is a corded electric tool designed for drilling and demolition in concrete and masonry. It features a robust 9 Amp motor delivering 4.5 Joules of impact energy and includes multiple operating modes with a safety clutch. While the 9.5 lb weight may cause fatigue, it is a dedicated tool for users requiring consistent high-impact performance in masonry work.
The SKIL HD182001 is a versatile, affordable corded hammer drill suitable for general home improvement tasks. It offers high torque and variable speed control, but its durability is questionable based on user feedback. It is best suited for DIYers prioritizing affordability over premium build quality.
| Attribute | | | | | | | | Ryobi ONE+ Brushless SDS+ Drill | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
12 V | — | — | 20 V | 230 Vbest | 24 V | 24 V | 18 V | 18 V | |
— | 7.5 A | 9 Abest | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
12.7 mm | 13 mm | 28.7 mmbest | 22 mm | — | 12.7 mm | 12.7 mm | 10 mm | 12.7 mm | |
22,500 BPM | 48,000 BPMbest | 4,200 BPM | 5,500 BPM | 4,100 BPM | — | 32,000 BPM | 5,000 BPM | 27,000 BPM | |
— | — | 4.5 J | 2 J | 10 Jbest | — | — | 2.5 J | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 1 kgbest | 2.42 kg | 4.31 kg | 2.76 kg | 7.3 kg | 1.81 kg | 1.4 kg | 4 kg | 1.13 kg |
400 in-lbs | 1,400 in-lbsbest | — | 23 in-lbs | — | 650 in-lbs | 530 in-lbs | — | 575 in-lbs | |
— | — | 28.575 mm | 22 mm | 40 mmbest | — | — | 26 mm | 13 mm |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | | | | | | | Ryobi ONE+ Brushless SDS+ Drill | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Power & Energy(4) | |||||||||
Power Source | Cordless | Corded | Corded Electric | Cordless | Corded | Cordless | Cordless | Cordless | Cordless |
Voltage (V) | 12 V | — | — | 20 V | 230 V | 24 V | 24 V | 18 V | 18 V |
Amperage (A) | — | 7.5 A | 9 A | — | A | — | — | — | — |
Motor Type | Brushless | — | — | Brushless | Brushed | Brushless | Brushless | Brushless | Brushless |
Chuck & Bits(2) | |||||||||
Chuck Size (mm) | 12.7 mm | 13 mm | 28.7 mm | 22 mm | SDS-Max mm | 12.7 mm | 12.7 mm | 10 mm | 12.7 mm |
Chuck Type | Keyless | Keyed | SDS-Plus | SDS-Plus | SDS-Max | Keyless | Keyless | SDS-Plus | Keyless |
Ergonomics & Design(2) | |||||||||
Weight (kg) | 1.0 kg | 2.42 kg | 4.31 kg | 2.76 kg | 7.3 kg | 1.81 kg | 1.4 kg | 4.0 kg | 1.13 kg |
Handle Type | Pistol Grip | Side Handle | 360° Adjustable | Side Handle | Side Handle | Auxiliary | — | Overmold | Pistol-grip |
Performance & Speed(6) | |||||||||
Impact Rate (BPM) | 22500 BPM | 48000 BPM | 4200 BPM | 5500 BPM | 4100 BPM | — | 32000 BPM | 5000 BPM | 27000 BPM |
Impact Energy (J) | — | — | 4.5 J | 2.0 J | 10 J | — | — | 2.5 J | — |
Max Torque (in-lbs) | 400 in-lbs | 1400 in-lbs | — | 23 in-lbs | — | 650 in-lbs | 530 in-lbs | — | 575 in-lbs |
No-Load Speed (RPM) | 1700 RPM | 3000 RPM | 1050 RPM | 1500 RPM | 480 RPM | 2000 RPM | 1750 RPM | 1400 RPM | 2100 RPM |
Speed Settings | 2 | — | — | — | Variable | 2 | 2 | — | 2 |
Drilling Capacity (Concrete) (mm) | — | — | 28.575 mm | 22 mm | 40 mm | — | — | 26 mm | 13 mm |
Features & Safety(2) | |||||||||
Operating Modes | 2 | 2 Modes | 3 | 3 Modes | 3-Mode | 2 | Drill, Drive, Hammer | 4 | Hammer, Drill, Drive |
Work Light | true | — | false | — | false | true | true | true | true |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers and editors praise the Milwaukee M12 FUEL Hammer Drill as the most capable 12V hammer drill on the market, highlighting its class-leading compactness, power, and balance.
Everyday users commonly praise the tool's portability, low fatigue, and surprising power for its size, particularly noting its effectiveness in wood, metal, and masonry. Recurring themes include appreciation for the LED light and variable trigger, but complaints focus on the need for precise clutch adjustment to avoid over-speeding in delicate tasks.
Professional reviewers highlight the Skil HD182001 as a versatile mid-range corded hammer drill suitable for general-purpose applications, praised for its high-torque motor and ergonomic features.
Users appreciate the versatility and power for home improvement, but recurring complaints focus on durability, with some reporting premature failure.
Professional reviewers praise the brushless motor update for improved performance and runtime, highlighting its suitability for tight spaces despite trailing professional-grade competitors in capacity.
Users praise the power, precision, and impressive runtime (up to 20 holes on a 4Ah battery), though some complain about the bare tool requirement and limited capacity for large structural holes.
The search results do not contain specific professional reviewer commentary or detailed expert assessments of performance, durability, or comparative rankings. Product documentation emphasizes its suitability for home use and renovation work rather than professional or industrial applications.
The available search results do not include user reviews, consumer feedback, or recurring complaints about reliability, durability, or real-world performance. No user experience data is currently available to summarize common praise or complaints.
Professional reviewers, including TechGearLab and Pro Tool Reviews, praise the Kobalt 24V drill as a top-scoring, exceptionally heavy-duty tool. It excels in drilling steel and driving fasteners, with its brushless motor and 650 in-lbs torque making it ideal for tough job-site tasks.
Everyday users echo professional praise regarding the drill's ample power and long runtime. Common complaints focus on the 4 lb weight causing fatigue during extended use and the potential for kickback without the auxiliary handle.
Positioned as a mainstream household power tool with solid performance for typical DIY tasks, though not designed for heavy-duty professional work.
Users report it performs well for standard household tasks, but some find the torque insufficient for specialized applications like TV wall mounting.
Professional reviewers and editors highlight the Ryobi RSDS18BL-0 as the fastest cordless SDS+ drill in the brand's history, noting its 2.5J impact energy allows for 50% faster drilling of larger holes compared to previous models.
Everyday users and YouTube reviewers appreciate the tool's significant power boost over older small Ryobi SDS models, particularly for drilling concrete holes.
Professional reviewers and editors characterize the Bosch GSB18V-65N as a pro-grade tool that hits the sweet spot between power, size, and smart features. They praise its 575 In.-Lbs. torque, compact build for tight spots, and features like KickBack Control and the all-metal chuck as ideal for everyday jobsite use without gimmicks.
Search results lack direct consumer reviews or recurring complaints. Professional sources emphasize reliability for pros like carpenters and electricians, with no common user feedback on issues like battery life or durability noted.
“kicked the bucket later on”
“being cheap didn't pay in this case”
“Drills 20 clean, straight 1/2-in holes on a single 4Ah battery, far superior to standard hammer drills.”
