- Power: 880 W
- Impact energy: 3.2 J
- Drilling Ø (concrete): 28 mm
- No-load speed: 0–1,150 rpm
- Impact rate: 0–4,400 impacts/min
- Weight: 3.1 kg
- Sound level: 89 dB(A)
More info on the Metabo product page
Best electric hammer drills for tough jobs
By Gustav Olsson Nov 22, 2024
Rotary hammers are powerful tools specifically designed to handle tough materials like concrete, brick, and stone.
When purchasing a rotary hammer, it's crucial to consider various factors to ensure you pick the right tool for your needs. Rotary hammers are indispensable for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts, particularly when working with tough materials like concrete and stone. The right choice can make a big difference in efficiency and comfort. In this article, we’ll go over some of the best rotary hammers available, catering to both professionals and hobbyists.
What to Consider When Buying a Rotary Hammer
When choosing a rotary hammer, several key factors need to be considered to make sure you get the right tool for your project:
Power and Impact Energy
For tough materials like concrete, a rotary hammer with high power and impact energy is essential. A higher impact energy helps you drill more efficiently through these hard surfaces. If you're handling lighter tasks, a more budget-friendly model may suffice.
Weight and Ergonomics
Rotary hammers can be heavy, so selecting one that is ergonomically designed for comfort during extended use is important. A well-balanced tool will reduce user fatigue.
Durability and Build Quality
A good rotary hammer should be built to last. Durability is crucial for both professional and home use, especially when you plan on using it regularly.
Price
The price of rotary hammers can vary widely depending on the features and performance. It’s important to find a model that fits both your needs and your budget.
Speed and Versatility
Many modern rotary hammers come with adjustable speed and multiple functions like drilling, hammering, and chiseling. These features add versatility to the tool, making it adaptable to various materials and tasks.
Here’s a closer look at some of the top models available:
1. Metabo KHE 2860 Quick
Price Range: 2,700 - 3,100 SEK
The Metabo KHE 2860 Quick is a compact and powerful rotary hammer, ideal for demanding drilling and chiseling tasks. With an impact energy of 3.2 J and an ergonomically designed grip, it is both versatile and comfortable to use. Its SDS-plus holder enables quick and easy tool changes, and with Metabo's renowned durability, this tool is built to last.
- Three functions: Hammer drilling, drilling, and chiseling
- Metabo Quick: Quick change between SDS-Plus and quick-action chucks
- Robust design: Aluminum alloy housing for long durability
- Safety clutch: Protects the user in case of jamming
- Ideal for versatile applications thanks to the quick-change chuck system
- Lightweight and compact design, perfect for tight spaces
- Efficient and ergonomic for extended work sessions
- Vibration levels during drilling are slightly high but are effectively reduced during chiseling
Quality
9/10
Ease of use
9/10
Performance
8/10
Value for money
9/10
Total rating: 8.8/10
2. Bosch GBH 2-28 F
Price Range: 2,700 - 3,500 SEK
The Bosch GBH 2-28 F is a compact and powerful rotary hammer designed for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts. It’s perfect for drilling into concrete, stone, and brick, offering high performance with minimal weight.
- Power: 880 W
- Impact energy: 3.2 J
- Drilling Ø (concrete): 28 mm
- No-load speed: 0–900 rpm
- Impact rate: 0–4,000 impacts/min
- Weight: 3.1 kg
- Sound level: 91 dB(A)
More info on the Bosch product page
- KickBack Control for increased user safety
- Vibration Control for more comfortable operation
- Quick-change chuck for easy switching between SDS-plus and cylindrical drills
- Rotation stop for chiseling
- Overload clutch to protect user and machine
- High performance for both drilling and chiseling
- Effective safety features like KickBack Control and vibration damping
- Easy switching between drill bits with the quick-change chuck
- Slightly heavier compared to smaller models, but the stability is beneficial during use
Quality
9/10
Ease of use
9/10
Performance
9/10
Value for money
9/10
Total rating: 9/10
3. Dewalt D25333K
Price Range: 3,300 - 3,800 SEK
The Dewalt D25333K is a great mid-range rotary hammer, offering a good balance between power and weight. It's ideal for professionals who need a reliable tool for everyday tasks in concrete, stone, and brick.
- Power: 950 W
- Impact energy: 3.5 J
- Drilling Ø (concrete): 30 mm
- No-load speed: 0–1,150 rpm
- Impact rate: 0–4,100 impacts/min
- Weight: 3.7 kg
- Sound level:93 dB(A)
More info on the DeWalt product page
- Active vibration control with floating handle for reduced vibration
- Electronic speed and impact control for optimal performance
- Rotation stop for chiseling
- Mechanical clutch to prevent sudden torque during jamming
- Efficient drilling and chiseling in concrete and masonry
- Reduced vibration for increased user comfort
- Robust design for long durability
- Slightly higher weight, but this contributes to stability during heavy tasks
Quality
9/10
Ease of use
9/10
Performance
9/10
Value for money
8/10
Total rating: 8.8/10
4. Bosch GBH 5-40 DCE
Price Range: 6,700 - 9,000 SEK
The Bosch GBH 5-40 DCE is a high-performance rotary hammer ideal for heavy-duty professional use. It’s great for drilling into concrete and stone and features top-tier impact energy and vibration control.
- Power: 1,150 W
- Impact energy: 8.8 J
- Drilling Ø (concrete): 40 mm
- No-load speed: 165–340 rpm
- Impact rate: 1,500–3,050 impacts/min
- Weight: 6.8 kg
- Sound level: 93 dB(A)
More info on the Bosch product page
- Vibration Control: For comfortable use during extended work periods
- Robust design: Metal components and optimized lubrication system for long service life
- Powerful motor: Delivers high impact energy for fast drilling and high material removal rates
- Efficient drilling and chiseling in hard materials
- Ergonomic design for comfortable operation over long periods
- High durability due to robust components
- Slightly heavy for smaller tasks, but the performance makes it ideal for heavy-duty work
Quality
10/10
Ease of use
9/10
Performance
10/10
Value for money
8/10
Total rating: 9.3/10
5. Makita HR4013C
Price Range: 7,300 - 10,000 SEK
The Makita HR4013C is a reliable and powerful rotary hammer with excellent impact energy, perfect for both construction professionals and DIY users who need a durable tool.
- Power: 1,100 W
- Impact energy: 8.0 J
- Drilling Ø (concrete): 40 mm
- No-load speed: 250–500 rpm
- Impact rate: 1,450–2,900 impacts/min
- Weight: 6.8 kg
- Sound level: 93 dB(A)
More info on the Makita product page
- AVT (Anti-Vibration Technology) for extremely low vibration (4.8 m/s²)
- Electronic power adjustment and adjustable rotation speed
- Two functions: hammer drilling and chiseling
- Extra vibration damping in the handle
- Service light for carbon brush replacement and connection issues
- Low vibration level for longer and more comfortable use
- Efficient drilling and chiseling in concrete and tough materials
- Robust and ergonomic design for heavy-duty tasks
- Slightly heavy for smaller projects, but ideal for demanding use
Quality
10/10
Ease of use
9/10
Performance
10/10
Value for money
8/10
Total rating: 9.3/10
6. Metabo KHEV 5-40 BL
Price Range: 8,600 - 10,000 SEK
The Metabo KHEV 5-40 BL is an excellent choice for both professionals and serious DIY enthusiasts. It combines high power and durability, ideal for tackling tough drilling projects.
- Power: 1,150 W
- Impact energy: 8.7 J
- Drilling Ø (concrete): 40 mm
- No-load speed: 350–500 rpm
- Impact rate: 2,900 impacts/min
- Weight: 8.3 kg
- Sound level: 93 dB(A)
More info on the Metabo product page
- Metabo VibraTech (MVT) for effective vibration reduction
- SDS-max tool holder for quick and easy bit and chisel changes
- Robust construction with metal components for long durability
- Two-speed options for task-specific adjustment
- Efficient vibration damping for increased comfort during long work sessions
- High performance for demanding drilling and chiseling
- Robust design capable of handling heavy-duty tasks
- Slightly heavy, but it adds stability for heavy-duty use
Quality
9/10
Ease of use
9/10
Performance
10/10
Value for money
8/10
Total rating: 9/10
7. Bosch GBH 8-45 D
Price Range: 9,700 - 11,000 SEK
The Bosch GBH 8-45 D is a powerful and robust hammer drill with an SDS-max chuck and high impact energy. It is perfect for tough construction tasks and drilling into hard materials like concrete and stone.
- Power: 1,500 W
- Impact energy: 12.5 J
- Drilling Ø (concrete): 45 mm
- No-load speed: 165–300 rpm
- Impact rate: 1,475–2,700 impacts/min
- Weight: 8.2 kg
- Sound level: 105 dB(A)
More info on the Bosch product page
- SDS-max tool holder for quick bit and chisel changes
- Robust construction with metal components for long service life
- Powerful motor with high impact energy for fast drilling and high material removal rates
- Perfect balance between power and weight for various SDS-max tasks
- Long durability due to robust metal components
- Efficient drilling even in tough materials
- Relatively heavy, but provides stability for heavy-duty tasks
Quality
10/10
Ease of use
9/10
Performance
10/10
Value for money
7/10
Total rating: 9/10
8. Makita HR5212C
Price Range: 10,000 - 12,000 SEK
The Makita HR5212C is another robust option from Makita, designed for handling the toughest drilling tasks. This model provides high impact energy and is ideal for professionals working in demanding conditions.
- Power: 1,510 W
- Impact energy: 20.0 J
- Drilling Ø (concrete): 52 mm
- No-load speed: 150–310 rpm
- Impact rate: 1,100–2,250 impacts/min
- Weight: 11.9 kg
- Sound level: 98 dB(A
More info on the Makita product page
- AVT (Anti-Vibration Technology) for extremely low vibration performance
- Two functions: hammer drilling and chiseling
- Electronic power adjustment and adjustable rotation speed
- Vibration damping in the handle for increased user comfort
- Service light for carbon brush replacement and connection issues
- High impact energy and drilling capacity for demanding tasks
- Very low vibration levels for comfortable and safe operation
- Robust construction with advanced technology for long service life
- High weight may be demanding for some users, but the power compensates for it
Quality
10/10
Ease of use
9/10
Performance
10/10
Value for money
8/10
Total rating: 9.3/10
Compare products
| # | Product | Power | Price Range (SEK)Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Metabo KHE 2860 Quick | 880 W | 2,700 - 3,1002,700 - 3,100 SEK |
| 2 | Bosch GBH 2-28 F | 880 W | 2,700 - 3,5002,700 - 3,500 SEK |
| 3 | Dewalt D25333K | 950 W | 3,300 - 3,8003,300 - 3,800 SEK |
| 4 | Bosch GBH 5-40 DCE | 1,150 W | 6,700 - 9,0006,700 - 9,000 SEK |
| 5 | Makita HR4013C | 1,100 W | 7,300 - 10,0007,300 - 10,000 SEK |
| 6 | Metabo KHEV 5-40 BL | 1,150 W | 8,600 - 10,0008,600 - 10,000 SEK |
| 7 | Bosch GBH 8-45 D | 1,500 W | 9,700 - 11,0009,700 - 11,000 SEK |
| 8 | Makita HR5212C | 1,510 W | 10,000 - 12,00010,000 - 12,000 SEK |
Summary
Choosing the right hammer drill depends on your specific needs, whether you are a professional or a DIY enthusiast. For professionals who need maximum power and performance, models like the Bosch GBH 5-40 DCE and Makita HR5212C are excellent choices, offering exceptional impact energy and durability for heavy-duty tasks. If you're a DIYer or need a lighter option for smaller projects, models such as the Bosch GBH 2-28 F, Dewalt D25333K, or Metabo KHE 2860 Quick may be sufficient, as they provide a good balance between price and performance.
For those looking for a tool that combines high impact energy with good ergonomics, the Metabo KHEV 5-40 BL and Makita HR4013C are great alternatives, as they offer both power and user-friendliness.
When making your choice, consider factors like impact energy, weight, ergonomics, and durability to ensure you get the best tool for your needs, whether you’re a professional or a hobbyist.
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