Cordless Rotary Hammers

Cordless Rotary Hammers – Reliable and Powerful Tools for Professionals

Cordless rotary hammers are professional-grade tools designed for efficient drilling and chiseling in concrete, brick, and other tough materials. They are equipped with a brushless motor that ensures high performance, durability, and minimal heat even under heavy load.

Key features include: electronic speed control, an optional active vibration suppression system, rotation stop for chiseling, and impact stop for drilling. Thanks to their cordless design, these tools are perfect for mobile use on construction sites or during renovations.

Cordless Rotary Hammers: Selection Criteria

Drilling diameter and chuck type: SDS+ or SDS Max?
One of the most important criteria when choosing a cordless rotary hammer is the drilling diameter you plan to work with. This directly affects the type of chuck that suits your needs: SDS+ or SDS Max.

SDS+ - A Versatile Standard

• Drill bit diameter: up to 26 mm
• Tool weight: usually 2 to 4 kg
• Ideal for: Drilling holes for plugs and anchors, working with brick, tile, light concrete, installing sockets and switches, and general repair and installation tasks

SDS+ is the most common chuck type for cordless rotary hammers. It provides easy and fast accessory changes, along with sufficient power for most professional and home tasks.

SDS Max – For Heavy-Duty Work

• Drill bit diameter: 28 mm and above

• Tool weight: 5 kg and more

• Ideal for: Drilling into reinforced concrete, channeling for utilities, installing heavy structures, demolition work

Cordless rotary hammers with SDS Max chucks are high-performance professional tools. These models are ideal for users who regularly tackle large volumes of work, require deep and wide drilling, and want to stay mobile—without cords or extension cables.

Note: Using drill bits larger than your chuck supports can overload the tool, reduce its lifespan, or even cause it to break. Always use accessories within the specified capacity of your hammer.

Key Features of a Construction Rotary Hammer

A rotary hammer is an essential tool for both professionals and DIYers, significantly simplifying tasks involving drilling and chiseling. One of its standout features is multi-functionality. Modern models can perform three main functions: standard drilling, hammer drilling, and chiseling. This makes the tool versatile, suitable for soft materials like wood and drywall, as well as harder ones like concrete and brick. A mode selector lets users easily adapt the tool to the job.

Important Specs of Cordless Rotary Hammers: If Not Watts, Then What?

In corded models, we’re used to measuring power in watts. With cordless tools, it’s different. There’s no single “power” number—so we look at other specifications to understand performance.

1. Battery Voltage (V)

Voltage is the main power metric for cordless tools. The higher the voltage, the more energy it can deliver.

• 18V - the standard for both professional and home use
• 36V, 54V and above – heavy-duty machines for continuous use with tough material

But voltage alone doesn’t define performance—it must be considered alongside other specs.

2. Impact Energy (J)

One of the most critical specs. Measured in joules (J), it indicates how effectively the tool breaks materials.

• Light work (tiles, brick): 1.5–2 J
• Concrete and reinforced structures: 2.5 J and above

Higher impact energy means quicker, easier drilling into hard materials.

3. Impact Rate (bpm)

Indicates how many hammer blows the tool delivers per minute.

• Typical range: 4,000–5,000 bpm
• Combined with strong impact energy, a high rate helps you cut through dense concrete efficiently 

4. Rotation Speed (rpm)

Defines how fast the drill bit spins.

• Typical range for cordless hammers: 0–1,200 rpm
  Variable speed is important for adapting to different materials—slower for concrete, faster for brick

 5. Battery Capacity (Ah)

Determines how long the tool can run on a single charge.

• Recommended: 3.0 to 15.0 Ah
  Many models come with two batteries—one charges while the other is in use, enabling nearly uninterrupted work.

6. Weight and Balance

Tool weight affects not only comfort but also stability during use.

• Optimal weight for general use: 2.5 to 4 kg
  Good balance reduces fatigue and increases precision.

Conclusion

In cordless rotary hammers, “power” is a combination of multiple specs:

• Battery voltage
• Impact energy
• Rotation and impact rate
• Battery capacity
• Weight and ergonomics

Focus on overall balance, not just individual numbers. That’s how you’ll find the ideal tool for your tasks—reliable and long-lasting.

Motor Placement in Cordless Rotary Hammers: Horizontal vs. Vertical

When choosing a cordless rotary hammer, consider not just power and impact features, but also tool body design, which depends on motor placement. There are two main designs: horizontal (inline) and vertical (L-shaped or barrel grip). Each has its own pros, cons, and best-use scenarios.

Horizontal (Inline) Hammers

Motor is aligned with the drilling axis. Visually similar to a regular drill, this is the most common cordless design.

Pros:

• Compact size for tight spaces
• Lighter weight—less fatigue during one-handed use
• Great for overhead and wall work

Cons:

• Typically lower impact energy (up to 2.5–3 J)
• May overheat with extended use
• Less durable under heavy load

When to choose: For lightweight installation, brick drilling, and overhead work.

Vertical (Barrel-Type) Hammers
Motor is perpendicular to the drilling axis. The design is bulkier but more balanced. Preferred by pros handling tough materials.

Pros:

• Higher impact energy — 3 J and above
• Better for prolonged use and has effective cooling
• Ideal for vertical drilling and demolition

Cons:

• Larger and heavier
• Less suitable for overhead or confined-area work

When to choose: For concrete, reinforced walls, construction sites, or demolition.

Top Rotary Hammer Brands: DeWalt and STANLEY FATMAX

Leading rotary hammer brands include DeWalt and STANLEY FATMAX, known for their quality and reliability. Founded in 1924, DeWalt offers a wide range of power tools, including robust rotary hammers ideal for both pros and DIYers. The brand is famous for innovation and durability, helping users tackle the toughest jobs with ease. DeWalt tools feature ergonomic designs for added comfort during extended use.

STANLEY FATMAX, part of Stanley Black & Decker, is praised for its practicality and affordability. This brand offers high-quality tools that meet the needs of professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike. STANLEY FATMAX rotary hammers are known for their durability and ease of use. With modern features, they make drilling and chiseling more efficient and safe. The choice between DeWalt and STANLEY FATMAX often depends on user needs and preferences—both offer reliable, high-performance models.