Hammer Action
Affiliate link — we may earn a commissionHammer action adds a rapid forward-and-back pulsing to the drill's rotation. The bit spins and hammers simultaneously, pulverizing masonry while the rotation clears debris. A hammer drill delivers 28,000 to 36,000 BPM (blows per minute) at low amplitude. This is different from a rotary hammer, which uses a piston mechanism for heavier concrete work. Hammer drills handle concrete anchors, brick, and block up to about 1/2-inch diameter. Beyond that, rent a rotary hammer.
Why It Matters
Without hammer action, a standard drill bit skates across concrete and brick instead of cutting. If you do any masonry work, even occasional anchor holes, you need a drill with a hammer mode. If you never drill into masonry, you don't need it.