Best Hammer Drills for Concrete Anchors
Direct answer. The DeWalt 20V MAX XR Brushless Hammer Drill DCD1007B is our top pick for most concrete anchor jobs. It has the highest torque in this set at 2,100 in-lbs, a 3 speed transmission, and an anti rotation system that helps when a bit binds. If you drill concrete anchors often, the Bosch SDS-plus Bulldog Xtreme Rotary Hammer 11255VSR is the stronger choice for concrete, because a rotary hammer hits harder than a standard hammer drill. For the lowest cost entry, the Ryobi ONE+ HP Hammer Drill PBLHM101B is the budget pick.
Comparison at a glance
Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key spec | Price range |
|---|---|---|---|
| DeWalt 20V MAX XR Brushless Hammer Drill DCD1007B | Most concrete anchor jobs | 2,100 in-lbs, ANTI-ROTATION | Check current price |
| Milwaukee M18 FUEL Hammer Drill/Driver 2904-20 | Compact power | 1,400 in-lbs, 33,000 BPM, 6.9 in | Check current price |
| Bosch SDS-plus Bulldog Xtreme Rotary Hammer 11255VSR | Frequent concrete drilling | 8.0 amp, 2.0 ft-lbs, 3 modes | Check current price |
| Makita 18V LXT Hammer Driver-Drill XPH14Z | Balanced cordless pick | 1,250 in-lbs, 31,500 BPM | Check current price |
| Ryobi ONE+ HP Hammer Drill PBLHM101B | Budget and ONE+ owners | 750 in-lbs, 24 position clutch | Check current price |
How we researched
Compare specs
Maker specifications, checked side by side.
Read owner themes
Recurring strengths and complaints in owner reviews.
Check the fit
Size, power, compatibility and everyday use.
Verify before publishing
Details rechecked on the last verified date above.
How we research
We compared specs, maker data and owner reviews for 5 hammer drill models. Amazon US blocked access for automated checks on 2026-11-06, so we could not open any Amazon US product page for the 5 products in this guide. All 5 products could not be confirmed, and ASIN_TBD is shown for each one rather than a guessed ASIN. Our criteria were hammer drilling power for concrete at 30 percent, ease of use and control at 25 percent, battery platform and included accessories at 20 percent, value at 15 percent, and size and weight at 10 percent. Sources were maker pages, maker manuals, and maker specification sheets, checked on 2026-11-06. We did not pick any model based on what it costs at Amazon. Read the maker manual for your drill before you use it, and wear eye protection, hearing protection, and a dust mask when drilling concrete, because concrete dust contains silica and can harm your lungs.
DeWalt 20V MAX XR Brushless Hammer Drill DCD1007B
Best for most concrete anchor jobs, especially homeowners who already own DeWalt 20V MAX batteries and want the strongest cordless hammer drill in this set.
Key specs are 20V MAX XR, with a nominal voltage of 18V, a brushless motor, a 1/2 inch chuck, and a 3 speed transmission. It is rated at 2,100 in-lbs of max torque and delivers up to 275 holes per charge with the DCB2108 battery and a 7/8 inch auger in 1-1/2 inch fir. It has the PERFORM and PROTECT ANTI-ROTATION system. It is sold as a tool only, with battery and charger sold separately.
Pros:
- Highest torque in this set at 2,100 in-lbs, so it keeps turning when a masonry bit meets hard concrete.
- ANTI-ROTATION system senses a bind up and shuts the tool down, which helps control a high torque drill.
- Up to 275 holes per charge with the DCB2108 battery, so long anchor jobs need fewer battery swaps.
Con: Sold as a tool only, so a 20V MAX battery and charger are extra, and its high torque needs a firm grip when a bit binds in concrete.
Owner review themes point to owners who praise the strong torque for drilling into concrete and brick, the anti rotation system, and the long runtime on a large battery. The recurring complaints are the tool only price once a battery and charger are added, and the size and weight on overhead work.
Price: Check current price.
Check current price on AmazonMilwaukee M18 FUEL Hammer Drill/Driver 2904-20
Best for buyers who want strong power in a short body, and for anyone already on the Milwaukee M18 battery platform.
Key specs are 18V M18 FUEL, a POWERSTATE brushless motor, 1,400 in-lbs of torque, and speeds of 0 to 500 and 0 to 2,100 RPM. It delivers up to 33,000 BPM and has a 1/2 inch all metal chuck. It is 6.9 inches long and weighs 3.3 lbs without a battery. It has the AUTOSTOP control mode and REDLINK PLUS intelligence. It is sold as a tool only, with battery and charger sold separately.
Pros:
- 1,400 in-lbs of torque in a compact 6.9 inch body, so it fits tight spots and still drives anchor holes.
- AUTOSTOP control mode reduces over rotation when the bit binds, which helps on hard concrete.
- 33,000 BPM gives a fast hammer rate for drilling masonry and concrete.
Con: Sold as a tool only, so an M18 battery and charger are extra, and at 3.3 lbs without a battery it is not the lightest pick here for overhead anchor holes.
Owner review themes point to owners who praise the compact length, the strong torque for an 18V drill, and the AUTOSTOP feature for safer drilling. Complaints focus on the tool only cost, heat buildup on long concrete sessions, and the weight once a large battery is fitted.
Price: Check current price.
Check current price on AmazonBosch SDS-plus Bulldog Xtreme Rotary Hammer 11255VSR
Best for frequent concrete drilling, larger anchor holes, and light chiseling, where a standard hammer drill is too slow.
Key specs are an 8.0 amp motor, 2.0 ft-lbs of impact energy, and 0 to 5,800 BPM. It weighs 6.7 lbs and has 3 modes: rotary hammer, rotation only, and hammer only. It has Vario-Lock positioning with 36 positions, an integral clutch, and SDS-plus tool free bit changes. It has a D-handle, a HammerHook, and it works with the Bosch PRO+GUARD dust system. The kit includes an auxiliary handle, a depth gauge, and a carrying case.
Pros:
- SDS-plus rotary hammer action with 2.0 ft-lbs of impact energy drills concrete anchor holes faster than a standard hammer drill.
- Three modes cover rotary hammer, rotation only, and hammer only work, so it also chisels and drills without hammering.
- Vario-Lock with 36 positions sets the chisel angle for breaking and chiseling work.
Con: Corded and 6.7 lbs, so it needs an outlet and is heavier overhead than the cordless picks, and it takes SDS-plus bits only, so standard round shank masonry bits do not fit.
Owner review themes point to owners who praise the fast drilling in concrete and brick, the three modes, and the solid Bulldog build. Complaints focus on the weight on overhead work, the cord limiting movement, and the cost of SDS-plus bits compared with standard masonry bits.
Price: Check current price.
Check current price on AmazonMakita 18V LXT Hammer Driver-Drill XPH14Z
Best for buyers who want a balanced cordless hammer drill for concrete anchors plus everyday drilling and driving, and who already own Makita 18V LXT batteries.
Key specs are 18V LXT, a BL brushless motor, 1,250 in-lbs of max torque, and speeds of 0 to 550 and 0 to 2,100 RPM. It delivers 0 to 8,250 and 0 to 31,500 BPM. Its capacities are 5/8 inch in masonry, 1/2 inch in steel, and 3 inch in wood. It is 7 inches long overall and weighs 6 lbs with a battery. It has LED lights and Extreme Protection Technology for dust and water resistance, plus an all metal 1/2 inch self ratcheting chuck. It is sold as a tool only, with battery and charger sold separately.
Pros:
- 1,250 in-lbs of torque and 31,500 BPM give fast masonry drilling for anchor holes.
- Compact 7 inch length with LED lights helps in dark corners and tight spots.
- Extreme Protection Technology is built for dust and water resistance on job sites.
Con: Sold as a tool only, so an 18V LXT battery and charger are extra, and the 5/8 inch masonry capacity is smaller than the rotary hammer pick for larger anchor holes.
Owner review themes point to owners who praise the compact size, the smooth brushless motor, and the LED lights for working in cabinets and corners. Complaints focus on the tool only cost, the weight with a 5.0Ah battery fitted, and the masonry capacity limit on larger holes.
Price: Check current price.
Check current price on AmazonRyobi ONE+ HP Hammer Drill PBLHM101B
Best for budget buyers and anyone already on the Ryobi ONE+ battery platform who needs a hammer drill for occasional concrete anchors.
Key specs are 18V ONE+ HP, a brushless motor, 750 in-lbs of max torque, and a maximum speed of 2,100 RPM. It has a 1/2 inch chuck, a 24 position clutch, and 3 modes: drill, drive, and hammer. It has an LED light. Its drilling capacities are 2 inch in wood and 1/2 inch in metal. It is sold as a tool only, with battery and charger sold separately.
Pros:
- 750 in-lbs of torque and a 24 position clutch give controlled driving and drilling for household anchor jobs.
- Three modes cover drill, drive, and hammer work in one tool, so it also handles wood and metal.
- The ONE+ battery fits over 300 Ryobi ONE+ tools, so it is a low cost way into a large tool system.
Con: At 750 in-lbs it has the lowest torque in this set, so large anchor holes in hard concrete take longer, and it is sold as a tool only, so a battery and charger are extra.
Owner review themes point to owners who praise the low cost, the simple three mode selector, and the shared ONE+ battery system. Complaints focus on slower drilling in hard concrete, the tool only cost for new ONE+ buyers, and the lack of a side handle in the box for heavy hammer drilling.
Price: Check current price.
Check current price on AmazonQuestions to ask before buying
What size hammer drill do I need for concrete anchors?
Most household concrete anchors use holes from 3/16 inch to 1/2 inch, and any of the cordless picks in this guide can drill those sizes in concrete block and poured concrete with a sharp carbide masonry bit. For anchors above 1/2 inch, or for many holes in hard poured concrete, the Bosch rotary hammer is the better choice, because its piston driven impact energy cuts faster and with less push from you. Match the drill to the largest anchor you plan to set, not the smallest, and check the anchor maker instructions for the exact hole size and depth.
How do I drill into concrete safely, and what protection do I need?
Wear safety glasses, hearing protection, and a dust mask or respirator when drilling concrete, because concrete dust contains crystalline silica and can harm your lungs. Use the side handle if your drill has one, keep both hands on the tool, and let the hammer action do the work instead of pushing hard. Pull the bit out of the hole often to clear dust, and use a dust collection attachment or a vacuum where the maker offers one. Read the maker manual for your drill before you use it, and never drill into a wall or slab until you have checked for hidden pipes and cables.
What is the difference between a hammer drill and a rotary hammer?
A hammer drill uses a mechanical clutch that taps the bit forward many times per minute while it spins, and it suits light to medium concrete and brick work. A rotary hammer uses a piston to drive the bit forward with much higher impact energy, and it suits frequent concrete drilling, larger holes, and light chiseling. Rotary hammers use SDS-plus or SDS-max bits that lock into the chuck, while hammer drills use standard round shank bits. If you drill a few anchor holes a year, a hammer drill is enough. If you drill concrete weekly, a rotary hammer saves time and effort.
What masonry bits and anchor types work with these drills?
Use carbide tipped masonry bits, and match the bit size to the anchor instructions. Common household anchors are concrete screws, wedge anchors, sleeve anchors, and drop in anchors, and each needs a specific hole diameter and depth. SDS-plus bits fit only the Bosch rotary hammer here, while the cordless picks take standard round shank masonry bits in a 1/2 inch chuck. Replace a masonry bit when it stops cutting, because a dull bit overheats, wanders, and can crack the concrete around the hole.
Do I need a cordless or corded hammer drill for anchor holes?
A cordless hammer drill is the better choice for a few anchor holes around the house, because it moves freely and needs no outlet. A corded rotary hammer is the better choice for many holes, large holes, or hard poured concrete, because it never runs out of battery and hits harder. If you already own batteries on one platform, a cordless pick on that platform is usually the best value. If you own no batteries, add the cost of a battery and charger to the tool only price before you compare.
Frequently asked questions
Can a regular drill drill into concrete, or do I need hammer mode?
A regular drill can drill soft brick and block slowly with a masonry bit, but it struggles in poured concrete. Hammer mode adds thousands of small impacts per minute that break the concrete ahead of the bit, so it drills faster and with less pressure. For concrete anchors, use hammer mode or a rotary hammer.
What size hole do I drill for a 1/4 inch concrete screw anchor?
Follow the anchor maker instructions, because the hole size depends on the anchor brand and type. Many 1/4 inch concrete screw anchors need a 3/16 inch hole, while wedge and sleeve anchors often need a hole the same size as the anchor. Drill the hole slightly deeper than the anchor length so dust has somewhere to go.
How deep should I drill an anchor hole?
Drill at least as deep as the anchor maker states, and usually a little deeper so dust does not stop the anchor from seating. Use the depth gauge or a piece of tape on the bit to mark the depth. Do not drill deeper than needed in a thin slab or wall, and check the thickness before you start.
Why does my hammer drill bit stop cutting in concrete?
The usual causes are a dull or worn carbide tip, too little pressure, or dust packed in the hole. Pull the bit out often to clear dust, use steady pressure without forcing the drill, and replace the bit when the carbide tip looks rounded or chipped. Hard aggregate in poured concrete can also slow a standard hammer drill, and that is when a rotary hammer helps.
Can I use these drills for wood and metal too?
Yes. All five picks here also drill wood and metal, and the cordless picks have a drill only mode and a clutch for driving screws. Switch out of hammer mode for wood and metal, use the right bit for the material, and use low speed for metal so the bit does not overheat.
Sources
- DeWalt DCD1007B maker page: https://www.dewalt.com/en-us/product/dcd1007b/20v-max-xr-brushless-cordless-12-3-speed-hammer-drill-tool-only (checked 2026-11-06)
- Milwaukee 2904-20 maker press release: https://www1.milwaukeetool.com/news/press-releases/milwaukee-dominates-high-performance-drilling-driving-with-their-new-m18-fuel-drill-and-impact (checked 2026-11-06)
- Bosch 11255VSR product content catalog: https://sites.salsify.com/0b064b68-faac-4949-8b62-ca9ee1c6b803/5e743a65-1b8f-4e84-9a07-1c89f6f3b8e4/product/11255VSR/11255VSR (checked 2026-11-06)
- Makita XPH14Z specification sheet: https://assets.unilogcorp.com/267/ITEM/DOC/Makita_XPH14Z_Specification_Sheet.pdf (checked 2026-11-06)
- Ryobi PBLHM101B instruction manual: https://manuals.plus/hmn/asin/B099D34NPT (checked 2026-11-06)