A hammer drill is a powerful tool with both rotary and hammering actions. This dual action makes them suitable for heavy-duty tasks like drilling into concrete.
In this blog post, we'll discuss hammer drills in detail. We'll talk about their components, uses, and everything. Let's get going!

1. What are Hammer Drills?

As we discussed, the primary job of a hammer drill is to drill into hard surfaces. But if you turn off its hammering action, you can use it as a screwdriver, too.
Hammer drills consist of several components, each serving a specific function. These parts and their functions are as follows:

Components of a Hammer Drill:

1. Motor: The primary source of power for the drill. It can either be brushless or brushed.
2. Chucks: They hold the drill bits and other attachments in place. Examples include keyed chucks, keyless chucks, and SDS(slotted drive system) chucks.
3. Switch: To choose between hammering and rotary modes.
4. Drill bits: These are the actual cutting tools that remove material and create holes in the target surface. They come in various shapes and sizes.
5. LED light: To have a better look at the drilling site and improve accuracy.
6. Speed control switch: To control how fast the drill hammers.
7. Batteries(only for cordless drills)
8. Gearbox: This is present in the drill's core and helps you control the power and torque.
9. Damping system: To avoid unnecessary vibrations that the drill might produce.
10. Drill stops: These are adjustable mechanisms that limit how deep the drill bit can penetrate the material.

How Hammer Drills Are Different From Rotary Drills?

Rotary drills have only rotary action. Hammer drills do both hammering and rotation. Rotary drills can be used on softer surfaces like wood and metal. Hammer drills, due to their striking action, are suitable for hard materials.
Hammer drills usually give you an option to turn off the hammering action. So you can use them as rotary drills, too.

2. How Does a Hammer Drill Work?

An electric motor provides mechanical energy that powers the drill. It rotates the motor's shaft.
This rotation is paired with the gearbox and the chuck. Using the gearbox, you can adjust the power and speed of rotation.
The rotating shaft moves the chuck. The chuck is attached to the drill bit. So it rotates, too.
For the hammering action, the shaft of the motor is also linked to two cams/gears. As the motor spins, these two gears rotate into each other.
The gears are designed to create a percussive motion, which drives the drill bit forward with each rotation, allowing it to penetrate harder materials, which creates the hammering and striking movement.

Common Uses of a Hammer Drill

We use hammer drills extensively in both households and industries. Following are some of the common examples:

Drilling into Hard Materials
These drills are ideal for heavy-duty work. So, they are used in masonry to drill into bricks. They can also be used to drill into hard stones for anchoring purposes. It would help if you primarily used it on tough stones for optimal performance, while softer stones like limestone can be drilled but may require specific techniques to avoid damage.

Construction and Renovation Projects
You can use hammer drills to create points for fixing shelves and cabinets. They are also needed to fix drop-in angles and toggle bolts. As house walls are made up of concrete, regular drills can't drill into them.

DIY Home Improvement
If you tweak your house from time to time, you know you need to drill holes for anchors often. Hammer drills help you drill holes for anchors when installing new cabinets on walls or mounting a heavy TV. You can install outdoor lights or remove old fixtures easily with hammer drills.

Masonry Work
Different types of anchors are used in masonry. Examples are strike anchors, sleeve anchors, concrete screws, and drive anchors. Each of them has a specific function. The hammer drill is used to fix these anchors.
Construction workers also use these drills for demolition purposes. A common example is reconstructing the sidewalk. Hammer drills drill holes in the concrete. This is then broken using a hammer and chisel.

Other Specialized Applications
You can also use hammer drills to remove and replace tiles in buildings. The broken tiles are removed by drilling holes through them.
A very special example to note is the use of these drills to mix concrete, mortar, and cement during construction work. This is done using paddle attachments. When other options are not available, hammer drills and paddle attachments can easily mix the construction material and save a lot of time and effort.

3. Choosing the Right Hammer Drill

Hammer drills have quite a few types. It would help if you chose the hammer drill that best meets your specific project requirements. So, first, let's have a quick overview of the types of hammer drills.

3.1 Types of Hammer Drills

Hammer drills can typically be divided into corded and cordless categories.

Corded:

These drills require a constant power supply. Corded hammer drills are suited for large-scale jobs. They are also your go-to drills in situations where continuous use is required.
A few specialized types of hammer drills that are generally corded are as follows:

SDS Hammer Drills:
The SDS stands for Slotted Drive System. These drills use a chuck system. These drills are more heavy-duty and used for bigger commercial projects.

Rotary Hammer Drills: Rotary hammer drills use an electro-pneumatic hammering mechanism. They have two pistons. One moves to and fro inside a cylinder and the other one is the flying piston present on the opposite end of the drive piston. These are also specialized heavy-duty drills that are used for large commercial projects.

Cordless:

Cordless hammer drills use rechargeable batteries. They are portable and easy to carry. They are best suited for outdoor use.
They also come in a few variations:

Compact Hammer Drills: These are small and highly portable. Compact drills are best to use in congested hard to hard-to-reach places.

Brushless Motor Hammer Drills: Brushless motor motors are more advanced than brushed motors. They are also more durable and easy to maintain.

3.2 SDS (Slotted Drive System) vs. Regular Hammer Drills

The primary difference between SDS and regular hammer drills is that SDS ones are more heavy-duty. They have a specialized chuck system that works with specialized drill bits.
SDS drills can be either corded or cordless, with corded versions requiring a constant direct power supply. The three main types are SDS-Max, SDS-Plus, and standard SDS. The SDS-Max is the most powerful.
A standard hammer drill has a conventional chuck system and uses standard drill bits. Modern hammer drills are cordless and have brushless motors. They are suited for most household and low-grade commercial work.

3.3 Key Features to Consider When Selecting a Hammer Drill

When you buy a hammer drill, you need to look out for a few features. You should ensure it is durable. Prefer a brushless motor over a brushed one, as brushless motors perform better. If you don't need the hassle of a cord, choose a cordless one.
Also, check out the drill's speed and power and ensure that it fits your needs. Lastly, the drill should have an ergonomic design so that your arms don't strain while using it.
Now, let us introduce you to an exemplary hammer drill that meets all the quality criteria discussed. It's ONEVAN 26 mm 2000W Brushless Cordless Electric Hammer Drill It's durable, handy, and efficient. It's everything you've ever wished for in a hammer. The following is a brief overview of its features.
Power: 2000w
Speed: 0-3200 rpm
Hammer frequency: 10600 bpm
Function: 4 functions
Maximum drilling diameter: 26mm
Capacity: Concrete 16mm / Steel 13mm / Wood 26mm

4. How to Use a Hammer Drill Safely?

Now, let's learn how we can use hammer drills safely and effectively.

4.1 Safety Precautions

Safety should always be your top priority. Make sure you keep the following precautions.
Always use personal protective equipment (PPE). This includes:

1. Dust masks: To prevent inhalation of dust and debris
2. Safety goggles: To prevent debris from entering the eyes
3. Ear protection: To prevent noise damage
4. Safety boots: To avoid foot damage if objects fall
5. Gloves: For a better grip and prevent injury.

4.2 Tips for Safe Drilling:

While using a hammer drill, keep the following things in mind:

1. Always stop the hammer drill before attempting to reverse its direction
2. Clean the vents of hammer drills regularly
3. Use both hands for handling the hammer drill for a firm grip
4. Do not use damaged drill bits
5. Keep pushing your best. Drillbit can break or chances of unbalance during operation
6. Always ensure the hammer drill is turned off and unplugged before changing the drill bit. 
7. Lubricating the drillbits before using
8. Follow the manufacturer's manufacturers manual
9. Take the drill bit out every 15 seconds to clear the hole of dust

4.3 Common Mistakes While Using a Hammer Drill

The previous section told you what to do with a hammer drill. Now, here's a list of what not to do. Here are some common mistakes that people make while using hammer drills. Make sure to avoid them.

1. Using the wrong bit size and type
2. Applying excessive force
3. Selecting the wrong mode
4. Positioning drill inappropriately
5. Overlooking drill maintenance
6. Not securing the workpiece
7. Skipping pilot holes

5. Step-by-Step Guide to Using a Hammer Drill

If you're using a hammer drill for the first time, don't worry. Keep in mind the above checklist of do's and don'ts, and follow this step-by-step guide.

Step 1. Prepare the workspace:
In order to prepare the workspace, you should:

1. De-clutter the workspace
2. Secure the material to be drilled.
3. Check the power supply before operating (Batteries should be charged if it is a cordless hammer drill)
4. Wear personal protective equipment.

2- Select the right drill bit
Make sure that you choose the right bit.

1. Choose the right drill bit type and size based on your work.  
2. Masonry drill bits are best for hammer drills and are used with concrete, stone, or brick. SDS Bits can endure the heavy hammering actions.
3. Insert the bit in the chuck and check if it is secured.

3- Use the right technique
For the best drilling, you should:

1. Set the depth of drill bits
2. The drillbit should be perpendicular to the surface being drilled
3. Begin drilling at a slower speed to create a reference hole. Increase speed afterward
4. For tasks related to wall mounting, start drilling at a slight angle, then gradually bring the drill perpendicular to the surface.

6. The Maintenance and Care of Hammer Drill

If you maintain your hammer drill properly, it will stay durable for years. Use proper drill bits. Don't apply too much force while drilling. Clean the drill after every use. If your drill is battery-powered, charge the battery regularly and avoid letting it completely discharge to maintain battery health. This caution will protect the battery health of your hammer drill.

7. Benefits of Using a Hammer Drill

Hammer drills have a number of benefits. Some of them are as follows:

1. Hammer drills are powerful and efficient. They can drill hard material in no time.
2. They are versatile and suitable for a wide range of applications. From household improvement to commercial projects, hammer drills always come in handy.
3. If you care for them properly, they'll they'll stay with you for years. They continue to provide excellent performance over time.

8. Conclusion

Hammer drills are powerful and efficient tools. They combine hammering and rotary movements to drill into hard materials. They can be used for various tasks, from home improvements to industrial projects.
Cordless hammer drills are portable, efficient, and more advanced than their corded counterparts. Unless you're undertaking large-scale projects such as sidewalk reconstruction, a cordless hammer drill will meet most of your needs. An excellent example is the ONEVAN Brushless Cordless Drill, which provides a superb drilling experience.

9. FAQs

1. What drill bits should I use with a hammer drill?
Masonry bits are ideal for regular hammer drills. They are best suited for most of the household and industrial world.

2. How long can I continuously use a hammer drill before it overheats?
A cordless hammer drill can start overheating after 15-30 minutes. This can vary depending on the type of drill and the nature of the task.

3. Is it safe to use a hammer drill on a ladder or elevated platform?
It's generally not recommended to use a hammer drill on a ladder or elevated surface due to safety risks. If necessary, ensure proper safety measures are in place.

4. Are there any surfaces or materials where using a hammer drill is not recommended?
Hammer drill is primarily suited to hard material. So, it's not recommended to use it for very soft surfaces like softwood. It can cause irreversible damage.