How do you use a hammer drill for beginners?

Using a hammer drill for the first time can be intimidating. However, with some basic knowledge and safety precautions, anyone can learn how to operate one properly. In this beginner’s guide, we will cover everything you need to know to use a hammer drill successfully on your projects.

What is a Hammer Drill?

A hammer drill, also known as a rotary hammer, is a power tool that combines rapid hammering blows with rotation to drill through hard materials like concrete, brick, and stone. The hammering action provides a pounding force in addition to the spinning drill bit to break through tough material that a regular drill cannot. Hammer drills make drilling holes in concrete faster and easier.

Hammer drills look similar to regular drills but have additional settings to control the hammering action. They require a specialist drill bit like a masonry or carbide bit to withstand the hammering forces.

When Should You Use a Hammer Drill?

The main benefit of a hammer drill is the ability to drill into hard, brittle materials. Here are some of the most common applications:

• Drilling holes in concrete walls and floors to hang shelves, anchors, wiring, etc.
• Drilling holes through bricks, concrete blocks, and mortar for projects like installing tapcons and anchoring bolts
• Drilling into stone materials like granite, marble, and tile for fixtures and mounts
• Boring holes in asphalt or concrete for fence posts and signs
• Drilling anchor holes in concrete for deck and patio projects

You should avoid using a hammer drill on metal, wood, and other soft materials. The impact force can damage these softer materials. For basic jobs into wood or drywall, a regular drill/driver is better suited.

Hammer Drill Features

Hammer drills have a few key features that differentiate them from standard power drills:

• Hammering Mechanism – Provides pounding force from a piston rapidly striking the rear of the drill bit shank as it spins.
• SDS Chuck – Allows drill bits to slide into the chuck and be held securely by spring-loaded jaws.
• Impact Force Control – Lets you adjust the hammering blow force with settings like “high impact” or “low impact”.
• Rotary-Only Mode – Option to disable the hammering mechanism and use the drill normally.
• Depth Gauge – For presetting the exact drilling depth.
• Safety Clutch – Prevents twist of the drill if the bit gets stuck.
• Brushless Motor – For more efficiency, power and runtime vs brushed motors.

How to Choose a Hammer Drill

Consider these factors when selecting the best hammer drill for your needs:

• Power – Hammer drills use volts as a measure of power. Look for 18V or higher for heavy duty concrete drilling. SDS max drills offer the most powerful hammering.
• Corded vs Cordless – Corded models provide continuous power while cordless offers portability. Larger projects may require a corded hammer drill.
• Impact Energy – Expressed in Blows Per Minute (BPM), impact energy determines drilling speed. Look for 4,000+ BPM for concrete drilling.
• Chuck Size – The chuck holds the drill bit. Common sizes are SDS plus (10mm) and SDS max (13mm) for impact bits.
• Speed Settings – Multiple speed settings allow control over drilling speed for different materials.
• Comfort Features – Look for an auxiliary handle, vibration control, and brushless motor for more comfort during extended use.

How to Use a Hammer Drill

Here are the basic steps to operate a hammer drill safely and effectively on your project:

1. Select the Right Accessories – Choose an impact-rated masonry bit that matches the chuck size of your hammer drill. Use eye protection, work gloves, and a face mask.
2. Mark the Hole Locations – Use a marker or center punch to mark the spots to be drilled so the bit doesn’t wander.
3. Start Drilling – Place the tip of the bit on the marked hole location while the drill is powered off. Then turn on the drill.
4. Apply Steady Pressure – Press the bit against the surface while gradually easing into the material. Apply enough force so the hammering mechanism engages.
5. Control Speed – Increase the speed slowly as the hole deepens. Use lower RPM for hard materials like concrete. Higher speeds on softer stone.
6. Clean Dust Frequently – Pull the bit out periodically to clear dust and debris from the hole to prevent binding.
7. Use Lubricant if Needed – Water or cutting oil can help keep the bit cool when drilling a deep hole into concrete or stone.
8. Finish the Hole – Continue until the desired depth is reached. Back the bit out by turning slowly in reverse.

Hammer Drill Technique Tips

• Let the tool do the work. Don’t force it. Excessive pressure can damage the bit, motor, or work surface.
• Keep the bit perpendicular to the work surface for clean, accurate holes.
• Drill test holes first if you are unsure about hitting something behind/below the surface.
• Start drilling at lower power settings and increase gradually. Too much power can cause the bit to bind.
• Use smooth, controlled motions. Don’t bounce up and down.
• Apply more pressure when hammering mechanism engages for maximum impact energy.
• Lift the bit frequently to remove debris for better drilling efficiency.

Hammer Drill Safety

While very handy for concrete and masonry work, hammer drills can be dangerous if not used properly. Keep these safety tips in mind:

• Wear eye protection – bits can eject chips or dust into your face.
• Use thick, padded gloves – vibration can damage nerves in your hands.
• Wear ear plugs – hammer drills are very loud, even brief exposure can harm hearing.
• Use a dust mask – concrete dust contains silica, a lung hazard if inhaled.
• Check your work area – make sure there are no hidden wires, pipes or hazards behind the surface before drilling.
• Secure unstable surfaces – brace or clamp down any blocks or bricks that may shift while drilling.
• Unplug when adjusting or cleaning – accidental start ups can cause injury.
• Maintain proper footing – vibration can cause you to lose balance.

Troubleshooting Hammer Drill Problems

Here are some common problems and solutions if your hammer drill is not performing correctly:

Hole Not Clean/Bit Jamming

• Clear debris from hole frequently while drilling
• Use proper hammering technique – smooth, even pressure
• Check that hammering mechanism is engaged
• Use correct style bit for the material
• Reduce drilling speed if bit is jamming up

Drill Slow/Lacks Power

• Make sure battery is fully charged or use outlet power
• Switch to lower gear if drill labors in high gear
• Check for button to activate hammering mechanism
• See if bit is worn out and needs replacing

Excessive Vibration

• Check if bit is worn out, damaged or wrong size
• Make sure bit is fully inserted into chuck
• Try a lower speed setting
• Hold tool with firm, steady pressure
• Have internal mechanism checked by repair shop

Drill Overheats

• Avoid forcing bit at too high drill speed
• Use water or cutting oil as lubricant
• Let drill rest periodically to cool motor
• Drill hole in stages by starting/stopping
• Clean drill vents which may have dust blocking

Conclusion

While hammer drills take some practice to master, they are a tremendously useful tool for concrete drilling and similar masonry tasks. Follow the guidelines above for choosing the right hammer drill and accessories for the job. Get comfortable with operating the basic features and drilling techniques. Remember to always make safety your top priority by wearing protection and being alert. With some experience under your belt, you will find that a hammer drill can help tackle repairs and projects around the house that may have seemed out of reach before.