10 Best Drills For Masonry in 2026

A 7.2-pound corded rotary hammer hits the sweet spot for serious DIY masonry work. The 9-amp motor delivers a solid 3 joules of impact energy, which is more than enough for drilling into concrete or brick without being unwieldy. Its four operating modes make it versatile enough to handle drilling, light chiseling, and even tile removal, while the vibration control system means your hands won’t be numb after a morning’s work. This combination of capable power and thoughtful ergonomics makes it a reliable, go-to tool for homeowners tackling substantial projects.

The trade-off is its specialization. It only accepts SDS-Plus bits, so you can’t just grab a standard drill bit from your kit. While its power is ample for most tasks, it’s not built for all-day professional demolition like the heavier Bosch Bulldog Xtreme. For the majority of weekend warriors facing foundation anchors, block walls, or a bathroom remodel, the Deshuo provides the right amount of muscle without the bulk or complexity of pro-grade gear.

This cordless SDS rotary hammer delivers 2.1 Joules of impact energy for fast drilling in concrete. Its SHOCKS ACTIVE VIBRATION CONTROL system reduces vibration felt at the handles compared to models without this feature, which can lessen user fatigue during prolonged tasks like strut mounting. A brushless motor and durable German-engineered mechanism are included for efficient performance and runtime.

The main trade-off is that it’s a bare tool, so you need to already own or budget for a DeWalt 20V MAX battery and charger. Its 6.4-pound weight is light for its class, lighter than the Bosch Bulldog Xtreme, for example. Still, it’s substantially heftier than a compact hammer driver-drill like the DeWalt DCD806B. Choose this rotary hammer when you need dedicated masonry power and the convenience of cordless operation. Opt for a standard hammer drill if your work is mostly wood and metal with only occasional light concrete.

The AUTOSTOP Control feature is the real story here. It actively senses when the bit binds in masonry and shuts the tool down, which dramatically reduces the risk of a violent kickback that can twist your wrist or damage the workpiece. For anyone drilling into reinforced concrete or overhead where control is critical, this built-in safety makes the Milwaukee a standout. Its cordless design provides mobility for working away from an outlet.

You do pay a bit for that protection in size and weight. At 7.5 pounds, it is heavier than other SDS-Plus rotary hammers like the DeWalt DCH273B, which is 6.4 pounds. This makes the Milwaukee a more substantial tool to handle. For dedicated masonry work where bind-up is a real concern, however, the AUTOSTOP feature is worth the extra bulk.

Delivering 2.0 ft/lbs of impact energy from a 7.5 amp motor, this rotary hammer is built to power through reinforced concrete and dense block without bogging down. It suits users who need relentless, high-performance drilling and chiseling on a jobsite with ready power access. The three-mode selector and vibration-dampening design make it versatile and manageable for prolonged overhead or horizontal work.

The trade-off for that raw power is significant bulk and a cord. At 10.4 pounds and 22.5 inches long, its size and weight exceed many other SDS-Plus models, such as the 7.5-pound Milwaukee M18 Fuel. For a contractor running conduit holes or anchors all day from a stable outlet, the corded power is a clear advantage.

Makita’s brushless motor provides 1,250 inch-pounds of torque, which gives it the power for a wide range of drilling and fastening jobs. Its two-speed transmission and hammer function operating at up to 31,500 blows per minute make it suitable for tasks from woodworking to drilling into masonry materials. The tool is 7 inches long, a design that makes it easier to use in tight spaces while still delivering substantial power.

The trade-off is its weight and purpose. For drilling into concrete all day, a dedicated rotary hammer like the DeWalt 20V MAX SDS will be faster and less fatiguing. But if your work mixes wood, metal, and the occasional concrete anchor, this Makita’s high-torque versatility is hard to beat.

The efficient brushless motor is electronically controlled to optimize battery energy, delivering up to 50% longer run time per charge. That translates to fewer interruptions swapping batteries on a big job. For the pro or serious DIYer who needs a drill that can push through a full day of mixed drilling and driving, from wood screws to concrete anchors, this Makita’s endurance is a major asset. It means you won’t be constantly reaching for a charger. Its compact size makes it easy to handle in tight spots, too.

The Makita XPH16Z is a compact hammer driver-drill, not a dedicated rotary hammer. Its hammer function is used for drilling into masonry for anchors or mounting hardware, as reported by a carpenter who used it for such tasks. However, it lacks the pure impact energy of a dedicated rotary hammer for serious chipping or breaking. This makes it a versatile choice for general drilling and driving, with the added capability for masonry work, rather than a tool for frequent, heavy-duty concrete demolition.

Weighing 2.6 pounds, this drill reduces arm fatigue for users who carry a tool all day. Its brushless motor and mechanical clutch provide fast drilling and driving under load, covering a wide range of applications for a subcompact. That lightweight design makes it a strong choice for professionals or serious DIYers who prioritize a portable tool belt.

The trade-off for that featherweight feel is in raw torque, which research shows is lower than what you’d get from a full-size 18-volt drill. For drilling larger holes in concrete or all-day demolition, you’d want a dedicated rotary hammer. But for installing anchors, drilling pilot holes, and general fastening in brick or block, the Milwaukee M12 Fuel provides more than enough punch in a remarkably portable package.

Making up to 175 holes per charge means you can drill all day on a single battery, a major advantage for jobs far from an outlet or when swapping packs is a hassle. This DeWalt is a compact, brushless hammer drill that balances serious power with an easy-to-manage 3.1-pound frame, suited for pros and DIYers who need a cordless workhorse for frequent masonry tasks without the bulk of a dedicated rotary hammer.

Remember, this is a conventional hammer drill, so it’s designed for drilling into brick or block, not for heavy-duty chiseling or daily core drilling in thick concrete. For those bigger demolition jobs, you’d want to step up to a dedicated rotary hammer. But for most framing, anchoring, and general masonry work, this tool’s endurance and controlled power make it a reliable go-to.

With 3 joules of impact energy, this hammer punches above its weight class, making it a serious option for drilling anchor holes or chipping away tile without wrestling a heavy tool. That 850-watt motor delivers enough power for most home remodeling tasks, and the included set of bits and chisels means you can start working right away. It’s a well-rounded package for the DIYer who needs real hammering force but appreciates the manageable 6.8-pound frame, especially for overhead work or longer sessions.

Being corded means you’ll need an extension cord for any project more than a few feet from an outlet, which can be a hassle on an unfinished site. For cordless convenience, the DeWalt DCH273B weighs 6.4 pounds, making it slightly lighter, but it’s sold as a bare tool without a battery. The Seesii handles drilling up to 1-1/32″ in concrete, which is ideal for anchors and shelf brackets but not for larger core drilling.

With 9 ft-lbs of impact energy, the ENEACRO SDS-Max Rotary Hammer delivers the brute force needed to chew through thick concrete and brickwork without hesitation. Its industrial motor and SDS-Max chuck support bits up to 1.57 inches, making it a natural fit for serious demolition, foundation work, or commercial masonry tasks where lighter tools would stall. This is a tool built for all-day, high-impact jobs, not occasional light duty.

With a shipping weight of 12.6 pounds and a bare tool weight of 15.2 pounds, the ENEACRO SDS-Max is a heavy-duty tool built for stationary demolition and large-diameter drilling. Its substantial mass provides stability against high impact forces, but demands significant user strength, especially for overhead tasks. This corded hammer occupies a different physical class than lighter cordless SDS-Plus models, such as the DeWalt DCH273B at 6.4 pounds.