Real data, ranked. No fluff, no filler.

The 10 Best Corded Hammer Drills

Plug-in 1/2-inch hammer drills for brick, block and the odd concrete anchor, ranked from live Amazon data.

Ranked by ToolboxTop10 from Amazon data captured Oct 10, 2026. How we rank

A hammer drill is a regular drill with a hammer mode that rattles the bit forward while it spins, so it can bore into brick, block and concrete as well as wood and metal. We ranked 10 corded best-sellers on rating, review volume and features (a two-speed gearbox, bits or a case in the box, a depth gauge, a slip clutch and a metal gear housing). They run from about $39 for a 5-amp kit to $189 for a 10-amp DEWALT. For drilling a lot of concrete, see our rotary hammer list instead.

Looking for cordless instead? See the 10 best cordless hammer drills →

Best Overall SKIL 7.5 Amp 1/2-in Corded Hammer Drill with 100pcs Drill Bit Set (HD182002)
SKIL
SKIL 7.5 Amp 1/2-in Corded Hammer Drill with 100pcs Drill Bit Set (HD182002)
4.6 (1,439)
$99.99
View on Amazon →
Best Budget GALAX PRO 5Amp 1/2-inch Hammer Drill with 105pcs Accessories
GALAX PRO
GALAX PRO 5Amp 1/2-inch Hammer Drill with 105pcs Accessories
4.4 (988)
$38.94
View on Amazon →
Money No Object DEWALT Hammer Drill Kit, 1/2-Inch, 10-Amp, Pistol Grip (DWD520K)
DEWALT
DEWALT Hammer Drill Kit, 1/2-Inch, 10-Amp, Pistol Grip (DWD520K)
4.7 (440)
$189
View on Amazon →

Which one is for you?

Where the deals are

The tools ranked here come from DEWALT, Bosch, SKIL, GALAX PRO, BLACK+DECKER, DOVAMAN, and CRAFTSMAN. Prices on these brands move week to week on Amazon, and the deepest cuts usually land around Prime Day and Black Friday. Every price button on this page opens the live listing, so you always see today's number, not the one we captured on 2026-10-10. If your pick is over budget right now, check back in a few days — DEWALT and Bosch rotate through sales and bundle deals often.

Side-by-side comparison

Swipe the table sideways for more columns →

#ToolPriceRatingReviewsMotorMax speedChuckBits/caseScore
1DEWALT DWD520K$1894.744010 A3,5001/2 in keyedYes83
2Bosch HD18-2$1694.54468.5 A—1/2 in 3-jawNo82
3SKIL HD182002$99.994.61,4397.5 A3,0001/2 in keyedYes78
4GALAX PRO 5A kit$38.944.49885 A3,0001/2 in keyed metalYes78
5Bosch 1191VSRK$1324.47027 A—1/2 in keyedYes76
6BLACK+DECKER BEHD201$544.32,3066.5 A2,8001/2 in single-sleeveNo73
7DOVAMAN PHD03B$56.974.42447.5 A3,0001/2 in keyed metalYes72
8SKIL HD182001$64.994.39027.5 A3,0001/2 in keyedNo71
9DEWALT DW511$126.884.47187.8 A2,7001/2 in keyedNo71
10CRAFTSMAN CMED741$794.47537 A3,1001/2 in keyedNo69
✕Victeche PAD0019A$34.993.331Listing contradicts itself on speed; 4,500 bpm hammer rateAVOID

Tap a column heading to sort.

The full ranking

#1
DEWALT Hammer Drill Kit, 1/2-Inch, 10-Amp, Pistol Grip (DWD520K)
Money No Object
DEWALT

DEWALT Hammer Drill Kit, 1/2-Inch, 10-Amp, Pistol Grip (DWD520K)

4.7 440 reviews
Score 83/100
Why this score
  • Star rating 45% of score94/100 → 42 pts
  • Number of reviews 35% of score76/100 → 27 pts
  • Features 20% of score70/100 → 14 pts

Has: a 2-speed gearbox, a complete kit (everything you need in the box), a metal gear case. Missing: depth gauge, slip clutch.

Total: 83/100. How the score works

$189
Same price in all 4 of our checks since Aug 10, 2026
Check price on Amazon
50+/mo

The most powerful hammer drill here: a 10-amp DEWALT with a two-speed gearbox and a metal gear housing, sold as a kit with a case. It also has the top rating at 4.7 stars.

Best for: Frequent masonry and large holes, with the most motor on the page.

Skip it if: You drill a few anchor holes a year; it's the priciest here.

Motor
10 A
Max speed
3,500 rpm
Blows per minute
—
Chuck
1/2 in keyed
Gearbox
2-speed
Weight
—

Pros

  • 10-amp motor, the strongest here
  • Two-speed gearbox for high speed or high torque
  • Metal gear housing; kit with a case
  • 4.7 stars, the best rating on the page

Cons

  • $189, the most expensive here
  • No depth gauge listed
#2
BOSCH HD18-2 Two-Speed Hammer Drill, 1/2 Inch, 8.5 Amp
Bosch

BOSCH HD18-2 Two-Speed Hammer Drill, 1/2 Inch, 8.5 Amp

4.5 446 reviews
Score 82/100
Why this score
  • Star rating 45% of score90/100 → 40 pts
  • Number of reviews 35% of score76/100 → 27 pts
  • Features 20% of score75/100 → 15 pts

Has: a 2-speed gearbox, depth gauge, slip clutch, a metal gear case. Missing: a complete kit (everything you need in the box).

Total: 82/100. How the score works

$169
Check price on Amazon

A pro-grade 8.5-amp Bosch with a two-speed gearbox, a metal gear housing and a slip clutch that lets go if the bit binds. The listing's spec table gives only 1,200 rpm, so check the speed before buying for fast wood drilling.

Best for: Big holes and hard use, with a slip clutch that protects your wrist.

Skip it if: You want a light drill; it's 8 lb.

Motor
8.5 A
Max speed
—
Blows per minute
—
Chuck
1/2 in 3-jaw
Gearbox
2-speed
Weight
8 lb

Pros

  • 8.5-amp motor and a two-speed gearbox
  • Integral slip clutch disengages on a bind
  • Metal gear housing; depth gauge on the side handle

Cons

  • 8 lb, the heaviest here
  • Listing shows only 2 left in stock
  • 1-year warranty on the listing
#3
SKIL 7.5 Amp 1/2-in Corded Hammer Drill with 100pcs Drill Bit Set (HD182002)
Best Overall
SKIL

SKIL 7.5 Amp 1/2-in Corded Hammer Drill with 100pcs Drill Bit Set (HD182002)

4.6 1,439 reviews
Score 78/100
Why this score
  • Star rating 45% of score92/100 → 41 pts
  • Number of reviews 35% of score91/100 → 32 pts
  • Features 20% of score25/100 → 5 pts

Has: a complete kit (everything you need in the box). Missing: a 2-speed gearbox, depth gauge, slip clutch, a metal gear case.

Total: 78/100. How the score works

$99.99
Check price on Amazon
50+/mo

SKIL's 7.5-amp hammer drill sold with a 100-piece bit set, and the best-rated hammer drill on the page with a real review count behind it: 4.6 stars from more than 1,400 buyers. It drills wood, metal and masonry out of the box.

Best for: Most homeowners: one hammer drill and a full bit set in one purchase.

Skip it if: You already own bits; the bare HD182001 is the same drill for less.

Motor
7.5 A
Max speed
3,000 rpm
Blows per minute
—
Chuck
1/2 in keyed
Gearbox
Single, variable speed
Weight
—

Pros

  • 100-piece bit set included
  • 4.6 stars across 1,439 reviews
  • 7.5-amp motor, 300 in-lb of torque per the listing
  • Lock-on button for long drilling runs

Cons

  • Keyed chuck, so keep track of the key
  • 1-year warranty
#4
GALAX PRO 5Amp 1/2-inch Hammer Drill with 105pcs Accessories
Best Budget
GALAX PRO

GALAX PRO 5Amp 1/2-inch Hammer Drill with 105pcs Accessories

4.4 988 reviews
Score 78/100
Why this score
  • Star rating 45% of score88/100 → 40 pts
  • Number of reviews 35% of score86/100 → 30 pts
  • Features 20% of score40/100 → 8 pts

Has: a complete kit (everything you need in the box), depth gauge. Missing: a 2-speed gearbox, slip clutch, a metal gear case.

Total: 78/100. How the score works

$38.94
Check price on Amazon
200+/mo

The cheapest hammer drill on the page and the best seller this month: a 5-amp drill with a speed-setting dial, 105 accessories (bits, anchors and screws) and a case for under $40.

Best for: Light home jobs like wall anchors, with everything in the box for under $40.

Skip it if: You drill concrete regularly; 5 amps is the smallest motor here.

Motor
5 A
Max speed
3,000 rpm
Blows per minute
—
Chuck
1/2 in keyed metal
Gearbox
Single, speed dial + trigger
Weight
—

Pros

  • Under $40 with 105 accessories and a case
  • 200+ bought in the past month
  • Speed-setting dial plus variable trigger

Cons

  • 5-amp motor, the weakest here
  • Off-brand support
#5
Bosch 1191VSRK 120-Volt 1/2-Inch Single-Speed Hammer Drill
Bosch

Bosch 1191VSRK 120-Volt 1/2-Inch Single-Speed Hammer Drill

4.4 702 reviews
Score 76/100
Why this score
  • Star rating 45% of score88/100 → 39 pts
  • Number of reviews 35% of score82/100 → 29 pts
  • Features 20% of score40/100 → 8 pts

Has: a complete kit (everything you need in the box), depth gauge. Missing: a 2-speed gearbox, slip clutch, a metal gear case.

Total: 76/100. How the score works

$132
Check price on Amazon

A compact 4.1 lb Bosch for small-diameter holes, sold with a carrying case, a 360-degree side handle and a quick-release depth gauge.

Best for: Small anchor holes with a light drill that comes in a case.

Skip it if: You drill large holes; Bosch pitches it at small-diameter work.

Motor
7 A
Max speed
—
Blows per minute
—
Chuck
1/2 in keyed
Gearbox
Single
Weight
4.1 lb

Pros

  • 4.1 lb, the lightest here
  • Carrying case, side handle and depth gauge included
  • 30-day money-back guarantee on the listing

Cons

  • The listing gives both 480 rpm and 3,000 rpm as its speed
  • Single speed range
#6
BLACK+DECKER Hammer Drill, 6.5-Amp, 1/2-Inch (BEHD201)
BLACK+DECKER

BLACK+DECKER Hammer Drill, 6.5-Amp, 1/2-Inch (BEHD201)

4.3 2,306 reviews
Score 73/100
Why this score
  • Star rating 45% of score86/100 → 39 pts
  • Number of reviews 35% of score97/100 → 34 pts
  • Features 20% of score0/100 → 0 pts

Missing: a 2-speed gearbox, a complete kit (everything you need in the box), depth gauge, slip clutch, a metal gear case.

Total: 73/100. How the score works

$54
Same price in all 4 of our checks since Aug 10, 2026
Check price on Amazon
100+/mo

The most-reviewed hammer drill on the page and the cheapest name brand. A 6.5-amp motor at 48,000 blows per minute and a single-sleeve chuck that changes bits by hand.

Best for: A few masonry holes a year from a name brand, for about $54.

Skip it if: You drill concrete often; 6.5 amps is modest.

Motor
6.5 A
Max speed
2,800 rpm
Blows per minute
48,000 bpm
Chuck
1/2 in single-sleeve
Gearbox
Single
Weight
—

Pros

  • 2,306 reviews, the most on the page
  • Single-sleeve chuck, no key to lose
  • 3-position side handle

Cons

  • Smallest name-brand motor here at 6.5 amps
  • No depth gauge or bits
  • Single speed range
#7
DOVAMAN 7.5A Corded Hammer Drill, 1/2'' with 15 Bits and Case (PHD03B)
DOVAMAN

DOVAMAN 7.5A Corded Hammer Drill, 1/2'' with 15 Bits and Case (PHD03B)

4.4 244 reviews
Score 72/100
Why this score
  • Star rating 45% of score88/100 → 40 pts
  • Number of reviews 35% of score69/100 → 24 pts
  • Features 20% of score40/100 → 8 pts

Has: a complete kit (everything you need in the box), depth gauge. Missing: a 2-speed gearbox, slip clutch, a metal gear case.

Total: 72/100. How the score works

$56.97
Check price on Amazon
100+/mo

A 7.5-amp hammer drill sold with 15 bits (twist, masonry, hole saws, spade and tile), a metal depth gauge and a carrying case, for under $60.

Best for: A complete starter kit with bits, depth gauge and case for under $60.

Skip it if: You want a long-standing brand behind the tool.

Motor
7.5 A
Max speed
3,000 rpm
Blows per minute
—
Chuck
1/2 in keyed metal
Gearbox
Single, variable speed
Weight
4.6 lb

Pros

  • 15 bits including hole saws, plus a case
  • Metal depth gauge and 360-degree side handle
  • 4.6 lb

Cons

  • Smaller review count than the name brands
  • The listing doesn't state a warranty term
#8
SKIL 7.5-Amp 1/2-Inch Corded Hammer Drill (HD182001)
SKIL

SKIL 7.5-Amp 1/2-Inch Corded Hammer Drill (HD182001)

4.3 902 reviews
Score 71/100
Why this score
  • Star rating 45% of score86/100 → 38 pts
  • Number of reviews 35% of score85/100 → 30 pts
  • Features 20% of score15/100 → 3 pts

Has: depth gauge. Missing: a 2-speed gearbox, a complete kit (everything you need in the box), slip clutch, a metal gear case.

Total: 71/100. How the score works

$64.99
Same price in all 4 of our checks since Aug 10, 2026
Check price on Amazon
100+/mo

The same SKIL hammer drill without the bit set. A side handle and depth gauge come in the box, and it's the best seller of the SKIL pair.

Best for: Owners of a bit set who want a 7.5-amp hammer drill from a known brand.

Skip it if: You need bits; the HD182002 bundle includes 100 of them.

Motor
7.5 A
Max speed
3,000 rpm
Blows per minute
—
Chuck
1/2 in keyed
Gearbox
Single, variable speed
Weight
5.2 lb

Pros

  • 7.5-amp motor and a 1/2 in keyed chuck
  • Side handle and depth gauge included
  • 100+ bought in the past month

Cons

  • 4.3 stars, lower than the bit-set version
  • No case or bits
  • 1-year warranty
#9
DEWALT Hammer Drill, 1/2-Inch, 7.8-Amp (DW511)
DEWALT

DEWALT Hammer Drill, 1/2-Inch, 7.8-Amp (DW511)

4.4 718 reviews
Score 71/100
Why this score
  • Star rating 45% of score88/100 → 39 pts
  • Number of reviews 35% of score82/100 → 29 pts
  • Features 20% of score15/100 → 3 pts

Has: depth gauge. Missing: a 2-speed gearbox, a complete kit (everything you need in the box), slip clutch, a metal gear case.

Total: 71/100. How the score works

$126.88
Check price on Amazon
100+/mo

A light 4.3 lb DEWALT with a 7.8-amp motor, overload protection and a 360-degree side handle with a depth rod. A good pick for overhead anchor holes where weight matters.

Best for: Overhead anchor holes, where a light 4.3 lb body saves your arms.

Skip it if: You want bits or a case in the box.

Motor
7.8 A
Max speed
2,700 rpm
Blows per minute
—
Chuck
1/2 in keyed
Gearbox
Single, variable speed
Weight
4.3 lb

Pros

  • 4.3 lb, among the lightest here
  • 7.8-amp motor with overload protection
  • 360-degree side handle and depth rod

Cons

  • Single speed range
  • No case or bits included
  • The listing's spec table gives 6.7 amps and 300 watts, which don't match its own 7.8-amp title
#10
CRAFTSMAN 1/2-in Hammer Drill, 7 Amp (CMED741)
CRAFTSMAN

CRAFTSMAN 1/2-in Hammer Drill, 7 Amp (CMED741)

4.4 753 reviews
Score 69/100
Why this score
  • Star rating 45% of score88/100 → 40 pts
  • Number of reviews 35% of score83/100 → 29 pts
  • Features 20% of score0/100 → 0 pts

Missing: a 2-speed gearbox, a complete kit (everything you need in the box), depth gauge, slip clutch, a metal gear case.

Total: 69/100. How the score works

$79
Check price on Amazon
50+/mo

A 7-amp CRAFTSMAN with the highest published blow rate on the page, 52,700 per minute, and a lock-on trigger for long runs. A solid mid-price pick.

Best for: Masonry work where a fast 52,700 blows per minute speeds things up.

Skip it if: You want a depth gauge or bits included.

Motor
7 A
Max speed
3,100 rpm
Blows per minute
52,700 bpm
Chuck
1/2 in keyed
Gearbox
Single, variable speed
Weight
5.2 lb

Pros

  • 52,700 bpm and 3,100 rpm
  • Lock-on trigger
  • Chuck key holder on the cord

Cons

  • No depth gauge listed
  • No case or bits

How we rank

Every tool gets one score from 0 to 100, weighted 45% on its star rating, 35% on how many people have reviewed it (more reviews = more confidence the rating is real), and 20% on the features that matter for the job. The list is ordered by that score. Best Overall is our pick for the best all-around, ready-to-use tool; Best Budget the best value at or under $60; and Money No Object the one to buy if price is no object.

The features score is built from a 2-speed gearbox (30%), a complete kit (25%), depth gauge (15%), slip clutch (15%), a metal gear case (15%), capped at 100. The review-count score is on a log scale, so each tenfold jump in reviews adds the same amount, and 3,000 or more reviews gets full marks. Open Why this score on any tool to see its numbers.

What changed

We re-check every listing on this page on a rotation. The most recent changes:

Buyer's guide

Hammer drill or rotary hammer?

A hammer drill uses ridged clutch plates to rattle the bit forward. That's fine for anchor holes in brick, block and the occasional concrete hole up to about 1/2 inch. A rotary hammer uses a piston and SDS bits, and drills concrete several times faster. If you're drilling more than a handful of concrete holes, look at our rotary hammer list.

Do I need special bits?

Yes, for masonry. Use carbide-tipped masonry bits in hammer mode. Regular twist bits are for wood and metal in drill-only mode; hammering them into concrete dulls them fast. Several kits here include masonry bits.

What do amps tell me?

Amps measure how much current the motor draws, which is a rough guide to power. The drills here run from 5 amps for light home use to 10 amps for frequent masonry work. For a few anchor holes a year, 6.5 to 7.5 amps is plenty.

Is a two-speed gearbox worth it?

A two-speed drill has a low gear for big bits and hole saws, where you need torque, and a high gear for small holes. If you only drill small anchor holes, one speed range with a variable trigger does the job.

What's a slip clutch for?

When a bit jams in rebar or a knot, the drill body tries to spin instead of the bit. A slip clutch disengages the drive so the handle doesn't wrench your wrist. Only the Bosch HD18-2 here lists one.

Tools to avoid

Not everything in the search results deserves your money. This one would rank dead last on our scale — here's the listing to walk past, and exactly why.

✕ Avoid
Victeche 1/2" Corded Impact Hammer Drill, 9 AMP 1050W, 0-3000 RPM & 0-4500 BPM
Victeche

Victeche 1/2" Corded Impact Hammer Drill, 9 AMP 1050W, 0-3000 RPM & 0-4500 BPM

3.3 31 reviews   $34.99

A no-name hammer drill whose listing can't agree with itself on how fast it spins, and whose hammer rate is a tenth of the real hammer drills on this page. The GALAX PRO kit costs a few dollars more and comes with 105 accessories.

Why we'd skip it

  • The title says 0-3000 RPM; the bullet points say 0-2700 RPM.
  • It claims 0-4,500 blows per minute. The BLACK+DECKER BEHD201 lists 48,000 and the CRAFTSMAN CMED741 lists 52,700. At a tenth of that rate, hammer mode will crawl through concrete.
  • The cord is 52 inches long, according to the listing, so you'll need an extension cord for almost every job.
  • It's rated 3.3 stars, the lowest of any hammer drill we looked at.
See the listing on Amazon (so you recognize it)
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