In your workshop, a hammer is a must-have tool. Its main purpose is to provide impact to a targeted area. You use it to drive nails to surfaces, strengthen a joint, or for breaking surfaces. There are several types of hammers that you will encounter. In this piece, we look at the drilling hammer. What is a drilling hammer?
The drilling hammer is a small sledgehammer mainly used for lightweight demolitions. To know more about this hammer type and its applications, this article will guide you.
A Look at the Drilling Hammer
As earlier mentioned, the drilling hammer is a type of sledgehammer with a shorter stature. The typical sledgehammer has a long handle and a heavy flat head. You use it for heavy-duty demolitions.
On the other hand, you may term the drilling hammer as a miniature version of the sledgehammer. Also known as a mini-sledge or club hammer, it has a short handle and a smaller head. Compared to the standard hammer, the drilling type is heavier, making it ideal for lightweight demolitions.
Drilling Hammer Purposes
What is a drilling hammer used for? From its description, you understand that this hammer is a handy tool in the construction sector. Its heavy head and convenient handle make it suitable for flattening concrete structures.
The hammer probably got its name from driving masonry drills and nails into concrete to break it down. Besides this tools’ role in leveling concrete structures, it also does an excellent job in cutting stones and metal. In this application, you use it with a chisel.
Drilling Hammer Sizes
Hammer sizes and weights are crucial considerations when looking for a workshop tool. In the case of the drill hammer, we mainly focus on the weight of the head. Typically, they weigh from 2-8 pounds. The lighter ones, from 2-3 pounds, are perfect for chiseling. The lightness makes them comfortable on your hand, allowing for precise cuts on stone or metal to achieve the desired form.
The heavier ones are practicable for driving masonry drills and felling concrete structures. You can check the hammerhead for its weight.
Top Drilling Hammer Brands
When looking for a suitable drilling hammer, you will encounter several brands. Among the manufacturers, some stand out from the rest due to factors like quality and customer support. Highlighted below are some of the top mini sledgehammer brands to check out.
Stanley Tools
Stanley Tools is a notable manufacturer of various workshop utilities, such as hand tools, automotive tools, and mechanic tools storage sets. Under the hand tools collection, you find the drilling hammer and other types of hammers.
A thing to know about Stanley Tools is that it has been around for more than a century since its conception in 1843. A factor behind its success is the quality of its products, where you get a resilient tool that will serve you for a considerable time.
Stanley Tool’s drill hammers come in different forms, and it is easy to get your preferred tool. When perusing its website for a hammer, you will come across the Anti-Vibe tools.
Anti-Vibe refers to its technology in creating hammers that target professionals. Anti-Vibe hammers sport a patented tuning fork construction, which does away with vibrations when in use. The vibrations are very uncomfortable and can cause wrist fatigue and other undesirable conditions.
Additionally, the demolition equipment’s handles have an ergonomic design coupled with a firm rubber grip. It allows for effortless application, as you can hold the hammer in different positions for maximum productivity. The tools are also safe to use.
DeWalt
DeWalt is famous for its amazing line of construction equipment, mostly power tools. Others are hand tools, accessories, outdoor and storage utilities.
The company has been a mainstay in the manufacture of construction equipment for almost a century. It does not compromise on quality, which is one of its appealing elements. You find the drilling hammer under the hand tools section.
There are three types of DeWalt drilling hammers. There is the basic type; a resilient, one-piece steel construction with a concentrated strike face for adequate striking power. The fiberglass hammers have fiberglass on the handle to offer ample grip and overstrike protection on weak zones. This design prevents the tool from breaking.
The EXOCORE hammer has carbon fiber composite for overstrike protection. The technology protects weak points without additional weight. The handle is light; as such, you have a balanced swing.
The most common hammer size under DeWalt’s collection is 3-pounds. However, there are the heavier ones, weighing up to 6-pounds.
Estwing
The other brand that promises you top-grade tools is Estwing. The company, founded in 1923, specializes in manufacturing striking tools like axes, hammers, and pry bars. You find the drilling hammer under the Sure Strike section of its online catalog.
The hammers have robust construction, with heavy-duty steel and fiberglass being their primary materials. Fiberglass features on the handle, making it comfortable to handle and less prone to breaking due to excess force.
The one-piece construction of the drilling hammers enhances their durability. The striking tools come in several weight classes; thus, it is easy to get a befitting pick.
Drilling Hammer Price
Cost is an important area to look at when getting utilities for your workshop. Drilling hammer prices vary depending on several factors, one of them being weight. Generally, light hammers cost less than heavier ones. A 2-3 pounder goes for around $12 to $15. On the other hand, you may part with $30 to $50 for a hammer weighing 4-6 pounds.
If the striking tool has extra features, it may be quite pricey. For instance, hammers with a fiberglass-coated handle are costlier than the standard ones. Other things that may affect the price are the brand and the store you get the implement from.
Best Drilling Hammers
Below is a selection of the best hammer drilling machines, showing you their features and attributes.
Estwing Sure Strike Drilling Hammer
Starting the review is the Estwing Sure Strike drilling hammer. It is a top pick courtesy of its vast array of features, as we can see.
Resiliency
This Estwing drilling hammer’s selling point is its robust construction. It has a forged steel head and a fiberglass handle. Both materials are sturdy; thus, the implement will serve you for a long time without signs of degradation.
Comfortable
The other impressive feature of this drilling hammer is its comfort. It feels natural on your hand, courtesy of the fiberglass handle, which is also ergonomic. A ribbed grip gives it anti-slip properties, ensuring your safety when using it.
Balanced
The Sure Strike drilling hammer is perfectly balanced, allowing for powerful strikes with an easy swing. Furthermore, the balance stature upholds comfort by reducing instances of arm strain or fatigue.
Versatility
Additionally, the Estwing Sure Strike hammer is versatile. This element comes to play where the tool is applicable for several tasks. Some of the applications the hammer can handle are chiseling, striking nails and drills, and delivering punches.
The weight is the supporting factor behind the hammer’s adaptability.
Key Features
- Product weight: 3-pounds.
- Length: 11-inches.
- Package dimensions: 11.03*4.15*1.89-inches.
- Primary materials: forged steel and fiberglass.
- Powering: hand-powered.
Pros
- It is a durable tool, courtesy of its steel build.
- Comfortable to use.
- A well-balanced hammer that is convenient when swinging.
- You can use it in various areas, like chiseling and punching.
- A manageable weight.
- Economical on storage space.
Cons
- The handle is relatively short.
DeWalt 20V MAX XR Hammer Drill Kit
DeWalt never disappoints when it comes to its power tools, a feat evident in the next entry in this review. Let us look at its attributes.
Powerful
An element that you will love with the DeWalt 20V hammer drill kit is its power. It runs on a brushless motor, with speeds of up to 2250 RPM.
You can set it to three different running speeds for efficiency.
Convenience
The DeWalt utility is user-friendly, supported by features like its cordless construction, which allows for unrestricted movement. The hammer drill runs on XR lithium-ion batteries that have a high energy storing capacity.
This hammer drill is comfortable to hold, and you can effortlessly use it with minimal chances of arm fatigue.
LED Lighting
Still, on the convenience of this tool, it comes with 3-mode LED lighting. The lighting provides illumination when working in dark or confined areas.
A Full Package
The DeWalt 20V MAX XR hammer drill comes as a full package, translating to efficiency. Besides the hammer, you get two high-capacity lithium-ion batteries, a charger, kit box, and belt hook.
Key Features
- Product weight: 10.8-pounds.
- Package dimensions: 11*4*17-inches.
- Power source: Battery.
- Included accessories: two lithium-ion batteries, a charger, a belt hook, and a kit box.
Pros
- A powerful hammer drill.
- A durable frame.
- Provided LED lights allow for use in dark spaces.
- Comfortable to hold.
- The hammer drill comes with a toolbox for storage when not in use.
Cons
- The battery pack may seem to be loose when attached to the drill.
BOSCH 11255VSR Bulldog Xtreme hammer drill
Convenience is a crucial factor to consider when getting a hammer drill. The BOSCH Bulldog Xtreme hammer is a true embodiment of convenience, as we will see from its features.
User-Friendliness
Many features of this hammer drill uphold the user-friendliness facet. First of all, it is easy to use, and even if you are a beginner, it will take a short time to learn its ropes.
Additionally, this implement is comfortable. It feels natural on your hands and has vibration control to prevent shaking as you use it. The ergonomic D-handle further enhances the comfort of this BOSCH Bulldog hammer drill.
A Powerful Tool
The BOSCH 11255VSR is robust, running on a 7.5 amp motor, capable of 5800 BPM and 1300 RPM. Plus, it can deliver 2- feet per pound of impact. It is ideal for handling light and heavy-duty tasks in your working area.
Versatility
You can set this hammer drill to three operation modes. The modes are a rotary hammer, rotation only, and hammer only. With this tool, you can handle several tasks.
Provided Add-Ons
In this products package, there are several add-ons for easy use. They include a carrying case, a depth gauge, and an auxiliary handle.
Key Features
- Product weight: 10.4-pounds.
- Package dimensions: 22.5*11.25*4.75-inches.
- Powering: electric, corded.
- Accessories: a depth gauge, auxiliary handle, and carrying case.
Pros
- Convenient to use.
- A powerful tool.
- It is comfortable, supported by its anti-vibration feature.
- The hammer drill has three operation modes.
- It comes with useful accessories, such as a depth gauge and an auxiliary handle.
Cons
- Its cord can restrict movement.
Milwaukee MLW2504 Hammer drill
The final entry in this review is the Milwaukee MLW2504 hammer drill. The following are its standout attributes.
Lightness
A noticeable feature of this hammer drill is its small stature and lightness. The two features make it the perfect tool for small tasks in your workshop. Furthermore, you can use it for inaccessible areas overhead working spaces. This is a go-to appliance if you move a lot.
Usability
Working with the Milwaukee hammer drill will be a walk in the park. If you are a novice, learning how to use this tool is fast. Its user manual will help you in areas that are not clear. In addition, it is a cordless tool, allowing for easy movement.
Durability
Heavy-duty plastic and metal are this product’s main materials. The materials are sturdy, an assurance of longevity.
Key Features
- Product weight: 2.3-pounds.
- Item dimensions: 3*8*8-inches.
- Primary material: heavy-duty plastic and metal.
- Powering: electric, cordless.
Pros
- Ease of use.
- It is small and light; thus, it is suitable for use in inaccessible areas.
- A portable tool.
- The hammer drill is powerful.
- A durable construction.
Cons
- This product is quite noisy when running.
Drilling Hammer vs. Engineer Hammer Differences
The engineer hammer is a smaller type of sledgehammer. When looking at drilling hammer vs. engineer hammer, you will notice that the two tools are very similar. The similarity is so profound that their names are interchangeably used.
The main variation of the two implements is size and use. The engineer hammer is smaller. Its head weighs from 2-5-pounds, and it has a shorter handle. It is a common equipment for scouting, where it complements the hand axe and pocket knife.
Major applications of the engineer hammer are in shaping delicate stones and installing tent stakes.
The drilling hammer is heavier and has a longer handle. Furthermore, it handles heavier jobs, like punching walls and driving drills into concrete.
Final Word
A drilling hammer is a handy tool that will have your back in several settings. It is a mini-sledgehammer, perfect for light tasks like chiseling and driving mason drills into concrete. You should not confuse it with the hammering drill, which is a power tool for drilling.
In this piece, we take a comprehensive look at the drilling hammer to guide you if you want one. A giveaway is to always check on the hammers’ weight to get one that is suitable for the intended applications.
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