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Cordless Drill for Concrete: How to Choose the Right Tool
To drill into concrete you need a cordless rotary hammer or, for a few small holes, an 18V cordless hammer drill. A rotary hammer has an electro-pneumatic hammer mechanism that delivers far more impact than the vibrating action of a hammer drill, so you get through concrete faster and with less pressure. Pair the cordless drill for concrete with SDS-plus bits or good masonry bits and at least two batteries.
What will you learn in this article?
- Can you drill into concrete with an ordinary cordless drill?
- Hammer drill or rotary hammer: what is the difference?
- How many volts and how much torque do you need?
- What is SDS-plus and why is it useful?
- Which bit should you use for concrete?
- What else should you look for?
- How do you drill a hole in concrete?
- What should you do if you hit reinforcement?
- Safety when drilling into concrete
- Common mistakes
- Frequently asked questions about drilling into concrete
- In short: choosing a cordless drill for concrete
Can you drill into concrete with an ordinary cordless drill?
A cordless drill driver without a hammer function only rotates. In concrete you will not get much further than a scratch on the surface, and the bit quickly gets hot and blunt. Concrete needs impact, and there are two ways to get it: with a hammer drill or with a rotary hammer.
Hammer drill or rotary hammer: what is the difference?
| Hammer drill | Rotary hammer | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Two ridged discs create a rapid vibrating action | A piston drives the bit forward using air pressure |
| Impact | Low, you have to push hard yourself | High, the tool does the work |
| Suitable for | Brick, lightweight block, the odd hole in concrete | Concrete, reinforced concrete, dense blocks |
| Chuck | Keyless chuck | SDS-plus holder |
| Extra | Also good for wood, metal and driving screws | Often has a chisel mode for chasing and breaking |
If you will be drilling into concrete regularly, for example to fit window frames, shelf brackets or a TV bracket in a concrete-built home, a rotary hammer is the best choice. If you mainly drill into wood and metal and only occasionally put a wall plug into a brick wall, a hammer drill is enough. You can read more in our guide to the differences between a rotary hammer and a hammer drill.
How many volts and how much torque do you need?
For concrete, 18V is the usual minimum. Lower-voltage tools such as 12V models are light and handy for driving screws, but lack the power for concrete work. With a rotary hammer, the impact energy in joules tells you more than the torque. With a hammer drill, look at the torque and the number of blows per minute. Check the specifications of the tool you are considering for its maximum drilling diameter in concrete, and compare that with the largest holes you expect to drill.
What is SDS-plus and why is it useful?
SDS-plus is a bit holder in which the bit clicks into the tool and can slide back and forth slightly. This means the blow from the piston goes straight into the bit. There is nothing to tighten and the bit cannot slip. SDS-plus bits come in sizes from about 4 mm to well over 20 mm, and there are chisels for the same system.
Which bit should you use for concrete?
- SDS-plus bit with a carbide tip: for the rotary hammer. For reinforced concrete, choose a bit with a four-cutter head, which copes better with rebar.
- Masonry bit with a carbide tip: for the hammer drill. Inexpensive, but wears faster in concrete.
- Diamond core or tile bit: for tiles and natural stone, not for ordinary hammer drilling in concrete.
Never use a wood or metal bit on masonry. It will go blunt straight away.
What else should you look for?
Brushless motor
A brushless motor has no carbon brushes to wear out, runs cooler and gets more out of the same battery. On a rotary hammer that does heavy work, that is a clear advantage.
Battery and charger
Get at least two batteries so you can keep working while the other one charges. Drilling into concrete draws a lot of power, so a higher-capacity battery lasts longer. If you already use the Batavia Maxxpack 18V platform, the same batteries fit your other tools. A fast charger cuts the waiting time.
Comfort and accessories
Pay attention to the weight, a rubber grip and an auxiliary side handle for better control. A depth stop helps you drill holes to exactly the right depth. A sturdy case keeps the tool, batteries and bits together.
How do you drill a hole in concrete?
- Use a detector to check for pipes, cables and reinforcement.
- Mark the hole and set the depth stop to the length of the wall plug plus a few millimetres.
- Start without hammer action or at low speed until the bit has made a small dimple.
- Switch on the hammer action and drill with steady, straight pressure. Let the tool do the work.
- Pull the bit back a little now and then to clear the dust.
- Vacuum the hole clean before inserting the plug.
What should you do if you hit reinforcement?
You will notice it because the bit suddenly stops advancing and makes a metallic sound. Stop at that point. Drilling on with an ordinary masonry bit damages the bit and can weaken the reinforcement. Move the hole a few centimetres if you can. If that is not possible, ask a structural engineer or builder for advice, especially with load-bearing structures.
Safety when drilling into concrete
Wear safety glasses, ear protection and, for any amount of drilling, a dust mask with an FFP2 or FFP3 filter, because concrete dust contains silica. Hold the tool with both hands so it cannot twist out of your grip if the bit jams.
Common mistakes
- Using a hammer drill for lots of holes in reinforced concrete.
- Pushing too hard, so the bit overheats.
- Starting on tiles with the hammer action on, which cracks them.
- Not vacuuming the dust out of the hole, so the plug does not grip properly.
Frequently asked questions about drilling into concrete
Is 18V enough for concrete?
Yes, an 18V rotary hammer is enough for most jobs in and around the house. Heavier tools exist for very large holes or a lot of breaking work. Check the specifications to see the maximum diameter the tool can drill in concrete.
Can I drive screws with a rotary hammer?
A rotary hammer is not designed for driving screws. Some models have a rotation-only mode and an interchangeable chuck, but a separate drill driver is more comfortable and more accurate. On the same battery platform, both tools can share batteries.
How long does a battery last when drilling into concrete?
That depends on the battery capacity, the hole diameter and the hardness of the concrete. Large holes in hard concrete take far more energy than small plug holes. A second battery means you never have to wait.
Do I need a special bit for reinforced concrete?
An SDS-plus bit with a four-cutter carbide head copes better with reinforcement than a bit with a simple tip. If you still hit steel, stop and move the hole if you can.
In short: choosing a cordless drill for concrete
For regular work in concrete, choose an 18V cordless rotary hammer with SDS-plus bits and at least two batteries. A hammer drill is fine for the occasional hole in brick or light masonry. Check for cables, pipes and rebar before you drill, let the tool do the work and protect your eyes, ears and lungs.
