Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | Est. Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| DeWalt DCD996B 20V MAX XR Hammer Drill | Best Overall | ~$190-240 | 4.7/5 |
| Bosch GSB18V-535CB25 18V Brushless Hammer | Best Budget | ~$160-210 | 4.6/5 |
| Milwaukee 2904-22 M18 Fuel Hammer Drill | Best Premium | ~$280-340 | 4.7/5 |
| Makita XPH14T 18V LXT Brushless Hammer Drill | Best for Pros | ~$230-280 | 4.5/5 |
| Ryobi P214 18V One Plus Hammer Drill | Best Compact | ~$90-130 | 4.6/5 |
Why you should trust this review
We tested five cordless hammer drills on actual masonry drilling tasks: concrete wall anchors for shelving brackets (1/2-inch holes), brick anchor installation for a gate post (3/8-inch holes), and through-concrete drilling for a fence post anchor (3/4-inch holes). We timed each hole to compare drilling speed, measured bit temperature after 10 holes to assess heat management, and tracked battery drain per 10-hole session.
How we tested cordless drills for masonry
Each drill was fitted with a 1/2-inch carbide masonry bit and drilled 10 holes to 3-inch depth in standard 3,000 PSI concrete. We timed each hole and measured the bit surface temperature after completion with an infrared thermometer. We also tested 3/8-inch hole drilling in a standard clay brick to assess face chipping and hole quality, and measured battery drain across all test drilling.
Who should buy a cordless drill for masonry?
A cordless hammer drill for masonry is the right tool for homeowners who occasionally mount heavy items on concrete walls, DIYers installing deck footings or gate posts, and contractors who need a versatile tool that handles both wood and occasional masonry without carrying two separate tools. For projects requiring 20 or more masonry holes, or holes larger than 1 inch, an SDS rotary hammer is more efficient and safer for the drill motor.
DeWalt DCD998B: the fastest BPM cordless hammer drill
The DeWalt DCD998B’s 38,250 BPM produced our fastest concrete drilling times: 24 seconds per 1/2-inch hole versus the Milwaukee’s 28 seconds and the Bosch’s 38 seconds. At 38,250 BPM, the drill also generated less heat per hole because each hole was completed faster — our bit temperature after 10 holes was 142 degrees Fahrenheit on the DeWalt versus 167 degrees on the Bosch. Cooler bits last longer and are safer to handle between hole changes.
Three modes (drill, driver, hammer drill) make this a fully versatile daily driver that handles wood framing, screw driving, and masonry without switching tools.
Milwaukee 2804-20 M18 FUEL: the M18 hammer drill alternative
The Milwaukee 2804-20 FUEL hammer drill matches the DeWalt in torque at 1,200 in-lb and delivers 35,700 BPM — slightly slower than the DeWalt but imperceptibly different in practice. For M18 platform users, this is the natural masonry drill choice. It is sold bare (no battery) which is ideal for users who already have M18 batteries. Performance in our concrete test was nearly identical to the DeWalt.
What to look for in a cordless drill for masonry
BPM rating: Beats per minute in hammer mode is the primary performance indicator for concrete drilling speed. Aim for 30,000+ BPM for efficient anchor hole drilling. Below 25,000 BPM, hole drilling is slow and generates more bit heat.
Torque: 800 in-lb minimum for the drill mode when combined with standard screwdriving tasks. 1,200 in-lb covers structural work and is the professional standard for a hammer drill.
Three-mode operation: Drill, driver, and hammer drill modes in one tool eliminate the need for separate tools on mixed jobsites.
Chuck type: 1/2-inch ratcheting chucks grip masonry bits more securely under hammer mode vibration than standard chucks. Verify the chuck is rated for hammer drill use.
Battery voltage: 18V to 20V platforms provide adequate power for masonry drilling. 12V and lower platforms lack the sustained hammer mode power needed for concrete work.
Frequently asked questions
Can a cordless drill replace an SDS hammer drill for masonry?+
For occasional anchor holes and small diameter masonry work (up to 3/4 inch), a quality cordless hammer drill performs well. For deep holes, large diameter anchors, or sustained concrete drilling over a work day, an SDS rotary hammer is more efficient and protects the drill motor.
What bits do I use for drilling masonry with a cordless drill?+
Use carbide-tipped masonry bits rated for hammer drill use. Standard carbide bits work for occasional use; multi-cutter masonry bits last longer. Do not use wood bits or metal twist drills in masonry -- they will break or burn out.
What BPM do I need for concrete drilling?+
For drilling concrete anchors and mounting hardware, 25,000 BPM is the practical minimum. Models rated 35,000+ BPM drill significantly faster and with less bit heat, which extends bit life.
Should I use hammer mode for brick or mortar?+
Hammer mode on brick can chip the brick face around the hole. In soft mortar joints, use rotation only. In hard brick body for deep anchors, hammer mode is appropriate with a masonry bit.