How to Choose the Right Drill for Concrete
Complete Guide to Selecting the Best Tool for Your Concrete Drilling Projects
Article updated on 08/18/2025
Drilling into concrete requires a specialized tool. This dense, tough material—often reinforced with steel—quickly wears out a standard drill. To get effective results and protect your equipment, it’s essential to understand the challenges of concrete and choose a machine capable of handling them. This guide outlines the different types of drills suitable for concrete, their strengths and limitations, and the key technical criteria to consider before buying.
Table of Contents
At a glance: Which drill for concrete?
For lighter concrete (brick, cinder block), a 600–800 W hammer drill is sufficient. For hard or reinforced concrete, go with an SDS-Plus rotary hammer delivering at least 2 Joules, along with the right drill bits and step-by-step drilling.
Quick checklist:
- SDS-Plus rotary hammer ≥ 2 J for hard/reinforced concrete
- Carbide-tipped or SDS-compatible concrete drill bits
- Drill at moderate speed, in stages
Concrete Characteristics and Drilling Challenges
Dense and resistant material
Made of cement, aggregates, and sand, concrete offers strong resistance to drill bit rotation.
Presence of reinforcement bars
In reinforced concrete, steel rods can block or damage the tool.
Heat and dust
Friction generates significant heat and abrasive dust, which slows down progress.
Uneven hardness
The mix of softer zones and very hard aggregates can cause the bit to deviate or get stuck.
Drilling into this material requires not only efficient rotation but also a hammering action capable of breaking up the mineral surface.
Why a Standard Drill Isn’t Enough for Concrete
- No hammering action: a regular drill only rotates, which isn’t enough to break through the aggregates in concrete.
- Risk of overheating: the material’s resistance puts excessive strain on the motor and quickly dulls the drill bit.
- Almost no progress: even with a standard masonry bit, drilling is slow and often impossible in hard or reinforced concrete.
- Premature wear: repeated use on concrete can cause irreversible damage to the tool.
- For effective drilling, you need a combination of rotation and sustained hammering power—something only hammer drills and rotary hammers can provide.
Types of drills for concrete
Hammer Drill
- Principle: drill bit rotation combined with rapid mechanical hammering.
- Use: suitable for soft to medium masonry materials (brick, cinder block, light concrete).
Advantages:
- Versatile (can drill wood, metal, light masonry).
- Lighter and easier to handle than a rotary hammer.
- Affordable purchase price.
Disadvantages:
- Limited power in hard or reinforced concrete.
- Requires strong manual pressure.
- Not suitable for heavy-duty drilling or large diameters.
Rotary Hammer (Hammer Drill)
- Principle: electro-pneumatic hammering, delivering powerful blows at a lower frequency.
- Use: ideal for hard concrete, reinforced concrete, and repetitive tasks.
Advantages:
- High impact energy (typically 2 to 4 Joules).
- Requires little physical effort.
- Often multifunctional (drilling, hammering, chiseling).
Disadvantages:
- Heavier and bulkier than a standard hammer drill.
- Higher cost, including specific drill bits.
- Less precise for small diameters.
Comparison: Hammer Drill vs. Rotary Hammer
Criteria
Hammer Drill
Rotary Hammer
Hammering mechanism
Mechanical, very fast but low power
Electro-pneumatic, powerful and efficient blows
Target materials
Light to medium masonry, non-reinforced concrete
Hard concrete, reinforced concrete, stone
Recommended diameter in concrete
6–12 mm
Up to 26 mm (SDS-Plus) or more (SDS-Max)
Physical effort
Requires significant manual pressure
Minimal effort, tool drives itself
Versatility
Wood, metal, light masonry
Concrete, heavy masonry, chiseling
Average weight
2–3 kg
3–5 kg (SDS-Plus); 6 kg+ (SDS-Max)
Purchase price
Affordable
Higher
Accessories
Standard cylindrical-shank masonry bits
Specific SDS-Plus or SDS-Max bits
Selection Criteria for a Drill Suitable for Concrete
Power and Impact Energy
- Hammer Drill: at least 600 W for occasional use on concrete.
- Rotary Hammer: 800 to 1500 W depending on workload.
- Impact Energy: expressed in Joules (≥ 2 J recommended for reinforced concrete).
Rotation Speed and Hammering Rate
- Rotation: variable speeds to adapt to different materials.
- Hammering: the higher the blows per minute, the faster the drilling — provided the energy per blow is sufficient.
Chuck Type
- Standard 13 mm: accepts cylindrical-shank bits, suitable for hammer drills.
- SDS-Plus / SDS-Max: specific to rotary hammers, ensures excellent impact transfer and quick bit changes.
Weight and Ergonomics
- Lighter weight for overhead work.
- Auxiliary handle and non-slip grip for better control.
- Anti-vibration system recommended for prolonged use.
Power Supply
- Corded: constant power, ideal for heavy-duty use.
- Cordless: increased mobility; choose at least 18 V with a ≥ 4 Ah battery.
Safety and Durability
- Safety clutch (anti-kickback).
- Overheat protection.
- Sturdy design with quality components.
Our selection of drill models suitable for concrete
Bosch Professional GBH 2-28 F – Corded SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer
Rotary Hammer
Corded
Professional
Strengths: 880 W, 3.2 J impact energy, anti-vibration system, interchangeable SDS-Plus / 13 mm chuck, safety clutch.
Limitations: corded, weight of 2.9 kg.
Recommended use: regular work on hard or reinforced concrete, professional use, and intensive DIY.
DeWalt D25133K-QS – Compact SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer
Rotary Hammer
Corded
Compact
Strengths: 800 W, 2.8 J, 3 modes (drilling, hammer drilling, chiseling), lightweight (2.6 kg), good value for money.
Limitations: less efficient for larger diameters (> 22 mm).
Recommended use: versatile construction work, anchoring in concrete, demanding home projects.
Makita DHR243Z – 18V Brushless Cordless Rotary Hammer
Rotary Hammer
Cordless
Brushless
Strengths: 2.0 J, brushless motor, compatible with the Makita 18V range, interchangeable chuck, good runtime with a 5 Ah battery.
Limitations: lower power compared to high-end corded models for larger diameters.
Recommended use: mobile work, non-intensive concrete drilling, job sites without electrical access.
Milwaukee M18 FPD2-502X – 18V Cordless Hammer Drill Driver
Hammer Drill
Cordless
Versatile
Strengths: 135 Nm torque, 32,000 bpm, includes 2x 5 Ah batteries, compact and versatile.
Limitations: limited to ~16 mm in concrete, slower than a rotary hammer.
Recommended use: all-in-one tool for driving screws, drilling wood/metal, and occasional concrete drilling.
Black+Decker KR805K – Corded Hammer Drill for Home Use
Hammer Drill
Corded
Entry-Level
Strengths: 800 W, 13 mm metal chuck, affordable price, suitable for brick and light concrete.
Limitations: ineffective on hard or reinforced concrete, requires strong manual pressure.
Recommended use: occasional DIY, small home projects.
Tips for Drilling Concrete Safely and Effectively
Preparation
- Mark the exact spot for the hole.
- Use a center punch or a small chisel tap to start the drilling.
- Check for electrical wires or pipes with a detector.
Tool Selection and Setup
- Install a suitable masonry bit (tungsten carbide or SDS).
- Start at low speed, then switch on the hammer function.
- Use the depth stop if needed.
Drilling Technique
- Hold the tool with both hands, keeping it perpendicular to the surface.
- Do not apply excessive pressure: let the hammer action do the work.
- Drill in stages to prevent overheating and to clear out dust.
Handling Obstacles
- If you hit rebar, use a special reinforced-concrete bit or slightly shift the hole.
Finishing
- Clean the hole with a vacuum or a blow-out pump before inserting an anchor or a fastener.
Essential Accessories for Concrete Drilling
Suitable Concrete Drill Bits
- Tungsten Carbide (Widia): wear resistance and efficiency on hard materials.
- SDS-Plus or SDS-Max Bits: for rotary hammers, providing secure anchoring and optimal impact transfer.
- Common Diameters: 4 to 16 mm for standard jobs, up to 30 mm and beyond for specific applications.
Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Safety Glasses: protection against flying debris.
- Dust Mask: filters silica dust.
- Ear Protection (earmuffs or earplugs): reduces noise (over 100 dB with some rotary hammers).
- Anti-Vibration Gloves: comfort and improved grip.
Practical Accessories
- Depth Stop: ensures precision in drilling depth.
- Auxiliary Handle: provides better control of the tool.
- Dust Extraction System: built-in or attachable, for cleaner drilling.
- Adhesive Tape: visual depth marker or partial dust collection.
Drill Bit ↔ Anchor Correspondence
Drill Bit Diameter (mm)
Anchor Diameter (mm)
Common Applications
4 mm
4 mm
Small, lightweight objects (frames, decorative accessories)
5 mm
5 mm
Light fixtures (small shelves, light supports)
6 mm
6 mm
Standard use (shelves, curtain rods, light fixtures)
8 mm
8 mm
Medium loads (wall-mounted furniture, wall brackets)
10 mm
10 mm
Heavy loads (mounted cabinets, wall-mounted TVs)
12 mm
12 mm
Heavy-duty anchors (railings, sports equipment)
14 mm
14 mm
Structural fixings
16 mm et +
16 mm et +
Special anchors / chemical bonding
Important Note: Always check the anchor manufacturer’s instructions. Some may require a slightly larger or smaller drill bit depending on the material (concrete, brick, cinder block).
Conclusion
Drilling into concrete requires the right tool and specific accessories. For occasional use, a powerful hammer drill may be sufficient. For frequent work or hard concrete, a rotary hammer is the better choice, thanks to its impact power and user comfort.
The selection should be based on power, chuck type, ergonomics, power supply, and safety features. Quality concrete drill bits and proper personal protective equipment complete the setup for efficient and safe work.
Article written by Quentin François, DIY enthusiast for over 10 years and author of hands-on guides tested in the workshop.
FAQ – Drilling into Concrete
Which drill should I use to drill into reinforced concrete?
For reinforced concrete, it is recommended to use an SDS-Plus rotary hammer with at least 2 Joules of impact energy, along with the proper drill bits. A standard hammer drill will quickly reach its limits.
What is the difference between a hammer drill and a rotary hammer?
A hammer drill combines rotation with rapid, light mechanical impacts, making it suitable for softer materials such as brick or cinder block. A rotary hammer, on the other hand, uses a much more powerful electro-pneumatic hammering action, making it ideal for hard and reinforced concrete.
What power rating should I choose for drilling into concrete?
A hammer drill should have at least 600 to 800 W to handle light concrete. For a rotary hammer, it is best to choose a power range between 800 and 1500 W, with an impact energy of at least 2 Joules.
Which drill bits should I use for concrete?
Tungsten carbide (Widia) drill bits are the most suitable for concrete. Rotary hammers require specific SDS-Plus or SDS-Max bits, which are stronger and designed to efficiently transfer the hammering action.
How can I drill into concrete without damaging it?
Mark the spot, start at a low speed, switch on the hammering action, progress step by step, and clean the hole before inserting the fastener. Avoid applying excessive pressure so the tool can work effectively.
Concrete Drilling Glossary
Reinforced concrete
Concrete strengthened with steel bars or mesh (rebar) to improve its resistance. More difficult to drill than standard concrete.
Depth stop
An accessory that limits the drilling depth to achieve precise and consistent measurements.
Tungsten carbide (or Widia)
An extremely hard material used for the tip of concrete drill bits. Provides greater wear resistance and improved efficiency on hard materials.
Impact energy (Joules)
The hammering power of a rotary hammer. The higher the value, the more effective the tool is at breaking concrete.
Chuck
The part that holds the drill bit in place. Includes the standard chuck (keyed or keyless) as well as specialized systems like SDS-Plus and SDS-Max.
Mechanical hammering
The striking system of hammer drills. Fast but less powerful, suitable for light masonry.
Electro-pneumatic hammering
The striking mechanism of rotary hammers. Produces powerful blows with little manual effort, ideal for hard or reinforced concrete.
Rotary hammer (or hammer drill)
A tool designed to efficiently drill into concrete and stone using electro-pneumatic hammering. Can also be used for chiseling.
Step drilling
A method that involves pausing regularly during drilling to remove dust and reduce heat, extending the drill bit’s lifespan.
SDS-Plus / SDS-Max shank
The bit mounting system for rotary hammers. SDS-Plus is suited for standard diameters (up to 26 mm). SDS-Max is designed for larger diameters (up to 50 mm and more).
Rotation speed (RPM)
The number of revolutions the drill bit makes in one minute. The right speed helps protect the motor and prevent overheating.
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