Bosch drill with hammer function

A drill with a hammer function, also known as an impact drill or a hammer drill, is a versatile power tool that combines two key actions: a rotary drilling motion and a rapid, forward hammering motion. This dual functionality allows it to drill into hard materials that a standard drill cannot penetrate, such as concrete, brick, and masonry.

How It Works

• Rotary Action: Like a conventional drill, the chuck rotates a drill bit to bore holes into materials like wood, metal, or plastic.
• Hammer Action: When the hammer function is engaged, the drill bit is subjected to a rapid series of short, powerful forward blows, or “hammers.” This percussive action pulverizes the hard material while the bit’s rotation clears the debris. The speed of the hammering action is measured in blows per minute (BPM) or impacts per minute (IPM).

Many hammer drills have a switch or lever that allows you to turn the hammering function off, effectively turning the tool into a standard drill. This versatility makes it an excellent all-in-one tool for a variety of tasks.

Types of Drills with a Hammer Function

There are two main categories of drills with a hammer function:

• Hammer Drill / Impact Drill: These are generally more compact and suitable for occasional use on hard materials. They use a cam-action mechanism to generate the hammering force, which is sufficient for light- to medium-duty masonry work. They are also great for drilling into unknown materials, as they can handle both wood studs and masonry walls.