category: Cordless Hammer Drills

Summary A solid, reliable cordless combi hammer that balances build quality, durability and ease of use within the 18V XR platform. Findings From on-site use, the DeWalt 18V combi hammer feels rugged in the hand with a tight, durable construction and a rubberised grip that stays comfortable under extended use. The 2‑speed gearbox gives solid control for drilling in wood and metal, while the hammer action powers through masonry with confidence, making light work of brick and concrete when paired with the appropriate bit. Bit changes are quick and straightforward thanks to the standard 1/2" (13mm) keyless chuck, which holds bits securely under heavy hammer loads. The trigger is smooth and predictable, allowing precise speed control, and the LED work light is bright enough to keep lines clear in tighter jobs. Battery performance on XR packs is dependable for a full shift of site work, with the usual DeWalt reliability and straightforward maintenance and servicing common to this platform. Overall, it feels built to withstand daily professional use, with a design that prioritises practicality on site while remaining comfortable to operate all day. Value for money sits in the solid, proven DeWalt ecosystem: you’re paying a premium for long-term durability and reliable performance, with broad compatibility across the XR range and easy access to spare parts and batteries. ...

Summary Solid, budget-friendly 18V Worx hammer drill with practical features and reliable performance for light to medium trades. Findings On the job, the WX386 feels compact and well-balanced in the hand, which makes it easy to manouevre in tight spaces and overhead work. The build quality is solid for a budget tool; the plastics and mouldings stand up to day-to-day site use, and the chuck interface feels secure when bits are clipped in. It handles timber drilling with ease, and the hammer function provides useful assistance when starting masonry work on brick or soft block, without the tool feeling sluggy or underpowered. ...

Summary A robust, high-torque cordless percussion drill built for daily professional use, delivering solid build quality, reliable performance across masonry and timber, and strong value within the M18 system. Findings From the first grip, the Milwaukee M18 FPD3-0 feels like a serious tradesman’s tool. The build quality is evident: a sturdy metal gearbox housing, rugged rubber over-mould on the handle, and a solid 1/2" metal chuck that grips bits securely. The brushless motor delivers ample torque, and the two-speed gearbox covers most tasks you’ll throw at it, with percussion (hammer) mode ready for masonry work. The trigger response is smooth and controllable, and the torque clutch gives predictable protection against bit slip when driving screws or drilling into tougher materials. The tool is well balanced, sitting nicely in the hand for extended use, and the LED work light is a practical touch in dim sites. In use, the percussion function clears through brick and concrete with relative ease, while the low-speed setting handles timber and metal with good precision. The battery performance with a modern M18 RedLithium pack is dependable, with the tool staying cool under normal workloads. Overall, it feels like a tool you can rely on across a wide range of tasks, and it sits well within Milwaukee’s high-end line for builders and contractors. ...

Unavailable to load review. Price at time of review: £98.46

Summary A solid, well-built compact cordless hammer driver-drill with dependable on-site performance, albeit as a bare tool requiring battery and charger. Findings From real-world use on trades projects, the Makita GPH01Z feels purpose-built for everyday masonry and fixing tasks. The balance and grip are comfortable, allowing steady control in overhead or confined spaces, while the metal gear housing conveys a reassuring sense of durability. The two-speed trigger and clutch deliver predictable starts and protect fasteners, with the hammer action providing responsive performance on concrete without excessive vibration. Bit retention is solid, and the chuck holds bits securely under demanding drilling or driving tasks. The LED work light is a practical aid in dim corners, helping to keep lines true when working in tight spots. As a bare tool, it requires a compatible 18V battery and charger, which is a consideration for initial outlay but aligns with Makita’s ecosystem. Overall, the tool feels robust enough for daily use on site, with straightforward controls and reliable performance that sits well within a professional tradesman’s toolkit. For those evaluating value, include the total cost of battery and charger to gauge true price-per-use within a Makita platform. ...