If you're drilling into concrete, brick, block, or stone, a regular drill won't cut it. The bit dulls, the material burns, and you'll spend 20 minutes making a single hole that takes 30 seconds with the right tool. That right tool is a hammer drill — or, better still for serious work, a rotary hammer.
This guide covers what these tools actually do, the critical difference between a hammer drill and a rotary hammer (most buyers get this wrong), when you need each, and the Greenworks 24V POWERALL rotary hammer built for real masonry work.
Hammer Drill vs Rotary Hammer — The Distinction Most Buyers Miss
These are often confused. They're related — both add hammering action to rotation — but they're built differently and perform very differently:
| Hammer Drill | Rotary Hammer | |
|---|---|---|
| Chuck type | Standard 3-jaw chuck (1/2" typical) | SDS-Plus chuck (specialty bits) |
| Hammer mechanism | Mechanical — clutch plates click against each other | Pneumatic — air-driven piston hits the bit |
| Concrete drilling speed | Slow. Fine for small holes, small quantities. | Fast. Purpose-built for masonry. |
| Max hole size in concrete | Up to 1/2" typical | Up to 1" and beyond |
| Doubles as regular drill? | Yes — hammer action switches off | Rotation-only mode available; less versatile as regular drill |
| Best for | Occasional concrete drilling, doubles as main drill | Serious masonry, brick, block, stone |
| Price tier | Under $200 | $200–$500 |
The honest answer for anyone doing serious masonry work is a rotary hammer, not a hammer drill. The pneumatic hammer action delivers dramatically more impact energy — you'll drill a 1/2" hole through 4" of concrete in under a minute with a rotary hammer versus 5-10 minutes struggling with a hammer drill.
Hammer drills exist because they're cheaper and double as regular drills for people who occasionally drill masonry anchors. Rotary hammers exist because they actually drill masonry well.
When You Need a Rotary Hammer
- Installing large anchors in concrete or brick. Deck ledger boards, gate posts, structural mounts.
- Basement finishing. Drilling into poured concrete walls for framing.
- Fence installations into concrete footings.
- Renovating older brick homes. Adding electrical, running plumbing.
- Any job requiring holes larger than 1/2" in masonry.
- Multiple concrete holes in one project. Hammer drill fatigue makes 20+ hole projects miserable.
If you'll drill even one hole larger than 3/8" in poured concrete, the rotary hammer pays for itself in time saved on that single job.
SDS-Plus Bit System
Rotary hammers use SDS-Plus chuck systems, which is different from a standard drill chuck:
- SDS-Plus bits have slotted shanks that lock into the chuck.
- Bit changes take under 2 seconds with no key or wrench.
- The chuck lets the bit slide slightly during hammering — this is intentional and critical to the pneumatic hammer action.
- SDS-Plus bits are widely available at every hardware store; every manufacturer makes compatible bits.
An SDS-Plus system won't accept standard drill bits — you buy dedicated masonry bits. But most rotary hammers include a standard chuck adapter that lets you use regular bits for wood or metal drilling (with the hammering mode turned off).
Impact Energy — The Actual Power Spec
Rotary hammer power is measured in Joules (J) — how much impact energy each blow delivers. This matters more than voltage:
- Under 1.5 J: Light residential. Fine for anchor holes.
- 1.5–2.5 J: Residential mainstream.
- 2.5+ J: Serious residential / prosumer. Handles large holes and reinforced concrete.
Higher impact energy = larger holes and faster drilling through tough material like rebar-embedded concrete.
Drilling Capacity in Different Materials
Manufacturers publish maximum hole diameters for each material. Higher = more capable tool. The Greenworks 24V rotary hammer specs:
| Material | Max Hole Diameter |
|---|---|
| Concrete | 12 mm (~1/2") |
| Stone | 12 mm (~1/2") |
| Steel | 13 mm (~1/2") |
| Wood | 25 mm (~1") |
1/2" in concrete covers 90% of residential anchor work — deck ledger anchors, gate mounts, framing to concrete walls. If you need holes larger than 1/2" in concrete regularly, a larger corded rotary hammer is appropriate.
Brushless Motors — Standard
Same rule as every serious cordless power tool. Brushless is mandatory:
- 30% more torque under load — critical for a masonry tool.
- 40% longer runtime per charge.
- 3–5x longer motor life under continuous heavy work.
The Best 24V POWERALL Rotary Hammer from Greenworks
For homeowners installing anchors in concrete, drilling into brick, finishing basements, or any project requiring effective masonry drilling, the Greenworks 24V Rotary Hammer (4.0Ah USB Battery + 2A Charger Kit) delivers real masonry-drilling capability in a cordless package:
| Spec | Greenworks 24V Rotary Hammer |
|---|---|
| Voltage | 24V POWERALL |
| Chuck | SDS-Plus |
| Max concrete hole | 12 mm (1/2") |
| Max stone hole | 12 mm (1/2") |
| Max steel hole | 13 mm (1/2") |
| Max wood hole | 25 mm (1") |
| Battery included | 4.0Ah USB battery |
| Charger included | 2A charger |
| Compatible tools on platform | 200+ |
| Warranty | 3 years tool + battery |
Details worth calling out:
SDS-Plus chuck — the correct system for masonry. Pneumatic hammer action delivers dramatically more impact energy than standard hammer drills. Actual masonry-drilling performance, not compromise performance.
1/2" concrete drilling capacity. Handles the anchor sizes most residential projects require — Tapcons, wedge anchors, sleeve anchors up to 3/8"–1/2" diameter.
Compatibility across four materials. Wood mode (rotation only) makes this usable as a general large-hole drill; concrete/stone/steel with hammer mode for masonry work.
4.0Ah USB battery included. Higher capacity needed for heavy-load work. Battery also functions as USB power bank when not in use.
3-year warranty on tool AND battery. Full coverage of both wear components.
Compatible with 200+ Greenworks 24V POWERALL tools. Same battery platform as everything else.
When a Hammer Drill Might Still Be the Right Buy
Honest section — rotary hammers aren't always the right answer:
- If you drill masonry once a year for a couple of anchors. A hammer drill that doubles as your regular drill saves you from owning a separate tool.
- If you rarely need holes larger than 1/4". Small anchor holes are within a hammer drill's realistic capability.
- If budget is tight and masonry drilling is occasional. Get a good hammer drill for $150 and rent a rotary hammer for the occasional big project.
- If you don't own a regular drill yet. Buy a quality drill first — it's used far more often than either hammer drill or rotary hammer.
For serious masonry work, the rotary hammer wins on speed, hole size, and reduced fatigue. For occasional homeowner anchor drilling, a hammer drill is a defensible choice.
Rotary Hammer Technique
Three tips for effective masonry drilling:
- Let the tool do the work. Don't push hard. The pneumatic hammer generates the impact energy; pressure just slows the tool down and wears bits faster.
- Use SDS-Plus bits sized to your anchor. Anchor packaging specifies exact bit diameter — usually 1/4" larger than the anchor itself.
- Withdraw the bit occasionally. Especially in deep holes. This clears masonry dust from the flutes, letting the bit cut faster.
Safety
Rotary hammers are less dangerous than saws but still merit caution:
- Wear safety glasses. Masonry drilling sends concrete dust and chips upward.
- Wear a dust mask or respirator. Concrete dust contains silica — long-term exposure causes silicosis. This is not a minor risk.
- Both hands on the tool. Rotary hammers produce significant torque reaction, especially in large holes or when hitting rebar.
- Watch for rebar in concrete. Hitting rebar suddenly can jerk the tool. Slow down and change bits to a rebar-cutting SDS bit if you'll be cutting through reinforcement.
- Support the workpiece. Concrete blocks and freestanding masonry need bracing before drilling.
FAQ
What's the difference between a hammer drill and a rotary hammer?
The hammer mechanism. Hammer drills use mechanical clutches that "click" against each other — light impact energy, fine for occasional anchor holes. Rotary hammers use pneumatic (air-driven) pistons that deliver dramatically more impact energy — the correct tool for serious masonry work. Rotary hammers also use SDS-Plus chuck systems instead of standard drill chucks.
Do I need special bits for a rotary hammer?
Yes — SDS-Plus bits with slotted shanks. Standard drill bits won't lock into the chuck. SDS-Plus bits are widely available at every hardware store; every major manufacturer makes them.
How large a hole can this Greenworks rotary hammer drill in concrete?
Up to 12mm (1/2") in concrete or stone. Covers the anchor sizes used in most residential work — Tapcons, sleeve anchors, wedge anchors up to 3/8".
Can I use this as a regular drill too?
Yes, with a rotation-only mode and an included standard chuck adapter for regular drill bits. Less versatile than a dedicated drill/driver, but functional for occasional drill duty.
How long does the 4.0Ah battery last?
On continuous masonry drilling: about 30 anchor holes on one full charge. On intermittent use: much longer. Larger holes and harder material shorten runtime.
Should I get a hammer drill or a rotary hammer?
If you drill masonry regularly or need holes over 3/8" in concrete, the rotary hammer is dramatically better. If you drill occasional small anchors and want one tool that also handles general drilling, a hammer drill is a defensible compromise. For a serious homeowner, the rotary hammer is the better long-term buy.
The Right Tool for Serious Masonry Drilling
If you install anchors in concrete, drill into brick or block, finish basements, or take on any project requiring effective masonry drilling — the Greenworks 24V Rotary Hammer Kit is built for exactly this work. SDS-Plus chuck, pneumatic hammer action, 1/2" concrete capacity, 4.0Ah USB battery, and full compatibility with the 200+ tool 24V POWERALL platform.
Keep reading:
- Best Battery Impact Driver — A 2026 Buyer's Guide — The essential fastening tool paired with masonry drilling.
- One Battery System Saves You Money — The Greenworks Ecosystem — Why staying inside one battery platform saves hundreds.
- Shop the Full Greenworks Power Tool Collection — Every 24V tool available on the POWERALL platform.