House DIY
You are fixing lintels or hard brick beside a mains socket after a combi drill has stalled. A lighter corded SDS-Plus hammer is the match. Buy the bits separately if the included line does not list them.
Rotary hammer comparison 2026
The best rotary hammers, compared.
Top pick: Bosch PBH 2100 RE – 4.6 from 1,683 reviews at £59.94, the deepest sample among the rows tied on stars. Best value: DongCheng DZC05-26B – 2.8 J stated at £47.17, with four SDS-Plus bits and 98 reviews. No case. Updated 22 October 2026.
Charlie White (Charlie DIYte)Expert source
A rotary hammer is an electro-pneumatic tool that strikes an SDS bit, usually SDS-Plus, and can spin that bit or stop the spin so you can chisel. You buy one in the UK when a combi drill skates on a lintel, hard brick, or a floor, or when you need to lift tiles. Judge a suitable tool by stated joules where the listing gives them, an SDS-Plus chuck that locks grooved bits, a side handle, and a clear included list. Watts in the title do not rank these hammers, and a keyless combi drill is another category. Nothing in this class is SDS-Max. Corded listings suit a 230 V domestic socket. On a building site, HSE guidance prefers cordless tools or a 110 V centre-tapped supply, and treats a domestic DIY lead as the wrong default. Weight runs from about 1.4 kg on light cordless bodies to about 8 kg on the heavy corded end. Switch mode only with the tool stopped. The stable checks are in the [rotary hammer buying guide](/hub/drilling-and-accessories/rotary-hammer/sub/rotary-hammer-buying-guide).
A rotary hammer is an electro-pneumatic tool that strikes an SDS bit, usually SDS-Plus, and can spin that bit or stop the spin so you can chisel.
36 products checked · 64 hrs invested · +22,800 readers
10 of 10: Best rotary hammers compared
Swipe for more
1-2 of 10Best overall
Best value
9.2/10
9.2/10
9.2/10
9.2/10
9.2/10
8.8/10
8.8/10
8.6/10
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8.4/10
∼ £60
∼ £181
∼ £130
∼ £123
∼ £55
∼ £85
∼ £47
∼ £117
∼ £104
∼ £71
4.6(1,683)
4.6(523)
4.6(267)
4.6(141)
4.6(32)
4.4(173)
4.4(98)
4.3(55)
4.3(10)
4.2(15)
Personal buying guide
Which rotary hammer fits?
Question 1 of 2
Where will you power it?
The best rotary hammers in detail
Our view
Across 1,683 amazon.co.uk reviews the PBH 2100 RE sits at 4.6, and reviewers use the 550 W, 2.2 kg body on lintels and hard brick after a combi drill has already stalled. The title says the tool is in a case, and reviews agree a plastic case is there, while SDS-Plus bits are not. Reviews also say the chuck is SDS-Plus even though the bullet only says keyless, so round bits need an adaptor and those same reviews say not to use hammer mode with that adaptor. A rotation stop for chiselling is claimed, and reviewers call that mode limited once the mortar or plaster gets heavy. The housing gets hot on longer jobs, and individual reports mention a clutch that slipped on a large bit in deep stone, a chuck that was not centred, and one unit that arrived without hammer action. Impact energy is not stated on the Amazon capture, so the 1.4 Nm cell is torque, not joules. At £59.94 it is the deepest review sample in this set, with the limit that a floor strip is more work than this 550 W body is described as doing.
Pros
- 4.6 from 1,683 reviews at £59.94, the largest sample in this set
- Reviewers finished lintels and hard brick after a combi stalled
- Plastic case is in the title and in reviews; the body is 2.2 kg
- Trigger speed control, and a claimed rotation stop for light chiselling
Cons
- SDS-Plus bits are not included, and the title says keyless rather than SDS
- Reviews say not to use hammer mode with a jaw adaptor
- Chisel mode is called limited for heavy mortar or plaster, and the housing gets hot
- Impact energy is not on the Amazon capture; a few single-unit faults are reported
Best for: You want a light corded SDS-Plus hammer for lintels and hard brick beside a mains socket, and you will buy the bits separately.
Less suitable: You need a stated joule figure, a heavy chase, or a tool with no lead.
Specifications
- Model
- Bosch PBH 2100 RE
- Brand
- Bosch
- Price
- ∼£60
- Customer rating
- 4.6/5(1,683)
- Chuck
- SDS-Plus
- Power
- 550 W corded
- Weight
- 2.2 kg
- In the box
- Case, bits not listed
- Modes
- Drill, hammer, chisel
- Voltage
- 220 V
Common questions
Will my round combi-drill bits fit?
Reviews say the chuck is SDS-Plus. Round bits need an adaptor, and those reviews say not to use hammer mode with that adaptor.
Is a case included?
The title says in case. Reviews say a plastic case is present. SDS-Plus bits are not listed as included.
Does it chisel?
A rotation stop for chiselling is claimed. Reviews call the chisel mode limited for heavy mortar or plaster. Chisels are not listed as included.
Our view
The GBH 18V-22 listing is an 18 V Bosch Professional body at £180.99 with an L-BOXX and inlay, and the included line has no battery and no charger. Across 523 amazon.co.uk reviews the line is 4.6, though the written sample in the Amazon reviews is only ten notes, mostly short notes about light to medium kitchen and bathroom fitting. Reviewers call the 2.3 kg weight manageable and say it replaced a hard-used SDS for daily work, while one title limits it to light domestic jobs rather than heavier duty, and another says it is not their 110 V site tool. The Amazon capture does not state impact energy or a concrete diameter. Bosch UK states 1.9 J, a concrete range of 4–22 mm with an optimum of 4–12 mm, and 14 m/s² (K 1.5) for hammer drilling in concrete, which is an emission value rather than a daily exposure. Chisel mode and reverse are not stated on the Amazon bullets, and the optional dust attachment is named but not included. Bosch’s own UK page showed £204.77 including VAT when checked, so that figure is not this Amazon price.
Pros
- 4.6 from 523 reviews at £180.99, with an L-BOXX in the included line
- Reviewers use it for light to medium fitting and call 2.3 kg manageable
- Bosch UK states 1.9 J and 4–22 mm in concrete for this model number
- Kickback control and vibration control are claimed; AMPShare is named
Cons
- No battery and no charger; the Amazon price is the body and the case
- Amazon does not state joules, concrete diameter, chisel mode, or reverse
- The written review sample is thin next to the 523-count line
- Not described as a 110 V site hammer, and one review keeps it to lighter domestic work
Best for: You already own Bosch Professional 18 V or AMPShare packs and the holes stay in the small-fixing band.
Less suitable: You need a battery in the price, a stated chisel mode, or a 110 V site tool.
Specifications
- Model
- Bosch GBH 18V-22
- Brand
- Bosch Professional
- Price
- ∼£181
- Customer rating
- 4.6/5(523)
- Chuck
- SDS-Plus
- Impact energy
- 1.9 J (Bosch UK)
- Power
- 18 V bare
- Weight
- 2.3 kg
- Concrete capacity
- 4–22 mm (Bosch UK)
- In the box
- L-BOXX, no battery
- Voltage
- 18 V
Common questions
Is a battery in the box?
No. The included line lists the GBH 18V-22, an L-BOXX inlay, and an L-BOXX. No battery and no charger.
Is a case included?
Yes. The title and the included line name an L-BOXX. A bullet also names a depth gauge and a cleaning cloth.
What joules does this capture state?
The Amazon capture does not state impact energy. Bosch UK states 1.9 J nominal for this model, and 14 m/s² (K 1.5) for hammer drilling in concrete. That vibration figure is an emission value.
Our view
The WX381.9 is a bare 20 V WORX body at £129.99, and the bullet states 2.0 J with a concrete capacity of 22 mm. Across 267 amazon.co.uk reviews the line is 4.6, and people use it on brick, concrete, curtain poles, and light chiselling for sockets and tiles. The included line has an auxiliary handle, a depth gauge, and three SDS bits at 8 mm, 10 mm, and 12 mm, and it does not include a battery, a charger, or a case. Reviewers who already own PowerShare packs like the weight against a corded SDS, at 2.3 kg on the attribute line, and several say a small pack runs out once the holes get heavier. One review wanted a plastic case, one found the forward handle hid the battery light, and one received a used item with no resolution. Reverse and a chisel-angle adjustment are claimed, so this is a three-function cordless tool only after you have paid for the battery the shelf price leaves out.
Pros
- Stated 2.0 J and a 22 mm concrete bullet, with reverse and a chisel setting claimed
- 4.6 from 267 reviews, used on brick, concrete, and light tile or socket work
- Three SDS bits, a side handle, and a depth gauge are in the included line
- 2.3 kg body for an existing WORX 20 V set
Cons
- Tool only: no battery, no charger, and no case in the included line
- Reviewers say a small pack is not enough for heavier holes
- One used arrival with no resolution, and the handle can hide the battery light
Best for: You already own WORX 20 V packs and you want about 2.0 J with a 22 mm concrete bullet.
Less suitable: You need a battery in the box, or you only have a small pack for a long run of holes.
Specifications
- Model
- WORX WX381.9 Nitro
- Brand
- WORX
- Price
- ∼£130
- Customer rating
- 4.6/5(267)
- Chuck
- SDS-Plus
- Impact energy
- 2.0 J
- Power
- 20 V bare
- Weight
- 2.3 kg
- Concrete capacity
- 22 mm
- In the box
- 3 SDS bits, no battery
- Modes
- Drill, hammer, chisel
- Reverse
- Yes
- Voltage
- 20 V
Common questions
Is a battery included?
No. The item highlight says tool only, and the included line has no battery or charger.
Which bits are in the box?
The included line lists three SDS drill bits: 8 mm, 10 mm, and 12 mm, plus an auxiliary handle and a depth gauge.
Can it chisel?
The bullet lists drilling, hammer drilling, and chiselling, plus chisel angle adjustment. Reverse is also claimed.
Our view
The Bosch Professional body sold as 0611927000 is £122.95, weighs 1.59 kg on the attribute line, and the bullets claim a brushless motor, constant speed, kickback control, and vibration control. Across 141 amazon.co.uk reviews the line is 4.6, but five written Amazon reviews are available, which is a thin text sample next to that count. Those notes say it drills solid concrete and that a small tool can still feel capable, and one reviewer expected to buy a case separately. The included line is a cardboard box, a depth gauge, and an auxiliary handle, with no battery and no charger. Impact energy, concrete capacity, and chisel mode are not stated. The maximum chuck size attribute prints 50 mm, which is not a verified drilling capacity beside a 1.59 kg SDS-Plus body, and an 80 Nm cell is torque rather than joules. A 2 Ah attribute is not the box contents.
Pros
- 1.59 kg, the lightest Bosch body in this set, at £122.95
- 4.6 from 141 reviews, with brushless and kickback control claimed
- Side handle and depth gauge are in the included line
- One written review says it drills solid concrete
Cons
- No battery, no charger, and no case
- Joules, concrete diameter, and chisel mode are not stated
- Only five written reviews sit behind the 141-count line
- A 50 mm chuck cell and an 80 Nm cell are not verified drilling figures
Best for: You already own 18 V packs and you want the lightest brushless body here for small SDS holes.
Less suitable: You need a stated joule figure, a chisel mode, or a case in the box.
Specifications
- Model
- Bosch Professional 0611927000
- Brand
- Bosch Professional
- Price
- ∼£123
- Customer rating
- 4.6/5(141)
- Chuck
- SDS-Plus
- Power
- 18 V bare
- Weight
- 1.59 kg
- In the box
- Handle and depth gauge
- Voltage
- 18 V
Common questions
Is a battery in the box?
No. The included line is a cardboard box, a depth gauge, and an auxiliary handle. A 2 Ah attribute is not the box contents.
Is a carry case included?
No case is listed. One review expected to buy a case separately.
What does the 50 mm chuck figure mean?
The maximum chuck size attribute prints 50 mm. That figure is not a verified drilling capacity beside a 1.59 kg SDS-Plus body. Concrete capacity is not stated
Our view
The Stanew ST-1027-N-UK is a 950 W corded SDS-Plus hammer at £54.99, and the bullet states 26 mm in concrete, 30 mm in wood, and 13 mm in steel. Across 32 amazon.co.uk reviews the line is 4.6, from twelve written bodies, so the star line is not a large sample. Reviewers describe brick holes, quarry tiles lifted over several sessions, and one core of about 107 mm through dense block that took about 20 minutes on a cavity wall. The included line has a pointed chisel and a flat chisel, both 225 mm, three impact bits, a conversion mandrel, spare brushes, and a plastic box. Forward and reverse are claimed, with a warning to change direction only when the tool is stopped, and a safety clutch is claimed in the title. Impact energy is not stated, and neither is the voltage. Weight is 5.36 kg in the attributes and 5.5 kg in the bullet, and one review says the storage box is poor, the chuck adapter keeps coming loose, and the cable sits at an acute angle.
Pros
- £54.99 with a 26 mm concrete bullet, claimed reverse, and a claimed safety clutch
- Point and flat chisels, three bits, a conversion mandrel, and a plastic box are listed
- Reviewers report brick holes and quarry tiles lifted over several sessions
Cons
- Impact energy and voltage are not stated
- 4.6 from only 32 reviews, and the written sample is 12
- 5.36 kg, and one review reports a loose chuck adapter and a poor box
Best for: You want chisels and a plastic box at £54.99, and you can accept an unstated joule figure.
Less suitable: You need a known impact energy, or you are choosing on star rating alone.
Specifications
- Model
- Stanew ST-1027-N-UK
- Brand
- Stanew
- Price
- ∼£55
- Customer rating
- 4.6/5(32)
- Chuck
- SDS-Plus
- Power
- 950 W corded
- Weight
- 5.36 kg
- Concrete capacity
- 26 mm
- In the box
- Chisels, bits, plastic box
- Modes
- Hammer, drill, chisel
- Reverse
- Yes
Common questions
Are chisels included?
Yes. The included line lists a pointed chisel and a flat chisel, both 225 mm, plus three impact drill bits and a plastic box.
Can it drill without hammering?
The bullet says drilling uses a conversion chuck. A conversion mandrel and a mandrel adapter are in the included line.
Is reverse stated?
The bullet claims forward and reverse, and says to change direction only when the tool is stopped. Impact energy is not stated Voltage is not stated
Our view
The Enventor Z1C-HW01-3288EP is a 1500 W, 230 V SDS-Plus hammer at £84.99, and the bullet states 6 J with a concrete capacity of 32 mm. Across 173 amazon.co.uk reviews the line is 4.4, and people describe brick, lintels, deep holes, and tile lifting after a combi or a cordless drill had struggled. The package bullet lists 8, 10, and 12 mm SDS-Plus bits, a pointed chisel, a flat chisel, and a carrying case, while the included-components attribute names only the hammer, so those two lines do not agree. The attribute weight is 7.87 kg, and reviewers call it heavy and loud, with grease from the chuck in heavy use and a housing that gets hot. Repeated UK reviews say there is no reverse even though the instruction book claims it, so a bound bit has no spin-back. One review describes chuck locating parts coming apart after about three hours, and individual buyers found a chisel missing or a chisel end that did not fit. It is the highest stated joule figure in this set only if you can lift that weight and you do not need reverse.
Pros
- Stated 6 J and a 32 mm concrete bullet at £84.99
- 4.4 from 173 reviews on lintels, masonry, and tile lifting
- Package bullet lists SDS bits, a point, a flat chisel, and a case
- Hammer, hammer-drill, and chisel positions are in the bullet
Cons
- Repeated reviews say there is no reverse, despite the instruction book
- 7.87 kg, and reviewers mention heat, noise, and chuck grease
- Included-components attribute does not match the fuller package bullet
- Individual reports of a failed chuck after about three hours, or a chisel that did not fit
Best for: You want the highest stated joules in this set for chiselling and larger masonry holes, and you can manage 7.87 kg.
Less suitable: You need reverse to back out a bound bit, or you are drilling overhead.
Specifications
- Model
- Enventor Z1C-HW01-3288EP
- Brand
- Enventor
- Price
- ∼£85
- Customer rating
- 4.4/5(173)
- Chuck
- SDS-Plus
- Impact energy
- 6 J
- Power
- 1500 W corded
- Weight
- 7.87 kg
- Concrete capacity
- 32 mm
- In the box
- Bits, chisels, case
- Modes
- Drill, hammer, chisel
- Reverse
- No
- Voltage
- 230 V
Common questions
Does it reverse?
Reverse is not in the specification table. Repeated UK reviews say there is no reverse, and that the instruction book claims reverse.
Is a case included?
The package bullet lists a carrying case. The included-components attribute says only the 1500 W hammer drill. Both lines are kept.
Will ordinary round bits fit?
The chuck is SDS-Plus. Reviewers say normal bits need an adaptor. The package bullet lists 8, 10, and 12 mm SDS-Plus bits plus a pointed chisel and a flat chisel.
Our view
At £47.17 the DongCheng DZC05-26B is the lowest price in this capture, and the bullet states 2.8 J from an 800 W, 240 V motor. Across 98 amazon.co.uk reviews the line is 4.4, and reviewers use the included SDS-Plus bits on brick, stone, and engineering brick, while separating the tool from daily professional work. The box lists four SDS-Plus bits, two carbon brushes, a handle, and a depth stop, and it does not list a case or a chisel. Weight is 2.9 kg in the attributes, though some reviewers call it heavier than that, and one buyer returned it because they could not lift it. Reverse is not stated. Individual reports mention bits that would not stay locked, a stiff mode knob, and a sharp edge under the housing that cut a finger before use. The 2.85 Nm cell is torque, not a second joule figure, and concrete diameter is not stated.
Pros
- Stated 2.8 J at £47.17, the lowest price in this capture
- 4.4 from 98 reviews on concrete, brick, and engineering brick
- Four SDS-Plus bits, spare brushes, a handle, and a depth stop are listed
- 240 V, four modes in the bullet, including hammer only
Cons
- No case and no chisel in the included line, and reverse is not stated
- Concrete diameter is not stated; reviewers call it heavy for the 2.9 kg attribute
- Single reports of bits that would not lock, and of a sharp edge under the housing
Best for: You want a stated 2.8 J corded hammer for DIY brick and concrete, and you can store it without a case.
Less suitable: You need reverse, a chisel in the box, or a tool you can hold overhead for long.
Specifications
- Model
- DongCheng DZC05-26B
- Brand
- Dong Cheng
- Price
- ∼£47
- Customer rating
- 4.4/5(98)
- Chuck
- SDS-Plus
- Impact energy
- 2.8 J
- Power
- 800 W corded
- Weight
- 2.9 kg
- In the box
- 4 SDS bits, no case
- Modes
- Drill, hammer, chisel
- Voltage
- 240 V
Common questions
Is a case included?
No case is listed. The included line has the tool, four SDS-Plus bits, two carbon brushes, an auxiliary handle, a depth stop, and a manual.
What is the impact energy?
The bullet states up to 2.1 ft·lb / 2.8 J. Concrete diameter is not stated.
Does the listing confirm reverse?
Reverse is not stated The bullet lists drill only, rotary hammer, chisel rotation only, and hammer only.
Our view
The GBH 18V-18 X is an 18 V body at £116.95, and the OneChuck bullet claims it will take SDS-Plus, cylindrical, and hex bits without a separate adaptor in the included line. That included line names only the tool, so a battery, a charger, and a case are extra, and a 2 Ah figure in the attributes is not the box. Across 55 amazon.co.uk reviews the line is 4.3, and six written Amazon reviews are available: people call it light, at 1.8 kg, and one says the chuck change takes seconds. The same thin sample includes a review that calls the power poor, one refund, and one bit stuck in the chuck after a single use. Impact energy, concrete capacity, and chisel mode are not stated. The table prints both 35 Nm and 5 Nm, so those torque cells cannot both be the impact energy. Kickback control and vibration control are claimed, and they do not fill the missing joule figure.
Pros
- OneChuck bullet claims SDS-Plus, round, and hex bits on one chuck
- 1.8 kg body at £116.95 if you already own 18 V packs
- One review describes a quick change from SDS bits to ordinary bits
Cons
- No battery, and impact energy, concrete diameter, and chisel mode are not stated
- 4.3 from 55 reviews, with only six written bodies in the file
- One review calls the power poor, one bit jammed, and the table prints both 35 Nm and 5 Nm
Best for: You already own Bosch 18 V packs and the reason to buy is the OneChuck claim, not a stated joule figure.
Less suitable: You need a known impact energy, a chisel mode, or a larger review sample before you trust the power.
Specifications
- Model
- Bosch GBH 18V-18 X
- Brand
- Bosch Professional
- Price
- ∼£117
- Customer rating
- 4.3/5(55)
- Chuck
- SDS-Plus OneChuck
- Power
- 18 V bare
- Weight
- 1.8 kg
- In the box
- Tool only
- Voltage
- 18 V
Common questions
Is a battery included?
No. The included line names the GBH 18V-18 X only. A 2 Ah figure in the attributes is not the box contents.
Will ordinary bits fit without an adaptor?
The OneChuck bullet claims SDS-plus, cylindrical, and hex bits. The included line does not list a separate adaptor.
Is chisel mode stated?
Chisel mode is not stated Impact energy is also not stated Kickback control and vibration control are claimed.
Our view
The WORX WX391 is the only cordless kit in this set that includes a battery, at £103.99 with a 20 V 2.0 Ah pack and a 2 A charger. The bullet states 1.2 J, up to 13 mm in hard concrete and masonry, and a weight of 1.4 kg. Across 10 amazon.co.uk reviews the line is 4.3, which is too small a sample to treat as a settled reputation. Reviewers call it compact, one used it on concrete fence posts, and one said the hammer action cut out on a wall so they went back to a corded drill. A keyless chuck with an SDS adaptor is in the box, and reviews call that add-on clumsy and unbalanced. Chisel-only mode is not stated; the bullet says rotary hammer, drill, or screwdriver. The best-sellers line sits in Drill Drivers, even though the title and the SDS-Plus mechanism are still a rotary hammer.
Pros
- 2.0 Ah battery and charger are in the box at £103.99
- Stated 1.2 J, a 13 mm concrete bullet, and a 1.4 kg body
- SDS bits plus a plug-in chuck and a hex holder are listed
Cons
- 4.3 from only 10 reviews
- Reviews call the add-on chuck clumsy, and one hammer action cut out
- Chisel-only mode is not stated, and 1.2 J is the lowest stated energy here
Best for: You need a WORX 20 V battery in the box and the holes stay around 13 mm.
Less suitable: You need chisel mode, more than 1.2 J, or a review count you can lean on.
Specifications
- Model
- WORX WX391
- Brand
- WORX
- Price
- ∼£104
- Customer rating
- 4.3/5(10)
- Chuck
- SDS-Plus, plug-in chuck
- Impact energy
- 1.2 J
- Power
- 20 V kit
- Weight
- 1.4 kg
- Concrete capacity
- 13 mm
- In the box
- Battery, charger, bits
- Modes
- Hammer, drill, screw
- Voltage
- 20 V
Common questions
Is a battery included?
Yes. The included line lists a 20 V 2.0 Ah battery WA3639 and a 20 V 2 A charger WA3802.
Can it take ordinary round bits?
The included line lists a keyless chuck with an SDS adaptor, plus a hex bit holder. Reviews call that add-on chuck clumsy.
Is there a chisel-only mode?
Chisel-only mode is not stated The bullet says rotary hammer, drill, or screwdriver. Stated impact energy is 1.2 J, and the concrete bullet says up to 13 mm.
Our view
The DEKOPRO DKPHRH0003 is a 1500 W corded SDS-Plus hammer at £70.99, and the title states 5.5 J with a concrete bullet of 32 mm. Across 15 amazon.co.uk reviews the line is 4.2, from ten written bodies. Reviewers mention tile removal, time saved against a hand chisel, and knocking down a concrete shed while noting the weight, which the attributes put at 8.04 kg. The included line lists a BMC case, two SDS chisels, three SDS bits, a side handle, an oil can, and a wrench, though the bit sizes are printed as unbroken strings. A bullet says not to use it on extra-thick reinforced concrete. One unit’s mode dial would not select drill and was returned unused, and another review says it broke after one use. Voltage is not stated, and the title and a later bullet do not agree on which of the three modes is which.
Pros
- Stated 5.5 J and a 32 mm concrete bullet at £70.99
- BMC case, two chisels, and three SDS bits are in the included line
- Reviewers used it for tiles and a heavy concrete shed
Cons
- 4.2 from 15 reviews, including a mode dial that failed and a tool that broke after one use
- 8.04 kg, and the bullet says to avoid extra-thick reinforced concrete
- Voltage is not stated, and the mode wording clashes
Best for: You want a stated 5.5 J corded hammer with chisels in a case, and you can lift 8.04 kg for a short strip-out.
Less suitable: You are treating 15 reviews as a durability result, or the concrete is thick and reinforced.
Specifications
- Model
- DEKOPRO DKPHRH0003
- Brand
- DEKOPRO
- Price
- ∼£71
- Customer rating
- 4.2/5(15)
- Chuck
- SDS-Plus
- Impact energy
- 5.5 J
- Power
- 1500 W corded
- Weight
- 8.04 kg
- Concrete capacity
- 32 mm
- In the box
- Case, chisels, bits
- Modes
- Drill, hammer, chisel
Common questions
Is a case included?
Yes. The included line lists a BMC case, two SDS chisels, three SDS drill bits, a side handle, an oil can, and a wrench.
What concrete size is claimed?
The bullet says concrete 32 mm, steel 13 mm, and wood 40 mm. Stated impact energy is 5.5 J. Voltage is not stated
Does the listing allow extra-thick reinforced concrete?
A bullet says not to use it on extra-thick reinforced concrete, and to wear goggles, gloves, and ear protection. The mode wording in the title and a later bullet does not match.
How we compared
Scores are the amazon.co.uk star rating on that listing, multiplied by 20. They are not a lab test, not a Which? award, and not a magazine score. A missing joule figure, a bare tool, a thin written sample, or a conflicting box line does not change the stored number. Those limits sit in the written assessment and in which row takes the top pick or the best value badge. The capture date is 22 October 2026. Prices are GBP as stored from amazon.co.uk.
1
Amazon stars
100%The stored score is the amazon.co.uk star rating for that ASIN, times 20. A 4.6 becomes 92. Fit, price, joules, and what the reviews actually say are used when the stars are tied and when the top pick or best value badge is chosen. They are not a second hidden score.
Independent review
Last updated: 22 October 2026
8 sources checked
Rotary hammer buying guide
Start with the job, not the wattage in the title. A rotary hammer is for lintels, hard brick, floors, and lifting tiles, after a combi drill has skated. Read joules where they are stated, confirm SDS-Plus, and read the included line before you assume a battery, a case, or a chisel is in the box. Weight tells you whether the tool is for overhead holes or a short strip-out. Star ratings here are the amazon.co.uk line on 22 October 2026, times 20. A thin written sample does not become a larger one.
What is a rotary hammer?
A rotary hammer strikes the bit with a piston, then lets the SDS shank slide in the chuck so the blow reaches the material. Most tools in this class use SDS-Plus. The bit has grooves that lock, and it is free to move a few millimetres along the axis while it spins, or while the rotation is locked for chiselling. A round bit from a combi drill does not lock in that chuck. An adaptor can hold one, and reviews of SDS-Plus hammers say not to use hammer mode with that adaptor.
Best for
- House DIY on lintels, hard brick, and light tile lifting beside a mains socket
- Small daily holes when you already own the matching battery packs
Not ideal for
- A reinforced slab, a structural opening, or a full day of hammering
- A UK building site that requires 110 V, if you only have a 230 V domestic lead
Mistakes to avoid
- 1
Buying a combi drill because the title says hammer
A keyless combi drill is another category. The word hammer in the title does not mean an SDS chuck or an electro-pneumatic blow. If the bit is round and the chuck is a keyless jaw, you are not looking at this class.
- 2
Ranking watts against joules
Watts and a voltage describe the motor or the battery platform. Impact energy in joules is the blow, and only where the listing or the named manufacturer page for that exact model states it. Do not copy a joule figure from a different body.
- 3
Assuming the battery or your old bits are included
A bare cordless body does not include a pack just because the title says 18 V or 20 V. Round bits need an adaptor, and reviews say not to use hammer mode with that adaptor. A case, SDS bits, and a chisel are included only when that listing says so.
- 4
Treating a small review sample as a large one
A 4.6 from 32 reviews is not the same evidence as a 4.6 from 1,683. The stored score uses the star line only. The written comments, and how many of them exist, sit in the assessment and in the badge choice.
What to weigh up
Chuck and impact energy
HighThe chuck is the first filter. SDS-Plus takes grooved bits that slide as they are struck. Round combi-drill bits do not lock, and hammer mode with an adaptor is the setup reviews tell you to avoid. Impact energy in joules is the blow, and it is the figure to compare when the listing states it. Watts and a platform voltage such as 18 V or 20 V do not rank hammers against each other. Where this capture states joules, the figures run from 1.2 J to 6 J.
Box contents, modes, and weight
HighThe included line is part of the price. Corded tools in this set are listed at 220 V, 230 V, or 240 V, and none is 110 V. A cordless title can still be a bare body: no battery, no charger, and sometimes no case. Bits and a flat chisel count only when that listing’s included line, or repeated reviews, say they are there. Conflicting lines, such as a package bullet that lists a case and an attribute that names only the tool, stay as a conflict.
Which option suits you?
Three typical situations, each with a recommendation from this comparison.
Daily small holes
You already own Bosch Professional 18 V or AMPShare packs, and the holes stay in the small-fixing band. Budget for a battery if the listing is a bare body. These cordless bodies are not 5 J breakers.
Tiles or a strip-out
You need chisel mode and a flat chisel in the box, and you can manage a tool around 7–8 kg. The 550 W class is widely reviewed for light chiselling and called limited when the work gets heavy.
Common questions about rotary hammers
What is a rotary hammer?
A rotary hammer is an electro-pneumatic tool that strikes an SDS bit, usually SDS-Plus, and can spin that bit or lock the rotation so a chisel works. You buy one when a combi drill skates on a lintel, hard brick, or a floor, or when you need to lift tiles. Judge it by stated joules, an SDS-Plus chuck, a side handle, and the included list. Watts in the title do not rank hammers, and this class is not SDS-Max.
Will a combi drill do the same job?
A combi drill rattles a round bit. It suits occasional plugs in soft brick, and it skates once the material is a concrete lintel, engineering brick, or a floor. A rotary hammer uses a sliding SDS strike instead. Round bits do not lock in an SDS-Plus chuck, and reviews say not to use hammer mode with an adaptor. If the listing is a keyless combi, use the combi drill comparison rather than treating it as this category.
What should you check before you buy?
Confirm an SDS-Plus chuck, then read impact energy in joules where the listing states it. If joules are missing, leave them unknown and do not copy a figure from another model. Read the included line for a battery, a case, SDS bits, and a chisel. A voltage in the title does not mean a pack is in the box. Note the weight, whether reverse is stated, and how many reviews sit behind the star line.
How much does a rotary hammer cost?
In this amazon.co.uk capture from 22 October 2026, entry corded tools sit at about £47–£71. The mid band is about £85–£130, and the upper listing is £180.99. A cordless body often excludes the battery, so the shelf price is not a working kit. Bosch UK showed £204.77 including VAT for the GBH 18V-22. Do not merge that with the Amazon line. These bands are a rule of thumb for this capture only.
How long can you hammer before vibration limits apply?
The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 set a daily action value of 2.5 m/s² A(8) and a limit of 5 m/s² A(8). HSE leaflet INDG175 gives a rule of thumb for hammer-action tools of about 15 minutes to the action value and about an hour to the limit. Bosch UK states 14 m/s² (K 1.5) for hammer drilling in concrete with the GBH 18V-22. That figure is an emission value, not a daily exposure.
What about dust when drilling concrete?
HSE construction sheet CN3 covers hand-held rotary drilling of silica-bearing material. On a short job, capture the dust where you can. When drilling is the main activity, use an M or H class extractor. If extraction is missing, use respiratory protection with an assigned protection factor of 20. HSE INDG463 states the respirable crystalline silica workplace exposure limit as 0.1 mg/m³ averaged over 8 hours. A dust port in a listing is not that control on its own.
Can you take a 230 V hammer onto a UK building site?
HSE says domestic DIY leads are not the default on a construction site. Prefer a cordless tool or a 110 V supply that is centre-tapped to earth. Corded hammers in this comparison are listed at 220 V, 230 V, or 240 V, and none is a 110 V tool. Do not take a 230 V domestic hammer onto a site that requires 110 V. Stop work near cables or pipes.
When should you hire a breaker instead?
Hire a breaker or a competent person for a reinforced slab, a structural opening, or a full day of hammering by an employee. The heavier SDS-Plus bodies here, around 6 J and 7–8 kg, are still not that tool. One heavy listing also says not to use it on extra-thick reinforced concrete. Change mode only with the tool stopped. A sample of 15 reviews is not the same evidence as a sample of 1,683.
Our verdict
The stored score is the amazon.co.uk star rating times 20, captured on 22 October 2026, not a lab test. The top pick is the Bosch PBH 2100 RE: 4.6 from 1,683 reviews at £59.94, the deepest sample among the rows tied at 92, as a 550 W, 2.2 kg corded tool with a case in the title. Amazon does not state its impact energy. The best value is the DongCheng DZC05-26B at £47.17, 4.4 from 98 reviews, with 2.8 J stated and four SDS-Plus bits, and no case. The Stanew is close in price but states no joules and has 32 reviews, so it does not take that place. A reinforced slab is a different tool.
Best overallView offer
Bosch PBH 2100 RE
4.6 from 1,683 reviews at £59.94, the deepest sample among the rows tied on stars.
Best value
View offer
DongCheng DZC05-26B
2.8 J stated at £47.17, with four SDS-Plus bits and 98 reviews. No case.
Editorial
DIY & tools editor
DIY & toolsPower toolsDrilling
Peter F. is the editor for DIY & tools at productscompared.co.uk. Comparisons in this category are checked against amazon.co.uk listings, review evidence and public UK sources.
Updated: 22 October 2026
8 sources checked
Guides to rotary hammers
Guides on what to look for, how to use a product, and common mistakes.
Rotary hammer buying guideChuck, joules, box contents, and weight, without the ten-row matrix.Best rotary hammerWho each of these listings is for, with the capture price and review count.How to use a rotary hammerFirst hole, mode switch, a stuck bit, and dust. It does not re-rank the tools.SDS rotary hammer vs combi drillWhen a combi drill is enough, and when you need the SDS strike.Rotary hammer for concreteLintels, hard brick, and modest holes. It does not repeat the buying guide.
Related comparisons
Sources
Safety figures come from legislation.gov.uk and HSE guidance. Prices, stars, and review counts are amazon.co.uk captures from 22 October 2026, not a live scrape. Bosch UK is cited only for the GBH 18V-22 joule and vibration lines that the Amazon capture does not state.
- Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005, regulation 4 (retrieved 22 October 2026)
- HSE INDG175: Hand-arm vibration (retrieved 22 October 2026)
- Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005, regulation 4 (retrieved 22 October 2026)
- HSE: Noise at work regulations (retrieved 22 October 2026)
- HSE CN3: Construction dust from rotary drilling (retrieved 22 October 2026)
- HSE INDG463: Control of exposure to silica dust (retrieved 22 October 2026)
- HSE: Electrical safety on construction sites (retrieved 22 October 2026)
- Bosch Professional UK: GBH 18V-22 (retrieved 22 October 2026)
Expert source (DIY & tools): Charlie White (Charlie DIYte) (external profile) – public expert commentary used as a research source, not as a contributor to our pages.
This page contains affiliate links to amazon.co.uk. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Scores are the listing’s star rating times 20. They are not a lab test, and they are not a promise of the cheapest price.