An SDS rotary hammer is the tool that turns drilling into masonry from a fight into a formality. Where a combi drill vibrates and struggles, a rotary hammer drives a piston that lands a real blow, so it sinks anchors into concrete, drills brick and block fast, and chisels out tile and chases. For any trade that fixes into masonry, it is one of the most used tools in the van.
This guide covers the best SDS drills and rotary hammers UK trades and serious DIYers are buying in 2026, cordless and corded. First, the three decisions that narrow the field: SDS plus or SDS max, cordless or corded, and how much impact energy you actually need.
The shank system decides which hammers you are even looking at.
Then two more decisions:
With those decided, here are our six picks for 2026.
The DCH273 is our best cordless overall. It is a compact three mode SDS plus hammer on the huge DeWalt 18V XR platform, with a brushless motor that gives strong, efficient drilling and light chiselling in a body light enough to use overhead without wearing you out. Around 2 to 2.6 joules of impact energy handles the anchors and masonry holes most trades drill all day, and the rotation stop lets you chisel tile and chase cable. If you are on DeWalt batteries, or starting fresh, this is the sensible first look. Check the current price on Amazon.
Check price on AmazonIf your van runs on Makita LXT, the DHR242 is the natural pick. A brushless three mode SDS plus hammer that is well balanced and reliable, with the same anchor drilling and light chiselling ability as the DeWalt and Makita's excellent battery and service network behind it. It is a favourite with kitchen and bathroom fitters and general builders who value low weight and a tool that simply keeps going. A strong, dependable cordless hammer for the Makita user. Check the current price on Amazon.
Check price on AmazonMilwaukee's M18 FUEL SDS hammers are built for the trade that wants corded style power with no lead. The FUEL brushless motor and Milwaukee's high output batteries deliver hard, fast drilling into concrete and enough grunt for heavier anchor work than most cordless hammers manage, with the tracking and durability the platform is known for. It costs more, but for a groundworker, shopfitter or anyone drilling a lot of masonry off grid it earns it. The most powerful cordless pick here. Check the current price on Amazon.
Check price on AmazonBosch's Professional GBH 18V-26 is a strong value all rounder on the Bosch 18V system. Around 2.6 joules of impact energy, a brushless motor and a compact, tough body make it a genuine trade hammer that drills anchors and masonry holes cleanly and chisels when you need it. Bosch Professional build quality and the wide 18V range make it an easy recommendation for anyone starting on, or already using, the blue Bosch platform. A reliable, well priced cordless hammer. Check the current price on Amazon.
Check price on AmazonWhen you want sustained power for all day drilling at a fair price, a corded hammer still wins, and the Bosch GBH 2-28 is a long standing trade favourite. Around 3.2 joules of impact energy, three modes with rotation stop, and a mains supply that never runs flat make it ideal for the shop, the workshop or any job with power on hand. It is heavier to carry than a cordless but drills hard concrete tirelessly. The pick when raw, uninterrupted power matters more than portability. Check the current price on Amazon.
Check price on AmazonFor lighter or occasional use, a budget SDS hammer from Einhell or Terratek does the job for far less money. These pair a modest motor with three modes and are aimed at home users, allotment jobs and light DIY rather than daily commercial drilling. You give away the power, durability and refinement of the trade names, so treat one as an occasional tool, but for the buyer who needs to fix into masonry now and then it represents genuine value. Check the current price on Amazon.
Check price on AmazonThey all drill masonry far better than a combi drill. The honest differences are power, portability and price.
| Hammer | Best for | Standout strength | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| DeWalt DCH273 | DeWalt users, general trade | Light, three mode, strong platform | Not for heavy breaking |
| Makita DHR242 | Makita users | Balanced, reliable, great batteries | Similar power to rivals |
| Milwaukee M18 FUEL | Heavy cordless drilling | Most cordless power | Higher price |
| Bosch GBH 18V-26 | Bosch users, value | Strong all rounder, price | Mid weight |
| Bosch GBH 2-28 (corded) | All day drilling | Sustained mains power | Needs a lead, heavier |
| Einhell or Terratek | Light and occasional use | Low entry price | Not for daily commercial abuse |
One last point. The hammer drills the hole, but the quote wins the job in the first place. If your quoting still happens on a pad in the van, see how trades are kitting out in our guide to the best cordless power tool combi kits in the UK, then let QuoteSmith turn your next job into a professional quote in minutes.
QuoteSmith helps UK tradespeople create detailed, professional quotes in minutes. Itemised breakdowns, terms and conditions, and your branding on every page. The customer sees a pro before you have even unloaded the van.
Try QuoteSmith NowSDS plus is the common 10mm shank system used on the vast majority of rotary hammers, ideal for drilling anchors and holes up to around 26mm and light chiselling. SDS max is a larger 18mm shank system for heavy demolition hammers that break out concrete and drill much larger holes. For most trades a good SDS plus hammer covers the day to day work; only buy SDS max if you do serious breaking and coring.
A combi drill hammers by mechanical vibration and struggles in concrete, brick and stone once you go past small holes. A rotary hammer uses a piston to deliver a far harder blow, so it drills masonry faster and with less effort and can chisel. If you fix into concrete or masonry regularly, a dedicated SDS rotary hammer pays for itself in speed and saved wrists.
Cordless 18V brushless SDS hammers are now strong enough for most anchor drilling and light chiselling, and they travel anywhere with no lead, so they are the popular choice for fitters and general trades. Corded hammers still give the most sustained power for heavy or all day drilling and cost less for the performance. Many trades own a cordless for mobility and keep a corded one for the heavy jobs.
Most SDS hammers offer three modes: rotary only for drilling wood and metal with the right bit, rotary hammer for drilling masonry, and hammer only for chiselling and chasing with the rotation locked. A rotation stop for chisel work is the useful extra over a two mode hammer drill, letting you remove tile, chase cable runs and break out small areas.
Impact energy in joules tells you how hard each blow lands, which matters more than raw wattage for masonry work. Around 2 to 3 joules suits anchor drilling and light chiselling, which covers most trade work. Move up to 3 joules and beyond for faster drilling in hard concrete and heavier chiselling. Match the joules to your typical job rather than buying the biggest number.
More UK tool and trade buying guides from QuoteSmith.