A Tool for Every Job - About the Hammer Drill  
Regular cordless and electric drills are invaluable tools for use from the home
to the jobsite, but they are not equipped for strenuous jobs such as drilling
through concrete, masonry or granite. Hammer drills and rotary hammers are
designed for drilling through these harder materials. Both hammer drills and
rotary hammers combine the pounding action of a hammer with the rotation of
a drill to make penetrating hard, brittle surfaces possible. The rotary hammer
is the hammer drill’s heavier duty counterpart that can perform more
demanding drilling jobs. A strong drill bit that pulses back and forth as it
rotates provides the ability to drill through harder materials than would be
possible with a standard drill. Attempting to drill into a hard surface such as
concrete or masonry using a standard drill is a common error. Though a
seemingly innocent enough mistake, attempting to penetrate a surface for
which the drill is not designed can damage the drill, possibly irreparably.

Installing outdoor lighting fixtures, hanging outdoor art pieces and affixing
flagpole hangers to the brick, cement stucco or masonry exterior of a home
are common household projects that call for the pulsing action and power of
a hammer drill. If you are experienced enough to take on such jobs yourself,
awareness of the placement of any electrical wiring prior to drilling into the
exterior of a home is essential.

Tile, concrete or cement block walls in home interiors may also present the
need for a tool such as a hammer drill. Even for small jobs such as hanging a
towel rod using a pilot hole and fastener, a hammer drill is necessary if the
wall material is concrete.

Here are a few basic tips to keep in mind when using a hammer drill:

 * Wear goggles or other eye protection to prevent dust from entering your
eyes while drilling.

 * Always use the type of drill bit for which the drill is designed (most hammer
drills use SDS).

 * Avoid contact with a drill bit immediately after use, as the bit will be hot.

To protect yourself and your hammer drill, thoroughly reading documentation
accompanying any power tool prior to use is always advised.

About the Author: Maria Polidoro is the owner of Ace Tool Online, a leading
provider of electric and cordless power tools headquartered in Wantagh, New
York. Ace Tool stocks the latest power tools, parts and accessories and
houses a full service center for major power tool brands. For information and
to purchase Champion Tools, Milwaukee cordless tools, Amana Tools and
virtually all other major brands, please visit
ACE TOOL.
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