DeWalt Multitool 18V XR Brushless
A cordless power tool (18V, 35 Newton Metres Item Package Quantity 1 Number of Pieces 1, brushless), a capable pick for drilling and driving around the home and site.
The Best Cordless Hammer Drills in the UK (2026)
A cordless hammer (combi) drill adds a percussion mode that lets you drill into brick and masonry, not just wood and metal. This guide covers what to look for in a hammer drill and which models we rate.
Quick answer
A combi (hammer) drill is the most versatile choice for most users, because it does everything a drill/driver does plus masonry. Look for a real hammer mode, enough torque, a good chuck and a trusted battery platform. For occasional wall plugs and light brickwork a combi is ideal; for heavy, repeated concrete drilling you want a dedicated SDS rotary hammer instead.
How hammer drilling works
In hammer mode, the drill adds a rapid forward percussion to the rotation, chipping into masonry as the bit turns. This lets it bore into brick, block and light concrete for wall plugs and fixings. It is different from an SDS rotary hammer, which uses a more powerful piston action for serious concrete work, but a combi handles most household masonry jobs well.
What to look for
- A genuine hammer mode: switchable percussion for masonry.
- Torque and speed range: for driving and drilling across materials.
- A good keyless chuck: typically 13mm for a wider range of bits.
- Battery platform: so it shares batteries with your other tools.
- Comfort and balance: combis are a little heavier than plain drills.
Combi vs SDS
A combi drill suits the occasional wall plug, fixing curtain rails or shelves into brick, and general DIY. An SDS rotary hammer is the tool for frequent or heavy concrete drilling, channelling and bigger holes, using a dedicated bit system. Most home users only need a combi; choose SDS if masonry drilling is a regular, demanding part of your work.
Who it suits
A hammer/combi drill suits almost every home user, since it covers wood, metal and masonry in one tool. It is the sensible default unless you know you will never drill into walls (in which case a drill/driver is lighter) or you do heavy concrete work daily (in which case add an SDS). For most people, the combi is the one to own.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Buying a drill/driver then needing to drill brick.
- Expecting a combi to do heavy concrete work like an SDS.
- Overlooking the chuck size for the bits you use.
- Ignoring the battery platform you are buying into.
- Forgetting combis are heavier than plain drills.
Our top picks
#1
#2 
Makita 18V LXT Brushless 24mm Rotary Hammer SDS-Plus
A cordless power tool (18V, brushless), a capable pick for drilling and driving around the home and site.
#3 
Bosch Professional 18V System Cordless LED Construction
A cordless power tool (18V), a capable pick for drilling and driving around the home and site.
#4 
Dewalt XR Brushless Combi Drill With 2 X 5.0 Ah
A cordless power tool (18V, 45 Newton Metres, brushless), a capable pick for drilling and driving around the home and site.
#5 
DeWalt 18V XR Brushless Compact 16mm SDS Plus
A cordless power tool (18V, 1.4 Newton Metres, brushless), a capable pick for drilling and driving around the home and site.
#6 
Makita 18 V Cordless Li-ion Combi Drill Kit and
A cordless power tool (18V), a capable pick for drilling and driving around the home and site.
#7 
Ryobi One+ HP 18V Brushless Cordless 1/2 In. Hammer Drill
A cordless power tool (18V, brushless), a capable pick for drilling and driving around the home and site.
#8 
Bosch Professional 18V System Cordless Combi Kit: GSB
A cordless power tool (18V, 55 Nm, brushless), a capable pick for drilling and driving around the home and site.
#9 
Ryobi Starter Kit 18 V ONE Plus Cordless Combi Drill
A cordless power tool (18V, 50 Nm), a capable pick for drilling and driving around the home and site.
#10 
Milwaukee 18V Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 1/4'' Hex
A cordless power tool (18V, brushless), a capable pick for drilling and driving around the home and site.
Frequently asked questions
What is a cordless hammer drill for?
A hammer (combi) drill adds a percussion mode to drill into brick, block and light concrete, on top of normal drilling and screw-driving. It is the versatile choice for DIY that involves the occasional wall plug or masonry fixing.
What is the difference between a combi drill and an SDS drill?
A combi drill uses hammer action for light masonry and general DIY, while an SDS rotary hammer uses a more powerful piston action for frequent, heavy concrete drilling. Most home users only need a combi.
Can a combi drill go through concrete?
It handles brick, block and light concrete for wall plugs and fixings. For heavy or frequent concrete drilling, channelling or large holes, an SDS rotary hammer is the right tool rather than a combi.
Bottom line
Our top pick is the DeWalt Multitool 18V XR Brushless (our score 9.5/10) - A cordless power tool (18V, 35 Newton Metres Item Package Quantity 1 Number of Pieces 1, brushless), a capable pick for drilling and driving around the home and site..