Any contractor working with or around concrete is familiar with the rotary hammer. It is a specialized tool that shines when it is performing the work it was meant to perform, namely frequent drilling in concrete. Setting anchor bolts, rebar doweling and drilling through concrete are just a few of the leading applications for rotary hammers. Larger rotary hammers are also designed for light demolition work.

Contractors have several factors to consider when choosing between a rotary hammer and its close cousin the hammer drill. In short, as the size of a hole and the number of holes to be drilled increases, contractors should lean toward a rotary hammer over a hammer drill. In addition, the harder the cementitious material, the less effective a hammer drill will be.