Short answer: an impact (hammer) drill is an everyday drill that adds a light vibrating hammer action. It handles wood, metal and small holes in brick or block. A rotary hammer, which many people in Jordan call a "Hilti" after the famous brand, uses a much stronger piston mechanism that punches the bit into the material. It drills concrete quickly, makes big holes easily and can also chisel.
How each tool hits the wall
Impact drill: two ridged discs inside the gearbox click against each other, creating thousands of small, fast vibrations. It works, but you have to push hard, and in reinforced concrete it slows down a lot.
Rotary hammer: a piston drives a heavy striker that hits the back of the bit, like a tiny jackhammer. The force is measured in joules (J). The tool does the work, so you barely need to push.
Comparison
| Impact drill | Rotary hammer ("Hilti") | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Wood, metal, brick, block, small holes | Concrete, stone, large holes |
| Hammer force | Light vibration | Strong blows, measured in joules |
| Typical concrete hole | Up to about 10–13mm, slowly | Easily 6–26mm and more |
| Chiselling tiles or plaster | No | Yes, on models with a chisel mode |
| Bits | Round shank (standard masonry bits) | SDS-plus bits |
| Can it drive screws? | Yes | Not really (no clutch for screws) |
What do the joules mean?
Joules tell you how hard each blow is. As a rough guide:
- About 2–2.5J: anchors, curtain rails, AC brackets and electrical boxes in concrete.
- About 4–5J: frequent drilling, bigger holes and light chiselling.
- 10J and above: heavy chiselling, removing tiles and breaking concrete.
Which one should you buy?
Mostly wood, metal and a few wall plugs? An impact drill is enough.
Impact Drill 900W - TOTALView product →
Impact Drill 1100W 13mm - TOTALView product →
Brushless Cordless Impact Drill 20V 86Nm with Battery - TOTALView product →
Drilling concrete regularly? A rotary hammer saves time and effort. Cordless models give you freedom on site; corded models deliver the most power.
Cordless Rotary Hammer 20V 2.4J with Battery - TOTALView product →
Cordless Rotary Hammer 20V 4.5J with Battery - TOTALView product →
Cordless Rotary Hammer 42V 2.5J with Battery - TOTALView product →
Rotary Hammer 1600W 10J - JADEVERView product →
Breaking concrete or removing tiles? Look at a demolition breaker such as the Cordless Demolition Breaker 20V 16J with Battery - JADEVER.
Remember that rotary hammers need SDS-plus bits, for example the SDS Plus Hammer Drill 8x110mm - TOTAL. See all options in Drills, Hammers & Breakers and Bits.
Frequently asked questions
Why do people call a rotary hammer a "Hilti"?
Hilti is a well-known brand of rotary hammers, so in Jordan and the region the brand name became the everyday word for this type of tool, whatever the brand.
Can I use a rotary hammer as a normal drill?
Many rotary hammers have a drill-only mode for wood and metal, sometimes with a chuck adapter. They are heavier than a drill, though, and not suited to screwdriving.
Can an impact drill drill concrete?
Yes, for small holes and occasional use, with a sharp masonry bit. For reinforced concrete or many holes, a rotary hammer is much faster.
Do I need special bits for a rotary hammer?
Yes. Rotary hammers use SDS-plus bits, which lock into the tool and let the hammer blow pass through properly.
