Bauer Rotary Hammer Drill Review of 2024

 Disclaimer: DrillingAdvisor.org is a reader supported site. We earn commission from products purchased using affiliate links. We value your support and read more about the affiliate program here. 

 

With a quality rotary hammer drill, you can complete a lot of tasks just by changing the bits. From breaking concrete and hard soils to boring holes in masonry, there is so much you can do with this tool.

So, which is the best rotary hammer drill? Well, it all depends on what you need the device for. We’re going to look at some of the best options on the market from the brand Bauer.  Bauer manufactures affordable tools that deliver a powerful performance.  Keep reading for a hammer drill buyer guide, and our top Bauer pick!

About the Bauer Brand

You might have heard or come across Harbor Freight Tools. But if not, this is a power tool company that offers more than 7,000 tools and accessories.

And you know what? Bauer is the house brand for Harbor Freight and is popularly known for providing great quality tools at the lowest prices. Simply put, quality is the highest consideration for this company.

Also, the brand prides itself on offering a no-hassle return policy and a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of their products. So, if you’re looking for quality hammer drills or rotary hammer drills, Bauer got you covered.

Comparisons of the Top 2 Bauer Rotary Hammer Drills

Below, you’ll find a quick overview of the features of the best Bauer rotary hammer drills of 2021. These drills are sure to give you a precise and clean finish as well as save you a lot of time. Check them out!

Top Pick
Bauer 1641E-B 1-1/8 Inch SDS Variable Speed 10 Amp...
Editor’s Choice
Bauer 12.5 Amp SDS Max Type Pro Demolition Hammer...
Bauer 1641E-B 1-1/8 Inch SDS Variable Speed 10 Amp...
Bauer 12.5 Amp SDS Max Type Pro Demolition Hammer...
Type:
Corded Electric
Wind Powered
Amperage:
10 Amps
12.5 Amps
Maximum Chuck Size:
3 Millimeters
0.39 Inches
Impact rate:
3900 BPM
1900 BPM
AC Volts:
120V
120V
Drill into Stone?
Prime?
-
-
Top Pick
Bauer 1641E-B 1-1/8 Inch SDS Variable Speed 10 Amp...
Bauer 1641E-B 1-1/8 Inch SDS Variable Speed 10 Amp...
Type:
Corded Electric
Amperage:
10 Amps
Maximum Chuck Size:
3 Millimeters
Impact rate:
3900 BPM
AC Volts:
120V
Drill into Stone?
Prime?
-
Editor’s Choice
Bauer 12.5 Amp SDS Max Type Pro Demolition Hammer...
Bauer 12.5 Amp SDS Max Type Pro Demolition Hammer...
Type:
Wind Powered
Amperage:
12.5 Amps
Maximum Chuck Size:
0.39 Inches
Impact rate:
1900 BPM
AC Volts:
120V
Drill into Stone?
Prime?
-

 

Reviews of the Rotary Hammer Drill by Bauer in 2024

 

1. Bauer 1641E-B SDS Rotary Hammer Drill Kit – Top Pick 

If you’re interested in a tool that is very powerful and is also ergonomically designed, this kit has it all. It offers the perfect combination of drilling power with convenient features. That said, let’s look at its key features.

10 Amp Motor

Powered by a high-performance 10 Amp motor, there is no doubt that this tool can drill through different materials. As such, you can use it to bore holes into the toughest surfaces like masonry and concrete walls.

Bauer 1641E-B rotary review hammer kit

Feature List
  • Type: Corded Electric
  • Amperage: 10 Amps
  • Maximum Chuck Size: 3 Millimeters
  • Impact rate: 3900 BPM
  • Maximum Speed: 3900 RPM
  • AC Volts: 120V
  • Speed Control: Variable
  • Weight: 16 Pounds

 

TODAY’S DEAL on AMAZON

 

10 amps Bauer 1641E-B rotary hammer kit

The motor is designed to deliver up to 3900 BPM with 3.7 ft. lbs of powerful impact energy. This allows you to complete even the most heavy-duty projects effortlessly and efficiently.

Dual Modes

Another great feature of this tool is its dual-position switch for added convenience. This allows you to easily switch from a rotary hammer drill to a precision drill depending on the task at hand. As such, you will be able to do so much with this tool including chiseling, masonry, and drilling.

The best part? You won’t need to buy a hammer drill and a standard drill separately, which will help you save money.

Variable Speed

The device is equipped with a variable speed control setting. So, depending on what type of material you’re working on, you just dial the speed that matches the application. This means you can complete different tasks while maintaining a constant speed.

Handle Design

Another feature that sets this rotary drill apart from the competition is its handle design. The handle features shock-absorbent and anti-vibration technology to minimize fatigue and strain. And for increased comfort and maximum control, the tool boasts a 360-degree adjustable side handle.

Positive Feedback
  • Compatible with industry-standard SDS bits
  • 3-in-1 operation
  • Easy to switch between functions
  • Quick change bit system
  • Delivers fast and precise drilling
Negative Feedback
  • Not highly portable since it’s corded

 

2. Bauer 1631E-B 12.5 Amp SDS Max Hammer Kit – Editor’s Choice

Next up, we have this model that allows you to perform heavy-duty tasks like breaking holes in concrete and demolition. With a hard-hitting motor, this tool is not only fast but also extremely powerful. Below are its most important features:

12.5 Amp Motor

One of the best features of this drill is its 12.5 Amp motor that delivers up to 1500 watts of power. Consequently, the tool can break through the toughest materials with ease.

Bauer 12.5 amp demolition review hammer kit

Feature List
  • Type: ‎Wind Powered
  • Amperage: 12.5 Amps
  • Maximum Chuck Size: 0.39 Inches
  • Impact rate: 1900 BPM
  • AC Volts: 120V
  • Maximum Speed: 1900 RPM
  • Wattage: 1500 watts
  • Weight: 36 pounds
  • Color: Red & Black

 

TODAY’S DEAL on AMAZON

 

corded electric Bauer demolition hammer kit

The motor also allows the drill to attain up to 1900 BPM and high-impact energy. This makes completing tough demolition projects a breeze.

Speed Control

Similar to most Bauer power tools, this device also features variable speed control for added versatility. This enables you to perform a range of applications by choosing a speed that matches the job at hand. And the best part is that it’s easy to change the drilling speed.

Adjustable Handle Design

What’s more, is this device comes with a 360-degree adjustable side handle that is ergonomically designed for better control and secure grip. Also, the design of the handle allows you to use the drill in different angles for better performance.

Anti-Vibration Control

Another important feature of this rotary hammer drill is its industry-leading anti-vibration control technology. This feature is designed to absorb shock from the handle when drilling at very high speeds.

Consequently, this helps reduce hand strain and accidents due to fatigue. This comes in handy when using the drill for long operations.

Positive Feedback
  • Quick change heavy-duty bit system
  • Convenient grease port
  • Durable carbide construction
Negative Feedback
  • Corded operation limits mobility
While reviews are limited, buyers are happy with this hammer drill, leaving them wishing that they bought it sooner!  Users share that this is better designed for lighter concrete work so keep that in mind when making your purchase decision.  “Turned a back-breaking 5-day job with pickaxes into a six-hour job.”

 

Buyer’s Guide

With the right rotary hammer drill, you can drill deeper and larger holes in any type of masonry material. But how do you know which is the best tool for your needs? Here are a few factors that you will need to consider while purchasing a Bauer rotary hammer drill.

Motor

While purchasing a rotary hammer drill, you must choose one with high motor power. Some of the best products today come with 7 Amps of power which is sufficient for light to medium-duty tasks.

However, if you’re looking for an industrial-grade tool, you should go for one with more than 10 Amps of motor power.

Drilling Speed

Most importantly, the drilling speed is very crucial if you’re looking for a drill that delivers smooth performance in heavy-duty applications. The drilling speed is usually shown as an RPM rate and determines how first the tool can work.

For heavy-duty tasks, a rotary hammer with at least 2000 RPM is good enough. But if you want a drill for home use, then you can choose one with an RPM range of 1200 to 1500.

Comfort

Comfort is yet another key factor that is worth considering. If a rotary hammer feels uncomfortable, it will discourage you from using it again.

Generally, the comfort of the drill depends on the handle design. So, you should buy a device that comes with an ergonomic design and a soft grip for superior comfort.

Corded or Cordless

Rotary hammer drills come in either corded or cordless style.

Corded: Corded models run on electric power which makes them more powerful than their cordless counterparts. They are also very reliable not unless you don’t have an electric connection nearby.

Cordless models, on the other hand, offer great portability since they are battery-operated. However, they are not very reliable since battery power tends to last for a couple of hours. So, you must invest in a unit with high battery power.

Impact Energy

Another factor to consider is the amount of impact energy the rotary hammer can deliver during drilling.  A drill that produces high-impact energy means that it can easily pound through the toughest masonry. Some of the best products usually have an impact energy rating of between 2 and 4 ft/lbs.

FAQs

Now that you know what features to consider when buying a rotary hammer drill, check out these frequently asked questions.

Q: What’s the difference between a rotary hammer and a hammer drill?

A: A rotary hammer drill works in the piston mechanism while a hammer drill uses rotational force. As such, a rotary hammer is more powerful than a hammer drill.

Q: Can a rotary hammer break concrete?

A: Yes. This type of drill boasts high-impact energy and a powerful motor to effectively break the toughest masonry materials.

Q: Can a rotary hammer drill chisel?

A: Rotary hammers are designed to produce a pounding force that makes them very efficient at drilling chisel.

Our Top Pick

While both products are equally good, the Bauer 1641E-B Rotary Hammer Kit is our top pick. We love the fact that it comes with a very powerful motor and boasts dual modes. On top of that, it has a variable speed control.

Bottom Line

That’s all to it about the best Bauer rotary hammer drill review. The above-listed options are ideal for DIY projects or for demolition and construction use. So, whichever you choose, you will not regret it as they are all built to pound through the toughest materials.