How to Use DeWalt Hammer Drill

How to Use a Hammer Drill (Drill Concrete Wood Metal) A complete guide on everything you need to know to take your DeWalt hammer drill against the limits.

The hammer drill (and/or more commonly known as the rotary hammer) is a very useful power tool to have in an amateur handyman’s arsenal.

 Masonry hammering action – The hammer function combines rotation and impact force in order to bore holes into concrete, brick, or any other masonry materials. DeWalt has also been known to make some of the best hammer drills on the market.

How to Use a DeWalt Hammer Drill

DeWalt hammer drills provide excellent drilling power along with easy-to-use features. Here are some key functions:

Three Modes

• Rotary mode – For drilling in wood, plastic, and light metals. No hammering.
• Hammer mode – Adds hammering action for concrete and masonry drilling.
• Hammer with rotation – Combines hammering and drill rotation for maximum drilling speed in concrete. This is the go-to mode for most hammer drilling applications.

Two-Speed Gearbox

• Gives you higher torque or higher speed drilling. Use lower gear for maximum power when starting a hole or drilling in very hard material.

Depth Rod

• Allows you to set maximum drill depth by adjusting the depth rod. Helpful for drilling uniform holes.

Side Handle

• Important for controlling and stabilizing the drill during hammer drilling. Always use the side handle when hammer drilling.

Lock-On Button

• Allows you to drill continuously without holding the trigger. Helpful for lengthy drilling tasks. Release to stop.

Now let’s drill! We’ll cover how to drill concrete, wood, and metal using your DeWalt hammer drill.

How to Drill Concrete with a DeWalt Hammer Drill

These are the steps that you must follow when using your DeWalt hammer drill to drill into concrete:

• Choose a suitable concrete drill bit like masonry SDS or carbide-tipped. Match chuck size.
• Wear safety goggles and other protective equipment such as a dust mask. Drilling into concrete generates a lot of dust particles.
• Use a concrete nail to locate your hole.

Passenger-side handle– Threaded for attachment, then torqued securely

• Switch on the hammer drill of your DeWalt by adjusting its setting. Hammer with rotation setting for the fastest speed.
• Position the bit at the desired location and hold the drill firmly with two hands.
• Pull the trigger and slowly apply firm pressure to engage the hammering action.
• Let the hammer do the work – don’t force the drill.
• Periodically back bit out to clear debris. Continue drilling to the needed depth.
• Add water to the hole periodically if concrete dust builds up. This lubricates the bit.
• When finished, release the trigger, remove the bit from the hole, and unplug the drill.

Tips for Smooth Concrete Drilling

• Let the hammer drill do the hard work. Don’t force it.
• Use a smooth in-and-out motion to drill. Avoid twisting the drill.
• Clear debris regularly for maximum drilling speed.
• Minimize wobble by pushing straight down as you drill.
• Lubricate the bit and hole with water for smooth drilling.

Now you’re ready to drill clean holes in concrete with your DeWalt hammer drill!

How to Drill Wood with a DeWalt Hammer Drill

For wood drilling, you’ll want to switch your DeWalt hammer drill out of hammer mode to prevent damage to the material.

Here are the steps for drilling wood with your DeWalt drill:

• Install a wood drill bit, such as a brad point or spade bit. Match your chuck size.
• Adjust your drill to standard rotary drilling mode. This disengages the hammer mechanism.
• Mark your hole placement with an awl or center punch.
• Clamp your workpiece or brace it securely to prevent spinning.
• Position the bit at your mark and pull the trigger to begin drilling.
• Apply firm pressure in a straight downward direction but let the drill do the work.
• Periodically back the bit out to clear wood chips and debris.
• Drill your hole to the desired depth, then release the trigger to stop.
• Remove the drill and bit from the workpiece.

Tips for Drilling Wood

• Let the drill bit cut rather than forcing it.
• Back out often to clear debris for faster drilling.
• Use a drill press for precise perpendicular holes.
• Avoid overheating bits when drilling metal or plastic.
• Minimize tear-out by clamping a backer board.

You can now drill clean holes in wood using your DeWalt hammer drill in rotary mode.

How to Drill Metal with a DeWalt Hammer Drill

For metal drilling, you’ll again want to switch the hammer function off and use sharp, high-speed steel twist drill bits.

Here are the steps:

• Install your desired size metal twist drill bit. Match your chuck.
• Disable the hammer mechanism by shifting to rotary mode.
• Mark your hole location with a center punch or nail.
• Clamp your workpiece securely or brace it to prevent spinning.
• Apply cutting fluid or lubricant to the bit tip.
• Drill your pilot hole using firm pressure. Let the drill do the work.
• Gradually increase hole diameter by stepping up drill bit sizes.
• Use a low drill speed and pecking motion to avoid overheating bits.
• Rinse chips away and reapply lubricant frequently while drilling.
• Drill to your desired depth, then release the trigger to stop.
• Remove the bit and workpiece when finished.

Metal Drilling Tips

• Use cutting fluid or lubricant to keep bits cool.
• Pecking helps clear chips and prevents binding.
• Stepping up the hole size gradually is easier than one large bit.
• Low speeds prevent premature bit dulling from overheating.
• Secure workpieces firmly to prevent spinning and wobbling.
• You can now drill precise holes in metal using your DeWalt hammer drill!
• Hammer Drill Safety Tips
• While extremely handy, hammer drills require safe operation to prevent injury or damage:
• Wear eye protection – debris particles can fly when drilling.
• Use a dust mask or respirator when concrete drilling.
• Always use earplugs when working overhead or for long periods.
• Make your work area free of slip, trip, and fall hazards.
• Before you start drilling, tighten the drill bit well.
• Never operate your drill with one hand only. Use the side handle.
• Don’t wear loose clothing or jewelry that can catch in the drill chuck or bit.
• Maintain your grip until the bit comes to a complete stop.
• Avoid accidental startup by unplugging the drill when changing bits.
• Follow these precautions and best practices to drill safely with your DeWalt hammer drill!

Key takeaways

• Choose a DeWalt corded or cordless hammer drill suited to your needs
• Use the side handle and proper drilling stance for control
• Hammer mode engages impact drilling for concrete and masonry
• Rotary mode is for drilling wood, plastic, and light metals
• Let the drill do the hard work – don’t force it
• Periodically back bit out to clear debris for faster drilling
• Follow all standard safety practices when operating your drill

Ian Welkins

I’m Ian Welkins, a seasoned professional in the tools industry. My passion drives me to share valuable insights on hammers, drills, and industrial tools. With years of experience, I’m your trusted source for expert advice on the best tools for every job.