If you’re into DIY projects, you may have heard about the hammer drill here and there. What you probably don’t know is that it’s a really powerful tool that can come in handy for your projects. But how does it even work?
A hammer drill works by combining the hammering and drilling mechanisms. The drill bit triggers the drilling mechanism, whereas the chuck that moves back and forth inside the body triggers the hammering action.
Read below for a detailed explanation of how the hammer drill works.
How Does a Hammer Drill Work?
A hammer drill is a type of power tool that combines the functions of a drill and a hammer in a single gadget. The hammering mechanism is activated when the chuck is pushed to move forward and backward. When the chuck moves, the drill bit spins and crushes the object to make the drilling mechanism work.
In a nutshell, it is a combination of a standard drill and a moving hammer. The drill’s hammer mechanism allows it to bore through the tougher material, which would be impossible with a standard drill. In order to drill the hole, the drilling mechanism drives the drill bits to rotate into the surface.
What Makes Up a Hammer Drill
The following are some of the main parts of a hammer drill:
Motor
The first and most important component of a hammer drill is the motor. Motor speed is measured in revolutions per minute (RPM), whereas impact rate is expressed in blows per minute (BPM). These two variables determine the motor’s output.
Body/Housing
The housing or body of the hammer drill is very important since it controls how much the drill weighs. The body’s design also affects how well it gets rid of heat. Anti-vibration systems need to be built into the body to keep the hand from getting fatigued. The body should be lightweight but strong enough to withstand vibration.
A hammer drill has two discs on the inside of the body that can be separated using a clutch. There is a chuck that is responsible for bringing the hammering mechanism into the machine. The discs rise and fall as they slide over one another, and as a result, the chuck is forced to hammer in both forwards and backwards. When there is no need for hammering action, the clutch will separate the discs, hence eliminating the hammering action.
Bit Holder
A bit holder secures several drill bits in place for efficient and adaptable drilling. The maximum drilling capacity and bit sizes are both adjustable. The hammering position can be easily modified thanks to the chisel’s rotation system. Some hammer drills contain a built-in mechanism that locks the bit in place, making it possible to switch bits without needing any extra tools.
Handle
The hammer drill’s handle is just as crucial as the rest of the tool since it reduces vibrations felt by the user, hence reducing hand fatigue. The hammer drill is activated by pulling a trigger located on the handle. Some hammer drills include D-shared handles for increased comfort when using the tool.
Switches
Hammer drills feature a number of switches in addition to the trigger knob on the grip. They may be used to toggle features including speed, torque, anti-dust, lock-on, and more.
How to Use a Hammer Drill
Follow the steps in this section to effectively make use of a hammer drill.
Make an Identifying Mark
First, with a pencil and ruler, measure and mark where you want to drill into the wall or surface.
Adjust the Drill Bit Size
Before you fit your drill bit, make sure you have on protective glasses to keep the dust out of your eyes. When drilling a hole, it’s best to use a smaller bit at first and get the hang of things before switching to a larger bit and continuing to work.
Adjust the Depth
Set the right depth on your hammer drill if it has a depth stop; some models do not have one. If not, masking tape can be used to indicate the stop point on the drill.
Begin Drilling
Start drilling at the weakest setting and go slow to make a hole. Then, gradually increase the velocity and force. You can keep ramping it up as you go.
Clean the Hole
While drilling, make sure to pause every 15 seconds to remove the bit and clean out the hole. When you’re done, you can fill the hole with compressed air and blast out any leftover material.
Now that you know how to handle a hammer drill, you can move forward with your home improvement projects with confidence.
Hammer Drill vs. Rotary Hammer
Both hammer drills and rotary hammers generate a hammering force, which enables them to break through masonry with an impressive degree of effectiveness. The bit rotates at high speed in the hammer drill, chipping away at the stone. But what differentiates these two tools from one another is the mechanical process that produces the hammering action.
A hammer drill consists of two discs, each with ridges similar to those on a poker chip, which rise and fall as one disc moves past the other, forcing the chuck to throw itself backward and forward.
When the chuck is not being actively worked, the discs are allowed to separate via a clutch, and the hammering action stops. This reduces the amount of wear and tear. Turning off the hammering mechanism on hammer drills converts them into standard drills.
The hammering motion of a rotary hammer is generated by a piston connected to a crankshaft. The forward motion of the piston, which is housed in a cylinder, generates air pressure, which in turn drives the hammer mechanism. The impact energy of a rotary hammer is significantly higher than that of a hammer drill.
They last significantly longer and are the go-to equipment for experts. A further major advantage is that most rotary hammers come with three different settings: drill mode, hammer drill mode, and hammer mode alone. It goes without saying that a rotary hammer is also much more expensive than a drill.
Conclusion
A hammer drill is an effective tool that every DIY enthusiast should know about. With this guide, you can learn everything there is to know about hammer drills, along with how to use them for your projects.
