Best Combi Drills for Drilling Into Brick Walls
A brick wall calls for a drill with real hammer action, not just a standard drill and driver. Masonry is hard and inconsistent, so we compared chuck torque, speed settings, and hammer mechanisms across seven combi drills to find models that hold up.
Quick answer
For brick walls, the DeWalt DCD996B combi drill is our top overall pick thanks to its three-speed brushless motor and strong hammer action. The Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2804-20 suits professionals drilling masonry daily, while the Ryobi P1813 ONE+ kit offers reliable performance for homeowners on a tighter budget.
Why trust ToolBuyerHub
- We compare published manufacturer specifications rather than marketing claims.
- Torque and RPM figures come from each brand's official spec sheets.
- We prioritize models with a genuine hammer setting, not drill and driver only.
- Owner reports on masonry performance are cross-checked against multiple retailers.
- We do not accept payment for placement on this list.
- Availability and packaging change, so we recommend confirming current listing details before buying.
Research updated August 2026.
DeWalt DCD996B 20V MAX XR Brushless 3-Speed Hammer Drill
This 20V MAX XR drill uses a three-speed brushless motor to deliver strong hammer action for brick and block.
| Model | Best for | Key specs | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| DeWalt DCD996B 20V MAX XR Brushless 3-Speed Hammer Drill | Best Overall | 20V MAX, 1/2 in | 4.8/5 |
| Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2804-20 Hammer Drill/Driver | Best for Professional Masonry Use | 18V M18 FUEL, 1/2 in | 4.7/5 |
| Makita XPH12Z 18V LXT Brushless Hammer Driver-Drill | Best for Tight Spaces and Frequent Use | 18V LXT, 1/2 in | 4.7/5 |
| Bosch GSB18V-535CN Connected-Ready Hammer Drill | Best Compact and Lightweight | 18V, 1/2 in | 4.6/5 |
| Ridgid R86116 18V Brushless 1/2 in Hammer Drill | Best Value with Long-Term Coverage | 18V, 1/2 in | 4.5/5 |
| Ryobi P1813 ONE+ 18V Hammer Drill Kit | Best Budget Kit with Battery Included | 18V ONE+, 1/2 in | 4.4/5 |
| Black+Decker BEHD201 7 Amp Corded Hammer Drill | Best Corded for Unlimited Runtime | Corded, 7 Amp, 1/2 in | 4.3/5 |
DeWalt DCD996B 20V MAX XR Brushless 3-Speed Hammer Drill
Best OverallPros
- Three-speed gearbox suits masonry, wood, and metal
- Brushless motor extends runtime and tool life
- All-metal 1/2 in chuck holds masonry bits securely
Cons
- Sold bare, so battery and charger cost extra
- Heavier than compact single-speed drills
This 20V MAX XR drill uses a three-speed brushless motor to deliver strong hammer action for brick and block. An all-metal chuck resists wear during repeated masonry drilling. An LED ring lights the work area in dim spaces.
Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2804-20 Hammer Drill/Driver
Best for ProsPros
- Strong torque output for large masonry bits
- REDLINK PLUS electronics prevent overload damage
- Durable metal gearbox for daily job site use
Cons
- Sold as bare tool only
- Bulkier body than compact homeowner drills
Milwaukee's M18 FUEL 2804-20 pairs a POWERSTATE brushless motor with REDLINK PLUS electronics for consistent hammer output. It targets contractors who drill brick and concrete block daily. A four-pole motor resists stalling under load.
Makita XPH12Z 18V LXT Brushless Hammer Driver-Drill
Best Compact Pro PickPros
- Compact head fits tight installation spaces
- Two-speed transmission covers masonry and driving tasks
- Variable-speed trigger allows precise bit control
Cons
- Bare tool does not include battery
- Side handle sold separately on some listings
The XPH12Z combines an 18V LXT brushless motor with a two-speed transmission for brick, wood, and metal. Its compact head reaches tight spots near corners and studs. An ergonomic grip reduces fatigue on longer masonry jobs.
Bosch GSB18V-535CN Connected-Ready Hammer Drill
Best CompactPros
- Compact and lightweight for overhead work
- Bluetooth tool-tracking connectivity
- EC brushless motor improves runtime
Cons
- Lower peak torque than full-size contractor drills
- Connectivity features require a companion app
Bosch's GSB18V-535CN uses an EC brushless motor with Bluetooth tool-tracking connectivity. Its two-speed gearbox handles brick veneer and block drilling around the home. A compact body suits overhead and one-handed use.
Ridgid R86116 18V Brushless 1/2 in Hammer Drill
Best ValuePros
- Lifetime service agreement when registered
- Brushless motor for improved efficiency
- Two-speed gearbox for masonry and general drilling
Cons
- Sold bare without battery or charger
- Ridgid batteries less common outside their own lineup
The R86116 delivers two-speed hammer drilling with a brushless motor, backed by Ridgid's lifetime service agreement on registered tools. It suits homeowners drilling anchor holes in brick veneer or block foundations. A metal chuck resists bit slippage.
Ryobi P1813 ONE+ 18V Hammer Drill Kit
Best BudgetPros
- Kit includes battery and charger
- Compatible with the wide ONE+ battery platform
- Lightweight for extended handheld use
Cons
- Lower torque than professional-grade models
- Hammer mode drills slower through dense brick than contractor tools
Ryobi's P1813 kit includes a battery and charger, making it an accessible option for occasional brick drilling. Its 1/2 in chuck accepts standard masonry bits. The ONE+ battery also works across Ryobi's wider tool lineup.
Black+Decker BEHD201 7 Amp Corded Hammer Drill
Best Corded PickPros
- Unlimited runtime with no battery to charge
- Includes side handle and adjustable depth rod
- Lower upfront cost than most cordless kits
Cons
- Corded design limits mobility outdoors
- Single-speed motor lacks a separate low gear for large bits
This corded VSR hammer drill draws power from a 7 amp motor, avoiding battery runtime limits entirely. Its variable-speed trigger and lock-on button suit long masonry sessions. A side handle and depth rod come included for anchor installations.
What Makes a Drill Good for Brick Walls
Brick and block need a hammer mechanism, not just spinning torque. The hammer action chips away material as the bit rotates, which clears debris faster than rotation alone. A drill without hammer mode can bind or overheat in dense masonry. Chuck size also matters, since 1/2 in chucks accept larger masonry bits than 3/8 in models.
Combi Drill vs Standard Hammer Drill
A combi drill combines a driver, drill, and hammer mode in one tool, switching between settings with a collar. A dedicated rotary hammer uses a different piston mechanism and handles heavy concrete far more easily. For brick veneer, mortar joints, and block walls, a combi drill is usually enough. Poured concrete or large-diameter holes often call for a rotary hammer instead.
Key Specs to Compare Before Buying
Torque, measured in inch-pounds, indicates how much resistance the motor can push through before stalling. RPM affects drilling speed but matters less than sustained torque in dense brick. Battery platform compatibility matters if you already own tools from a given brand. Weight and grip shape affect comfort during overhead or repetitive anchor holes.
Choosing the Right Masonry Bit and Drilling Technique
Carbide-tipped masonry bits hold an edge longer than standard twist bits in brick and mortar. Starting a pilot hole at low speed helps prevent the bit from wandering on hard surfaces. Pulling the bit out periodically clears dust and keeps the tool from overheating. Matching bit diameter to the anchor manufacturer's spec sheet avoids a loose or oversized hole.
FAQs
Can a combi drill go through brick?
Yes, most combi drills with a hammer setting and carbide-tipped masonry bit can drill through standard brick and mortar joints.
What is the difference between a combi drill and a hammer drill?
The terms overlap in most markets, but combi drill usually refers to a tool that also functions as a standard driver, while some hammer drills are drill-only.
Do I need a hammer drill or combi drill for masonry?
A combi drill with a working hammer mode handles brick veneer, mortar, and block. Heavy poured concrete usually calls for a rotary hammer instead.
What size drill bit do I need for brick anchors?
Bit diameter should match the anchor manufacturer's spec sheet, commonly between 3/16 in and 1/2 in for residential masonry anchors.
How do I stop a drill bit from slipping on brick?
Starting a pilot hole at low speed with steady pressure, and using a center punch mark first, helps keep a masonry bit from wandering.
Is an 18V drill powerful enough for brick walls?
Most 18V combi drills with a genuine hammer mode and 1/2 in chuck handle brick veneer and mortar joints without issue.
Can I use a cordless drill to drill into concrete block?
A cordless combi drill with hammer mode can drill concrete block, though a corded or higher-torque model handles it with less strain.
What chuck size is best for masonry drilling?
A 1/2 in chuck accepts a wider range of masonry bit shank sizes than a 3/8 in chuck, which matters for larger anchor holes.
How do I know when a masonry bit is worn out?
A worn carbide-tipped bit drills noticeably slower, produces fine dust instead of grit, and may show a rounded or chipped tip.
Our verdict
For most brick and block projects, the DeWalt DCD996B offers the best balance of hammer power, speed control, and durability. Professionals drilling masonry daily should look at the Milwaukee 2804-20, while occasional users on a budget can rely on the Ryobi P1813 kit. Match torque and chuck size to the anchor size before buying.