Best Hammer Drill Under £100
Finding a hammer drill under £100 that can handle brick and block without breaking down is a real challenge. We have analysed specs, battery platforms, and owner reviews to find the models that deliver the best impact energy and reliability for the price.
Quick answer
The Bosch UniversalImpact 18V is the best overall hammer drill under £100 for its powerful hammer mechanism and excellent Power for ALL battery system. For maximum value, the Einhell TC-ID 650 corded model offers the highest impact energy in this price bracket.
Why trust ToolBuyerHub
- Tested on specs (power, torque, PSI)
- Battery & ecosystem compared
- Aggregated owner reviews
- Build quality & warranty checked
- Brand reliability
- No fake hands-on claims
Research updated June 2026.
Bosch UniversalImpact 18V
Best balance of impact power, battery ecosystem, and price.
| Product | Best For | Key Spec | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch UniversalImpact 18V | Overall performance | 18V / 27,000 BPM | 4.5/5 | Under £100 |
| Einhell TC-ID 650 | Budget corded power | 650W / 48,000 BPM | 4.3/5 | Under £100 |
| Makita HP1630 | Corded reliability | 680W / 2.6 J | 4.4/5 | Under £100 |
| Ryobi R18PD3 | ONE+ battery system | 18V / 26,000 BPM | 4.2/5 | Under £100 |
| Stanley STDR9115 | Basic DIY masonry | 500W / 45,000 BPM | 4.0/5 | Under £100 |
Bosch UniversalImpact 18V
Best OverallPros
- Excellent Bosch Power for ALL battery system
- Effective hammer mechanism for brick
- Compact and well balanced
Cons
- Battery and charger sold separately
- Not for heavy duty drilling
The Bosch UniversalImpact 18V is the standout cordless hammer drill under £100. It uses the same 18V battery platform as dozens of other Bosch home and garden tools, making it a smart investment if you already own Bosch gear. Owner reviews consistently praise its ability to drill 6mm holes in brick without stalling, and the variable speed trigger gives good control for screwdriving.
The key limitation is that this tool is sold as a bare unit, so you need to factor in the cost of a battery and charger if you do not already have them. However, for light to medium masonry work around the home, it offers the best combination of power, ergonomics, and ecosystem value in this price range.
Einhell TC-ID 650
Best Budget CordedPros
- Very affordable price
- High impact rate for masonry
- Includes side handle and depth stop
Cons
- Plastic gear housing
- Not as durable as premium brands
The Einhell TC-ID 650 is a corded hammer drill that delivers impressive impact energy for its price. With a 650W motor and 48,000 blows per minute, it can drill into brick and light concrete without issue. It is a no-frills tool, but it gets the job done for occasional DIY use.
Owner feedback highlights that it is loud and the build quality feels budget, but it has not failed for light to medium use. The key advantage is that you get full power without worrying about battery life, making it ideal for drilling multiple holes in a single session.
Makita HP1630
Best Corded ReliabilityPros
- Proven Makita build quality
- Good impact energy for masonry
- Variable speed with lock-on
Cons
- Heavier than budget options
- Can be over budget without deals
The Makita HP1630 is a corded hammer drill that brings professional-grade reliability to a budget-friendly price. It delivers 2.6 joules of impact energy, which is enough for drilling into brick and block with ease. The all-metal gear housing and ball-bearing construction mean it will last longer than cheaper alternatives.
Owner reviews highlight its smooth operation and consistent power delivery. The main downside is its weight, but that is a trade-off for the robust build. It is often found just under £100 during sales, making it a top pick for those who want a tool that will last.
Ryobi R18PD3
Best for Ryobi UsersPros
- Part of Ryobi ONE+ system
- Good torque for drilling
- LED light for visibility
Cons
- Hammer action is average
- Battery and charger sold separately
The Ryobi R18PD3 is a cordless hammer drill that excels as part of the Ryobi ONE+ ecosystem. If you already own Ryobi tools, this is a no-brainer upgrade for drilling into masonry. It offers decent impact force for brick and block, and the 24-position clutch gives good control for screwdriving.
Owner reviews note that the hammer action is not as aggressive as corded models, but it is sufficient for light to medium masonry work. The main appeal is the vast range of ONE+ tools that share the same battery, making it a cost-effective long-term investment for Ryobi users.
Stanley STDR9115
Best Basic CordedPros
- Very low price
- Lightweight and easy to use
- Includes side handle
Cons
- Lower power than competitors
- Plastic build feels cheap
The Stanley STDR9115 is the most affordable hammer drill in this roundup, designed for the absolute basic DIY user. Its 500W motor is enough for drilling small holes in brick and soft masonry, but it will struggle with larger bits or harder materials. It is a simple, no-frills tool that gets the job done for occasional use.
Owner reviews indicate that it is fine for hanging shelves or drilling into plasterboard, but not for serious renovation work. The build quality is basic, with plastic gears that may not last under heavy use. However, for the price, it is a functional entry-level option.
What to check before buying a hammer drill under £100
When shopping for a hammer drill under £100, focus on impact energy measured in joules for corded models or blows per minute (BPM) for cordless. A higher BPM generally means better masonry performance, but the quality of the mechanism matters too. Look for variable speed triggers, which give you better control when drilling into different materials.
Battery ecosystem is critical for cordless models. If you already own tools from Bosch, Ryobi, or Makita, buying a bare unit from the same brand saves money and avoids charger clutter. For corded drills, check the cable length and weight, as you will be holding it for extended periods.
Mistakes to avoid
Do not buy a hammer drill with a plastic chuck if you plan to use it regularly for masonry. Metal chucks last much longer and hold bits more securely. Also, avoid assuming all 18V drills are equal. The battery amp-hour (Ah) rating directly affects runtime and power delivery, so a 2Ah battery will drain faster and may struggle with tougher materials.
Another common mistake is buying a cordless drill without a battery and charger, then realising the total cost exceeds £100. Always check if the price includes the battery or if you need to factor that in separately. Finally, do not expect a sub-£100 hammer drill to match the performance of a £200+ SDS drill for heavy concrete work. Stick to brick and block for best results.
FAQs
Can a hammer drill under £100 drill into concrete?
It can drill into lightweight concrete and block, but it will struggle with reinforced concrete. For heavy concrete, you need an SDS drill.
Is a corded or cordless hammer drill better under £100?
Corded drills offer more consistent power and are cheaper, while cordless drills offer portability. For masonry, corded is generally more reliable at this price.
What is the best hammer drill under £100 for brick?
The Bosch UniversalImpact 18V is the best cordless option for brick, while the Makita HP1630 is the best corded choice.
Do I need a hammer drill for brick?
Yes, a standard drill will not have the impact mechanism needed to penetrate brick. A hammer drill is essential for masonry work.
What is the difference between a hammer drill and an SDS drill?
A hammer drill uses a cam-action mechanism for light masonry, while an SDS drill uses a piston mechanism for heavy concrete work. SDS drills are more powerful and expensive.
Can I use a hammer drill for screwdriving?
Yes, most hammer drills have a drill-only mode that disables the hammer action, allowing you to use them for screwdriving and drilling wood or metal.
How many BPM do I need for masonry?
For light masonry, 25,000 to 30,000 BPM is sufficient. For harder materials, look for 40,000 BPM or more.
Is Einhell a good brand for hammer drills?
Einhell offers good value for budget DIY users, but their build quality is not as high as Bosch or Makita. They are suitable for occasional use.
What size drill bit can a hammer drill under £100 use?
Most models have a 13mm keyless chuck, which accepts bits up to 13mm in diameter. For larger holes, you need an SDS drill.
Do all hammer drills under £100 come with a side handle?
Most corded models include a side handle, but some budget cordless models do not. Always check the product description before buying.
Our verdict
For most users, the Bosch UniversalImpact 18V is the best hammer drill under £100, offering the best balance of power, battery ecosystem, and price. If you need a corded option for heavy DIY use, the Makita HP1630 is the most reliable choice. For the absolute lowest price, the Einhell TC-ID 650 provides solid value for occasional masonry work.