Best Hammer Drill Under £50
Finding a capable hammer drill that doesn't break the bank is tough. We've analysed specs, owner reviews, and brand reliability to find the best budget models that can handle brick and concrete without costing a fortune.
Quick answer
The best hammer drill under £50 is the Einhell TC-RH 900 Rotary Hammer. It offers genuine SDS-plus chiselling power for its price. For a standard corded drill with hammer action, the Stanley STDR7215 is the top pick for versatility and build quality.
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Research updated June 2026.
Einhell TC-RH 900
Genuine rotary hammer power at a budget price.
| Product | Best For | Key Spec | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Einhell TC-RH 900 | Overall / Masonry | 900W / 2.2 J | 4.3 / 5 | Check Amazon |
| Stanley STDR7215 | Versatility | 710W / 45 Nm | 4.1 / 5 | Check Amazon |
| Draper 24126 | Light DIY | 500W / 0-3000 rpm | 3.9 / 5 | Check Amazon |
| Sealey CP1200V | Cordless Convenience | 12V / 2-speed | 3.8 / 5 | Check Amazon |
| Clarke CHD500 | Budget Rotary | 500W / SDS-plus | 3.7 / 5 | Check Amazon |
What to Look For in a Budget Hammer Drill
When you are shopping with a strict budget, every pound matters. The key is to focus on the type of hammer mechanism and the power output. There are two main types: standard hammer drills (which use a cam-action mechanism) and rotary hammers (which use a piston mechanism). Rotary hammers are far more effective for drilling into concrete and brick, but they are usually more expensive. At this price point, you will mostly find cam-action drills, but a few rotary hammers like the Einhell TC-RH 900 slip in.
Check the impact energy (measured in Joules for rotary hammers) or the impact rate (BPM for standard drills). A higher number means more masonry ability. Also consider the chuck type: keyless chucks are convenient, but SDS-plus chucks provide better bit retention and dust protection. Weight is another factor; a 4 kg rotary hammer will tire you out on overhead work, while a 1.5 kg standard drill is much easier to handle.
Mistakes to Avoid
Do not confuse a standard drill with hammer action for a true rotary hammer. Many budget "hammer drills" are just regular drills with a vibrating cam plate that offers very little real masonry performance. If you plan to drill into brick or concrete regularly, you need an SDS-plus rotary hammer, even if it costs a bit more.
Also avoid buying a cordless hammer drill under £50 unless you already own the battery system. The batteries included in these kits are usually low capacity (1.5Ah or less) and will drain quickly under load. A corded drill will always give you full power for the same price. Finally, do not ignore the warranty; brands like Einhell and Stanley offer decent support, while no-name brands often disappear after a few months.
Einhell TC-RH 900
Best Overall / Rotary HammerPros
- True rotary hammer with chisel mode
- Good 2.2 J impact energy for masonry
- Includes depth stop and auxiliary handle
Cons
- Heavy at 3.8 kg
- No case included
The Einhell TC-RH 900 is the standout performer in this budget category because it is a genuine rotary hammer, not just a cam-action drill. With 900W of power and 2.2 Joules of impact energy, it can drill into concrete and brick with ease. The three-mode operation (drill, hammer, and chisel) makes it surprisingly versatile for light channelling work. Owner reviews consistently praise its ability to handle tasks that would stall a standard hammer drill.
However, it is heavy and not ideal for one-handed use or overhead drilling. The build quality is typical for Einhell: solid plastic housing but functional. It does not come with a carry case, which is a minor annoyance. For anyone needing to drill into masonry regularly without spending over £50, this is the clear winner.
Stanley STDR7215
Best Versatile Corded DrillPros
- High 45 Nm torque for drilling
- Variable speed trigger with lock-on
- Lightweight and well balanced
Cons
- Hammer action is mild on hard brick
- Short 2m power cable
The Stanley STDR7215 is a classic corded hammer drill that excels at general DIY tasks. Its 710W motor delivers a solid 45 Nm of torque, which is excellent for drilling large holes in wood and metal. The variable speed trigger and lock-on button make it comfortable for prolonged use. Owner reviews highlight its reliability and the fact it feels more robust than other drills at this price.
The hammer action is adequate for brick and soft concrete, but it struggles with reinforced concrete or hard stone. The cable is only 2 metres long, so you may need an extension lead. If you need a single drill for wood, metal, and occasional brick, this is the best all-rounder under £50.
Draper 24126
Best for Light DIYPros
- Very light and easy to handle
- High no-load speed for fast drilling
- Decent build for the price
Cons
- Weak hammer action, not for concrete
- Lower torque than competitors
The Draper 24126 is a basic but capable hammer drill for light household tasks. Its 500W motor is less powerful than the Stanley, but it is also much lighter, making it ideal for quick jobs like hanging shelves or drilling into softwood. The 0-3000 rpm speed range is good for fast drilling in soft materials. Owner reviews note that it is a solid "starter" drill that does not cost much.
The hammer action is very mild and will not make much impression on brick or concrete. It is best suited for occasional use in plasterboard, wood, and thin metal. If your work is mostly assembly and furniture building, this is a fine choice, but do not expect it to replace a dedicated masonry drill.
Sealey CP1200V
Best Cordless OptionPros
- Convenient cordless operation
- Compact and lightweight
- Battery and charger included
Cons
- Very limited masonry ability
- Low battery capacity (1.5Ah)
The Sealey CP1200V is a compact 12V cordless hammer drill that offers freedom from the mains. It comes with a 1.5Ah battery and charger, so you can start working immediately. It is perfect for small jobs like drilling into plasterboard or assembling flat-pack furniture where a cord would be a nuisance. Owner reviews appreciate its portability and ease of use.
The hammer action is very weak, and the 12V motor lacks the torque for serious drilling. The 1.5Ah battery will drain quickly if you use the hammer function. This is a convenience tool, not a primary drill. If you are already invested in the Sealey battery system, it is a useful addition, but for masonry work, stick with a corded model.
Clarke CHD500
Budget Rotary HammerPros
- Affordable SDS-plus rotary hammer
- Lighter than the Einhell
- Includes auxiliary handle
Cons
- Lower impact energy (1.5 J)
- Build quality feels cheaper
The Clarke CHD500 is the cheapest SDS-plus rotary hammer you can buy. It offers the same type of mechanism as the Einhell but with less power (500W) and lower impact energy (1.5 J). It can still drill into brick and concrete, but it will be slower. Owner reviews mention it is adequate for occasional masonry work but not for heavy use.
The build quality is noticeably more plasticky than the Einhell, and it lacks a chisel mode. It is lighter at 3.2 kg, which helps with fatigue. If your budget is extremely tight and you absolutely need an SDS chuck, this is an option. However, spending a little more on the Einhell gives you significantly more performance.
FAQs
Can a hammer drill under £50 drill into concrete?
Yes, but only the SDS-plus rotary hammer models like the Einhell TC-RH 900 can handle concrete effectively. Standard cam-action hammer drills will struggle with hard concrete.
What is the difference between a hammer drill and a rotary hammer?
A hammer drill uses a cam mechanism that vibrates the chuck, while a rotary hammer uses a piston mechanism that delivers real impact force. Rotary hammers are much better for masonry.
Is it better to buy a corded or cordless hammer drill under £50?
For this budget, corded is almost always better. Cordless drills under £50 come with low-capacity batteries that drain quickly, while corded drills provide consistent full power.
What is SDS-plus?
SDS-plus is a chuck system that allows bits to slide in and out while being locked in place. It provides better power transfer and dust protection than a standard keyless chuck.
How much torque do I need for masonry drilling?
For masonry, impact energy (Joules) is more important than torque. Look for at least 2 Joules for concrete. For standard drilling in wood and metal, 30-45 Nm of torque is sufficient.
Can I use a hammer drill for chiselling?
Only rotary hammers with a dedicated chisel mode can be used for light channelling. Standard hammer drills cannot chisel.
Are Einhell tools reliable?
Einhell is a reputable German brand that offers good value for money. Their tools are not professional grade, but they are reliable for DIY and occasional use.
What size drill bit can I use with these drills?
Standard hammer drills typically accept up to 13mm bits. SDS-plus rotary hammers can accept larger bits, usually up to 20mm or more for masonry.
Do I need a hammer drill for brick walls?
Yes, for brick walls you need at least a hammer drill. For soft brick, a standard hammer drill may work, but for hard brick or concrete, a rotary hammer is recommended.
What warranty do these budget drills come with?
Most budget drills from Einhell, Stanley, and Draper come with a 2-year warranty. Some brands offer extended warranties if you register the product online.
Our verdict
For the best hammer drill under £50, the Einhell TC-RH 900 is the clear winner because it is the only true rotary hammer in this price range. It offers real masonry power. For a versatile general-purpose drill, the Stanley STDR7215 is the best all-rounder. Avoid cordless models for heavy work.