Best Ryobi Hammer Drill
The RYOBI PBLHM101K2 is the best all-around Ryobi hammer drill because it combines a 31,000 BPM brushless hammer drill with two swappable 2.0Ah batteries in one kit. Most buyers get this decision wrong by comparing hammer drills on RPM alone, when hammer rate (BPM), chuck type, and what the exact kit actually includes matter more for real masonry and driving work.
Quick answer
For most buyers, the RYOBI PBLHM101K2 hammer drill kit is the best overall choice, pairing a 31,000 BPM brushless motor with two batteries. Buyers who already own ONE+ batteries should choose the tool-only PBLHM101B instead. Anyone drilling repeated concrete holes should choose the P222 SDS-Plus rotary hammer, a different tool built for that job.
Why trust ToolBuyerHub
- Cross-checked manufacturer-published specifications before writing any recommendation
- Verified US market availability and configuration for every model discussed
- Owner-feedback themes are summarized as feedback, never presented as our own hands-on testing
- No invented star ratings; see the visible Research Score criteria on this page
- Checked accessory compatibility and guarding before ranking any cutting or grinding tool
- Ryobi frequently re-sells the same base hammer drill under different kit suffixes, bare tool, single battery, or twin battery, so we verify which exact battery and accessories ship with each SKU before comparing prices.
Research updated September 2026.
What Matters Most for This Category
The single most important spec for masonry work is hammer rate (BPM) combined with real impact energy, not RPM alone, since a fast-spinning bit with weak hammering action still struggles in block or brick. Chuck type matters too, a keyless ratcheting 1/2 inch chuck speeds up bit changes for mixed wood, metal, and masonry work, while an SDS-Plus chuck on a true rotary hammer locks bits mechanically and survives repeated hard-concrete use far better than a standard chuck. For occasional anchor holes, outlet boxes, or shelving in brick veneer, a ONE+ HP hammer drill covers the job. For anyone drilling multiple holes in poured concrete or block on a regular basis, an SDS rotary hammer is the more durable, faster tool even though it is not technically a hammer drill. Kit contents also swing the real price, since the same base tool is sold bare, with one high-capacity battery, or with two smaller batteries, so matching the kit to batteries you already own changes which listing is the better deal.
| Model | Best for | Key specs | Research Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| RYOBI PBLHM101K2 | Best overall kit for buyers starting a ONE+ battery platform | 18V ONE+ HP, (2) 2.0Ah batteries included, 0-31,000 BPM | 96/100 |
| RYOBI PBLHM101K | Best for longer runtime on continuous jobs | 18V ONE+ HP, (1) 4.0Ah battery included, 0-31,000 BPM | 91/100 |
| RYOBI PBLHM101B | Best for buyers who already own ONE+ batteries | 18V ONE+ HP, tool only, battery not included, 0-31,000 BPM | 87/100 |
| RYOBI D620H | Best corded option for uninterrupted power | 120V AC corded, 6.2 Amp, 0-2,700 RPM, variable speed | 84/100 |
| RYOBI PSBHM01K | Best compact option for tight framing and cabinets | 6.7 in., compact body, 0-27,200 BPM | 81/100 |
| RYOBI P1813 | Best value complete kit from the previous generation | 24,000 BPM, Up to 750 in-lbs | 78/100 |
| RYOBI P222 | Best for frequent drilling in hard concrete or block | SDS-Plus, tool-free bit lock, 0-5,000 BPM | 74/100 |
RYOBI PBLHM101K2
Best OverallPros
- Two batteries included so one can charge while the other runs
- 31,000 BPM hammer rate handles brick and block anchor holes
- 2-speed gearbox covers both driving and drilling tasks
Cons
- 2.0Ah batteries run down faster than a single 4.0Ah pack on long jobs
- Only a soft bag is included, less protective than a hard-case kit
The PBLHM101K2 pairs Ryobi's ONE+ HP brushless hammer drill with two 2.0Ah batteries, a charger, and a carrying bag, giving buyers a full kit without a separate battery purchase. The brushless motor spins the 1/2 inch ratcheting chuck up to 2,100 RPM and hammers at up to 31,000 BPM with 750 in-lbs of torque, enough for repeated anchor and fastener holes in brick or block. A 24-position clutch and 2-speed gearbox let it double as an everyday driver for deck screws and cabinet hardware.
RYOBI PBLHM101K
Best for RuntimePros
- 4.0Ah battery provides longer continuous runtime than the twin-battery kit
- Same 31,000 BPM brushless hammer drill as the higher-ranked kit
- Fewer batteries to track or misplace on a jobsite
Cons
- No second battery for backup if the pack runs low mid project
- A single 4.0Ah battery adds more weight to the tool than a 2.0Ah pack
This kit uses the identical PBLHM101 brushless hammer drill but swaps the two small batteries for a single 4.0Ah High Performance pack, a charger, and a tool bag. Because it runs on one larger battery instead of two smaller ones, it lasts longer between charges on continuous masonry or driving tasks, at the cost of not having a backup pack ready during downtime. All hammer drilling specs match the PBLHM101K2 exactly, since it is the same tool body.
RYOBI PBLHM101B
Best Tool-Only ValuePros
- Costs less than either kit for owners who already have ONE+ batteries
- Same brushless motor and 31,000 BPM hammer rate as the kitted versions
- Compact 7.5 inch length fits into tighter cabinets and stud bays
Cons
- No case or bag included, so buyers need their own storage
- Not a standalone starter tool, since a battery and charger add real cost
The PBLHM101B is the bare-tool version of Ryobi's ONE+ HP brushless hammer drill, sold without a battery or charger. It keeps the same 31,000 BPM hammer rate, 750 in-lbs torque, and 1/2 inch keyless ratcheting chuck as the kitted versions, in a 7.5 inch, 2.8 lb bare-tool package. It only makes financial sense for someone who already owns a compatible 18V ONE+ battery and charger.
RYOBI D620H
Best CordedPros
- Corded power means no battery to charge or run down on long jobs
- Keyed chuck grips bits securely under heavy hammering action
- Depth gauge rod and auxiliary handle are built into the kit
Cons
- 6 ft cord and no battery means an extension cord is needed away from outlets
- Keyed chuck requires a chuck key for every bit change, slower than tool-free designs
The D620H is Ryobi's corded 6.2 Amp hammer drill, built around a 120V motor instead of a battery, so it never loses power mid-hole on long masonry jobs. It spins up to 2,700 RPM through a 1/2 inch keyed chuck, and the kit includes an adjustable auxiliary handle, a depth gauge rod, and chuck key storage built into the body.
RYOBI PSBHM01K
Best CompactPros
- Shortest body in Ryobi's current hammer drill lineup for tight clearance work
- Two-speed gearbox still separates driving and drilling ranges
- Lighter in the hand than the full-size PBLHM101 for overhead work
Cons
- 400 in-lbs of torque is noticeably lower than the full-size model's 750 in-lbs
- 1.5Ah battery in the kit suits short tasks better than all-day use
The PSBHM01 is Ryobi's compact ONE+ HP hammer drill, measuring 6.7 inches long so it fits into stud bays, cabinets, and other tight framing a full-size hammer drill cannot reach. It delivers up to 400 in-lbs of torque and 27,200 BPM, noticeably less than the full-size PBLHM101 but adequate for anchor holes and light masonry work. The kit version includes a 1.5Ah battery and charger, sized for lighter-duty use rather than all-day jobsite work.
RYOBI P1813
Best Value KitPros
- Full kit with 4.0Ah battery, charger, aux handle, and bag included
- 750 in-lbs torque matches the newer HP-series hammer drills
- Brushless motor still delivers Ryobi's rated longer runtime over brushed motors
Cons
- 24,000 BPM hammer rate trails the newer PBLHM101's 31,000 BPM
- Being a previous-generation model, retailer stock may thin out over time
The P1813 is Ryobi's previous-generation 18V ONE+ brushless hammer drill kit, built around the P251 drill body with up to 750 in-lbs of torque and 24,000 BPM in hammer mode. The kit bundles a 4.0Ah battery, charger, auxiliary handle, screwdriver bit, and a tool bag for a complete setup at a lower position in Ryobi's current lineup than the HP series. Its 1/2 inch all-metal keyless ratcheting chuck and 24-position clutch match the newer HP models in layout, just with a lower peak hammer rate.
RYOBI P222
Best for Heavy MasonryPros
- SDS-Plus chuck and piston action break up hard concrete and block far faster than a hammer drill
- 3-mode selector adds a chisel-only setting for tile and thin-set removal
- Runs on the same 18V ONE+ batteries as the rest of the lineup
Cons
- Not a general-purpose drill or driver, 1,300 RPM is too low for most wood and metal bits
- Sold tool-only, so battery and charger are an added cost for new ONE+ owners
The P222 is not a hammer drill, it is a true SDS-Plus rotary hammer built on the 18V ONE+ platform, and it belongs on this list specifically to show where a hammer drill stops being the right tool. Its SDS-Plus chuck locks bits mechanically instead of clamping them, and a 3-mode selector switches between rotary hammer, rotation-only, and chisel-only operation for tasks like removing tile or thin-set. At up to 5,000 BPM with piston-driven impact energy, it breaks up concrete and block far more effectively than any spinning hammer drill chuck, at the cost of a low 1,300 RPM top speed for plain drilling.
Who Should Avoid the Top Pick
The PBLHM101K2 is a hammer drill, not a rotary hammer, so its keyless chuck and spinning hammer action will feel slow and can wear out faster if used for frequent large-diameter holes in poured concrete or block, that job calls for the SDS-Plus P222 instead. Buyers who already own 18V ONE+ batteries should skip the kit entirely and buy the PBLHM101B tool-only version to avoid paying for batteries they don't need.
Before You Buy
Confirm the exact kit suffix before buying, since Ryobi sells the same PBLHM101 hammer drill bare, with one 4.0Ah battery, or with two 2.0Ah batteries, and the price difference reflects battery capacity, not tool performance. Decide whether your job is occasional anchor holes, a job for a hammer drill, or repeated holes in hard concrete or block, a job for a rotary hammer like the P222. Verify the listed chuck type, keyless ratcheting versus keyed versus SDS-Plus, since bit compatibility and change speed differ by design.
FAQs
Is a Ryobi hammer drill strong enough for concrete, or do I need a rotary hammer?
A ONE+ HP hammer drill like the PBLHM101 handles occasional anchor and fastener holes in brick, block, and light concrete. For repeated holes in poured concrete, or heavy chiseling, the P222 SDS-Plus rotary hammer drills faster and puts less wear on the tool.
Should I trust the specifications listed on a marketplace product page by themselves?
Marketplace listings can lag behind manufacturer spec sheets when a kit's battery or accessories change, so we cross-check BPM, torque, and kit contents against Ryobi's own product pages before including a model here.
Does ToolBuyerHub run hands-on tests before recommending a hammer drill?
This page is based on comparing manufacturer-published specifications and documented kit contents rather than in-house testing, and we say so directly rather than implying lab testing that did not happen.
How often is this comparison checked for accuracy?
We revisit this page when Ryobi changes a kit's battery configuration, discontinues a model, or releases a new hammer drill in the ONE+ HP lineup, since those changes affect which pick is the better value.
Will any 18V ONE+ battery work with these hammer drills?
Yes, all the cordless models here, the PBLHM101 kits and tool-only version, the PSBHM01, and the P222, run on Ryobi's 18V ONE+ battery platform, so a battery from another ONE+ tool works interchangeably.
Our verdict
For most buyers building a first ONE+ hammer drill kit, the RYOBI PBLHM101K2 is the strongest pick because it pairs the brushless motor's 31,000 BPM hammer rate and 750 in-lbs of torque with two swappable batteries, so runtime does not depend on a single pack. Buyers who already own ONE+ batteries should step down to the PBLHM101B tool-only version instead and put the savings toward bits. Anyone drilling repeated holes in poured concrete or block on a regular basis should skip hammer drills altogether and buy the P222 SDS-Plus rotary hammer, since its piston-driven impact mechanism is built for that job in a way no hammer drill chuck is.