Want to make your drilling and chiseling projects a piece of cake? Then, you must require a Rotary Hammer drill. It’s a versatile tool that usually comes with three modes: hammer drilling, chiseling only, and drilling only. So, you can use this tool for multifunctional and especially it’s best for drilling into concrete and masonry walls. However, most people don’t know how to use this tool properly. So, let’s break it down.

How to use the Rotary hammer drill’s function or mode?

Most of the rotary hammer drills come with three modes or functions drill-only mode, hammer-only mode, and hammer/drill mode. You can change the function in accordance with your requirement.

1. Drill Only Mode: If you want to use your rotary hammer drill for drilling into steel, wood, or widening holes then you have to select the “Drill only” mode.
2. Hammer Only Mode: If you want to chisel tile or remove mortar or burst small areas of concrete or hammer away surfaces then you have to use the “hammer only” mode. Basically, where the shaft doesn’t require rotation, you can select this “hammer only” mode and use the rotary hammer as a mini-jackhammer.
3. Hammer/Drill Mode: In fact, all the rotary hammer drills come with the “Hammer and Drill” mode as a default function and it’s the most useful function of the rotary hammer drill. If you want to drill into concrete, rock, packed clay, or masonry then you have to use this “Hammer and Drill” mode.

How to Use a Rotary Hammer on Vertical Surfaces

You can use your rotary hammer drill on vertical surfaces including walls, Posts, columns, etc. Follow the below 05 steps to use your rotary hammer on the vertical surfaces:

• First Step, ensure your safety you have to put on safety gear, wear safety glasses as well as wear a pair of gloves. And you have to be over sure that your hammer cord (if it’s corded) is securely out of the way.

• Second Step: Then, you have to insert the drill bit on your rotary hammer. But before installing, grease the bit shank perfectly and pull the chuck back to insert the bit. After inserting the bit, release the chuck and make sure the bit is placed properly.

• Third Step: Select the mode you want to use you can select the “hammer and drill” mode for drilling holes, and you can select the hammer-only mode for using scaling tools and chisels.

• Fourth Step: Hold the rotary hammer securely with both hands and be sure that your footing is stable. For working on every vertical surface, you have to be sure that you’re away from a comfortable distance from the target venue and that your position is stable.

• Fifth Step: To start drilling, hold the tool against the vertical surface like a wall or column, and ON the trigger. You have to hold the bit at the same place till it digs completely. But note that, you shouldn’t apply too much force on the tool. Your duty is just to hold the tool in the right position straight.

How to Use a Rotary Hammer on Horizontal Surfaces

It’s much easier to use your rotary tool on horizontal surfaces including ground or floors compared to use on vertical surfaces. Because you don’t need to hold the tool against the vertical wall or column. But here also you have to hold the tool straight securely.

However, here are the 05 steps on how you can use your rotary hammer on horizontal surfaces:

1. Insert the drill bit or install the necessary tool accessories. If you want to put in small anchors, then it will be better to use quite a smaller SDS or SDS Plus bit. On the contrary, if you would like to put in lag bolts, you have to use longer 16-inch bits. Grease the bit shank before inserting properly.
2. Wear your safety gear including eye protection, hand gloves, etc. Though the rotary hammer drill is comparatively a safe tool as it uses low RPMs, it will be wise to use at least eye protection.
3. Select the mode “Hammer Only” for chipping and digging or “Drill and Hammer” mode for drilling holes.
4. Aim the tool at the object point and hold it securely using both hands. Then, press the trigger to let the tool work and you just hold it in the right position until it finishes its drilling.
5. After use, let the tool cool down and then release the bit and clean it properly. If it’s corded, then unplug it from the power source and keep it in the right place.

FAQ’s

How to adjust the side handle?

Before using a rotary hammer drill, you have to adjust the side handle. You have to rotate the shaft of the handle clockwise to loosen the handle. Then set it to the right position over the chuck and onto the drill body. Then tighten the handle rotating the shaft anticlockwise to place it securely.

How to fit the depth stop rod?

You have to hold down the depth adjustment button and insert the depth stop rod to the required position.

How to insert and remove SDS bits?

To insert the bit first you have to wipe and clean the bit shank. Then you have to pull back the locking sleeve and then set the SDS bit.

And when you want to remove the SDS bit, you have to pull back the locking sleeve again and remove the bit.

NOTE: If you want to prevent dust or debris from entering the drill holes, then you may use the supplied dust shield cap over the shaft of the bits. But you have to do it before inserting bits into the SDS chuck.

How to change the chuck?

To change the chuck you have to pull the chuck collar back and hold it. Then remove the chuck and insert a new one. After inserting a new chuck, release the chuck collar.

NOTE: Before use, be sure whether the chuck is placed properly.

How to use the standard chuck? (Not hammer mode)

You have to rotate the chuck sleeve anticlockwise and open the chuck. Then you have to insert the drill bit in the jaws of the

chuck properly. After inserting the chuck, close the chuck by rotating the chuck sleeve clockwise.

NOTE: Be sure your tool is not in the hammer mode while using the standard chuck.

How to Properly Grease a Rotary Hammer

Before inserting new bits in the rotary hammer drill, it will be better to grease them. Because, if you grease the bits before every inserting, then you can easily install and remove them. Besides, it will protect the chuck and help to last longer.

To grease perfectly, you have to follow three factors.

• Firstly, after cleaning the shaft, grease it. Because it will trap dirt and debris with the shaft so it will be easier to clean it.
• Secondly, it will be better to use the recommended grease supplied by the manufacturer. Otherwise, if you use other substances, it may cause damage to your chuck.
• Thirdly, you have to use enough grease, not more or not less. Too much grease may gunk up the chuck. So, you just need to rub it out.

How do you maintain your rotary hammer?

If you want to let your rotary hammer drill work efficiently and last longer then you have to keep it under regular maintenance. Here are 07 important suggestions that will help you to maintain your rotary hammer:

1. Don’t apply too much force while drilling and let it perform its work freely.
2. Select the right size and the right type of bit in accordance with the material you’re drilling.
3. Clean off the bit perfectly so that any dirt or debris is not hidden at the end of the bit.
4. You have to grease the bit shank before every time you insert the new bit.
5. Try to use the manufacturer-recommended grease.
6. Know about your tool’s LED signal that alerts you.
7. Before using your rotary hammer, read the manual instructions book thoroughly that it comes with.

Conclusion

You can’t imagine your big construction project without a rotary hammer drill. For chiseling and drilling into hard materials, it’s a very effective tool. But before using this tool, you have to know how to use it properly otherwise it may cause sudden damage. So, in this article, I have tried to analyze some basic ideas about how to use a rotary hammer drill. Hope you will find this article useful.

Thank you!!