[Reviewed 2023] 4 Best Rotary Hammer For Driving Ground Rods

Finding the best rotary hammer for driving ground rods is not an easy job. You need to consider a lot of things. To make the job easier for you, I have come up with a handful of the best rotary hammer options.

Comparison Table of 3 Best Rotary Hammer For Driving Ground Rods

Let’s take a quick look at some of the common specifications for these hammer drills.

Model  Details Price
BOSCH RH540M SDS-Max Rotary Hammer • BPM: 1,500-2,900
• RPM: 170-340
• Voltage: 120-Volts
• 6.1 ft.-lbs. of impact energy

Features:
• dual mode selector knob
• Vario-Lock mechanism
• tool-free bit changes
• variable speed dial
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Milwaukee 2715-20 SDS Plus Rotary Hammer • Voltage-18 Volts
• Maximum Power- ‎800 Watts

Features:
• 1-1/8″ Sds Plus Rotary Hammer
• easy to handle
• highly durable
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Mophorn 3600W Electric Demolition Hammer • Voltage- 110V, 60HZ
• Motor Power-3500W
• Fore-grip Handle Swivel-360°
• Speed-1400 RPM

Features:
• two chisel bits: flat chisel and point chisel
• 360-degree adjustable fore handle
• trigger and lock buttons, The blow and vent system
• Wide Application
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How have I known these are the best ones?

After doing enough research, I have picked the best rotary hammer specifically designed for driving ground rods. Then I tried to match my needs with the features they have.

For example, I have compared the construction design, which one is more heavy duty and durable. Then which rotary hammer head and shape is perfect for driving ground rods, their operating & shock absorbing power etc.

Just by knowing how it performs, you can’t decide which one is better, so I decided why not give them a try and test their performance. The best rotary hammer will allow for better shock absorption when striking soil or other hard materials and is less likely to throw off your strikes.

I tried almost 20 products, give them a score according to their performance, and finally shortlisted the best 4 rotary hammer for driving ground rods.

The Best Rotary Hammers For Driving Ground Rods Reviews

These are some of the best hammer drills you can find out coming from renowned brands. They boast in quality and reliability. So, you won’t have to question your choice when you are getting one of them. Let’s get started with it.

1. BOSCH 11264EVS 1-5/8 SDS-Max Combination Hammer

Product Specification:

  • Power Source-Corded Electric
  • Maximum Chuck Size-13 Millimeters
  • Max. Hole Diameter in Concrete- 1-5/8 Inches.
  • Max. Hole Diameter in Concrete-Core Bit- 4-1/8 Inches
  • Weight-15.2 Pounds
  • RPM 170-340, BPM  1700-2900
  • 13.0 Amps
  • Voltage 120
  • 850 Watts
  • 8.1 ft-lbs Impact energy

Included Components: Side Handle, Carrying Case

When driving ground rods, you will need a hammer drill with extreme power. And this is the one that will surely deliver that kind of power. It’s not just about the power on this one either; it offers a lot more than that.

While the hammer may feel a bit heavy, it’s still light enough to work for long hours. This is a great benefit you get from this drill, especially considering you want to drive ground rods using this.

The build quality on this one is pretty impressive. It has high-quality materials for the body that make sure the drill lasts for a long time. Even the hard case you get with this one is sturdy.

Another great advantage you get with this is the speed adjustment on the motor. This gives you options to work on different levels and meet your particular needs perfectly.

It comes with an anti-vibration feature for better comfort. Even with the powerful and large build, you won’t feel any fatigue because of this feature. You can’t even feel the vibration it gets at times.

Pros

  • The unit comes with extreme power.
  • It offers a speed adjustment setting that comes in pretty handy
  • You get great durability from the build of this hammer
  • The ground rod driver attachment works perfectly
  • It is comfortable to use due to the anti-vibration feature

Cons  

  • The warranty isn’t that amusing. Still, considering the durability of the drill, you won’t have to worry about that too much.
  • This can be a bit expensive for DIYers or hobbyists. It’s not a drawback in the first place since professional tools come expensive anyways.

This is a Bosch hammer drill for all the professionals out there. With its power and durability, it can easily withstand heavy usage. It’s an excellent demolition hammer with very few drawbacks to worry about.

Check this one out for sure if you are looking for a professional-grade hammer drill.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is SDS better than hammer drill?

Yes SDS is better than a hammer drill. SDS is another type of hammer drill but with updated features. It’s more powerful and best to drill heavy-duty hard surfaces like concrete or stone. It’s noise free and allows you to work in tight spaces faster and efficiently. In addition, it can handle delicate tasks like finishing holes or adding finish details better.

Can BOSCH 11264EVS 1-5/8 SDS-Max tear down a concrete block chimney?

Yes, this BOSCH SDS can tear down concrete block chimneys. It’s powerful torque motor and efficient drive system can easily break through even the toughest chimney clamps. But for that, you will need a chisel bit or bull point bit chisel. 

What size of drill bit does the BOSCH 11264EVS 1-5/8 SDS-Max accepts?

BOSCH 11264EVS 1-5/8 SDS-Max accepts any SDS max shank bottom drill bit. Usually, SDS max bits come in 3/8 inch to 1-1/2  inch diameter to drill holes and scrap tile from concrete and break up rocks. Plus if you want to drive ground rods for electric fencing, you can use a cup bit as well.

2. BOSCH RH540M 1-9/16-Inch SDS-Max Combination Rotary Hammer

Product Specification:

  • Power Source-Corded Electric
  • Dimensions LxWxH-‎24.75 x 16.75 x 6 inches
  • Maximum Chuck Size-‎13 Millimeters
  • Chuck Design- Keyless
  • Cord Length- 8 Feet
  • Weight-15.2 Pounds

Included Components: Auxiliary Handle, Carrying Case

This is one of the most impressive SDS Max rotary hammers you can find out there from Bosch. It comes with some excellent power to ease drilling holes into the ground. The performance and power won’t disappoint you one bit.

This thing comes with good power to drill through a concrete wall. You won’t have to put brute force to drill a hole into the hardy surfaces anymore. The emphasis is enough to get you through almost any thick surface.

The tool doesn’t heat up even with longer usage. You can use this one for hours without worrying about overheating issues whatsoever.

This one delivers on the sturdy build quality. You can expect good durability coming from the tool when it comes to building the actual thing. It’s robust enough to use in rough working conditions.

You can drill holes on almost any surface pretty quickly. It comes with an excellent torque level to go through any type of ground in moments. Drilling holes on a hard surface doesn’t need to be time-consuming anymore.

When it’s about convenience, you get it all in this one. It has got SDS-max bit system that lets you change the bits without using any tools at all. And it also has an automatic bit locking system for secured bits.

No need to worry about power with this drill by your side. This one comes with top-class impact energy that goes up to 6.1 ft-lbs. So, power will never be your concern on this drill.

The tool boasts inefficiency. You get features like Varo-lock positioning that lets you move around the chisel in 12 various positions. This helps in optimizing working angles to get the best and quickest results. Along with that, it has got the service minder brush feature that lets you know about maintenance requirements.

It has got variable speed options for better control in both functions. In rotary mode, you get to choose the speed ranging from 170 RPM to 340 RPM. As for the hammer mode, it goes from 1200 to 2750BPM.

Another cool feature of this one is the quick change of modes. It has got a selector knob with a combination of all modes. You can easily switch between hammer drilling or chiseling only. Also, the Varo lock functionality.

Pros

  • This packs up quite good power in operation
  • You can drill holes pretty quickly using this one
  • The rugged build quality is awe-inspiring
  • There are no overheating issues on this tool
  • It comes with variable speed options for more control

Cons

  • You may face performance issues on this after long-time usage. Well, it’s evident that tools aren’t meant to last for a lifetime, so it’s not a deal-breaker.
  • Not the best choice for irregular users, considering the price. It’s more suited towards professionals.

If you are thinking of getting a hammer drill to drive ground rods, this one can surely deliver that need. It can even go beyond that and meets a lot of your purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is BOSCH 1-9/16-Inch SDS-Max get hot pretty frequently?

Yes BOSCH 1-9/16-Inch SDS-Max gets hot. This heavy-duty hammer is designed to drill deep holes in hard materials. So it runs faster and gets hot. And as it doesn’t have any thermal protection, so you have to give it time to cool down. A simple calculator will be drilling time = cooling time. 15 minutes of drilling means 15 minutes of rest.

Will this bosch rotary hammer drive a ground rod?

Yes, this bosch rotary hammer will drive a ground rod into hard soils and rocks. It comes with a diameter of 1-1/9 inch SDS max capacity, and you can use it with a 4 inch core bit. It provides 38 percent more impact energy than previous generations, and increases drilling and chiseling productivity by 20 percent or more over its competitors. 

Can the HVAC mechanics use BOSCH 1-9/16-Inch SDS-Max to drill the concrete walls?

If you are an HVAC mechanic and find it difficult to drill the hard concrete wall to install HVAC units, this BOSCH SDS is perfect for you. While you have to put hard effort to drill concrete walls with other hammers, the BOSCH SDS hammer will do the job just like slicing butter with a knife. If you don’t believe me, just try this one once, and you will thank me later.

Don’t wait too long; check this one out to see its worth.

3. Milwaukee 2715-20 M18 Fuel 1-1/8″ SDS Plus Rotary Hammer

Product Specification:

  • Power Source-‎Battery Powered
  • Dimensions LxWxH-12.86 x 3.25 x 8.96 inches
  • Maximum Chuck Size-‎13 Millimeters
  • Weight-‎7.8 Pounds

Included Components: Only Tool

Want to get rid of the hassle from corded demolition hammers? Here is a cordless rotary hammer you can use a lot more. And the best part is, it’s not that difficult to use at all.

Even with the cordless functionality, you get some good power coming out of this. You can easily get decent power from this drill and use it as a ground rod driver without any issues at all.

This drill is pretty lightweight and easy to use. Almost anyone can use this tool regardless of their experience. It’s also pretty light, so you can easily maneuver it the way you want for hours.

It’s great for the convenience of cordless functionality. Because of the cordless function, you don’t need to worry about tangling wires at all. This makes using the tool much easier and convenient.

While it’s lightweight, you also get good durability coming out of this. The build quality is pretty impressive, and it’s sure to last for a long time. So, you won’t have to think about whether it’s worth the money or not.

Pros

  • This is a cordless drill for a convenient drilling experience
  • The unit packs up enough power to drill through concrete
  • It’s very lightweight, so it doesn’t cause any fatigue with long hours of use
  • The drill is pretty easy to use, even for beginners
  • It’s worth your money without any questions at all

Cons

  • The customer service isn’t the best for the company. I mean, that’s not essentially some wrong with the unit itself.
  • You may face some overheating issues. It’s not something you face that often.

This is a great tool for anyone planning to drill holes out in the open. If you can’t get access to a power outlet, this is the drill you can always rely on. It has got enough power to get the job done as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this cordless Milwaukee 2715-20 M18 worth giving a try?

Definitely, this cordless Milwaukee rotary hammer is better than a corded rotary hammer. It is convenient, reliable, and easy to handle. Now you don’t have to take the hassle of a cord, and still superb performance.

Is it safe and comfortable to use the Milwaukee SDS Plus rotary hammer?

Milwaukee2715 rotary hammer comes with a REDLINK Plus system that not only ensures operating at maximum capacity but also protects against overloading. Plus it also features AVS (anti-vibration system) that reduces strain on your hands and let you experience greater comfort while you work.

Check this one out if you are looking for a cordless rotary hammer drill.

4. Mophorn 3600W Electric Demolition Hammer Heavy Duty Concrete Breaker

Product Specification:

  • Power Source-‎Corded Electric
  • Dimensions LxWxH-37 x 24 x 10 inches
  • Maximum Chuck Size-16 Inches
  • Chuck Type-Hex
  • Weight-40.57 Pounds

Included Components:

  • Electric Concrete Breaker
  • 16″ Bull Point Chisel
  • 16″ Flat Chisel
  • Gloves
  • Face Mask
  • Goggle
  • Carbon Brushes
  • Hex Wrenches

This one is a complete package of a hammer drills that you can use for driving ground rods. It’s great for DIYers and semi-professionals considering all the features it offers.

Right out of the box, you will admire the build quality of this drill. The construction is mostly metal and indeed made to last for a long time. It can withstand rough conditions with ease.

Even though it might not be a commercial-grade tool, it surely doesn’t lack the power. You can easily drill holes through concrete and almost any hard surface without struggling at all.

There is an insulation protection shell on the drill. This prevents all kinds of overheating issues on the tool. Even if you plan to use it for long hours, you won’t have any trouble with the heating element on this.

Something that makes it perfect for the DIYers is the price. It comes at a very reasonable price for almost everyone. Considering the power and the features, you surely get value for money on this one.

This doesn’t lack in power or speed at all. It comes with 3600watts of power packed inside. For the speed you get a fixed speed of 1800BPM which gives your drilling work much more speed.

It comes with the dual handle feature for better comfortability. The front handle of the drill has a 360-degree swiveling function for all around movement. When you pair that up with the D-shaped rubber grip on the rear handle, you are left with a comfortable user experience with no fatigue whatsoever.

The double chisel functionality gives it that touch of versatility. It has one 16-inch bull point chisel along with a 16-inch flat chisel for various purposes. You can use either pretty easily. It’s very quick to assemble and take down so you won’t have to work a lot for this.

Pros

  • This is a value for money hammer drill
  • It has a pretty sturdy build quality
  • The tool packs up enough power for drilling through concrete
  • It doesn’t have any overheating issues
  • It’s very versatile in usage

Cons

  • The tool can be a bit heavy for some people. Well, it can be a problem for some but not for everyone.
  • It doesn’t have a variable speed option. It’s not an extreme necessity in a drill, so it can work out if variable speed is not that big of a concern for you.

Even if it’s not a commercial-grade drill, it surely doesn’t lack the qualifications for a powerful tool. It has excellent durability in construction and extreme power on performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who should use mophorn jack hammer demolition drills?

A jackhammer is a versatile tool, you can use it for demolition, chipping, trenching, and driving holes in tile, concrete, stucco, brick, etc. It is an excellent choice for construction projects including plumbing, water supply, drainage facilities, etc. Using this hammer, you can also build and remodel port facilities as well as other construction and remodeling projects.

Is mophorn jack hammer secured?

This Mophorn hammer is a heavy-duty demolition tool that is well secured to break up concrete efficiently with an impressive 1800 bpm speed. This comes with a blow and vent system, it dissipates heat and ensures security. Plus the trigger and lock are also there to control the speed and make it secure. 

Is there a replacement chisel with the Mophorn 3500W Electric Demolition Hammer?

Yes, you will get two chisel bits replacement for free with this demolition hammer. One is a flat chisel and another one is a point chisel. These bits are made with heat-resistant alloy steel; making them durable and reliable.

You might want to check this one out to justify the value.

 5. MTB Fence Post Driver

You might wonder why I am suddenly talking about a post driver amongst the rotary hammers. Well, as surprising as it is, post drivers can work great for driving ground rods. Since this article is about finding a viable option for driving ground rods, I wanted to throw a post driver in there as well.

Product Specification:

  • Dimensions-24.33 x 4.72 x 4.72 inches
  • Weight-12 pounds

Included Components: 1 post driver with 2 handle

It’s essentially a heavy steel pipe with a closed-end and an open end. Two handles on the sides give you the grip to push the rods inside grounds with brute force using the tool.

Coming to this particular post driver from MTB, there are many positives to it. And if you are planning to go in a different direction than the hammer drills, you can go for this one.

This one features very heavy-duty construction. You don’t need to worry about damaging or even scratching this one when you are driving ground rods using the tool.

It comes with 12lbs of weight that makes your life much easier. With this much weight backing you up, all you need to do is place the post driver on top of the rod somehow. Then with minimal effort and pressure, you can easily drive the ground rods on the ground.

The post driver is super easy to use. I mean, there is no complexity involved in using this post driver. The process is pretty simple, and almost anyone can do it without prior experience.

This is the most useful tool you can find within a tight budget for driving ground rods. It’s one of those cheap tools you can use to get the job done. And it works pretty well for the purpose.

Pros

  • This is a very affordable option for the purpose.
  • It comes with good weight, so you have to work less
  • It’s very easy to use, even for beginners
  • The heavy-duty construction backs up the strength with durability
  • It doesn’t require any kind of power source to work

Cons

  • It’s not the most versatile tool out there. It works perfectly for pushing rods and posts at ground level.
  • Lifting the post driver can be a bit troublesome at times. There are alternative ways to get the job done, so it shouldn’t be a problem.

This is a great option for those who need to drive ground rods maybe once or twice. Also, if you happen to install many fence posts, this can be a great pick. However, if you have rocky soil in your area, it’s not the best option for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are MTB post drivers better suited to installing fences than other types of post drivers?

Yes MTB pos drivers are better suited to installing fences because they are designed to do so. You can use this driver to install fence U-posts as well along with T-posts efficiently. You just have to simply place the driver over the post, lift the driver, and release it until the post is buried at the desired depth. That’s all!

Check out the product details right now to get a clear picture.

Buyer’s Guide For The Best Rotary Hammer For Driving Ground Rods

Whenever you have to choose the best option, you have to go through several factors. These factors lead you towards the most suitable option for your specific needs. Here, I will go through the factors you should check out before buying a hammer drill for driving ground rods.

  • Budget

Well, budget is always a concern for buying this kind of tool. Because some of them can be pretty expensive, but you might not even use them regularly. So, you have to set your budget based on the usage. If you use a tool regularly, you can go with an expensive one. Otherwise, you can find value for money options easily.

  • SDS, SDS Plus, or SDS Max

Many things go into the differences between SDS, SDS Plus, and SDS Max. Essentially, these are indicators for drill bit sizes. While SDS plus has a shank size of 10mm, the SDS max has an 18mm shank size. As for SDS, it’s pretty similar to SDS plus in function.

In short, SDS Max is suitable for heavier work compared to an SDS plus. They can withstand more force and torque coming from the drill.

Now, if you think you have to drill through a pretty hard surface, then going for a drill with SDS Max compatibility is the way. Other than that, any SDS or SDS plus works the same. Getting the correct size for your purpose is pretty crucial. 

  • Purpose of use

The purpose of your usage will typically decide on which drill you should buy because not every drill will suit commercial or professional purposes. On the other hand, the professional ones may become overpowering for DIY and hobby projects.

If you are a DIYer and end up getting a commercial-grade drill because of more power, then you are truly wasting your money. You don’t even need that much power for DIY projects most of the time.

So, you have to make sure you choose the right one based on your purpose.

  • Power supply at the job site

This can also dictate the decision to buy a drill for your needs. If there are no power outlets on the job site, then a corded tool is useless. A cordless tool can get the job done pretty well in that scenario.

However, if there is a power outlet, you will have to go down to the factor of power requirements because corded tools provide greater power than cordless ones. So, it all comes down to your needs on choosing corded vs. cordless drills.

Now, you have to decide on the drill based on the soil condition you have around you or in the place where you want to drive the ground rods. If it’s around rocky ground, then you will need a lot of power, so you might need to get a commercial-grade tool for that purpose.

Other than that, you won’t have to worry too much if the soil condition isn’t that hard. It all depends on whether the drill will be capable enough to drive the ground rods or not. With different types of grounds, the power requirement on the drill will be additional. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Driving Ground Rods By Rotary Hammer

Here are some common questions people ask regarding rotary hammer and driving ground rods.

Will SDS Plus drive ground rods?

Yes, SDS Plus can drive ground rods. By using it, soft soils and even hard soils can be driven more quickly and efficiently, minimizing fracture formation.

What tools do I need to drive a ground rod?

The tools you’ll need to drive a ground rod depend on the method you’re using. If you are using the hole-drilling method, then you will need a sturdy drill, driver bit, hammer, tape measurer/ruler, and level and extension cord drill.

What is the best way to drive a ground rod?

A rotary hammer is the best way to drive a ground rod because it produces consistent, accurate blows that are not easily deflected. It prevents ground rod damage and ensures it remains firmly anchored in the soil.

Plus, it delivers more force per strike than other types of hammering tools, and can quickly and easily break through hard soils.

How do you hammer a grounding rod?

First of all, this can be quite time-consuming and requires a lot of effort to get the job done. Secondly, you will need to find a soft spot to drive the ground rod using a hammer. You can check out this video for a better understanding.

Can a hammer drill be used as a jackhammer?

You can’t use a hammer drill as a jackhammer most of the time because of the power difference. Jackhammers have an insane amount of power compared to a hammer drill. However, you can use a hammer drill to drill through smaller jobs but surely not the heavier ones.

How do you drive a ground rod with water?

Well, the process is pretty straightforward. You have to find a suitable spot for driving the ground rod and use water to help out in easing the process for you. You can check out a video on driving a ground rod with water to get a complete idea.

Conclusion

To sum up, getting the best hammer drill for driving ground rods depends on various factors. Your needs, the type of ground you have, your budget, and so forth. You have to consider all these things before deciding on the best one for your specific needs.

What you get from the list I discussed above is the reliability of the tools. They come with high quality and assurance to work to drive ground rods. So, you don’t need to look for suitable tools recklessly.

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