The hand-held rotary percussive (hammer) drill is the basic tool for drilling into unreinforced concrete. It can be used for small diameter holes, e.g. 4 mm and upwards for mechanical and resin anchors. Larger diameter holes will require the use of a diamond drill or core cutter (see separate entries). The drill has a hammer action and is usually electric 110 volt or hydraulic. The hammer action assists in penetrating/ drilling the material to form a hole. Hammer action can only be used on building materials, not steel.

Certain models of these drills have a breaker action, allowing for removal of structural materials, i.e. the removal of material between a twin-cut chase to allow conduits to be fitted.

Further information may be obtained from the Drilling and Sawing Association