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The best hammer drills for your heavy-duty drilling needs

Hammer drills can be versatile. Some models enable the impact mechanism to be turned off so they can be used as a conventional drill to perform such tasks as screwdriving. These hammer drills are not only versatile, but they’re solid performers and low-cost options.

Also called a percussion drill or impact drill, a hammer drill is a highly useful power tool when drilling into hard materials. If you’re seeking a good hammer drill to suit your tough-surface drilling needs, take a gander at these high-performance and affordable models.

Makita Brushless Cordless Hammer Drill

Best hammer drill overall

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An ergonomic and battery-powered hammer drill is an appealing option as an overall performer. That describes the Makita Brushless and Cordless Hammer Drill, which weighs only 5.9 pounds with its battery and has a brushless motor that provides maximum torque. The hammer drill targets the most demanding drilling and driving applications in wood, masonry, and metal.

DeWalt 20V MAX SDS Rotary Hammer Drill

Best rotary hammer drill

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Rotary hammer drills use a cylinder of air compressed by a piston to beat the bit into a surface. When your job calls for a leading rotary hammer drill, consider the DeWalt 20v MAX SDS Rotary Hammer Drill. Its brushless motor can extend runtime and durability, and factory-set clutch can reduce sudden, high-torque reactions if the bit jams.

Skil 1/2 In. Hammer Drill

Best budget hammer drill

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The lightweight Skil 6445-04 Hammer Drill is designed to be easier to maneuver and carry to any job. Its side handle — which offers more essential control while in use — is reversible, making it suitable for both right- and left-handed users. (B00TSJRV7Y)

Although hammer drills are a niche tool — the perfect device to use when drilling into very hard surfaces — you never know when one will come in handy. So don’t wait for that to happen. Instead, consider one of these attractive hammer drills to add to your tool arsenal.

How to avoid mold when painting your basement walls
Spruce up your dark and dreary basement with a fresh paint job, but beware of mold and mildew
Standard basement with gray cement walls

Is your basement dark and dreary? Basement walls aren’t always the most welcoming, and can easily contribute to an uninviting aesthetic (especially if the rest of your basement design is similarly lackluster). Depending on the existing conditions of your space, you could face a drab and boring background that interrupts the flow of your personal style. And when it comes to sprucing up this area of the home, many homeowners struggle to know how to paint a basement wall while also keeping the sub-level mold-free.

Perhaps you’ve considered basement paint ideas to spruce up your space. However, painting your basement walls is not the same as traditionally painting your interiors. With the potential for mold and mildew, there are more risks involved in painting walls in the basement when it comes to the health and well-being of your home. Additionally, the process can be much more arduous.

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How to fix squeaky floors quickly and easily
Don't let noisy floors interrupt your life
Person in sneakers standing on parquet floors

If you're wondering how to fix squeaky floors, you're not alone. That annoying creak every time you step on a particular board can be frustrating, especially in quiet moments or during late-night trips to the kitchen. Squeaky floors are a common issue in many homes, but the good news is that fixing them doesn’t always require a major renovation. With a few simple home maintenance tools and techniques, you can silence those creaks and restore peace to your home.

In this guide, we’ll break down why floors squeak, how to fix them based on different flooring types, and even how to prevent them from coming back.
Why does my floor creak when I walk on it?

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Is primer necessary for every paint job? Here’s the truth
Here's when you should use primer and when you can skip it
Woman painting

The question of whether to prime before painting seems as old as, well, painting itself. The answer seems to be different depending on who you talk to. Paint manufacturers say "yes" — it is an essential wall painting technique — because they want the best possible surface for the paint to shine. Do-it-yourself (DIY) fans seem less thrilled about the process, mostly because it takes more time and money.

So, do you need primer when you paint? The reality is that not every painting project is the same, and the answer is not a clear-cut one.

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