Tile removing is a time consuming, challenging, and hard-working job that you can do efficiently using a hammer drill. For remodelling a house or upgrading the kitchen, removing tiles is the first task. However, make sure you are using the best hammer drill for tile removal since a typical hammer drill can ruin all the hard work.
Floor tiles are usually fixed to cement or concrete surface, which you can easily and quickly remove using power tools. Though the method is the same as compared to the manual process, using a hammer drill does not require much physical effort.
Handyman’s Pick: 3 Best Hammer Drill for Tile Removal
| Image | Product Name | Specifications | Price |
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ENEACRO Rotary Hammer Drill | Color: Blue Power Source: Corded Electric Voltage: 120 Volts Speed: 820 RPM |
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VonHaus SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer Drill | Color: Orange/Silver Voltage: 120 Volts Speed: 850 RPM Maximum Chuck Size: 30 Millimeters |
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BOSCH 11321EVS Hammer Drill | Color: Blue/Silver Power Source: Corded Electric Voltage: 120 Volts Speed: 1300 RPM Maximum Chuck Size: 13 Millimeters |
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Some hammer drills have a special mode that works together with a chisel bit for quick and easy lift tiles from the floor surface. The hammer drill also has powerful motor and safety features, allowing the operator to complete the job safely and smoothly. However, while choosing a hammer drill for tile removal, one had to go through several specifications.
That’s why we come with the shortest list of hammer drills that are ideal for tile removal projects as well as drilling and driving on various surfaces. We will discuss how to remove tiles using a hammer drill and how you can remove tiles from the drywall without causing any damage. So, read the article to the end, pick the best hammer drill and learn the right process for a satisfactory experience!
Top pick Hammer Drill
ENEACRO: Best Heavy Duty Rotary Hammer Drill for Tile Removal
- Design with 360 Degree Adjustable Handle to reduce fatigue during long-term working and ensure accurate and convenient strike.
- The hammer drill is for tile removal. It comes with a 13 Amp industrial motor to produce enough power to work on concrete and metal, while its Dust-proof System will protect the motor completely.
- With Vibration Damping Technology and an efficient cooling system, this rotary hammer drill will offer precise control and keep the motor cool.
ENEACRO Heavy Duty Rotary Hammer Drill is our number one pick for the best hammer drill for tile removal. This rotary hammer drill has almost all of the features needed to remove tiles from the floor efficiently. It’s a multi-functional hammer drill that comes with four different modes, including a hammer mode, which makes it suitable for tile removal projects. A combination of an SDS-Plus keyless chuck design and 3 SDS-Plus Drill Bits makes this tool ready to go for tile removal.
Though this tool is easier to keep clean and maintain, it doesn’t like cold temperatures of around 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below.
- This rotary hammer drill is available at an affordable price while coming with plenty of accessories for easy maintenance and use. Furthermore, it comes with a 24-month defect-free warranty and is built to last.
- It may not work suitably at a cooler temperature.
Runner Up
VonHaus: Best Rotary Hammer Drill for Tile Removal
- Design with a 10 amp motor and three function modes for completing any heavy-duty project, including tile removal, efficiently.
- Includes an auxiliary handle with a textured grip to offer maximum comfort and control over the tool and project.
- This rotary hammer drill has an anti-vibration mechanism and a higher RPM for ease of use.
VonHaus Rotary Corded Hammer Drill will be suitable for the DIY guy who is considerably low in budget and still looking for a quality solution for tile removal. It has a powerful 10 amp motor and three functional modes, including a hammer-only mode, allowing the user to properly lift any tile from the floor without causing any damage.
Despite this, the drill-only and hammer drill modes allow you to perform a variety of drilling and driving tasks. A key feature includes 0 – 3900 BPM without rotating the bit, and compatible with SDS and SDS-Plus bits makes the rotary hammer drill well appropriate for tile removal projects. But it doesn’t have a variable speed trigger, so the precision of the drilling and driving job is questionable.
- This hammer drill is available at a lower cost and comes with an ergonomic handle and plenty of accessories. Besides, it is compatible with SDS and SDS-Plus bits and suitable for heavy-duty drilling and driving jobs.
- It doesn’t have a variable speed trigger and includes a lower amp motor compared to the previous model.
Customer Choice
BOSCH 11321EVS Demolition Hammer for Tile Removal
- The vibration reduction system and incredibly smooth grip reduce hand fatigue while penetrating the tough surface.
- It features a various lock position to ensure a comfortable working angle.
- This lightweight hammer drill protects from overload and ensures a smooth start-up, making it perfect for beginner DIYers.
- It has powerful motor and impressive impact energy to remove tile from any hard surface
- Maximum speed: 1300 RPM
- Voltage requires: 120 Volts
- Product weight: 13.7 pounds
- Warranty: 1 Year
- Accessories include: an extra handle and a carrying case.
- Customer rating on Amazon: 4.8 out of 5.
Compared to the previous model, this BOSCH 11321EVS hammer drill is almost half the weight, but don’t misunderstand it. This demolition hammer drill is a beast and ready to conquer tile and any tough material, including block and concrete.
The functions that encourage the drill to take on the challenges are the 13 Amp motor, hammer-only mode, and impressive BPM and impact energy. We found this jammer drill quite as versatile and convenient as the previous model, but it comes at a considerably lower price.
- This lightweight corded hammer drill is the perfect appliance for tile removal, copping, and demolition tasks. It comes with a perfect balance of weight and power and ensures better control of the task. The hammer drill also produces well-damped vibration, which makes the tile-removal task even more effortless.
- The location of the power switch is very poor and it is easy to hit while operating the drill.
Best Overall
BOSCH: Best Bulldog Rotary Hammer Drill for Tiles
- It has a 7.5 amp rotary tool motor that runs at 800 BPM and produces 2.0 feet/pounds of impact energy for tile removal.
- This rotary hammer drill comes with a rotating brush plate to offer equal power in forward and reverse for improved flexibility.
- With a variable speed trigger and SDS-plus bit system, this power tool will ensure accurate bit starting and maximum impact energy transfer.
The BOSCH Bulldog Xtreme Rotary Hammer Drill is the safest and most ergonomically designed hammer drill for tile removal. Despite three moods, this corded hammer drill includes a speed trigger with reverse to allow it to remove tiles most accurately. An impressive feature includes an ergonomic d handle to ensure comfortable and optimal control over the project.
Moreover, you will find this feature handy for overhead or downward drilling jobs. Designed with an SDS plus drill bit system with automatic bit locking, this hammer drill will ensure tool-free bit changes and accurate drilling. But its lower speed doesn’t support making a pilot hole.
- This corded hammer drill carries a case and a one-year warranty while offering reliable performance. Furthermore, its user-friendly and long-lasting design makes it ideal for beginning DIYers.
- It is available at a rather expensive price and the lower speed mode doesn’t work properly.
JackHammer
XtremepowerUS: Best Demolition Hammer Drill
- With 110v/60 HZ voltage and an adjustable 360-degree foregrip, this jackhammer will ensure a powerful and convenient all-day demolition.
- It has an anti-vibration system and rotating chisel locks to make tile removal safer and more precise.
- This tile removal jackhammer includes plenty of accessories and a speed control system, making it ideal for various jobs.
This XtremepowerUS Electric Demolition Jackhammer is the best demolition hammer for tile removal and ideal for the busy customer who doesn’t care about tiles. An impressive feature is that it doesn’t require an air compressor to conquer the tiles and other demolition jobs. That means this demolition hammer is the most portable and versatile power tool to break and lift any hard material.
This best drill for tile removal is Design with an anti-vibration system and comes with a chisel and protective gear. Combine these features and this hammer will offer precise control and a safer tile removal operation. It comes with a plastic carrying case which isn’t strong enough to carry the jackhammer and accessories.
- It’s the best-selling jackhammer available on the market, and it is powerful and durable. Besides, this tile removal tool is more portable and easier to use and maintain.
- This power tool is a bit heavy and comes with a poor carrying case.
Premium Choice
DEWALT: Hammer Drill for Tile Removal
- It has a powerful 8.5 amp motor and 3.0 joules of impact energy for quick tile removal.
- It features an Active Vibration Control system as well as a D-Handle for safe and comfortable operation.
- Compatible with SDS+ chisel bit, making it perfect for removing tiles.
The last recommendation for the best hammer drill for tile removal on our list is the DEWALT Rotary Hammer Drill. DEWALT is a well-known name in the power tool and accessories industry for offering quality products and this model will also be a worthy investment.
Designed with an 8.5 amp high-performance motor and a D-Handle, this Rotary Hammer Drill will ensure a fatigue-free tile removal operation with enough power. Moreover, this power tool is compatible with the SDS+ chisel bit to allow use in floor tile removal operations. However, this tile removal drill may get hot over time and it is not a multi-functional power tool.
- This rotary hammer drill is powerful and durable enough to offer a longer service. Besides, it comes with a 3-year limited warranty and promises a 15% faster speed of application.
- This hammer drill doesn’t have a multi-function mode and may get hot.
Best SDS MAX
BOSCH 11316EVS SDS-Max Hammer Drill
- This versatile hammer drill allows you to change the bit efficiently without using any tool.
- The hammer drill locks the bit automatically and protects the motor from dust.
- This tile removal drill allows you to lock the chisel into 12 positions to ensure the perfect hammering angles.
- It has a padded rear handle and an auxiliary handle for extra comfort during longer operations.
- Voltage Requires: 120 Volts
- Sped: 1890 RPM
- Chuck design: keyless
- Product weight: 22.5 pounds
- Accessories include: Auxiliary Handle and Carrying Case
- Customer rating on Amazon: 4.8 out of 5.
This Demolition Hammer Drill from Bosch is one of the most versatile and convenient hammer drills you will ever find. While a 5-amp motor is good enough for most of the tile removal tasks, the BOSCH design features a hammer drill with a max 14 amp motor along with heavy impact energy.
So, whether it’s tile removal, chipping, or demolition tasks, this hammer drill won’t let you down. An impressive feature includes a variable speed dial that will let you control the chopping applications and adjust the impact force based on the working surface.
- This Bosch hammer drill is an extremely powerful appliance to handle any tile removal, demolition, and chopping tasks, even on any surface. The hammer drill is also suitable for working in a cabinet or tight space, is quite comfortable, and has a sturdy carrying case for easier transport and storage.
- The hammer drill is slightly expensive, and it needs to apply supplied grease on the shank of the bit to prevent wear on the chuck.
Tile Removal Hammer Drill Maintenance Tips
The more often you use the hammer drill for removing tile, the more likely it will be exposed to dust and dirt. So, after every tile removal project, clean the power tool thoroughly so the dust can’t damage the motor of the tool. The other maintenance tips you should follow are:
- Don’t press the hammer too hard against the surface. Tile removing is quite an easier task for the hammer drill, so it doesn’t need excess pressure.
- Clean the dirt and dust from the drill bit to prevent the tool holder from getting jammed.
- Apply some grease to the bit shank between every bit change to prevent the bit holder from causing wear.
- Follow your hammer drill’s manufacturer’s guidelines to choose the grease.
- Learn about the indication of your hammer drill’s LED light and follow the maintenance guidelines once it alerts you.
Factors to pick the Best Hammer Drill for Removing Tiles
For remodeling the bathroom, kitchen, or other floors, a hammer drill is a handy tool that can be used as a tile remover. Though professional contractors mostly use a rotary hammer drill to do the task, a hammer drill with the right specification can be suitable for the job. Let’s see what the configuration should be for a hammer drill to destroy and remove tiles:
Hammering Action
Typically, different hammer drills have a specific operation mode. The most common mode is hammer drilling that pushes the tool forward while the drill bit spins and allows drilling into tough surfaces efficiently. The second mode is only driving screws into wood or drywall. The last mode is hammer only, which produces BPM without rotating the bit, making it useful for tile removal. So check the drill you are choosing for that mode, so you can handle the job.
Motor Power
Comparing concrete and stone drilling, removing tiles is a much easier job. As a result, any hammer drill with a 3-amp motor will suffice for working on dried mortar and chipping grout. However, you should choose a hammer drill with at least a 5 amp motor for purposes.
Scraping Attachment
The most ideal method for removing tiles is by using a tile scraper attachment. But these usually don’t come with a hammer drill, so consider some extra cost for a scraper while planning for purchasing a hammer drill. Choose a wider scraper that is made of steel. Combine these features, it will let you remove tile more quickly while it won’t chip or bend easily.
Lightweight
A lightweight and compact design hammer will let you work in a tight corner or under a cabinet conveniently. Moreover, removing tiles is the lightest-duty job for a hammer drill. So a one-handed hammer drill with a scraping attachment will be more preferable. A hammer drill with a weight of 4 to 6 pounds would also be an acceptable option.
Brushed or Brushless Motor
Removing tiles is not a demanding task as drilling on stone or concrete. So a hammer drill with a brushed motor will ensure a consistent job as it won’t produce more heat like its brushless counterpart. Furthermore, to reduce the risk of overheating, the brushed motor will allow scraping solely to remove tiles in less time.
How to Remove Ceramic Tiles with a Hammer Drill?
Applying a typical hammer drill to a brittle material like ceramic can damage the tile. So, if you don’t care about the ceramic tiles, you can carry on. Otherwise, you should consider a demolition or rotary hammer drill. While the usual hammer drill comes with a hammering mechanism, a rotary hammer drill includes a type of motion that makes it better for removing ceramic tiles. This means that rotary hammer drills will reduce the likelihood of breakage and provide clean small pieces by avoiding dust and debris.
Remove ceramic tile manually using a tile chisel
A traditional chisel is not only a classic but also a laborious way to remove ceramic tiles from the floor. A tile chisel is a strong steel bar that has one sharp end and a dull end that can be struck by a hammer. This tool is effective for removing tiles, but it takes a long time. Furthermore, if you have never used a manual tile chisel before, it can be exhausting. If you are planning to remove ceramic tiles with precision and pace, this tool could be a good alternative to a hammer drill.
Using Hammer Drill Chisel Bit
A rotary hammer drill with a tile chisel attachment is a great combo to remove ceramic tiles conveniently. The removal procedure is the same as with a manual tile chisel, but it requires less effort because the drill does the majority of the work. Considering the holding system of the rotary hammer drill, you will need either an SDS-max or an SDS-plus chisel bit. Once collecting the chisel bit you will need to insert it and set it at a 45-degree angle at the edge of the ceramic tile. Then set the hammer mode on the drill and turn it on. After that, the drill breaks under the tile and you will find it lifted from the floor.
Start working from one side to the other by following the rows of the tiles horizontally to your position. Once you complete a row, then move to the other row, put the tile chisel bit under the ceramic tile, and repeat the process. Take a rest once you have completed a row, clear the dust and debris and start again.
Removing the Mortar
After removing the tiles, you may discover mortar. Though you can preserve the mortar for further use, you can still remove it using the same tool and attachment. You can follow any desired pattern, but it is better to work in a section to remove the mortar completely.
The outcome is that you must be cautious when using a rotary hammer drill to remove the tiles. Otherwise, you may have to hammer them away.
How to Remove Tiles without damaging the Drywall?
Removing tiles from a highly sensitive construction, such as drywall, without causing any damage is a difficult task. Still, if you had to remove tiles that stuck to drywall for many years you can do it in the following way:
Place the edge of the chisel as flat as possible against the drywall so it doesn’t dig into the drywall and cause any damage. Because of the construction of drywall, you can avoid some surface damage while removing tile from the drywall. But the trick is to reduce the damage by working gradually and carefully. So, keep the chisel at such an angle that you won’t dig into the drywall while you hit the chisel using a hammer.
Moreover, some experts appreciate using a rotary hammer drill with an angled SDS-type chisel bit. It especially generates a chiseling action which lifts the tile away from the drywall efficiently.
Some safety tools that should wear while using a rotary hammer drill
Demolition work is usually dirty, dusty, and prone to danger. During the tile removing process, small tile shards can fly and these can cause eye damage and cuts and abrasions on your hands. So, make sure you have worn the right protective gear before powering up the hammer drill.
The following are some essential safety equipment:
- A dust mask
- Safety goggles
- Gloves with padding
- Hearing protection
- Clothing to cover the body
- Work boots and kneepads
- Knee pads
FAQs on Best Hammer Drill for Tile Removal
Can I use a hammer drill to remove the tile?
You can use a typical hammer drill and chisel tip to remove tiles only if you don’t care about tiles. Otherwise, a rotary hammer drill is more preferable. Hammer drills function similarly to jackhammers on floor tiles. Though it is still time-consuming, hammer drills allow you to remove tiles much faster than you could with a hammer and chisel.
What size hammer drill do I need to remove tiles?
Whatever it is a commercial or home-improving job, choose a hammer drill that is easier to use. Since removing tiles is a slower and relatively hard-working process, a lightweight and ergonomic hammer drill will lower your fatigue. Thus, it is preferable to use a small hammer drill to remove the tiles.
What is the most effective tool for removing ceramic floor tiles?
You can remove ceramic tiles in plenty of ways, but all need extra attention and safety glasses. While ceramic is a more brittle material, you can use a masonry hammer with a cold chisel to tap the floor tiles free. Besides, heavy equipment like an air chisel or jackhammer can help you tear out the ceramic tile from the floor.
Can a rotary hammer remove tiles?
The rotary hammer drill is better for removing tiles. While the typical hammer drill includes a hammering mechanism that can easily damage the tile, the rotary hammer drill design has a different type of motion. Combined with the right chisel attachment, it helps remove floor tiles quickly and efficiently.
What is the fastest way to remove floor tiles?
There are numerous methods for removing floor tiles, including the use of tile breakers, scrapers, and various types of chisels. Among them, using a hammer drill and chisel set up is the best and fastest way to remove floor tiles. The method is also straightforward. Just put the chisel underneath the tile and start lifting the tiles. With the least effort, this process will help remove floor tiles quickly and conveniently.
Final words
We have provided some of the best hammer drills for tile removal, drilling, driving, demolition, and fastening jobs. So whichever you choose will be heavy-duty, durable, safe, easier to use and maintain, and the best for your budget.
Based on how many functions you want and the tile removing process, you can choose any of them from the top five recommendations. However, all of them offer quality customer service and free shipping, while some offer a limited money-back warranty.
