Rotary Hammer Drills vs Air Hammers: Real Dyno Results and How They Stack Up | Writers

Ever wonder how a heavy-duty SDS rotary hammer compares to the tried-and-true air hammer? You’re not alone. Tool forums are full of debates about which packs a bigger punch, and even seasoned pros can’t seem to agree. In fact, when Torque Test Channel reached out to industry experts, the answers were refreshingly honest: nobody really knew how these tools stack up against each other in raw power. That changes today.

This post covers what happens when you pit the giant Milwaukee 2717 SDS Max rotary hammer drill against a lineup of strong air hammers. Using the Torque Test Channel’s air hammer power dyno, we finally get some hard numbers to settle the debate. Whether you spend your days knocking out concrete, chiseling metal, or just love power tools, this data offers clarity where there’s been only guesswork. Let’s break down the highlights, tool mechanics, test results, and what it all means for your next tool purchase.

Why Compare Rotary Hammer Drills to Air Hammers?

Torque Test Channel has built a reputation for their detailed tool tests, digging deeper than just spec sheets. Their ongoing air hammer test series sparked a big viewer question: Can an SDS rotary hammer in hammer mode rival the power of dedicated air hammers?

No one seemed to have a clear answer. Most manufacturers list specs like blows per minute (bpm) or impact energy, but those numbers don’t translate easily across tool types. Cordless tech has started to close the gap with air and corded tools, but when it comes to air hammers—a brute-force tool using compressed air—there still isn’t a real cordless equivalent on the market. The closest contender? The SDS rotary hammer, especially in its beefiest form.

Enter the Milwaukee 2717 SDS Max, a monster rotary hammer that’s about as large and powerful as you’d want to go for any kind of practical handheld use. Thanks to viewer Dave Eaton, the team got their hands on this model and put it head-to-head with some leading air hammers on the dyno. For those who geek out over real data and shop-floor results, this is the showdown you’ve been waiting for.

How Air Hammers and SDS Rotary Hammers Work

What Makes an Air Hammer Tick?

An air hammer is powered by compressed air that drives a piston back and forth inside a cylinder. When you pull the trigger, air pressure makes the piston move rapidly, thrusting a chisel or other attachment into tough materials. This makes quick work of tasks like cutting sheet metal, breaking up concrete, or driving out stubborn parts.

Power figures for air hammers are rarely posted by manufacturers, making real comparisons tricky.

Blows per minute (BPM) usually sit around 2,000 for the average model.

Size and usability: Air hammers are built for mobility and are generally light enough for single-hand use over long stretches.

In practice, air hammers’ design relies on straightforward air mechanics. Power is limited by your compressor and how much force the internal piston can generate. Most job site air hammers don’t exceed a certain size for practical usability—anything larger quickly becomes unwieldy.

Understanding SDS Rotary Hammers

The Milwaukee 2717 SDS Max rotary hammer is an entirely different beast. Here’s a quick overview of the tested model:

Capacity: Designed to drill up to 1-9/16 inch holes in concrete.

Weight: At 14.5 pounds, it’s heavy compared to most air hammers.

Modes: Offers both standard drilling and hammer-only mode.

Price: Around $500 bare tool (battery not included).

Inside, the SDS Max uses a rotating crank with a connecting rod to drive a primary piston, much like a small engine. In hammer-only mode, an asymmetric wobble cam (sometimes called a yoke sitting on a pinned axis) compresses air against an opposing piston. This tiny air cushion helps dampen vibration, protecting both the tool and the operator.

Unlike a reciprocating saw, which transfers all the impact directly through a cam mechanism, the SDS rotary hammer’s design spreads the force more evenly, making for less harsh feedback during use.

Features at a glance:

True hammering and drilling action

Hammer-only mode for direct comparison with air hammers

Large motor and gear transfer case for heavy drilling

Designed for drilled holes and heavy chipping, more versatile than a pure air hammer

Comparing Impact Mechanisms

Air hammers: Use straightforward piston and air cushion design to minimize vibration.

SDS rotary hammers: Employ a cam and piston system with air cushioning but combine this with complex gear and switching mechanisms to support both drilling and hammering.

Blows per minute: Ranges higher for SDS (about 3,000 bpm) compared to air hammers (about 2,000 bpm), delivering more frequent impacts.

Force delivery: The SDS’s mechanism spreads out the force in rapid, lighter blows; air hammers deliver fewer, often harder hits.

Longevity and stress: The air cushion in both tools helps prolong tool life by reducing vibration stress on internal components.

Test Setup: Getting Apples-to-Apples Results

Getting the Milwaukee SDS Max Ready

For a fair comparison, the SDS Max tool got a makeover. The team cut off the end of the SDS Max bit to mimic a standard air hammer chisel. This let the rotary hammer transfer force like an air hammer without drilling. The Milwaukee ran tests first with the included 9 amp hour battery and then with a high output 8.0 XC battery to check for performance differences.

Testing took place on Torque Test Channel’s proprietary dyno, which measures the force delivered by the hammer or drill into a special load cell, registering results in psi (pounds per square inch) and counting blows per minute.

Which Air Hammers Were Tested?

A few long-barrel air hammers were selected to represent what most users might encounter.

The Snap-on air hammer delivered a peak PSI of 4477, making it one of the strongest in its class.

The Mac Tools air hammer produced slightly less peak force but is known as a reliable, professional-grade option.

The Sunx model offered lower output compared to the others but is widely available on Amazon and popular for its affordability.

These tools covered a range from budget-friendly models to shop classics. All of them were tested under the same dyno conditions to ensure a fair, apples-to-apples comparison.

Test Styles and What They Measure

The tests included:

Max Power Test: Five seconds of full-on hammering to record peak force.

Minimum Power Test: Five seconds at the gentlest power the tool can maintain, showing trigger modulation and tool “throttle” capability.

Shop Pressure Test: Running at a higher, realistic shop air pressure instead of the usual 90 psi to mimic what you’d see on a busy job site.

Battery Swap Test: Comparing the Milwaukee’s output on a standard versus a high-output battery, revealing any battery-related bottlenecks.

These tests show not just raw power, but also controllability, consistency, and the limits of what each tool can do.

Test Results: Which Tool Hits Harder?

Max Power Test: Who Delivers More Punch?

The Snap-on air hammer ruled here, hitting a peak of 4477 psi. The Milwaukee SDS Max followed at a very respectable 4195 psi. While the raw numbers favor the air hammer, the difference isn’t massive. For a cordless tool tackling full-sized air tools, that's a strong showing.

A key detail: SDS hammers use higher blow rates—3,000 bpm vs the air hammer’s 2,000 bpm—so early in the test, the SDS Max gained ground by simply hitting more often. As resistance built, both tools maxed out at their respective limits.

Though both numbers sound close in raw psi, the air hammer’s peaks are fueled by shop air, while the Milwaukee has to squeeze everything it can from its battery and motor.

Minimum Power Test: How Much Control?

For jobs that need finesse, being able to throttle power down is critical:

Sunx air hammer: Lowest at 81 psi

Mac Tools air hammer: Higher, but not wild

Milwaukee SDS Max: 198 psi—very good for such a large, heavy tool

This tells us the Milwaukee’s trigger can modulate power effectively, letting users dial in the impact just like an air tool. For a 14.5-pound hammer, that’s impressive.

Shop Pressure Boost: Air Hammers Surge Ahead

Upping the test to real job site air pressure, the Snap-on’s output jumped to 5233 psi—nearly a 20% bump. On the Milwaukee, the switch from regular to high output battery made no notable impact: output stayed at 4216 psi. That’s consistent, but shows the SDS Max simply runs out of mechanical headroom before hitting the sky-high numbers powerful air hammers can reach.

Results in Perspective

The Milwaukee SDS Max finished between the Sunx and Mac Tools air hammers in raw force.

Size and weight: With 14.5 pounds of heft and a length of 18.75 inches, it needs two hands and careful handling—this is no lightweight air tool.

Price: At $500 plus batteries, it’s an investment, but also drills, chips, and hammers.

Strong on test consistency but won’t surge past limits with more battery power.

Surprises: The Milwaukee matched or beat some well-respected air hammers, suggesting large cordless rotary hammers can fill roles even seasoned pros might not have considered.

Comparison Table: Key Results

The test compared several popular tools. The Snap-on air hammer delivered a maximum output of 4477 PSI, and this increased to 5233 PSI when running at higher shop air pressure. It weighs around 5 pounds, delivers about 2,000 blows per minute (BPM), and typically costs between $300 and $400.

The Mac Tools air hammer produced a maximum of around 4100 PSI, weighs roughly 6 pounds, and also operates at about 2,000 BPM. Its price usually starts at over $300.

The Sunx air hammer, which is a more budget-friendly option available on Amazon, delivered lower maximum force, but its minimum PSI was measured at 81. It weighs about 5 pounds, hits at approximately 2,000 BPM, and costs between $100 and $200.

The Milwaukee 2717 SDS Max rotary hammer, which is the heaviest in the group at 14.5 pounds, delivered a maximum force of 4195 to 4216 PSI depending on the battery used. Its minimum PSI was 198. This tool produces 3,000 BPM and is priced at over $500 for the bare tool.

This summary includes the main specs and prices to make it easy to see how these tools compare in terms of power, weight, speed, and cost.

When Should You Use an SDS Max Instead of an Air Hammer?

Both tool types shine in different scenarios. The SDS Max is a powerhouse for tasks where you can use its weight to help—think drilling down into concrete, heavy-duty vertical chiseling, or demo work where fatigue isn’t the primary concern. Its long body means it’s not ideal for tight spots or prolonged horizontal work.

Air hammers pull ahead for overhead jobs, long sessions, and jobs where agility matters. At a third the size and weight of the Milwaukee, a good air hammer can tackle many demolition and shaping tasks with less user fatigue.

Pros of SDS Max:

High impact force rivals big air hammers

Serves double-duty as drill and hammer

Reliable battery operation, no air compressor needed

Stable performance even with battery type changes

Cons of SDS Max:

Heavy and bulky—not for all spaces

Pricey, especially once you add batteries

Less practical where a lighter air hammer fits

Pros of Air Hammers:

Lightweight and easy to wield for long sessions

Cheaper upfront with compressor setup

Strong performance at shop pressure

Cons of Air Hammers:

Tethered to air lines and compressors

Generally single-purpose (hammer only)

Cost, Versatility, and Next Steps

With a bare-tool price north of $500, the Milwaukee SDS Max commands a premium, but you’re buying a true hybrid: a heavy-hitting hammer and a core drilling tool. While a good air hammer like the best buy air hammer offers plenty of power at a lower cost, it’s a one-trick pony.

If your workday covers breaking concrete, busting up tile, and regularly drilling large holes, the SDS Max earns its keep. For pure chiseling, shaping, or light demo, the convenience and comfort of a smaller air hammer are hard to beat.

The Torque Test Channel team left readers with a big question: How will smaller SDS Plus models fare in these tests? Could standard SDS models—or better yet, other brands—top the Milwaukee in cordless hammering power? If there are other tools you want to see dyno’d, add to the conversation. The field is wide open for discovery.

More Resources and Where to Get More Info

Looking to deep-dive into data or see how other tools measure up? Here are some resources:

For a full ranking of power hammers and tested tools, check out the live rank list from Torque Test Channel.

If you want serious hammer power on a budget, see the best buy air hammer recommendation.

Show your support (and style) at the Torque Test Channel merchandise shop.

Remember, Torque Test Channel works independently and was testing for Astro Tools during this project. Always compare multiple sources when picking your next shop tool.

For those who like hard numbers, shop-floor results, and real-deal tool tests, this showdown marks progress in answering a practical question the industry has dodged for years.

Takeaway

The Milwaukee SDS Max proved it can stand toe-to-toe with some of the strongest air hammers tested on the dyno. It delivers solid power, flexibility, and reliable performance, especially in situations that demand both drilling and hammering muscle. While it’s heavy and not always suited for quick or overhead work, it’s clear that top-shelf cordless hammers like the Milwaukee 2717 can fill the gap left by air hammers in more places than many thought possible.

As always, pick the tool that matches your work and jobsite needs. Drop your suggestions on what should get tested next, and follow the Torque Test Channel for updates—you never know what tool myth will be busted next.

Looking for a tool that fits your workflow? Compare models, check out real-world data, and stay tuned for future power matchups.

Hi! I'm a freelance creator who loves turning ideas into words. I write about things that inspire me—from everyday moments to big-picture thoughts. Here to share, connect, and keep the creativity flowing.

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