ACI Adhesive Anchor Installer Certification Practice Exam

Which drill type is known for its ability to drill directly into concrete?

1. Hammer drill

2. Rotary hammer drill

3. Electric drill

4. Impact driver

The correct answer is: Rotary hammer drill

The rotary hammer drill is specifically designed for drilling into hard materials like concrete, masonry, and stone. It operates using a combination of rotary motion and a hammering action that significantly improves its ability to break through the dense and abrasive surfaces of concrete. This dual mechanism allows for efficient material removal, as the hammering helps to shatter the concrete while the rotation helps to remove debris from the hole being drilled. In contrast, while a hammer drill also offers a hammering mechanism, it is typically less powerful than a rotary hammer drill and is more suited for lighter applications such as drilling into brick or softer masonry materials. An electric drill generally lacks the hammer function entirely and is not effective for concrete, as it is designed mainly for drilling into wood or metal. An impact driver, on the other hand, is primarily used for driving screws and fasteners and does not function effectively for direct concrete drilling either. The rotary hammer drill's robust design and specific operation make it the preferred choice for tackling concrete drilling tasks, hence why it is the correct answer in this context.