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Tile removal calls for a genuine SDS-Plus rotary hammer, not just a hammer-drill setting on a regular drill — the piston-driven hammering mechanism is what actually pops tile loose without you leaning into it for an hour. These seven are real, currently sold rotary hammers spanning budget corded models to a professional-grade Hilti.
| # | Product | Price | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bosch Bulldog Xtreme (11255VSR) | $190-$220 | Amazon · eBay |
| 2 | Milwaukee M18 Fuel 2912-20 | $330-$350 (bare tool) | Amazon · eBay |
| 3 | Makita HR2475 | $220-$250 | Amazon · eBay |
| 4 | DEWALT D25133K | $219 | Amazon · eBay |
| 5 | ENEACRO 1-1/4 Inch SDS-Plus 13 Amp Rotary Hammer | $110-$135 | Amazon · eBay |
| 6 | GLORITY 1-1/4 Inch SDS-Plus 13 Amp Rotary Hammer | $85-$110 | Amazon · eBay |
| 7 | Hilti TE 2 | $235-$300 | Amazon · eBay |
The picks, in detail
Bosch Bulldog Xtreme (11255VSR)
An 8-amp corded SDS-Plus hammer widely considered one of the safest, most ergonomic options for tile removal thanks to its D-handle control.
- 8-amp motor, 2.0 ft-lbs impact energy
- 0-5,800 BPM variable speed with reverse
- Ergonomic D-handle for overhead or downward work
- Includes carrying case
- D-handle and speed trigger with reverse give precise control for tile work
- Well-reviewed, widely available at major retailers
- Corded, so you’re tethered to an outlet on the job
Milwaukee M18 Fuel 2912-20
Milwaukee’s current-generation cordless SDS-Plus hammer (the direct replacement for the discontinued 2712-20), with a brushless motor and AUTOSTOP kickback control.
- POWERSTATE brushless motor, 2 ft-lbs impact energy
- 1,330 RPM, 4,800 BPM
- AUTOSTOP Control for kickback safety
- Sold as a bare tool for M18 battery owners
- Cordless freedom matters on a tile job where you’re moving around a room
- AUTOSTOP is a genuine safety upgrade over the previous generation
- Bare-tool price doesn’t include a battery or charger if you don’t already own the M18 platform
Makita HR2475
A well-regarded corded SDS-Plus hammer with a D-handle grip, a longtime favorite for tile and light demolition work.
- D-handle grip for two-handed control
- SDS-Plus chuck
- 3-mode operation (drill, hammer-drill, chisel)
- Compact, well-balanced corded design
- D-handle grip gives strong control for repetitive tile-popping motions
- Long-standing reputation for reliability in the trade
- Corded only, no cordless version under this exact model number
DEWALT D25133K
DEWALT’s 8-amp SDS-Plus hammer with 2.6 joules of impact energy, sold as a complete kit with a carrying case.
- 8-amp motor, 2.6 joules impact energy
- 3-mode operation with rotation stop for chiseling
- Includes TSTAK carrying case
- 800W corded design
- Sold as a complete kit rather than a bare tool
- Rotation-stop chisel mode is useful for scraping stubborn thin-set after tile removal
- Corded, and heavier in hand than the more compact Makita
ENEACRO 1-1/4 Inch SDS-Plus 13 Amp Rotary Hammer
A budget-focused 13-amp rotary hammer with 7.4 joules of impact energy, an anti-vibration system, and included chisels — a favorite in budget tool comparisons for exactly this job.
- 13-amp motor, 7.4 joules impact energy
- 4-function operation (drill, hammer-drill, chisel, chisel-lock)
- Anti-vibration system with soft grip
- Includes case, chisels, and drill bits
- Cheapest full-power SDS-Plus option on this list
- Comes bundled with chisels and bits, unlike the bare-tool name brands
- Name-brand tools (Bosch, Makita, DEWALT) have a longer trade track record for durability
GLORITY 1-1/4 Inch SDS-Plus 13 Amp Rotary Hammer
Another budget 13-amp SDS-Plus hammer with a safety clutch and variable speed, aimed squarely at DIYers doing a one-off tile removal job.
- 13-amp motor, 7.4 joules impact energy
- Safety clutch to prevent motor overload
- 6-speed adjustable, vibration-dampening design
- Includes chisels and drill bits
- One of the least expensive genuine SDS-Plus options available
- Safety clutch is a useful feature at this price point
- Best suited to occasional DIY use rather than repeated professional jobs
Hilti TE 2
A professional-grade, dual-mode SDS-Plus hammer from a trade-tool brand — priced well above the DIY options here, which is standard for Hilti’s professional line.
- Dual-mode: hammer drilling and rotary-only drilling
- Compact, pistol-grip design
- Corded, professional-duty motor
- Trade-standard build quality and parts support
- Genuinely built for daily professional use, not just an occasional weekend job
- Hilti’s parts and service network is a real advantage for a tool used constantly
- Priced well above the budget and mid-range options here, in line with other professional trade tools
Buying tips
- An SDS-Plus rotary hammer’s piston-driven hammering mechanism is what actually breaks tile’s adhesive bond — a regular drill’s ‘hammer drill’ setting vibrates the bit but doesn’t deliver comparable impact energy, so don’t substitute one for tile removal.
- For a one-off tile removal job, a budget 13-amp option (ENEACRO, GLORITY) delivers real SDS-Plus impact energy at a fraction of the name-brand price; save the Hilti or cordless Milwaukee for repeated professional use.
- Pair whichever hammer you choose with a wide flat/spade chisel bit rather than a pointed bit — the flat chisel gets under tile and pops it loose in larger sections instead of just shattering it in place.
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