A hammer drill looks like a regular drill but adds a light hammering action to help it drill into masonry like brick, tile, or light concrete. The hammering is created by two ridged discs that click against each other as the chuck rotates. It’s suitable for light-duty tasks and is often used by DIYers for occasional concrete or wall drilling.
In contrast, a rotary hammer is a much more powerful tool designed for heavy-duty applications. It uses a piston-driven mechanism to deliver a stronger, more forceful hammering action while rotating. This allows it to drill or chisel into tougher materials like reinforced concrete, stone, or brick with far less effort.