Bauer Hammer Drill 1641E-B | Corded Rotary Drill
Our Bauer Hammer Drill 1641E-B combines rotary drilling power with hammer action for efficient penetration through concrete, brick, masonry, and metal. The 8.5-amp motor delivers consistent performance across demanding applications, while variable speed control lets you match RPM to material density and bit size.
We designed the 1641E-B with a three-mode selector that switches between standard drilling, hammer drilling, and chisel-only operation. The ergonomic side handle provides stability during overhead work and horizontal drilling, and the depth gauge ensures consistent hole depth for anchor installation. Professionals and serious DIYers rely on this tool for foundation work, electrical installations, and fixture mounting where cordless models lack the sustained power needed for repetitive drilling.
- 8.5-amp motor with variable speed trigger for material-specific control
- Three-mode operation: rotary drill, hammer drill, and chisel function
- SDS-plus chuck system for quick bit changes without additional tools
- Auxiliary side handle with 360-degree rotation for multi-angle positioning
- Adjustable depth gauge for precise anchor and fixture installation
Motor performance and drilling capacity
The 1641E-B runs on an 8.5-amp motor that maintains torque consistency even when drilling through dense concrete or multi-wythe brick walls. We rate this hammer drill for masonry bits up to 1-1/4 inches in diameter and metal bits up to 1/2 inch, providing adequate capacity for most residential and light commercial applications.
Variable speed control ranges from 0 to 2,800 RPM in standard drill mode, allowing you to start holes with precision before increasing speed. In hammer mode, the impact mechanism delivers 44,800 BPM at maximum speed, creating the percussive action necessary to break through aggregate and mortar joints. The combination of rotational speed and hammer blows reduces drill time compared to standard rotary drills when working with masonry substrates.
SDS-plus chuck system and bit compatibility
We equipped the Bauer Hammer Drill 1641E-B with an SDS-plus chuck that accepts standard SDS-plus shank bits without requiring a chuck key or additional hand tightening. The spring-loaded collar allows you to insert or remove bits with one hand, reducing downtime during bit changes on the jobsite.
SDS-plus shanks feature grooves that lock into the chuck mechanism while still allowing the bit to move slightly during hammer operation. This floating action transmits impact energy directly to the bit tip rather than absorbing it in the chuck body, improving drilling efficiency in concrete and stone. The system also prevents bits from slipping during high-torque applications.
Three-mode operation and depth control
The mode selector ring on the 1641E-B switches between rotary drill, hammer drill, and chisel-only settings with a quarter-turn rotation. In rotary mode, the tool functions as a standard drill for metal or wood when fitted with an appropriate chuck adapter. Hammer drill mode engages the impact mechanism for concrete and masonry applications. Chisel mode locks the spindle rotation and delivers hammer blows only, useful for demolition tasks or surface preparation.
We included an adjustable depth gauge rod that slides through a bracket behind the chuck. Set the rod to extend beyond the bit tip by your desired hole depth, and the rod will contact the work surface when you’ve reached the target depth. This feature ensures consistent anchor placement depth when installing multiple fasteners and prevents drilling through substrates where over-penetration would damage hidden utilities or structural elements.
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Common questions about the 1641E-B hammer drill
The 1641E-B accepts SDS-plus shank masonry bits up to 1-1/4 inches in diameter for concrete and brick drilling. For metal applications using an SDS-to-keyed chuck adapter, the tool handles twist drill bits up to 1/2 inch. The 8.5-amp motor provides adequate torque for these bit sizes across typical residential and light commercial applications.
Larger diameter core bits or heavy-duty demolition work may require a more powerful rotary hammer model. Check the manufacturer specifications on your specific bit to ensure compatibility with the 1641E-B’s power output and chuck system.
Yes, the Bauer Tools Hammer Drill 1641E-B works well for overhead applications when installing ceiling anchors or running conduit through elevated concrete structures. The auxiliary handle rotates 360 degrees, allowing you to position the grip for comfortable control while drilling above shoulder height.
The motor exhaust vents direct air away from your face, reducing dust exposure during upward drilling. We recommend using shorter drill bits when possible for overhead work to improve control and reduce bit deflection. Take breaks during extended overhead sessions to prevent arm fatigue, as the 1641E-B weighs 7.3 pounds without a bit installed.
The depth gauge rod slides through a bracket mounted behind the chuck and locks in position with a thumbscrew. Measure your desired hole depth, then adjust the rod so it extends beyond the bit tip by that exact distance. When drilling, the rod contacts the work surface once you’ve reached the target depth, providing a physical stop that prevents over-drilling.
This feature is particularly useful when installing multiple anchors at the same depth or when drilling through walls where over-penetration could damage plumbing or electrical systems behind the surface. The gauge maintains accuracy across repeated holes without requiring measurement between each drilling operation.
Hammer drill mode combines rotational drilling with percussive impacts to break through concrete and masonry. The chuck spins the bit while simultaneously delivering hammer blows, making it efficient for creating holes in hard substrates. Use this mode with carbide-tipped SDS-plus drill bits designed for masonry.
Chisel mode locks the spindle rotation and delivers only hammer impacts. This setting works with pointed or flat chisel bits for breaking up tile, removing mortar, channeling electrical boxes into walls, or light demolition work. The bit does not rotate in chisel mode, so use chisel-specific accessories rather than standard drill bits.
Use a heavy-duty extension cord rated for at least 15 amps when operating the 1641E-B more than 50 feet from a power outlet. Undersized extension cords cause voltage drop that reduces motor performance and can overheat under sustained load. For runs up to 100 feet, we recommend 14-gauge wire; for 150 feet or more, upgrade to 12-gauge wire.
Outdoor extension cords should have a SJTW or SJOW jacket rating for weather resistance. Keep cord connections away from water and ensure the extension cord plug seats fully in the drill’s power receptacle. A loose connection creates resistance that generates heat and reduces available current to the motor.
Carbon brushes on the 1641E-B typically last 100-150 hours of operation under normal use conditions. Drilling in extremely dusty environments or running the tool continuously at maximum load may reduce brush life. The drill includes an automatic shutoff that engages when brushes wear down to approximately 1/4 inch, protecting the motor commutator from damage.
Brush replacement is straightforward through access ports on either side of the motor housing. Replacement brushes are available through Bauer service centers and authorized retailers. We recommend inspecting brush length annually for users who operate the drill frequently, or every two years for occasional residential use.
Yes, but you must use the rotary drill mode without hammer action when drilling metal. Switch the mode selector to the drill-only setting and use HSS or cobalt twist drill bits appropriate for the metal type. The hammer function should never be engaged when drilling metal, as the percussive impacts will damage standard twist drill bits and create rough, oversized holes.
The 1641E-B accepts metal drill bits up to 1/2 inch diameter when using an SDS-to-keyed chuck adapter. The 8.5-amp motor provides sufficient torque for drilling through steel plate, angle iron, and other ferrous metals common in construction and fabrication work. Apply cutting oil to the bit when drilling metal to reduce heat buildup and extend bit life.