Key Features
2.6 Joules On TapThe pneumatic hammer mechanism and brushless motor give this cordless rotary hammer the hit it needs for fast drilling in concrete, stone, and masonry, plus light chiseling when you need to open things up. Two Chuck SetupSwap from the SDS-Plus chuck to the keyless chuck in seconds. That means one tool can handle hammer drilling, standard drilling, and screwdriving without dragging another drill onto the job. Built For Real WorkA vibration-dampened ergonomic handle, depth stop, LED light, scaffold hook, and electronic KickbackStop make the Festool KHC 18 EB-Basic Cordless Rotary Hammer Drill easier to control in tight, overhead, and repetitive drilling work.
Overview
The Festool KHC 18 EB-Basic Cordless Rotary Hammer Drill is a battery-powered rotary hammer built for drilling, chiseling, and fastening work in concrete, masonry, stone, wood, and steel. This is a cordless rotary hammer drill designed for hammer drilling and light chiseling on remodeling, installation, and concrete fastening jobs. Model number 577450. If you need one compact tool that can handle anchors in masonry, switch over for standard drilling in wood or metal, and still stay easy to carry around the jobsite, this is exactly what this machine is for.
The big reason this tool matters is output. Festool rates it at 2.6 joules of impact energy, with a no-load speed range of 0 to 980 RPM and an idle stroke rate up to 4,350 per minute. In plain terms, that gives you enough hitting power for fast hole drilling in concrete and a useful material removal rate for light chipping tasks like removing plaster, filler, or small tile sections. Festool specifically calls out ideal hammer drilling up to 11/16 inch in concrete, stone, and masonry, with a maximum drilling diameter of 1 inch in concrete when the application allows.
Where this tool gets more practical than a one-trick rotary hammer is the interchangeable chuck system. The SDS-Plus chuck handles hammer bits, masonry bits, and chisels. Swap to the included keyless chuck and you can drill without impact in wood up to 1-3/16 inch and steel up to 1/2 inch, plus handle screwdriving tasks. That matters if you are moving between block, framing, brackets, and finish hardware in the same day and do not want to carry both a hammer drill and a separate drill driver just to stay efficient.
Festool also built this around control instead of just raw force. The KHC 18 EB-Basic uses a brushless EC-TEC motor for long service life and reduced maintenance. There is an electronic KickbackStop to help reduce the risk of injury if the bit binds, along with a safety lock to help prevent accidental starts. Add in the vibration-dampened ergonomic handle and this tool makes a lot more sense for repetitive anchor work, overhead fastening, and awkward body positions than heavier rotary hammers that beat you up over the course of a day.
Jobsite details are well thought out too. You get a depth stop for repeatable drilling depth, an LED light for better visibility in dim corners or cabinet and mechanical room work, and a scaffold hook for secure temporary storage when you are working from staging or ladders. Festool also offers a dust extraction nozzle as an accessory, and the tool is designed to work with Festool dust extractors. When paired with a Bluetooth battery pack and compatible extractor setup, the dust extractor can start automatically in AUTO mode, which is a real advantage for interior drilling where cleanup, dust control, and occupied-space work matter.
Battery platform matters with cordless tools, and this unit is built around the Festool BP 18 system. That gives existing Festool 18V users a straightforward way to add a rotary hammer without jumping into another battery line. Since this is the Basic version, it is the tool-only configuration rather than a full battery-and-charger kit, which is the right buy for users already invested in Festool cordless tools and looking to fill a specific gap in their lineup.
Who should buy it? This is a strong fit for electricians, remodelers, kitchen installers, general contractors, maintenance crews, and finish-oriented pros who still need real masonry drilling capability. It is also a smart choice for serious DIY users doing concrete anchors, shelving, thresholds, ceiling suspensions, or spot drilling tile and masonry. If your work lives in the middle ground between a standard hammer drill and a larger dedicated demolition rotary hammer, the Festool KHC 18 EB-Basic Cordless Rotary Hammer Drill hits that sweet spot.
Fast Drilling, Less Fuss
This rotary hammer is set up for repeatable hole drilling, not guesswork. The depth stop helps you hit consistent anchor depth, which saves time when you are running multiple fasteners into masonry.
- Ideal hammer drilling diameter up to 11/16 inch in concrete, stone, and masonry
- Maximum drilling diameter in concrete: 1 inch
Switch From Masonry to Wood and Metal
The interchangeable chuck setup is what makes this tool genuinely versatile. Run SDS-Plus bits and chisels for concrete work, then switch to the keyless chuck when you need standard drilling or screwdriving without impact.
- Includes SDS-Plus chuck and keyless chuck
- Drills in wood up to 1-3/16 inch and steel up to 1/2 inch
Ready for Ladder and Scaffold Work
Small details matter when you are moving around a job. The scaffold hook and onboard LED make this tool easier to manage in tight work zones, overhead installations, and low-light spaces.
- Integrated scaffold hook for secure temporary hanging
- LED light improves visibility when drilling or fastening in darker areas
What’s in the Box
- (1) C SDS KHC Drill Chuck
- (1) KC 13 KHC Keyless Chuck
- (1) AH-50/181 KHC Auxiliary Handle
- (1) Depth Stop
- (1) Systainer3 SYS3 L 187
Battery and charger are not included.
Key Specifications
| Voltage (V) | 18 V |
|---|---|
| No-Load Speed (RPM) | 0 – 980 RPM |
| Stroke Rate | 0 – 4,350 BPM |
| Impact Energy | 2.60 J |
| Tool Holder | SDS-Plus |
| Chuck Range | 1/16 in – 1/2 in |
| Max Drilling Diameter in Concrete | 1 in (26 mm) |
| Max Drilling Diameter in Wood | 1-3/16 in (30 mm) |
| Max Drilling Diameter in Steel | 1/2 in (13 mm) |
| Weight (lbs) | 5.95 lbs |
Compatibility
Battery PlatformCompatible with Festool BP 18 battery packs. Bit and Chisel InterfaceSDS-Plus tool holder accepts SDS-Plus hammer bits and chisels for masonry drilling and light chipping work. Standard Drilling and FasteningIncluded keyless chuck supports drills with cylindrical shanks and drills, bits, and bit holders with hex shanks for drilling and screwdriving without impact. Dust Extraction SystemAccessory dust extraction nozzle works with Festool dust extractors. With a Bluetooth battery pack and compatible extractor, the extractor can start automatically in AUTO mode.
Built For
Electrical General Contracting Remodeling Kitchen Installation Concrete Anchoring Masonry Drilling Light Chiseling Interior Dust-Controlled Work
Pro Tip
If you are bouncing between anchor holes and standard drilling, keep the SDS-Plus chuck on for your masonry run, then swap to the keyless chuck only when you move to wood, steel, or screws. That keeps the tool set up for the work in front of you and saves a lot of back-and-forth on mixed-material installs.
Tool Nut’s Take
Tool Nut’s Take
Festool KHC 18 EB-Basic Cordless Rotary Hammer Drill for mixed-material jobs
This is the kind of cordless rotary hammer that makes a lot of sense for installers and remodelers who need real concrete capability without stepping up to a bulkier dedicated demolition tool.
- Who it’s for: Pros and serious DIY users drilling anchors in concrete and masonry, then switching to wood, metal, or fastening work without grabbing a second tool.
- Why it stands out: The 2.6 joules of impact energy is legit for this class, and the included SDS-Plus and keyless chucks make it more useful day to day than a single-purpose rotary hammer.
- Worth knowing: This is the Basic version, so battery and charger are sold separately. If you are already on the Festool BP 18 platform, that is not a downside. It is exactly why this package makes sense.
Common Questions
- Can this tool drill into concrete? Yes. Festool rates it for hammer drilling in concrete, stone, and masonry, with an ideal drilling diameter up to 11/16 inch and a maximum diameter of 1 inch in concrete.
- Can it be used for standard drilling in wood and metal? Yes. With the included keyless chuck, it can drill without impact in wood up to 1-3/16 inch and steel up to 1/2 inch.
- What type of bit interface does it use for masonry work? It uses an SDS-Plus tool holder for hammer bits and chisels.
- Does it work with dust extraction? Yes. An accessory dust extraction nozzle is available, and it is designed to work with Festool dust extractors. Bluetooth auto-start is available when used with the appropriate Festool battery pack and compatible extractor setup.
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