If you own a rotary hammer, you know that keeping the gear mechanism and bit shanks lubricated is the secret to a long-lasting tool. Using a high-quality hammer drill grease reduces friction and prevents the intense heat that can destroy your bits or seize up the motor. Whether you are a professional contractor or a DIY enthusiast, understanding the difference between a drill and a hammer drill often starts with learning how to maintain these heavy-duty machines properly. Adding just a small dab of grease to your SDS bits before every use can save you hundreds of dollars in repair costs over time.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 8 Hammer Drill Grease Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Bosch Professional 100ml Grease Tube for SDS Plus and SDS Max Drill Bits and Rotary Hammers
The Bosch Professional grease tube is the gold standard for anyone using high-end rotary hammers. It provides a thick, protective barrier that stays on the bit even during intense drilling sessions. This 100ml tube is enough for about 100 applications, making it a reliable shop staple.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ High-performance formula reduces friction and heat build-up
✓ One-handed locking cap prevents messy leaks in your tool bag
✓ Compatible with all SDS Plus and SDS Max bit shanks
✓ Professional grade durability for extended tool life
Why We Recommend It
We recommend this grease because it comes from a brand that truly understands power tools. It has the perfect viscosity to stay put without being too runny or too stiff, ensuring your best cordless drill or rotary hammer stays in peak condition.
Best For
Professional tradespeople who use SDS hammers daily and want the highest level of protection for their expensive bits and tools.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent heat resistance during long drilling sessions
- Large 100ml size offers great value for frequent users
- Mess-free applicator design is very convenient
- Significantly reduces bit wear and tear
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than generic grease
- The tube is quite large for small tool boxes
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: Nice supply of SKS bit grease. Should last a long time as I only use my rotohammer occasionally.
Customer Review: I purchased this to grease my rotary hammer and prevent premature death. The lubricating provided equals and may exceed manufacturer’s mandates.
2. Makita Hammer Bit Grease for Professional Rotary Hammers and SDS Drills
Makita is a household name for a reason, and their bit grease is essential for keeping their tools running smooth. This grease is specifically formulated to withstand the high-vibration environment of a rotary hammer without breaking down.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Formulated specifically for professional-grade rotary and hammer bits
✓ High-cling properties ensure grease stays on the shank during use
✓ Superior protection against oxidation and rust
✓ Helps maintain the internal seal of the drill chuck
Why We Recommend It
This is the perfect balance of performance and price. It is incredibly clean compared to black moly grease and won’t stain your hands or clothes as easily, making it a favorite for indoor renovations.
Best For
Owners of Makita rotary hammers who want to stick with OEM products to maintain their tool’s warranty and performance.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Clean, light-colored formula is less messy than competitors
- Reduces chuck temperature significantly during heavy use
- Excellent friction reduction for smoother bit changes
- Compact tube fits easily into most hard carry cases
Cons:
- Tube can be prone to cracking if stored under heavy tools
- Small quantity compared to industrial tubs
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: Excellent grease for rotary hammers — smooth, clean, and holds up under heavy use. Quality is exactly what you expect from Makita.
Customer Review: Solid, reliable grease that does the job right. I use it every time I swap bits and my chuck stays like new.
3. Makita 181490-7 Hammer Grease 30g Tube for SDS Max and SDS Plus
If you only pull out your hammer drill for occasional home projects, this 30g tube is the perfect size. It provides the same professional-grade protection as the larger tubes but in a more affordable, pocket-sized package.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Compact 30g size is perfect for DIY tool bags
✓ Prolongs the service life of both bits and chucks
✓ Suitable for high-torque SDS-Plus and SDS-Max applications
✓ Easy-squeeze applicator for precise greasing
Why We Recommend It
This is the best choice for budget-conscious users who still want the quality of a top-tier brand. It performs just as well as larger tubes but ensures you aren’t paying for more than you need for small jobs.
Best For
Homeowners and DIYers who need high-quality lubrication for occasional masonry or concrete projects.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extremely affordable entry point for brand-name grease
- Perfect size for small tool kits or bags
- Very high viscosity prevents dripping in hot weather
- Reduces the risk of bit seizing in concrete
Cons:
- Too small for professional use or large jobs
- Easier to misplace than larger tubes
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: Works as it should. Quality grease for your SDS bits. A must have for anyone with a rotary hammer.
Customer Review: Perfect little tube for my home kit. It really makes a difference in how easy the bits slide in and out of the chuck.
4. Multi-Purpose 50g Hammer Drill Grease for Rotary Bits and Power Tool Maintenance
This multi-purpose grease by Horex is designed for versatility. It is rated as NLGI #2, which means it has the right thickness to handle both high-speed rotation and heavy impact, making it great for various power tools.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Wide temperature range from -22°F to 356°F
✓ Excellent extrusion resistance for high-pressure situations
✓ Superior rust prevention for tools stored in damp garages
✓ Multi-tool compatibility including wrenches and nail guns
Why We Recommend It
We like this grease because it is a “one-and-done” solution for your workshop. It works beautifully on drill bits but can also be used to maintain internal gears on other electric power tools.
Best For
Users who want a single lubricant that can handle everything from hammer drills to electric wrenches and kitchen mixers.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Handles extreme temperatures without melting away
- Great for preventing rust on bits during storage
- Versatile formula works on many mechanical parts
- Provides a very smooth operating feel to old tools
Cons:
- Higher price per gram than some competitors
- Nozzle design is slightly wider than specialized tubes
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: Used it to re-grease my Kitchenaide mixer, and as an all purpose electric tool grease. A bit pricey but works well.
Customer Review: This grease stays where you put it. I used it on my hammer drill and it definitely runs cooler now.
5. Lucas Oil 10533 White Lithium Grease 8 Ounce Squeeze Tube, 2 Pack
Lucas Oil is a leader in high-performance lubrication, and their White Lithium grease is a classic for a reason. While not exclusively for hammer drills, its high-pressure additives make it a fantastic choice for greasing bit shanks.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Heavy-duty 2-pack offers massive volume for the price
✓ NLGI-2 performance rating for excellent structural stability
✓ Long-lasting film protects against metal-to-metal contact
✓ Resistant to water washout and moisture
Why We Recommend It
If you use your tools in outdoor or wet environments, this grease is a lifesaver. It creates a waterproof barrier that prevents the rust and corrosion that often ruin SDS chucks after outdoor jobs.
Best For
General contractors and homeowners who need a bulk supply of grease for tools, hinges, and automotive parts.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Best value for volume on this list
- White color makes it easy to see where you’ve applied it
- Very effective at silencing squeaky tool mechanisms
- Excellent moisture resistance for outdoor work
Cons:
- Larger 8oz tubes are harder to store in small cases
- Not specifically optimized for high-heat bit shanks
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: Fantastic value for the money. I use this on my hammer drill bits and it works just as well as the expensive tiny tubes.
Customer Review: Lucas Oil never fails. This grease is thick, stays put, and makes bit changes much smoother.
6. Leopard 5.3 oz Hammer Drill Bit Grease for Professional Rotary Power Tool
Leopard provides a high-volume professional grease that is ideal for teams or heavy users. The 5.3 oz tube is generous, ensuring you won’t run out in the middle of a major demo job.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Professional-grade protection against high-frequency vibration
✓ High-viscosity formula prevents runoff even when bits get hot
✓ Designed for industrial rotary hammers and large demolition tools
✓ Easy-to-grip tube for use even with work gloves on
Why We Recommend It
This is a solid, no-nonsense grease that does exactly what it says. It is specifically made for the high-friction environment of masonry drilling, providing a thick layer of protection that lasts longer than thinner greases.
Best For
Professionals who drill hundreds of holes a week and need a reliable, high-capacity grease supply.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Stays effective even at extremely high operating temperatures
- Generous 5.3 oz size lasts for a very long time
- Significantly reduces the noise of the hammering mechanism
- Easy to clean off bits after the job is done
Cons:
- Less common brand, may be harder to find locally
- The tube is quite bulky for small storage compartments
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: Good thick grease. I noticed my SDS Max bits are running much cooler since I switched to Leopard.
Customer Review: A great alternative to the expensive brand-name greases. The volume you get for the price is unbeatable.
7. Unique Professional Lubricating Oil for Electric Hammers and Picks
This specialized lubricating oil is designed for the internal components of electric hammers and picks. While grease is for the bits, this lubricant ensures the internal striking mechanism remains efficient and cool.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Specifically formulated for internal striking mechanisms
✓ Extends the life of electric spanners and wrenches
✓ Deep penetration formula reaches tight mechanical spaces
✓ Improves tool efficiency and hammering power
Why We Recommend It
We recommend this for those who do their own tool maintenance. Most people forget about the internal oil reservoirs of their large hammers, and this product makes it easy to keep those parts moving.
Best For
Tool enthusiasts and maintenance professionals who service their own demolition hammers and electric picks.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Restores lost power to old, sluggish hammer drills
- Prevents internal gear wear and expensive motor failures
- Specifically designed for electric striking tools
- Very easy to apply to oil ports
Cons:
- Not a substitute for bit shank grease
- Can be messy if not used with a precision applicator
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: My jackhammer was losing its punch, but a little of this oil in the reservoir brought it back to life.
Customer Review: Essential for keeping the internal piston moving fast. Noticeably quieter operation after use.
8. LubriMatic 11316 Multi-Purpose Lithium Grease 1 Pound Tub
If you are a pro who goes through grease like water, this 1-pound tub is the ultimate solution. This amber-colored lithium grease is perfect for heavy-duty applications where you need to apply grease by hand or with a brush.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Massive 1-pound tub for high-volume workshop use
✓ Long-lasting, hard-working formula for heavy-duty tools
✓ Excellent for chassis, joints, and power tool shanks
✓ High performance in both automotive and industrial settings
Why We Recommend It
This is the most cost-effective way to buy grease. While tubes are convenient, a large tub allows you to dip your bit shanks directly into the grease, which is a common practice on large construction sites.
Best For
Large construction crews, farmers, or anyone with a workshop that requires frequent lubrication of many different tools.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Unbeatable value for the quantity provided
- Tough enough for the most demanding demolition hammers
- Amber color allows for easy inspection of grease quality
- Extremely shelf-stable; won’t separate over time
Cons:
- Applying from a tub can be messier than a tube
- Not portable enough for field service bags
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: I bought this because something in my garage made a noise that sounded like regret. This grease did not ask questions.
Customer Review: Works great! I use this grease on my bicycle chain and other moving parts. Heat or cold can’t ruin it.
Complete Buying Guide for Hammer Drill Grease
Essential Factors We Consider
When choosing the right lubricant, the most important thing is viscosity. You need a grease that is thick enough to stay on the bit shank while it is vibrating thousands of times per minute, but not so thick that it prevents the bit from moving freely. High-temperature resistance is also vital because drilling into concrete generates massive amounts of heat. We also look for compatibility with rubber seals, as the wrong grease can cause the seals in your drill chuck to swell or degrade over time.
Budget Planning
Grease is one of the cheapest ways to protect your expensive tools. A small 30g tube usually costs under $10 and can last a DIYer for a year or more. Professional 100ml tubes are the sweet spot for value, typically ranging from $15 to $25. If you are running a large job site, buying by the pound in a tub will save you the most money in the long run, even if it is slightly messier to handle.
Final Thoughts
Never skip the grease! Whether you choose the Bosch Professional tube or a bulk tub of LubriMatic, the act of greasing is more important than the brand name. It keeps your tool cool, prevents rust, and makes bit changes effortless. For those just starting out, check out our guide on how to use a drill for screws into a wall to see where maintenance fits into your project workflow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I grease my hammer drill bits?
A: You should apply a small, pea-sized amount of grease to the bit shank every time you change bits or every few hours of continuous drilling. This ensures the chuck mechanism stays lubricated and cool.
Q: Can I use regular WD-40 or motor oil instead of grease?
A: No. WD-40 is a solvent/cleaner and is too thin to provide protection. Motor oil will leak out of the chuck quickly. You need specialized high-pressure grease that clings to the metal surfaces.
Q: What happens if I don’t use grease?
A: Without grease, the friction between the bit and the chuck will cause extreme heat. This can lead to the bit shank “welding” itself inside the chuck, or it can wear down the locking lugs, making your tool useless.
Q: Do I need to clean the old grease off?
A: Yes, it is a good idea to wipe the bit shank and the inside of the chuck occasionally to remove dust and grit that gets trapped in the grease. Applying fresh grease over dirty grease can create an abrasive paste.
Taking care of your equipment is the best way to ensure your projects go smoothly. By picking up a tube of hammer drill grease today, you are making a smart investment in the life of your power tools. Grab your favorite from our list and get back to work with confidence!
