An introduction to percussion drills: A percussion drill has a hammer action and drill driver function enabling drilling into concrete and brick as well as wood, metal or plastics. Percussion drills are mains powered; combi drills are their cordless equivalent. Percussion drills are sometimes known as impact drills. A percussion drill differs from a hammer in that it does not have an SDS tool holder.
To choose between percussion drills: The key consideration when choosing a percussion drill is the maximum drilling diameter required. 13mm refers to maximum drilling diameter in concrete & brick. You can use a larger drill bit for metal, plastic & wood (& some machines allow this in concrete & brick too) providing it has a 13mm or smaller diameter shank to fit the chuck. The drill bit is tightened into the chuck using a key supplied.
To make sure you’ve got the right percussion drill – 13mm keyed chuck: There is often a choice between single or 2 speed gears. Most percussion drills have a variable speed function.