For what primary purpose is a rotary hammer drill typically used?

A rotary hammer drill is primarily used for concrete work because it is specifically designed to handle the challenges presented by hard materials such as concrete, masonry, and stone. This tool features a mechanism that combines rotary motion with a hammering action, allowing it to break through tough surfaces efficiently. The power behind the hammering function provides the necessary force to chip away at concrete, making it ideal for tasks such as drilling holes for anchors, installing fixtures, or creating openings in existing concrete structures.

While metal cutting, wood drilling, and plastic shaping are important tasks in their own right, they are usually better suited to tools specifically designed for those materials, such as saws, standard drills, or routers. Therefore, the rotary hammer drill's specialized design and functionality make it the tool of choice for concrete work.