Abstract: The invention concerns a rock drill (2) for activating a rotatable and reciprocable drill steel assembly (FIG. 1 ). A reversible motor (50) is coupled to a striking bar (3) for rotating the drill steel. The striking bar is struck by a percussion piston (10). A rotary fluid valve (15) is operating the piston. A disconnectable coupling (37,38,43) in normal operation couples both the valve (15) and the striking bar (3) with the motor (50). In special modes the motor operates only the percussion piston, e.g. for retracting a drill rod, or only rotates the striking bar (3), e.g. for connecting and disconnecting drill rods.