DeWalt 60V MAX 1-7/8 in. Brushless Cordless SDS MAX Combination Rotary Hammer Kit

Halfway through a run of anchor holes in a poured deck, I realized I hadn’t thought about the power cord once—and that’s really the story of the DeWalt 60V SDS Max rotary hammer. This midweight, cordless bruiser has the impact energy and control features I expect from a corded SDS Max hammer, but with the freedom to move around the job without babysitting an extension cord.

Build, size, and first impressions

The DCH733 is substantial. At about 20 pounds and roughly 27 inches long, it’s clearly a midweight SDS Max hammer, designed more for horizontal and downward work than overhead drilling. The build feels tight: the brushless motor and German‑engineered hammering mechanism deliver a dense, low‑rattle character that inspires confidence. Fit and finish are solid, with no flex at the handles and positive engagement at the mode selector and speed dial.

The kit includes two 9.0Ah FLEXVOLT packs (DCB609), a DCB118 charger, and a molded case. The 9Ah packs are heavy, but they balance the tool surprisingly well—more rear weight offsets the long front end and helps keep the bit line steady when you’re pushing into concrete.

Performance in concrete

Impact energy is the headline number here: 13.3 joules. In practical terms, that translates to fast drilling in the sizes this class is built for—continuous work in the 1-inch to 1‑1/2‑inch range, step-up drilling for adhesive anchors, and occasional dry coring. With proper technique and a sharp bit, the DCH733 tracks straight and maintains speed under load, thanks to its constant‑speed electronics. There’s no sense of it “bogging” in reinforced sections, at least not until you hit serious rebar, where any hammer will slow.

For dry coring up to 5 inches, the tool has the muscle. You’ll still want to respect bind-up risk and keep a steady stance, but the platform delivers consistent blows without excessive stalling. If you do catch a core or snag a bar while drilling, the anti‑rotation E‑CLUTCH is worth its weight—it arrests rotation quickly, saving wrists and keeping the tool from spinning out of control. It kicked in cleanly during a test bind with a dull bit; the reset was immediate once I backed off.

Chipping and light demo

Switch over to hammer‑only, and the DCH733 is a capable chipper for removing high spots, chasing out for boxes, and stepping small openings. It’s not a breaker, but in the “do-everything” lane it carries its weight. The 7‑position variable speed dial is particularly useful here. Dialing down for delicate work on block or masonry reduces overbreak, then bumping up for tougher concrete gets you back to productive blows. Paired with a bushing head, it also does efficient surface profiling.

Vibration and control

DeWalt’s SHOCKS active vibration control does meaningful work on this platform. On long drilling runs, I noticed notably less tingling in the fingers than older, non‑AVC hammers in the same size class. The damping is most noticeable at higher impact settings; it doesn’t eliminate vibration, but it cuts the buzz that usually creeps in after an hour of drilling.

The main handle geometry is good—slightly canted, with a rubber overmold that doesn’t get slippery with dust. The auxiliary handle has a wide clamp range and locks firmly. Bit changes are straightforward with the SDS Max chuck; insertion and release are positive.

Power management and runtime

Cordless SDS Max is always a balance between output and runtime. With two 9Ah FLEXVOLT batteries, I could cycle between packs without feeling like I was waiting on the charger during typical drilling/chipping workflows. The constant‑speed electronics help keep productivity up as the pack voltage sags. Expect battery swaps on heavier tasks like coring or extended chipping—that’s the tradeoff for cord-free convenience—but the included battery set is appropriate for the tool’s appetite.

One note: the tool’s published wattage isn’t a useful proxy for capability here. Impact energy and blow rate define productivity on a rotary hammer. In the field, the DCH733’s performance aligns with its 13.3J spec, which is right in the wheelhouse for a 1‑7/8‑inch class midweight.

Features that matter on site

• E‑CLUTCH anti‑rotation: It intervenes quickly and consistently. On bind-up, the shutoff is decisive rather than gradual, which I prefer.
• Constant‑speed electronics: Drilling feels linear; you don’t get the “surge and fade” that some cordless hammers exhibit as load changes.
• Variable speed dial: Seven positions make sense. Slower settings are gentle enough for tile chase work; max settings deliver the blows needed for tougher concrete.
• Tag Ready: There’s a cavity for a Tool Connect Tag, which is handy for inventory control and theft deterrence in a fleet. Note that it’s Tag Ready, not a built‑in Bluetooth module; you’ll need the accessory.
• Brushless motor: Lower maintenance and good thermal behavior under load. I didn’t trip thermal protection during extended drilling, even on warmer days.

Ergonomics and use cases

This is a midweight SDS Max meant for horizontal and downward work. It excels at:
- Drilling 1‑inch to 1‑1/2‑inch anchor holes in concrete
- Dry coring up to 5 inches (with the right accessory)
- Chipping and bushing for surface prep
- Driving ground rods with the proper driver bit

It’s not ideal for long sessions overhead. You can do it in a pinch, but at 20 pounds plus a long bit, fatigue sets in quickly. For lighter anchors (say, 3/8‑inch or 1/2‑inch), an SDS Plus rotary hammer will be faster and far less fatiguing; the DCH733 is overkill in that lane.

At 27 inches long, access can be a challenge in tight mechanical rooms and between closely spaced studs or pipe runs. Plan bit length and approach angles accordingly.

Reliability and maintenance

Brushless drive plus a well‑sealed hammer mechanism is the right combination for dusty concrete environments. After several days in silica-heavy conditions (with external dust control), nothing in the switches or dial felt gritty, and the chuck continued to lock bits crisply. As always, keep the shank lightly greased and blow out the vents after dusty work. The kit box has enough room for bits and the charger, which helps keep the setup organized.

What could be improved

• Weight and length are the tradeoffs for this power class. A detachable side handle with finer angle indexing would help when working close to intersecting surfaces.
• An on‑tool battery gauge would be handy. The FLEXVOLT packs have indicators, but it’s nice to see charge status without flipping the tool or pulling the pack.
• Including a tether point would make compliance easier on elevated work.

None of these are deal breakers, but they’re worth noting for crews planning to use the tool daily.

Safety and comfort

The E‑CLUTCH and SHOCKS make the DCH733 safer and more comfortable than older SDS Max models. Still, standard PPE remains non‑negotiable—this is a loud, high‑energy tool. Hearing protection, eye protection, gloves, and dust control are essential. If you’re chasing concrete for extended periods, pair it with appropriate dust shrouds and extraction to manage silica exposure.

Bottom line and recommendation

The DCH733 proves that cordless SDS Max isn’t a compromise anymore. It delivers real 13.3‑joule performance, effective vibration control, and smart safety features in a package that’s built for daily commercial use. The included twin 9Ah batteries and charger make the kit jobsite‑ready, and the Tag Ready design is practical for fleets.

I recommend this tool for concrete contractors, commercial electricians, plumbers, and facility teams who routinely drill 1‑inch‑plus holes, do light-to-moderate chipping, and value mobility. If most of your work is overhead or limited to small anchors, a lighter SDS Plus will be more efficient. But for midweight SDS Max tasks—horizontal and downward drilling, dry coring up to 5 inches, chipping, and ground rod driving—the DCH733 hits the right balance of power, control, and cordless convenience.