DeWalt 11/16\" x 16\" x 21\" SDS Max Quad 4‑Cutter Drill Bit

Putting the DeWalt SDS‑Max 11/16‑in bit to work

I put the DeWalt SDS‑Max 11/16‑in bit to work on a mix of tasks that regularly come up in concrete and masonry: boring through an 8‑inch poured foundation for a conduit pass‑through, drilling deeper holes for wedge anchors in a garage slab, and a few test bores in older block. Paired with a mid‑size SDS‑Max rotary hammer, the bit felt appropriately matched to the tool class: substantial, stable in the chuck, and confident under load.

Design and build

This bit uses a rock‑carbide, four‑cutter head with an open design that feeds dust directly into a four‑flute helix. That head/flute geometry matters more than marketing copy suggests. The open head keeps the cutting edges exposed and gives fine dust and chips a clear path into the flutes before they can pack around the tip. The four‑flute helix is relatively deep for an 11/16‑inch bit, and the core isn’t overly thick, so there’s a good balance between rigidity and chip capacity.

The tip is bonded to the flute rather than a small land at the nose, so there’s generous carbide contact area and solid support under the cutters. Over multiple holes in hard, relatively young concrete, the edges held up without chipping, and the bit stayed straight—no wobble or wandering beyond what you’d expect at this diameter.

Specs line up with what you want for through‑holes: a 16‑inch flute length and 21‑inch bit length (21.5 inches overall) give you the reach to clear an 8‑inch wall with plenty of flute left in the hole for dust evacuation. At about 1.35 pounds, it has enough mass to carry momentum without feeling cumbersome.

As the name implies, the shank is SDS‑Max (0.6875‑inch), so it’s strictly for SDS‑Max hammers. It will not fit SDS‑Plus or spline tools. The shank machining was clean, and I had no issues with insertion or retention in several different chucks.

Setup and compatibility

I ran the bit on two SDS‑Max rotary hammers: a 10‑amp class tool for anchor holes and a heavier 12‑amp when punching through a foundation wall. In both cases, the bit tracked true after a quick shallow start. If you’re stepping up from SDS‑Plus, expect noticeably less chatter and faster progress at this diameter—SDS‑Max simply delivers more energy per blow, and the bit benefits from it.

No case is included, so plan to store it in a sleeve or PVC tube to protect the carbide edges in transit.

Drilling performance

Through an 8‑inch poured foundation wall, the bit settled into a steady cutting rhythm after the initial seat. I like to start holes at low impact to establish position, then lean into the hammer’s full BPM. With this bit, advancing a few inches, pulling back to clear the flutes, then continuing was both efficient and clean. The open head and four‑flute helix cleared dust well enough that I didn’t have to fight blow‑back or slow down to prevent packing.

On a garage slab (about 4,000 PSI mix), anchor holes at full depth were uneventful: straight, consistent diameter, and minimal mushrooming at the exit when I backed off impact as I broke through. Hole quality stayed predictable across different concrete ages. In older, more aggregate‑rich material, I could feel the cutters contact larger stones, but the four‑cutter head didn’t catch or deflect; it just chewed through.

I did not intentionally drill rebar, and I wouldn’t recommend this bit for sustained rebar drilling. Four‑cutter heads handle incidental rebar contact better than two‑cutter designs, but they’re not rebar cutters. If you suspect embedded steel, scan ahead or be prepared to switch to a purpose‑built rebar cutter once you hit metal.

Dust evacuation and heat

With deeper holes, dust evacuation determines how fast you can work. The bit’s flutes moved material well, especially when I used a vacuum shroud. Even without active extraction, the open head prevented the tip from “riding” on packed dust. The bit ran cool for its size; after extended drilling, the shank was warm but not scorching, and there was no blueing or odor that would indicate overheating. That said, in very dry, high‑PSI concrete, it still pays to feather the trigger and cycle the bit periodically to maintain airflow.

Hole accuracy and finish

The 11/16‑inch diameter is a typical size for pass‑throughs and some mechanical anchors. The bit produced round, consistently sized holes that accepted sleeves and conduit grommets without a fight. Start‑up walking was minimal—with a perpendicular stance and a light touch to seat the cutters, I didn’t need a pilot. Breakout on the far face was controlled when I eased off as I finished; if you power straight through at full impact, expect some spalling on brittle surfaces, as with any rotary hammer bit.

Runout felt low. I checked a couple of holes with calipers and didn’t see out‑of‑spec enlargement. That’s particularly useful for wedge anchors that can be sensitive to hole oversize.

Durability and wear

After several deep holes and a handful of shorter anchors, the cutting edges still showed crisp geometry with only minor polishing. The bonded tip‑to‑flute construction appears to provide good support; I didn’t notice any micro‑fractures at the braze line. The flutes didn’t ding easily, which helps with ongoing chip conveyance. Normal wear rules apply: if you continually grind against rebar or overheat the bit, you’ll blunt the carbide and shorten life quickly, but in concrete and masonry, the wear rate felt favorable for this class.

Limitations and caveats

• Tool requirement: It’s SDS‑Max only. If your fleet is mostly SDS‑Plus, this bit isn’t for you.
• Not a specialty rebar cutter: Occasional contact is survivable, but don’t plan on chewing through bar all day.
• Length is a double‑edged sword: The 21‑inch length gives reach but can amplify user error. Brace properly and keep alignment to avoid bending flutes or ovalizing the hole.
• No storage: Without a case, protect the carbide edges in transport.

Tips for best results

• Let the hammer do the work. Excessive feed pressure generates heat and slows evacuation.
• Pulse and clear. Every couple inches, back out to empty the flutes, especially in deep holes.
• Control the breakthrough. Ease off impact as you approach the far face to limit spalling.
• Use dust extraction. A shroud or a helper with a vacuum speeds drilling and extends bit life.
• Mark your depth. Tape or a collar ensures consistency for anchors.
• Scan for steel. Avoid surprises by checking for rebar before you commit.

Value

In use, performance aligns with what I expect from a pro‑grade SDS‑Max bit: steady progress in hard concrete, good debris management, and durable edges. The four‑cutter head and open geometry aren’t just spec sheet filler—they translate into fewer stalls and cleaner holes. While there are premium bits on the market with complex carbide geometries for sustained rebar work, this DeWalt strikes a sensible balance for general concrete drilling at 11/16‑inch.

Recommendation

I recommend the DeWalt SDS‑Max 11/16‑inch bit for electricians, plumbers, HVAC techs, and general contractors who regularly drill medium‑to‑deep holes in poured concrete, block, and masonry with an SDS‑Max hammer. It cuts efficiently, clears debris well, stays cool under sensible technique, and holds its edge over multiple holes. If your work routinely involves drilling through rebar, look to a dedicated rebar‑rated bit; and if you only own SDS‑Plus tools, this isn’t your size. Otherwise, this bit is a reliable, well‑built option that delivers consistent, clean holes at a demanding diameter.