DeWalt 1-3/4 in. Spline Combination Hammer

Why I reached for this hammer

I needed a corded, mid-weight rotary hammer for a retrofit that mixed long runs of horizontal holes, some mid-wall chipping, and the occasional small core. Battery platforms are great, but a job like that is easier with consistent power and no pack swaps. The DeWalt combo hammer fit the brief on paper: 13.5 amps, 8 joules of impact energy, three operating modes, a proper variable-speed dial, and safety features like E-CLUTCH. After a few weeks on slab edges, decks, and block walls, I’ve got a clear sense of where it shines and where it doesn’t.

Setup and first impressions

Out of the case, the tool feels familiar in the hand—classic DeWalt ergonomics with a rear D-handle and a substantial auxiliary handle. The control layout is logical: a top-mounted mode selector for rotary drilling, hammer drilling, and chiseling; a variable speed dial that actually affects the trigger range; and a large forward/reverse switch. The spline chuck locks bits with a confident click and zero fuss. If you’re coming from SDS-Max, you’ll notice the difference—but more on that in a moment.

The cord is long enough for most interior spans, and the housing gives off that “jobsite” vibe—no rattles, nothing loose, and a solid gearbox sound at startup. Weight and balance put the center slightly forward of the trigger, which helps when you’re pushing horizontally into concrete.

Drilling performance

With 8 J on tap, this hammer lands squarely in the “productive but not punishing” class. Running 1/2 to 1 inch holes for anchors in cured slab, it holds a steady pace. The constant-speed electronics are doing work here: when I leaned in to keep a four-cutter carbide biting, the motor kept RPMs from sagging, and the percussion struck cleanly without glazing the hole. On 1-1/2 inch holes, it remained composed. You’re not ripping through structural concrete like a 15 J SDS-Max will, but the rate is respectable—and predictable—which matters more for serial drilling.

This tool is pitched for horizontal drilling through #5–#8 rebar environments. On encounters with steel, I felt the E-CLUTCH intervene fast enough to protect my wrists without killing momentum once the obstruction cleared. That’s important when you’re drilling a line of holes and can’t afford a stoppage due to a surprise bind. Compared to mechanical clutches I’ve used on older spline hammers, DeWalt’s electronic approach is less dramatic and resets quicker.

For light coring, paired with a proper rig and shroud, it’s workable up to a few inches in soft to medium concrete. The hammering action is disabled in rotary-only mode, and the variable speed helps keep segments cool. If you plan to core above 4 inches or do it daily, a dedicated core drill is the smarter tool, but for occasional cores this hammer can pull its weight.

Chiseling and mid-wall work

In chipping mode, the hammer delivers controlled blows that are ideal for scaling, removing old thinset, and opening small chases. It’s not meant to break up thick footers or chase long horizontal seams all day—8 J simply isn’t that class—but it’s strong enough for mid-to-upper wall tasks without fatiguing the operator. The anti-vibration system noticeably cuts the sting in the palms. After extended sessions cleaning edges and removing spalled patches, I had less residual tingling than I’d expect from a conventional hammer in this size range.

One note on control: the variable speed dial influences chipping cadence in a useful way. On delicate surfaces, I dialed it down to avoid spidering the surrounding material. On tougher patches, bumping it up saved time without making the tool jumpy.

Vibration, balance, and the handle story

DeWalt’s Active Vibration Control holds up well. Over a full morning of horizontal drilling, the difference shows up in how fresh your hands feel by lunch. That said, some competitors in this segment edge it out with slightly softer isolation. It’s good—just not the softest I’ve used.

The auxiliary handle is robust and adjusts quickly, but it’s big. In tight corners, that bulk can be a nuisance. I sometimes had to re-angle the handle to clear formwork or conduit, which is fine until you need maximum leverage and the geometry won’t cooperate. A slimmer profile would improve clearance around obstructions.

Overall balance is a plus. The mass forward of the trigger keeps the bit planted without excessive shoulder force, and the rear grip tracks well for horizontal serial drilling. If you spend hours punching the same depth along a wall, you want exactly this weight distribution.

Controls and safety

• E-CLUTCH: Reacts smartly to binds, especially when hitting rebar mid-hole. It reduces torque reaction without feeling like the tool “dies.”
• Variable speed dial: Useful for both drilling and chipping. I appreciate that it changes the trigger curve, not just a cap on top speed.
• Mode selector: Firm detents; I had no accidental mode shifts.
• Trigger: Wide and predictable; easy to feather for hole starts.

I also like that the electronics keep the motor efficient under heavier feed pressure. It lessens the temptation to back off too much and extends bit life by maintaining an effective percussion rhythm.

Spline chuck and bit ecosystem

This is a spline-drive hammer with a 1-3/4 inch class capacity. Spline has excellent torque transfer and a solid mechanical feel, but depending on where you work, SDS-Max bits and accessories may be more common on shelves and in the gang box. If your crew or region has standardized on SDS-Max, factor in sourcing adapters or planning your bit inventory. If you’re already in a spline workflow, the chuck here is excellent—positive engagement, no slop, and easy changes with gloves on.

A quick note on process: use four-cutter or better carbide in rebar-prone concrete, and keep an eye on dust evacuation to avoid re-cutting fines. This hammer pairs well with a shroud and extractor for dust control—set it up and you’ll drill faster, see better, and stay compliant.

Power source and duty cycle

Corded power suits this tool. At 13.5 amps, it holds consistent output on long runs where batteries would stack up quickly. Heat management is decent; the housing warms but never got concerning in my use. For outdoor work without reliable power, this obviously isn’t the pick; on commercial interiors and slab work with easy access to power, it’s the simpler option.

Durability and service

Fit and finish are up to DeWalt’s jobsite standard, with tight seams and solid fasteners. Over my time with it, there were no odd noises, no mode-switch quirks, and no visible play developing in the chuck. The included warranty terms—3-year limited warranty, 1-year free service, and a 90-day satisfaction guarantee—are reassuring for a tool that’ll see hard use. Routine maintenance is straightforward: keep the chuck clean, grease shanks, and don’t ignore cord nicks.

Where it fits in the lineup

• If your day is primarily anchor drilling up to 1 inch with frequent rebar hits, this hammer is right-sized and efficient.
• If you regularly chip but rarely demo, it’s balanced and manageable.
• If you core occasionally up to a few inches, it can do the job with the right setup.
• If you need heavy demolition or rapid production in 2-inch-plus holes all day, a higher-energy SDS-Max hammer in the 12–15 J class will be faster.

What I liked

• Stable drilling speed under load; consistent hole times
• E-CLUTCH that prevents wrist-wrenching binds
• Useful variable speed dial tied to a responsive trigger
• Lower-than-expected vibration for the class
• Balanced for horizontal serial drilling

What could be better

• Bulky auxiliary handle can get in the way in tight spots
• Spline ecosystem may limit bit availability compared to SDS-Max in some markets
• 8 J impact energy is productive but not the best choice for heavy demo

Recommendation

I recommend the DeWalt combo hammer for tradespeople who do a lot of horizontal serial drilling, mid-wall chipping, and occasional light coring and want the predictability of corded power. It delivers steady performance, effective safety features, and comfortable vibration levels that make long runs more manageable. Be aware of the large auxiliary handle in cramped areas and consider your bit ecosystem—if your shop is all SDS-Max, plan accordingly. If your work leans toward heavy demolition or frequent large-diameter cores, step up to a higher-energy hammer; otherwise, this tool is a dependable, efficient choice that earns its keep on concrete-focused jobs.