DeWalt 20V MAX XR Brushless 1-1/8 in. SDS Plus D-Handle Rotary Hammer Kit

A cordless rotary hammer that makes dust control feel easy

I’ve been running DeWalt’s 20V rotary hammer on anchor-setting, Tapcon runs, and occasional tile demo, and it has settled into my kit as the go-to for concrete work under 3/4 inch. It’s the combination of punch, comfort, and that very practical onboard HEPA extractor that keeps me reaching for it.

Design and ergonomics

This is a D-handle SDS-Plus in the 1-1/8-inch class, but it lands in the sweet spot for everyday trade work: compact, well-balanced, and comfortable to hold. The bare tool is just under six pounds; add the onboard extractor and a 6.0Ah pack and it’s understandably nose-heavier, but still manageable for overhead work. The SHOCKS Active Vibration Control system is effective—forearm buzz is noticeably lower than basic SDS-Plus hammers I’ve used. The included low-vibration side handle is stout and stays put when you torque down, which helps with precise hole starts.

Control layout is straightforward. The three-mode selector clicks positive between drill-only, hammer drill, and rotation stop for light chipping. The depth rod is easy to adjust and, paired with constant speed under load, yields consistent anchor depths without babying the trigger.

Performance in concrete

Rated at 3.0 joules (EPTA) with up to 4,300 bpm and 1,165 rpm, it’s tuned for the typical 1/4- to 3/4-inch hole range. In 3,000 psi slab, it chews through 3/8- and 1/2-inch holes with the pace and feel I expect from a pro SDS-Plus—no stalling, minimal glaze on the bit flutes, and the motor holds rpm when you lean in. The constant-speed electronics are the unsung hero; maintaining speed under load keeps dust evac consistent and prevents the slow, squeal-prone drilling that kills productivity.

Light chipping is viable—think knocking off thinset ridges or chasing out for a box—though this isn’t a demo hammer. If you routinely swing 1-inch-plus holes or do heavy chiseling, you’ll want to step up to SDS-Max. For all the mechanical, electrical, and low-voltage anchor work I do, this DeWalt is right-sized.

The clutch is set from the factory and feels conservative in a good way. When you clip rebar or wedge a bit, it breaks away quickly and saves your wrist. I had one bind-up in a tight block cell and walked away with no drama.

Onboard HEPA dust collection

The DWH205DH extractor is the standout feature. It mounts and dismounts quickly via a toolless latch, and the inline design keeps the whole package surprisingly narrow—about 3.7 inches across—which matters when you’re drilling near corners, along walls, or in stud bays. With the extractor installed, you’re limited to SDS-Plus bits up to 10 inches overall length, which covers most anchor work. Longer bits still run fine with the extractor removed.

DeWalt includes multiple nozzle heads sized to different bit diameters. Match the head to the bit and you get excellent capture—less dust escaping at the collar, less cleanup, and far fewer silica concerns. The extractor keeps running briefly after you release the trigger, which helps pull in the last of the fines. The HEPA canister is genuine HEPA (99.97% at 0.3 microns) and replaceable; I’ve been able to get several jobs out of a filter with regular taps and a light blow-off, but plan on periodic replacements to keep performance up. If you work under stricter compliance rules, having a self-contained, HEPA-rated system without dragging a hose is a big win.

Runtime and charging

The kit ships with two 6.0Ah packs and a fast charger, and that’s the right pairing. Runtime is solid for an SDS-Plus at this energy level; I can drill dozens of 3/8-inch anchor holes in cured concrete on a single 6.0Ah battery. Cycling the two packs lets me work essentially uninterrupted. Heat management has been uneventful even on longer runs—no thermal throttling or nuisance shutoffs in my use.

Accuracy and hole quality

Between the depth stop and the constant-speed control, hole depth consistency is excellent. The tool starts straight, the bit doesn’t chatter excessively, and the vibration control helps you maintain light feed pressure for a clean cut. If you set anchors frequently, you’ll appreciate the repeatability—fewer oversized holes and fewer anchors spinning during set.

Build quality and serviceability

Fit and finish are what I expect from DeWalt’s XR line. The chuck locks bits crisply and releases without fuss. The quick-release extractor interface has enough tolerance to avoid binding when it gets dusty, and the telescoping housing tracks parallel with the bit so you’re not fighting alignment. Routine care is simple: wipe the telescopic rails, blow off the filter, and check the nozzle brush for wear. The 3-year limited warranty, 1-year free service, and 90-day satisfaction window offer reasonable protection for a tool that will see daily use.

Trade-offs and quirks

• Nose weight with extractor: With the HEPA unit and a 6Ah pack, the balance shifts forward. It’s not a deal-breaker, but you’ll feel it during prolonged overhead runs. Removing the extractor for chip-only work lightens the feel immediately.
• Bit length limit with extractor: The 10-inch overall bit limit means some longer SDS-Plus drills won’t work with dust capture attached. Plan your bit selection accordingly or pop the extractor off for those holes.
• Not a demolition substitute: Rotation-stop mode is fine for light chipping, but if tile demo and chiseling are a primary need, a heavier SDS-Max will still outperform it.
• Price of filters: HEPA filters aren’t cheap. They’re durable enough to make the value equation work, but crews should budget replacements just like consumables.

Where it fits

Electricians, plumbers, and HVAC installers who do a mix of overhead and wall work will benefit most. It’s compact enough for stud bays, powerful enough for typical anchors, and the onboard HEPA keeps jobsites cleaner and safer without tethering you to a vac. Facilities teams and remodelers will appreciate the grab-and-go nature—batteries, charger, extractor, and a box to keep it all tidy.

If you’re primarily drilling large-diameter holes, breaking out concrete, or coring, look elsewhere. If you’re drilling lots of small-to-medium anchors in concrete and CMU, this hits the mark.

Tips from the field

• Match the extractor nozzle to your bit size; it meaningfully improves capture and reduces drag.
• Set the depth rod to your anchor spec and let the constant speed do the work—no need to feather the trigger.
• Keep the telescoping rails clean so the dust head travels smoothly with the bit.
• For tight corners, take advantage of the narrow profile by approaching at a slight angle, then square up as the nozzle seats.

The bottom line

I recommend this DeWalt rotary hammer to any pro who values balanced performance and clean, cordless operation. It delivers real SDS-Plus productivity with 3.0J impact energy, keeps vibration low enough for long days, and the onboard HEPA extractor is one of the best-integrated solutions I’ve used. The few compromises—added nose weight and the extractor’s 10-inch bit limit—are easy to manage and are outweighed by the gains in dust control and portability. Paired with two 6.0Ah packs and a fast charger, it’s a reliable, efficient package for everyday concrete work.