DeWalt 60V MAX 2 in. Brushless Cordless SDS MAX Combination Rotary Hammer Kit

First impressions

The DCH773 is a serious SDS‑Max rotary hammer built for concrete crews, not a do‑it‑all shop drill. Out of the case it feels purpose‑built: long, heavy, and balanced toward horizontal and downward work. The 360° side handle locks in solidly, the main handle has a compliant pad over an isolation mount, and the controls are simple—mode selector, a seven‑position speed dial, and a big trigger. It’s tag‑ready for jobsite tracking and set up to accept dust shrouds, which matters if you’re chasing OSHA Table 1 compliance.

Power and drilling performance

Impact energy is the headline here—19.4 joules—and you feel it the first time the bit bites. In concrete around 4,000–5,000 psi, the DCH773 punches anchor holes in the 7/8 to 1‑3/4 inch sweet spot with authority. I ran a series of 1‑1/4 inch through‑holes roughly 8 inches deep with an SDS‑Max carbide bit; average hole times were in line with big corded hammers I’ve used. The constant‑speed electronics do a good job of preventing the motor from bogging as you lean in—rpm stays steady and the blows per minute feel consistent.

Where this hammer separates itself is cordless coring. It’s rated for dry coring up to 6 inches, and with a quality vacuum shroud and segmented core bit, I opened several 4‑1/2 inch penetrations through 6 inches of slab. You need to let the bit do the work and keep the speed dial conservative, but the tool doesn’t run out of breath. Compared to dragging a cord and a cart, the mobility advantage is real when you’ve only got a handful of cores to do scattered across a site.

Chipping and demolition

In chisel mode, the DCH773 has the weight and energy to be productive. Busting out for a trench, scaling splatter, or squaring up openings goes quickly with a 3‑inch chisel or a bushing head. The blows are firm without the hollow slap some lighter cordless hammers have. For all‑day demolition, a heavier class breaker still makes sense, but for combo work—drill five holes, chip for ten minutes, move—the DCH773 is right in its element.

Control and safety

Bind‑ups happen, especially when you nick rebar or hit a cold joint. The anti‑rotation electronic clutch is well‑tuned here. I intentionally snagged a bit crossing existing steel; the tool shut down quickly instead of wrenching wrists or walking across the slab. Reset is straightforward—release, re‑seat, and go. The anti‑rotation system is the kind of safety net that lets you run large bits with more confidence, especially in awkward stances.

The seven‑position speed dial is also useful beyond just “fast or slow.” For small diameter holes in brittle block, dialing it back reduces blow energy and keeps edges from spalling. For larger bits, stepping up a couple of clicks gives you the needed pace without spinning too fast to clear dust. The dial detents are positive, and you can feel your way to a repeatable setting.

Vibration and comfort

Active vibration control on this hammer is effective. The main handle isolation and counterbalancing keep felt vibration lower than I expected for a 19.4J tool. After a few dozen holes and a half hour of chipping, fatigue was more about overall tool weight than tingling hands. The side handle offers plenty of leverage with a broad clamping collar that doesn’t loosen up during directional changes.

That said, this is a 21‑pound bare tool, around 20 inches long. It shines in horizontal and downward applications. Overhead drilling is possible, but it’s not where this machine is happiest. If your day is largely overhead anchors, a lighter SDS‑Max or even an SDS‑Plus in the right diameter range will be kinder to your shoulders.

Runtime and charging

Brushless drive and smart electronics help stretch runtime. With high‑capacity 60V packs, I got a productive mix of holes and chipping between charges. A typical rhythm for me was 15–20 1‑1/4 inch x 8 inch holes plus cleanup chipping before a swap, or a couple of 4‑1/2 inch dry cores per pack, depending on aggregate and technique. A fast charger brings packs back in a reasonable window, so rotating batteries keeps you moving. If you plan to core near the top of the tool’s capacity or chip continuously, budgeting for additional high‑capacity packs is wise.

Dust control and compliance

Hook‑and‑go dust compatibility is thoughtful. The collar accepts standard shrouds, and the power profile pairs well with a HEPA extractor for Table 1 compliance when configured correctly. With a drilling shroud, visibility is decent and clogging wasn’t an issue, even on deeper holes, provided you let the extractor keep up and occasionally pulse the bit to clear flutes. For coring, a proper vacuum shroud makes a massive difference in housekeeping and in keeping the bit cool during dry cuts.

Build quality and serviceability

Fit and finish are what I expect from a pro‑grade DeWalt SDS‑Max: tight gearbox, solid rubber overmolds, and a mode selector that lands securely without mush. The chuck locks bits positively with a smooth insert and release action. I appreciate the guarded location of the speed dial and the fullness of the trigger—both are easy to use with gloves. Routine maintenance is simple: keep the shank lubricated, blow out the vents, and inspect the side handle interface. The warranty coverage (limited three‑year with free one‑year service and 90‑day satisfaction) provides a reasonable safety net for fleet managers.

What I’d change

• Weight is part of the bargain at this energy level, but a slightly more compact nose or an auxiliary D‑handle option could help with odd angles.
• The speed dial’s markings are small; a larger icon or a high‑contrast scale would make quick checks easier in low light.
• Including a purpose‑built dust shroud in the kit would help crews aiming for immediate Table 1 setups.

None of these are deal‑breakers; they’re refinements that would make a strong tool even better.

Where it fits

If your workday includes anchor drilling from 7/8 to 1‑3/4 inches, rebar dowels, occasional dry coring up to 6 inches, and intermittent chipping, this 60V SDS‑Max is a compelling cordless answer. It will not replace a heavier breaker for all‑day demo or a big wet core rig for continuous 8‑inch coring, and it’s overkill for light MEP anchors in block. But for concrete contractors, mechanical trades, and facility teams who move frequently across a site and want to leave cords and generators behind, the productivity gains are real.

The bottom line

The DCH773 delivers corded‑class impact energy, intelligent controls, and meaningful vibration reduction in a cordless package that’s aimed squarely at heavy drilling and medium‑duty demolition. It’s happiest on the deck or wall, with bits properly matched to SDS‑Max, and it rewards thoughtful technique—let the bit work, use the speed dial, and take advantage of compatible dust collection. The safety systems are well‑implemented, and the tool’s tag‑ready design and compatibility with extractors reflect a focus on modern jobsite needs.

Recommendation: I recommend the DCH773 to commercial crews and trades who need high‑energy SDS‑Max performance without the cord. It’s powerful, well‑controlled, and versatile across drilling, chipping, and dry coring up to 6 inches. Just be mindful of the weight for overhead tasks and plan on high‑capacity battery support if you’re pushing it hard. For the right user, it’s a reliable, productive hammer that earns its keep quickly.