DeWalt 1-1/8 in. 68 lb. Hex Pavement Breaker with Hammer

First impressions and where it excels

I put the DeWalt breaker to work on a pair of jobs that cover the typical use cases: breaking up a 4–5 inch broom‑finished concrete patio with light mesh and opening a trench through compacted asphalt. In both scenarios, the tool’s 52 J impact energy and 960 BPM output translated into steady, predictable progress. It isn’t the fastest I’ve ever run in ideal conditions, but it’s absolutely in the top tier for production in real‑world concrete and asphalt where aggregate size and moisture vary. It’s built for horizontal or near‑horizontal work—sidewalks, pads, and slabs—and that’s where it shines.

Build and design

At 68 pounds, this is a true pavement breaker, not a large rotary hammer. The all‑metal housing and barrel give it the rigidity these tools need to hold alignment under sustained impact. The footprint is compact for its class, which helps when you’re working inside forms, near footings, or close to walls. The handles are rubber‑coated and broad enough to accommodate gloved hands without pinching. Fit and finish are very good: no sharp edges, tight seams, and a well‑protected cord entry.

The chisel interface is 1‑1/8 inch hex, which is still the most common standard for breakers in this weight class. That means you’ll find moils, chisels, spades, and asphalt cutters just about anywhere, and you won’t be locked into a single brand for consumables.

Power and breaking performance

There’s plenty of impact on tap from the 15‑amp motor and high‑energy mechanism. In 4–5 inch slab with light steel, I settled into a rhythm of placing the moil, letting the soft start seat the tip, and then working in a staggered pattern. With that approach, sections fractured cleanly without needing to over‑enlarge holes or pry excessively. In compacted asphalt, swapping to an asphalt cutter, I could “zip” a trench line and then break out sections with fewer passes than lighter demolition hammers typically require.

The difference you feel compared to mid‑weight electric hammers is that this one breaks by mass and energy rather than speed. It doesn’t buzz; it thumps, and you can allow the tool to do the work. When I leaned on it, I didn’t get much more productivity than simply maintaining firm contact pressure. If you’re stepping up from an SDS‑Max class tool, expect fewer placements per linear foot and larger fractures per hit.

Vibration and user fatigue

DeWalt’s Active Vibration Control at the handles is more than marketing. The handles stay relatively calm compared to the violence happening at the bit. I ran 20–30 minute intervals before taking short breaks and felt hand, wrist, and elbow fatigue noticeably less than on some older‑generation breakers. That said, this is still a 68‑pound machine transmitting 52 J into hard material—your back and shoulders will appreciate good technique and body positioning. Keep your arms relaxed, engage your legs, and let the mass ride the bit.

The rubber‑coated grips are comfortable and tacky without feeling soft. Even in cooler weather with damp gloves, I didn’t lose purchase. The handle geometry lets you steer the bit to start a line and then keep the tool straight once the fracture propagates.

Controls and features that matter

Electronic soft start is a standout feature. On smooth or sealed surfaces where a moil wants to skitter, the slow ramp‑up seats the tip before full power arrives. That makes starting along layout lines easier and reduces accidental spalling where you don’t want it. Overload protection has become standard on pro‑grade electric breakers; I didn’t trip it during testing, but it’s nice to know the electronics will intervene before you cook the motor in a pinch.

The on/off control is glove‑friendly, and the cord strain relief is generous. There’s nothing fussy about the interface—exactly what you want on a tool that lives in dust and debris.

Dust management and site compliance

Breaking concrete and mortar generates a lot of respirable silica. The D25980K is compatible with DeWalt’s DWH052K chiseling dust extraction system. Paired with a suitably powerful extractor equipped with a HEPA filter and automatic filter cleaning, it captures a meaningful amount of airborne dust during chiseling passes. It won’t replace wet methods in every scenario, but for interior work or compliance on sites that require source capture, the compatibility is a plus. If you don’t use the extraction kit, I’d at least wet down your work line when feasible and wear a fit‑tested respirator in addition to eye and hearing protection.

Mobility and handling on site

The included hammer truck is more useful than it might sound on paper. Moving a 68‑pound breaker across a jobsite, especially over compacted base, gravel, or cord‑strewn floors, is awkward without wheels. The truck carries the tool securely and includes storage for steels. It’s still a two‑handed lift for stairs or into a trailer, but for flat moves, the cart reduces fatigue and makes job transitions faster and safer. I’d treat the cart as part of the daily kit rather than an afterthought.

Power, cords, and generators

The breaker is rated at 15 amps on 120 V. On a short, 12‑gauge extension cord plugged into a 20‑amp circuit, it ran without nuisance trips. On long 14‑gauge cords, I noticed more voltage drop—slower ramp‑up and a warmer cord jacket—so I’d recommend 12‑gauge up to 100 feet and stepping to 10‑gauge for longer runs. If you’re on a generator, size it generously and favor models with good voltage regulation; big impact loads can sag marginal units. As with any high‑draw corded tool, keep connections tight and off the ground to avoid grit working into the plugs.

Noise and safety

At a rated 105 dB, hearing protection isn’t optional. I double up with foam plugs and over‑ear muffs for extended sessions. Eye protection, gloves, steel‑toe boots, and lower‑leg protection are non‑negotiable. The soft start helps with bit walking, but once the bit bites, chips fly; use screens or barriers when working near glass or occupied areas.

Durability and service

The all‑metal housing inspires confidence. After several days of concrete and asphalt work, there was the expected rash of scuffs but no looseness, no oil seepage at seals, and the barrel stayed tight. Bit changes remained smooth with no binding at the hex. As with any breaker, routine care goes a long way: keep steels clean and sharp, blow off dust from vents, check the cord for nicks, and store the tool on its truck rather than lying in debris. I can’t speak to long‑term service intervals yet, but the construction suggests it’s built for years of abuse with basic maintenance.

Where it fits in a kit

If your work is primarily slab demo, trenching in asphalt, or opening floors, this breaker should be in consideration. It’s overkill for light tile removal and too heavy for overhead or wall work—use an SDS‑Max or lighter demolition hammer there. On the heavy end, a pneumatic or hydraulic setup still wins for continuous production on thick, reinforced concrete. But for most contractors who want electric convenience with serious punch, this model sits in a sweet spot: strong, predictable, and easy to deploy without a compressor or power pack.

Limitations

No surprises here: weight is weight. Even with good vibration control, long days will tax your back if you’re moving it constantly without the cart. Being corded, you’re managing power access and cable routing. The dust extraction kit is an add‑on, not included by default, so plan that into your setup if you need source capture. Finally, noise is significant; indoor work requires coordination with other trades.

Recommendation

I recommend the DeWalt breaker for contractors and facilities crews who routinely tackle concrete and asphalt on floors and grade. It combines high impact energy with effective vibration control, a genuinely useful soft start, and a durable build. The 1‑1/8 inch hex interface keeps your steel options open, and the included hammer truck makes the day‑to‑day logistics more manageable. If you’re looking for a corded solution that delivers reliable production without the complexity of pneumatics, this tool is a solid choice. The trade‑offs—weight, noise, and cord management—are inherent to the category and are addressed thoughtfully here with vibration control, transport provisions, and a straightforward, jobsite‑ready design.