DeWalt 60V MAX 1-1/4 in. Brushless Cordless SDS Plus Rotary Hammer (Tool Only)

Why I reached for this rotary hammer

On a recent retrofit job—hundreds of anchors into cured concrete for strut and cable tray—I ran the DCH416 for a full week as my primary rotary hammer. I wanted a midweight cordless tool with enough punch to keep up in 1/2–3/4 in. holes, reliable safety electronics for the inevitable bind-ups, and low enough vibration that I’d still feel my hands at the end of the day. This 60V SDS‑Plus checked those boxes while keeping the cord off the slab, which mattered more than I expected once the job ran long.

Build, balance, and ergonomics

At 10.2 lbs and about 18 inches long, the DCH416 sits squarely in the “midweight” category. It’s heavier than compact SDS‑Plus models but far lighter and more maneuverable than SDS‑Max tools. The center of gravity is just forward of the trigger hand with a FlexVolt pack installed, so the tool stays composed when the bit engages aggregate. I found the included 360° side handle secure and easily adjustable, and the depth rod is sturdy enough to survive being knocked around in a gang box.

DeWalt’s SHOCKS active vibration control does real work here. Relative to older hammers in the same class, the handle isolation noticeably cuts the high-frequency buzz that fatigues your hands and forearms. It doesn’t make the tool “soft”—you still feel the blows through the bit, which is important for feedback—but it significantly reduces tingling after long runs of repetitive anchors.

The grip and trigger geometry are familiar DeWalt: slightly thicker handle, positive trigger action, and a reversible side handle that doesn’t creep. I also appreciate the broad mode dial. It’s easy to switch between drilling, hammer drilling, and chipping by feel with gloves on, and the detents are positive enough that I never bumped it out of position during use.

Impact energy and drilling performance

The headline spec is 4.5 J of impact energy from a brushless motor and a German‑engineered striking mechanism. Specs don’t set anchors, but on concrete that ranged from moderate to hard, the DCH416 maintained steady bite with SDS‑Plus bits in the 3/8–3/4 in. range. It’s well-matched for wedge anchors, drop‑ins, and adhesive anchors where hole consistency matters.

Two things stood out:

• Recovery after an interrupted cut is quick. If you feather the trigger to clear dust or reposition, the hammer comes back into its rhythm without lag.
• The tool holds speed through aggregate with fewer stalls than lighter SDS‑Plus hammers. It still makes sense to let the bit do the work, but I could keep a light hand and let the percussion carry the hole rather than muscling it.

Is it as fast as a big SDS‑Max? No—but it’s far more nimble on ladders and overhead, and it’s plenty if your routine holes top out below 3/4 in. For repeated 1 in. and larger holes in structural concrete, I’d step up in class; for daily anchor work and general MEP installs, this is the right balance of speed and manageability.

Chipping and light demolition

In chipping mode, the hammer’s control is excellent for what it is: an SDS‑Plus. I used it to pop trench edges, remove sections of tile and thin set, and clean up around anchor locations. The blow energy keeps the chisel productive without beating you up, provided you keep expectations realistic. Breaking out curbs or heavy demo belongs to a larger platform, but for precise removal and surface prep, the DCH416 is a handy “always with you” option.

Safety and dust control

The anti‑rotation E‑CLUTCH is fast and confidence‑inspiring. I hit rebar a couple of times and once wedged a long bit while boring through a wall sleeve; each time the clutch intervened instantly, saving my wrist. The motor reengages smoothly afterward, with no dramatic kick.

On dust, this platform integrates well. Paired with a compatible extractor, wireless tool control lets the hammer wake the vac when you pull the trigger. Not having to walk back to the extractor to cycle power saves time and keeps you compliant more consistently. With the appropriate shroud and extractor, the setup is Table 1 compliant—something I look for on jobs where an inspector might appear unannounced.

Runtime, heat, and charging

As a bare tool, this is sold without a battery or charger. It’s designed around DeWalt’s 60V system, and it benefits from high‑capacity packs. With a larger FlexVolt battery, runtime is solid for anchor work: plenty for a series of lines without constant battery swaps. Running continuous 3/4 in. holes will warm the tool and the pack, but I didn’t hit thermal cutoffs in typical stop‑and‑go use. If you anticipate non‑stop drilling in the upper end of the bit range, budget extra batteries and plan for rotation.

Brushless efficiency helps maintain power under load and reduces maintenance. There’s no scheduled brush service to worry about, and the electronics manage power delivery cleanly without weird surging when the bit breaks through.

Controls and included kit

Everything essential is here and nothing fussy:

• Three modes via a rotating dial: drilling, hammer drilling, chipping.
• SDS‑Plus chuck that accepts the full range of SDS‑Plus accessories. Bit changes are tool‑free and secure.
• 360° side handle and a depth rod in the box.
• Tag‑ready area for Tool Connect inventory tags, which makes fleet tracking easier if you’re managing multiple crews.
• Compatibility with wireless tool control for remote extractor activation when paired with the specified extractor.

The user interface is simple and predictable—ideal for shared tools. I’d rather have robust, glove‑friendly controls than feature creep on a jobsite rotary hammer, and this strikes that balance.

What it does best, and where it doesn’t fit

Strengths:
- A true midweight: strong enough for serious anchor work, light enough for overhead in reasonable stints.
- Vibration control that actually reduces fatigue over a full day.
- Excellent safety clutch behavior that protects wrists and bits.
- Clean integration with dust control for compliance and efficiency.

Limitations:
- It’s tool‑only. If you’re not already on the 60V platform, budget for batteries and a charger.
- While capable, it’s still an SDS‑Plus. Heavy demolition and frequent large‑diameter holes in hard structural concrete are better served by SDS‑Max.
- The weight, while balanced, will be noticeable for extended overhead drilling. A shoulder strap or job planning helps.

Durability and warranty

Fit and finish are what I expect from this brand’s upper‑tier tools. The mechanism feels tight, impact delivery remains consistent under load, and there’s no rattling or flex in the housing. The warranty package—3‑year limited, 1‑year free service, and 90‑day satisfaction—adds a layer of confidence if you’re rolling it into a fleet or putting it on a crew that’s hard on tools.

Who should buy it

If your day includes structural connections, anchor and rod installs, strut and cable tray, occasional chipping, and you value the freedom of a cord‑free setup without jumping to SDS‑Max heft, the DCH416 sits in the sweet spot. Electricians, plumbers, mechanical crews, and facility teams will get the most from it. If your work skews toward heavy demo, breaker duties, or repeated 1 in.+ holes in hard concrete, go bigger.

Recommendation

I recommend the DCH416 for pros who need a cordless, midweight SDS‑Plus with real jobsite power, low vibration, and strong safety features. It combines 4.5 J of impact energy, a well‑sorted clutch, and thoughtful dust control options in a package that stays manageable on ladders, lifts, and tight runs. The tool‑only purchase will add cost if you’re not already on the battery platform, and it’s not a replacement for an SDS‑Max when the holes get large. But for the bread‑and‑butter drilling and chipping tasks that dominate commercial installs, it’s a reliable, efficient hammer that earns its place in the truck.