DeWalt 60V MAX 1-9/16 in. Brushless Cordless SDS MAX Combination Rotary Hammer Kit

A compact SDS‑MAX that favors mobility over brute force

I’ve been running the DeWalt DCH481 on anchors, small‑diameter coring, and light chipping for a few weeks. It’s a cordless SDS‑MAX that leans into portability and controllability rather than trying to compete with the 10–15 joule sledgehammers that dominate heavy demolition. In the right lane, it’s efficient and easy to live with; push it beyond that, and you’ll feel its limits.

Where it fits

With 6.1 joules of impact energy (around 4.5 ft‑lbs), 3,150 bpm, and a no‑load speed of 540 rpm, the DCH481 sits in the “medium‑duty SDS‑MAX” class. It’s meant for:
- Rebar doweling and mechanical anchors in the 1/2–1 in range
- Dry coring with small bits
- Chasing, scaling, and general chipping on block, brick, and cured concrete
- Overhead and mid‑wall drilling where weight matters

At 11.9 lb with a battery, it’s lighter than many SDS‑MAX competitors, and that pays off when you’re drilling horizontally all day or working off a lift.

Performance and drilling speed

In hammer‑drill mode, the tool holds a steady pace on 5/8 and 3/4 in holes in 4,000 PSI concrete. Constant‑speed electronics do what they claim—bit speed stays consistent as you lean into the tool, and the blow energy feels uniform. It’s not corded‑fast, but it’s very predictable, which is what you want for clean, repeatable holes.

Step up to 1 in and the pace slows, as expected. It will still get it done without bogging or excessive heat, but if 1‑1/4 in holes are your norm or you routinely core 2+ in, this is not the hammer to buy as your primary. Think of it as a mobile workhorse up to 1 in and an occasional solution above that.

In chipping mode, I used it for chasing lines and popping brick, as well as removing localized patches of thinset and scaling. The blow is crisp and well controlled. It’s not a breaker, but for surgical chipping—especially overhead—it’s a comfortable, low‑fatigue option.

Vibration, balance, and ergonomics

DeWalt’s SHOCKS active vibration control is effective here. The rear handle isolation and internal countermeasures keep felt vibration low for the class. After half‑day sessions alternating between drilling and chipping, my hands and forearms felt noticeably better than they do with some older corded units.

Balance is slightly nose‑heavy with longer bits, which is common on SDS‑MAX. The multi‑position side handle locks down solidly and gives you good leverage to counteract that. Trigger modulation is smooth, and the mode selector has positive detents. The tool is long for its weight, but its slimmer girth and handle geometry make it easier to nestle into anchors at mid‑wall height and hold overhead.

Noise is typical for the category—rated at 96 dB(A)—so plan on hearing protection.

Safety and control

The anti‑rotation E‑CLUTCH is tuned well. I hit rebar mid‑hole a few times; the tool sensed the bind and shut down without wrist drama. You’ll still want a firm stance and two‑handed grip, but the system does its job. The brake/reset cycle is quick—back out, reposition, and you’re drilling again in seconds.

I also appreciate the predictable ramp in power: trigger in, percussion engages cleanly without a harsh jolt, and there’s no mysterious surge as the electronics compensate under load.

Battery life and charging

This kit includes two FLEXVOLT packs labeled 9.0Ah at 20V (which translates to 3.0Ah at 60V), plus a multi‑voltage charger. In practice, each pack carries about 180 Wh, and that’s what matters. With high‑quality 5/8 in bits, I averaged roughly 20–25 holes 6 in deep per pack in cured structural concrete. Bump up to 3/4 in, and that falls into the mid‑teens depending on aggregate and technique. Chipping runtime is more variable, but plan on 12–18 minutes of continuous hammering per pack.

You can work all day with two packs if your hole count is modest, but for anchor‑heavy days I’d bring at least a third FLEXVOLT to keep the cadence smooth. The included charger does fine, though a fast charger shortens the wait if you’re cycling aggressively. Cold‑weather tip: keep a pack warm in the cab; voltage sag shows up quickly below freezing on high‑draw tools.

Chuck, runout, and bit fit

SDS‑MAX interfaces have some inherent play; longer bits will show more visible wobble at the tip. The chuck on my unit had a touch of nose play, but bit retention was secure and hole quality was square. I didn’t measure any meaningful drift in anchor tolerance. If you see excessive runout, inspect the bit shank first—worn SDS‑MAX shanks compound the effect.

The tool’s maximum drilling capacity is rated at 40 mm in masonry, with a 1‑9/16 in SDS‑MAX chuck. That spec aligns with my experience: it’ll turn large cutters, but it’s happiest in the mid‑range.

Build quality, service, and the little things

The brushless motor and German‑engineered hammer mechanism are well sealed and showed no signs of grease weeping during my test period. The housing flex is minimal under load, and the selectors feel durable. I like that the tool is tag‑ready for asset tracking; if you’re managing a fleet, adding a Tool Connect tag is straightforward.

The kit box is rugged enough for jobsite abuse and has a sane layout: two battery bays, charger, side handle, and room for a couple of common bits. Warranty coverage is solid (3‑year limited, 1‑year free service, 90‑day satisfaction), which helps for crews rotating tools between multiple hands.

Dust control

Nothing for dust extraction is included, but the tool pairs well with a shroud and a mid‑size dust extractor. For overhead anchors, a compact sleeve‑style collar keeps silica out of your face; floor work benefits from a dedicated coring or anchor shroud. If you need to meet stricter site requirements, plan your accessories alongside the purchase.

What I’d change

• More punch would widen its appeal. Something in the 8–9 J range would push large‑bit performance without tipping the weight up too much.
• A high‑output charger in the kit would better match the tool’s appetite.
• A slightly more compliant overmold on the main handle would improve grip with wet gloves.

None of these are deal‑breakers, but they would round out the package.

Who will like this hammer

• Concrete crews and mechanical contractors who prioritize mobility and do frequent 1/2–1 in anchors
• Remodelers and service techs who need a chipping/drilling combo without hauling a cord
• Anyone doing overhead or mid‑wall work where an 11–12 lb SDS‑MAX shines over heavier options

Who should look elsewhere: crews that live in 1‑1/4 in holes, heavy demolition, or large‑diameter coring. For that, a higher‑energy SDS‑MAX (or a breaker) remains the right tool.

Pros

• Manageable 11.9 lb weight for a cordless SDS‑MAX
• Predictable drilling pace with constant‑speed electronics
• Effective E‑CLUTCH and low felt vibration with SHOCKS
• Includes two FLEXVOLT packs and multi‑voltage charger
• Tag‑ready for asset tracking; strong warranty support

Cons

• 6.1 J impact energy limits heavy‑duty drilling and chipping
• Battery runtime requires at least one spare pack for anchor‑heavy days
• Visible bit wobble with long SDS‑MAX bits (common to the interface, but worth noting)

Recommendation

I recommend the DCH481 for pros who value cordless convenience and low fatigue in the 1/2–1 in drilling range and light to moderate chipping. It’s a well‑balanced, reliable SDS‑MAX that keeps pace with typical anchor work, plays nicely overhead, and adds meaningful safety with the E‑CLUTCH and low vibration. If your workload leans toward large‑diameter drilling or sustained demolition, step up to a higher‑energy hammer. For everyone else, this DeWalt hits the sweet spot between capability and portability, and the kit’s two FLEXVOLT packs make it easy to put to work on day one.