DeWalt 1-1/8 in. SDS-Plus D-Handle Rotary Hammer Kit

I brought this D‑handle SDS‑Plus out to a sunbaked pool deck with six anchor holes to make, and it reset my expectations for what “light-duty” concrete drilling feels like. With a 3/8 in. SDS‑Plus bit installed and the side handle set at a comfortable angle, the D25263 settled into the slab and produced clean, straight holes in seconds. Where a hammer drill chatters and fights, this one just works—steady, fast, and surprisingly controlled.

Design and ergonomics

This is a corded, brushed‑motor SDS‑Plus rotary hammer with a D‑handle grip, 8.5 amps on tap, and an EPTA‑rated 3.0 joules of impact energy. The layout is classic: pistol‑style trigger with variable speed, a forward/reverse switch, mode control for drilling/hammering tasks, and an SDS‑Plus chuck for fast, tool‑free bit changes. The 360° side handle and included depth rod are simple but effective, and the blow-molded case actually fits the tool, cord, and a small set of bits without wrestling.

At 12.19 lb, it isn’t the lightest SDS‑Plus in the category and it feels a bit nose‑heavy with longer bits. That said, the D‑handle puts your wrist in a neutral position, and with the side handle set correctly you can keep the bit square without muscling it. The 9 ft cord reaches across most small work areas; for longer runs, a 12‑gauge extension cord keeps the motor happy.

Power and drilling performance

Impact energy is where these tools earn their keep, and 3.0 J is a sweet spot for general concrete and masonry. In 4 in. slab concrete, a 3/8 in. x 2‑1/2 in. hole took me well under 10 seconds, repeated back‑to‑back without noticeable slowdown. Stepping up to 1/2 in. anchors, I was routinely under 20 seconds per hole. That’s a meaningful jump over even premium hammer drills and the main reason I reach for an SDS‑Plus.

The motor’s 1450 RPM ceiling isn’t about speed as much as bit control. The trigger provides a broad, usable range; nudging the bit to start on textured or painted surfaces is easy. I like to “kiss” the surface at low speed to create a seat, then let the hammering action do the work. The tool’s rotating brush ring delivers consistent torque in forward and reverse—handy when backing out a dusty hole or freeing a snug bit.

Light chiseling

While this isn’t a demo hammer, it handles light chiseling well. I used a narrow SDS‑Plus chisel to lift a short run of tile and to break up some compacted caliche along a trench path. You get enough impact energy to shear tile thinset and nibble away small sections of brick or mortar without tearing up the surroundings. As with any SDS‑Plus, patience pays off; for heavy demolition in high‑PSI concrete or long days of chipping, you’ll outgrow this class.

Vibration and control

Active Vibration Control is more than a bullet point here. Compared with older compact hammers, the D25263 keeps tingling at bay and makes two‑handed drilling feel composed rather than buzzy. That matters on longer runs where hand fatigue accumulates. Bit walk is minimal once the tip is seated, and the combination of weight and damping helps the bit track straight through aggregate pockets.

Clutch and bind-up behavior

An integral clutch is a must for any rotary hammer you’ll use in unknown concrete. Hitting rebar or a tight bind can twist a wrist fast. This clutch trips with a subdued thud—noticeable but not violent—allowing you to reset your bite or relocate without drama. The side handle threads hold fast, and the D‑handle gives you enough leverage to keep the tool aligned as you restart.

Dust management

Drilling concrete is dusty by nature. The D25263 is compatible with DeWalt’s D25301D drilling dust‑extraction system, which snaps on and keeps airborne silica in check. When I didn’t have the extractor handy, a hand vac and hole‑blow bulb kept the cavities clean enough for reliable anchors, but there’s no comparison for indoor work—the dedicated extractor pays for itself in cleanup time and cleaner air. If you’re drilling overhead or in finished spaces, pair the hammer with the extractor or a HEPA vac and a dust shroud.

Bits, setup, and technique

SDS‑Plus bits lock in with positive engagement and zero slop. Quality bits matter. Four‑cutter carbide tips tend to steer straighter through aggregate and last longer, especially as you size up beyond 3/8 in. A few setup tips that make this tool shine:
- Use the depth rod to avoid over‑drilling and to keep chemical anchor holes consistent.
- Start at low speed to seat the tip on textured surfaces; then let the hammer action work—pushing hard doesn’t speed things up.
- Clear chips mid‑hole on deeper runs; a quick in‑out pulse maintains speed and reduces heat.
- Keep the bit clean. Packed dust insulates and can glaze carbide.

Corded reality

Choosing corded here brings unlimited runtime, consistent power, and no battery management—great for occasional users who don’t want a tool tied to a battery platform. The tradeoff is mobility. On ladders or scattered anchors around a property, a cordless SDS‑Plus can be more convenient. For shop, slab, and renovation work with power nearby, the cord never felt limiting. The tool is double‑insulated with a two‑prong plug; use a GFCI‑protected circuit in damp environments and mind your cord routing.

Noise and comfort

It’s not quiet—no rotary hammer is—but the pitch is lower and less shrill than many compact hammers. Hearing protection is essential. The handle molds are firm with just enough give, and the trigger modulation is excellent. After a dozen back‑to‑back holes, my hands felt fresher than usual thanks to the vibration damping and balanced stance.

Durability and service

Fit and finish are solid: tight gear housing, clean casting, and a chuck that resists wobble even with longer bits. Being a brushed motor, brushes are a maintenance item over the long haul, but access is straightforward. DeWalt backs it with a 3‑year limited warranty, 2‑year free service, and a 90‑day money‑back guarantee, which is generous in this category.

What could be better

• Weight: At just over 12 lb, it’s heavier than many peers. You feel it on long overhead sessions.
• Cord length: 9 ft is workable, but a bit more reach would reduce extension‑cord juggling.
• On‑tool dust control requires the accessory. I’d love an included dust head for basic anchor work.

None of these are deal‑breakers, and they come with tradeoffs: the extra mass helps the bit stay planted, and a cord keeps price and runtime predictable.

Verdict and recommendation

This DeWalt hammer hits the right balance for trades and serious DIY who need reliable concrete drilling and occasional chipping without stepping up to an SDS‑Max. It’s fast in 3/16–1/2 in. holes, calm in the hands, and built with the right safety features—an effective clutch, solid side handle, and meaningful vibration control. The SDS‑Plus interface, variable speed, and consistent power in reverse make daily use straightforward, and the compatibility with a dedicated dust extractor rounds out the package for compliant jobsites.

I recommend the D25263. If you’re setting anchors, drilling for tapcons, mounting ledgers, or doing light surface demo, it delivers pro‑level results with minimal fuss. You give up some cordless convenience and carry a bit more weight, but you gain consistent power, strong impact energy, and a tool that feels composed in real concrete. For shops, remodelers, and homeowners who want to own rather than rent, it’s a smart, durable choice that should serve for years.