DeWalt FLEXVOLT 60V Lithium-Ion Cordless SDS MAX 3/4 in. Demolition Hammer Kit

Why I picked up this hammer

I brought the FlexVolt SDS‑Max hammer onto a bathroom and kitchen overhaul where I needed to open a trench for new conduit, chip out a doorway threshold flush with the slab, and peel off sections of old tile and mortar. I wanted the freedom of cordless without feeling like I was giving up the relentless striking force I rely on from corded SDS‑Max demo hammers. After several days in concrete and block, here’s how it stacked up.

Build, controls, and first impressions

This is a purpose‑built chipping hammer—no rotary drilling, no drilling clutch—just focused, SDS‑Max impact work. The layout is familiar: a rear main handle, a large side handle for control, and a 7‑position speed dial within easy reach. At roughly 21 lb for the bare tool (36.2 lb for the full kit in the case), it’s solidly in the “not for overhead” category, and that aligns with its stated intent: horizontal and downward chipping on mid‑to‑lower wall surfaces and floors. Balance is good front to back, which helps when you’re skipping a chisel across a slab or controlling a scaling chisel on block.

Fit and finish are what I expect from DeWalt’s pro line. The brushless motor and constant‑speed electronics are all under the hood, but you notice them at the trigger—there’s none of that surging feel as the tool hits harder material. The SDS‑Max interface locks chisels crisply, and the side handle’s clamp holds position without creeping.

The kit includes a 9.0 Ah 60V battery, charger, and a jobsite‑worthy kit box. No chisels are included, so plan to supply your own SDS‑Max points, flats, scaling chisels, and spades.

Power and performance

Impact energy is rated at 19.4 joules, with up to 2,210 blows per minute. On concrete that matters more than paper specs: it hits hard enough to shear thin lips from slab edges, push a 3‑inch spade under bonded mortar, and chip channels in block without stalling out. I spent most of my time in the mid‑range settings for control, then bumped up to the top two positions for stubborn patches of high‑strength concrete. The constant‑speed electronics do their job; the blow rate stays consistent when you lean on it, which translates to predictable removal rates.

On slabs, a wide spade chisel at higher speed chews through thin‑set and the top few millimeters of concrete efficiently. For trenching, a narrow flat chisel in the mid settings keeps the channel clean without ricochet. Against CMU, the hammer doesn’t “over‑run” the chisel, which can happen with lighter cordless units; maintaining pace is key to avoiding microfractures where you don’t want them.

If your benchmark is a big corded SDS‑Max breaker, this cordless unit doesn’t feel like a compromise. It’s not a jackhammer replacement—nothing in this weight class is—but for the kind of targeted demo work remodelers and maintenance crews do, the strike feels properly stout.

Vibration and ergonomics

DeWalt’s SHOCKS active vibration control is implemented at the handles, and it makes a tangible difference over long sessions. You can still feel the work, of course, but the sting in the hands and wrists is reduced compared to older generation chipping hammers. I noticed less tingling after 20–30 minutes of continuous chipping, which matters if you’re hopping between tasks all day.

The two‑grip setup provides enough leverage to keep big chisels tracking straight. The side handle turns quickly to accommodate vertical scaling versus horizontal trenching. At 21 lb, it’s not something I’d hold above shoulder height for more than a few moments—again, this is designed for horizontal and downward work. If you anticipate overhead chipping, look to a lighter class tool.

Speed control and finesse

The 7‑position dial is well calibrated. At low settings, you can feather a flat chisel to pop tile without destroying the substrate. Mid settings are excellent for cleaning up edges along a saw cut or trimming high spots. The highest settings are there for bulk removal where precision isn’t the priority. I appreciated being able to set the speed and keep the trigger fully depressed rather than modulating with my finger for long stretches.

Runtime, charging, and planning your day

With the included 9.0 Ah battery, I handled several small to medium tasks between charges—tile and thin‑set stripping here, threshold removal there—without feeling like I needed to babysit the charger. For continuous heavy chipping (e.g., trenching across a room), you’ll want at least one additional 9.0 Ah pack to keep pace with the work. That’s standard fare for cordless demolition at this power level. The brushless motor’s efficiency helps, and the tool manages heat well; I didn’t see throttling or thermal cutouts during normal cycles of use.

The included charger gets you back in the game over a lunch break, but if demo is your main event, build your kit with multiple high‑capacity batteries. The weight of the pack contributes to the tool’s stability; I prefer that feel versus lighter, lower‑capacity packs that can make the tool more nose‑heavy.

Dust control and connectivity

Concrete dust is a given, and this hammer supports a smart way to manage it. Wireless Tool Control lets the hammer remotely activate a compatible dust extractor—specifically DeWalt’s DCV585—so extraction ramps up when you start chipping and idles down when you stop. Pairing is straightforward, and it actually improves workflow; you don’t waste time toggling the vac manually or listening to it drone between passes.

Importantly, when you pair it with the DCV585 extractor, the setup is OSHA Table 1 compliant for this class of work. That’s not just a regulatory box‑check; it’s better for you and your crew’s lungs and keeps inspectors off your back on commercial sites.

The tool is also Tag Ready, so you can add a compatible tracking tag for inventory and loss prevention. If you manage a fleet, being able to scan and track this alongside other assets is a plus.

Where it shines—and where it doesn’t

Shines at:
- Floor and slab work: trenching, threshold removal, surface prep
- Mid‑to‑lower wall chipping: removing parging, chasing channels for conduit
- Controlled demo where finesse matters: the 7‑position dial keeps blow energy in check
- Sites where cord management is a hassle or a hazard

Less ideal for:
- Overhead chipping: the 21 lb tool weight is fatiguing above shoulder height
- Rotary drilling: this is a chipping hammer, not a combination rotary hammer
- All‑day continuous demo on a single battery: plan on multiple 9.0 Ah packs for sustained production

Durability, serviceability, and value

After dusty days and a few hard knocks, the tool shows no signs of loosened hardware or wobbly handles. The chuck mechanism still locks tight, and the electronics haven’t hiccupped in heat or cold starts. DeWalt’s brushless motor architecture historically holds up well in abrasive environments, and nothing here suggests otherwise.

The kit format is sensible: you get a high‑capacity battery, charger, and a stout box. If you already run 60V packs, you might wish for a bare‑tool option; if you’re entering the platform, this kit makes more sense. A 90‑day return window adds a bit of safety net if you need to vet it on your workload.

Practical tips from use

• Match the chisel to the task. A narrow flat for trench chasing, a scaling chisel for block parging, and a wide spade for thin‑set and soft layers. Let the tool do the work; don’t pry.
• Use the speed dial. Lower settings reduce collateral damage on fragile substrates and extend battery life.
• Pair with extraction. The DCV585 plus Wireless Tool Control is worth it for both cleanliness and compliance.
• Bring at least one spare 9.0 Ah battery for uninterrupted production demo.
• Mark your chisel orientation. The SDS‑Max interface allows indexing; set it so the flat tracks the direction you’re moving.

The bottom line

The FlexVolt SDS‑Max hammer delivers corded‑class chipping performance in a cordless package that’s genuinely jobsite‑ready. Its 19.4 J impact energy, steady 2,210 BPM top speed, and constant‑speed electronics translate to fast, predictable material removal. SHOCKS vibration control reduces fatigue, the 7‑position dial gives you real finesse, and the wireless extractor control makes dust management easy—and OSHA Table 1 compliant when paired with the DCV585.

It’s heavy for overhead work and it’s not a drill, but that’s by design: this is a serious chipping hammer aimed at floors and mid‑to‑lower wall demo. If your day involves trenching slabs, trimming concrete, and chasing channels without the hassle of cords, it’s a strong performer.

Recommendation: I recommend this tool for remodelers, commercial maintenance crews, and concrete trades who want SDS‑Max striking power without dragging cords. It’s powerful, controlled, and thoughtfully equipped for modern jobsites—especially if you pair it with a dust extractor and keep a couple of 9.0 Ah batteries on rotation.