DeWalt Onboard Dust Extractor for 1-1/8 in. SDS Plus Hammers

I snapped this onboard extractor onto my DCH293 rotary hammer for a week of overhead anchor drilling, and the difference in jobsite cleanliness and compliance was immediate. It attaches directly to the tool, pulls power mechanically from the hammer, and keeps dust contained in a clear box behind a HEPA filter. For crews chasing OSHA Table 1 compliance without dragging a hose and vac through a scissor lift, this is a practical, compact solution.

Setup and compatibility

Out of the box, installation was straightforward. The supplied adapters fit my 1-1/8 in. SDS Plus hammer (DCH293), and I also tried it on a corded D25333 with the same results. The unit clamps on securely and aligns with the tool’s chuck so the telescoping nozzle tracks the bit automatically. The depth rod couples to the assembly, so you’re setting drilling depth in one place.

A few notes from setup:
- You’ll get the extractor body and dust box assembly. Replacement dust boxes and HEPA filter assemblies are available separately.
- Maximum drilling diameter is 1 in., with an overall bit length capability of 10 in. and roughly 8 in. of usable drilling depth. If your workflow relies on long 12–16 in. bits, this isn’t the right attachment.
- It’s purpose-built for select 1-1/8 in. SDS Plus DeWalt hammers; it’s not a universal shroud. That tight integration is why it works so smoothly, but it does limit cross-tool use.

Design and ergonomics

At 5.3 lb, the extractor adds meaningful mass up front. On the DCH293, the balance shifts nose-heavy, especially noticeable with overhead work. That said, because there’s no external hose tugging at the drill, I found control actually improved on a lift or ladder. The housing is compact enough to get between pipes and ductwork, and the low profile helps in scissor lifts where a vac hose would be a headache.

The dust box is clear and durable, which sounds trivial until you’re working fast and need to know at a glance when to empty it. Latches are positive and stayed shut; nothing rattled loose during repeated drilling.

Dust collection performance

For silica control, the headline features deliver. The HEPA filter is rated at 99.97% at 0.3 microns, and the unit includes a filter-cleaning mechanism. In practice, suction stayed consistent through dozens of 3/8 to 5/8 in. holes in cured slab and CMU. I used the cleaning feature periodically when I noticed collection slowing; it perked the system right back up without breaking down the setup.

Compared to a hose-and-vac rig, the onboard unit doesn’t move as much air, but for anchor drilling up to 1 in. it did what I needed: captured fines at the source and left almost no dust cone on the floor. After a day of overhead wedge-anchor holes, there was minimal residue on my glasses and no visible plume in the air. The box traps the fines well, and the clear housing makes it obvious when to dump.

There is a small trade-off in drilling speed. Because the extractor draws mechanical power from the hammer, I noticed a slight decrease in aggressiveness compared to running the tool bare. It wasn’t dramatic—think a modest bump in hole time—but on denser concrete with larger bits it’s perceptible. I’d accept that trade for the cleanup savings and compliance, but it’s worth noting if you’re racing production times.

Depth control and accuracy

The adjustable depth gauge is a strong addition. It’s quick to set against the bit’s flute length and stayed true during repetitive holes. For anchoring where embedment accuracy matters, having the depth rod integrated with the extractor means I wasn’t juggling a separate stop collar or eyeballing marks through a dust shroud. My wedge-anchor holes landed right at spec without reaming.

The nozzle tracks smoothly along the bit and seals well around the flutes. DeWalt made the nozzle replaceable, which I appreciate; the wear ring will eventually ovalize from abrasion, and being able to swap the tip is better than retiring the whole assembly.

Working in confined spaces

This is the environment where the extractor shines. In a scissor lift, not being tethered to a vacuum hose is a big safety and convenience win. The profile is compact enough to sneak between strut and conduit runs, and because the dust box sits close to the tool body, I didn’t find myself bumping obstructions as often as I do with universal shrouds.

For overhead drilling in mechanical rooms and under decks, the contained collection kept dust out of eyes and off finished surfaces. That’s good housekeeping and good client optics.

Maintenance and filters

Emptying the box is simple—pop the latch, slide it off, and tap out debris into a lined container. With the HEPA element, I avoid compressed air blasts; a light brush and the built-in cleaning cycle kept things flowing. Filter replacements are standard DeWalt parts and easy to source.

A few maintenance tips from the field:
- Engage the filter-cleaning mechanism regularly if you’re making lots of deep holes in soft block; fines can cake faster.
- Keep an eye on the nozzle lip; replace it when you see fray or excessive wear to maintain seal and airflow.
- Wipe the clear box occasionally to keep visibility high; fine dust film can make fill level harder to read.

Limitations

• Bit length and depth: If you routinely drill past 8 in. usable depth or use 12+ in. bits, you’ll outrun the travel.
• Diameter cap: The system is spec’d to 1 in. diameter. Anything larger or core drilling is off the table.
• Tool-specific: It’s tailored for DeWalt’s 1-1/8 in. SDS Plus models like the DCH293 and D25333. If your crew mixes brands or uses SDS-Max for most work, a universal shroud with a separate vac may be more flexible.
• Slight performance drag: Expect a small reduction in drilling speed and battery runtime versus running the hammer bare.

Compliance and peace of mind

The extractor’s dust box assembly is OSHA 1926.1153 and Table 1 compliant when used as directed. On jobs that require documented controls, having a purpose-built, HEPA-filtered, onboard solution simplifies the paperwork and the practice. No guessing if a shop vac and generic shroud will pass muster; this setup is designed for that standard.

Durability and warranty

Construction is solid—latches, rails, and the telescoping mechanism held up without binding. The clear box has resisted scratches so far, and the fit on the hammer hasn’t loosened. DeWalt backs it with a 3-year warranty, which is a respectable cushion for a jobsite accessory.

Value

There are cheaper ways to capture dust—universal shrouds and a shared vac—but they add hoses, trip hazards, and variability in performance. There are also standalone onboard extractors from other brands, but the integration here with DeWalt’s 1-1/8 in. platform is tight, and the filter-cleaning feature helps maintain suction over a long day. If your work centers on SDS Plus anchors up to 1 in., the time saved on cleanup and the straightforward compliance case justify the investment.

Pros

• True HEPA filtration (99.97% @ 0.3 microns) with filter-cleaning mechanism
• OSHA Table 1-compliant dust box assembly
• Clear, durable dust box with easy emptying
• Integrated depth gauge; accurate and repeatable embedment
• Compact, hose-free operation ideal for scissor lifts and tight spaces
• Replaceable nozzle extends service life

Cons

• Adds noticeable front weight; slightly reduces drilling speed
• Limited to 1 in. diameter, ~8 in. usable depth, and 10 in. overall bit length
• Compatibility restricted to specific 1-1/8 in. DeWalt SDS Plus hammers

Recommendation

I recommend this DeWalt onboard extractor for anyone drilling anchors up to 1 in. with compatible 1-1/8 in. SDS Plus hammers, especially for overhead and lift work where a hose is impractical. It captures silica dust effectively, keeps the work area clean, and delivers a straightforward path to OSHA Table 1 compliance. The added nose weight and bit-length limits are real but reasonable trade-offs for the convenience and performance. If your drilling routinely exceeds the depth or diameter limits or spans multiple tool platforms, consider a universal shroud and vac. Otherwise, this is the cleaner, simpler way to get compliant holes without dragging a vacuum everywhere.