DeWalt Low Vibration 1-1/8" SDS Combination Hammer

Why I reached for this SDS‑Plus combo hammer

I spent the past few weeks setting anchors, chasing conduit runs, and popping off tile with DeWalt’s SDS‑Plus combo hammer. It’s a corded, 1‑1/8 in. class tool with three modes and a focus on reduced vibration. In a market flooded with cordless options, I wanted to see if a straightforward corded rotary hammer still earns a spot on the truck. Short answer: for consistent power and trustworthy control features, it does—though there are a few caveats.

Build, balance, and controls

At 9.2 lbs, the tool lands in that middle ground where it’s substantial enough to drill quickly but not so heavy that shoulder burn sets in after a few dozen holes. The balance is genuinely good. With an SDS‑Plus bit installed and the 360° side handle set at about 45°, the tool plants well and doesn’t feel tip‑heavy. The side handle locks down securely, and the depth rod is simple but holds position—nothing fancy, just reliable.

The 3‑mode selector moves cleanly between rotary hammer, rotation‑only, and chipping‑only. There’s enough detent that I never second‑guessed which mode I was in. The trigger is broad and offers smooth speed modulation; starting holes precisely—especially on glazed tile over a slab—was easy. Forward/reverse isn’t just a checkbox feature here. I used reverse a few times to back out stuck bits, and it helped.

An 8 ft cord is serviceable on a jobsite; I still ended up with a 25 ft extension most of the time. The kit case is basic molded plastic, but it keeps the handle, depth rod, and tool organized without a wrestling match.

Drilling performance in concrete and masonry

Impact energy is rated at 4.2 J, which is squarely mid‑tier for an SDS‑Plus. In practice, that translated into quick work with 3/8 in. and 1/2 in. mechanical anchor holes in 4,000 psi concrete. With a sharp 4‑cutter bit, I was averaging roughly 8–10 seconds for a 3/8 in. x 2‑1/2 in. hole, and just under 20 seconds for 1/2 in. x 3‑1/2 in. in a clean section of slab. On older, harder concrete with aggregate near the surface, times stretched, as expected, but the tool kept pace without bogging.

The sweet spot felt like 1/2–5/8 in. anchors. That aligns with the stated optimal range of 1/4–7/8 in.; yes, you can run 7/8 in. and even up to 1‑1/8 in. when needed, but if you’re doing dozens of larger holes every day, you’re better off stepping up to a higher‑energy SDS‑Plus or an SDS‑Max tool. For CMU and brick, it cruised—clean bores with minimal blowout on the exit face if I backed off the trigger at the end.

Runout at the chuck is tight, and hole roundness was good. I was able to hold tolerances for adhesive anchors without needing to ream. There’s no built‑in dust extraction, so I ran a vacuum and a sleeve on most holes. More on dust in a moment.

Chipping and light demo

In chipping mode, this hammer is exactly what it claims: efficient for tile removal, parge coat, chasing channels in mortar, and knocking off small ears of concrete. I used a 1 in. chisel to cut a chase for EMT in a block wall and could keep a steady pace without the tool walking. It won’t replace an SDS‑Max for demo, and it’s not meant to—but for remodeling tasks where control matters more than brute force, it performs well.

E‑Clutch and bind‑up control

The E‑Clutch anti‑rotation feature is the kind of safety you appreciate after it saves your wrist. I hit rebar once while drilling for a sleeve and felt the tool try to twist; the clutch cut power quickly and the body didn’t snap out of line. I tripped it a few more times on purpose while testing, and the intervention is consistent—not overly sensitive, not late. If you work in older buildings where drawings are “aspirational,” this feature is worth having.

Vibration, comfort, and fatigue

DeWalt’s SHOCKS active vibration control is not marketing fluff. Vibration at the handles is kept impressively low for a corded mid‑class rotary hammer. Over a day of repetitive 3/8 in. anchors, my hands and forearms felt fresher than they usually do with non‑AVC tools. The grip shape and rubber overmold help, but it’s the overall isolation that stands out. Hearing protection is still a must; this is a rotary hammer, and it’s loud in hard concrete.

Speed control and bit release

The variable‑speed trigger is predictable, letting me start holes at a crawl to avoid skittering and then roll into full pace. That’s especially helpful on tile or when you need to be exact with embedment depth. Forward/reverse isn’t a drilling aid per se, but it does make freeing a bit in a partially collapsed hole far less dramatic. Paired with a quick twist of the side handle and a pull, I didn’t once have to resort to pliers to yank a bit.

Bit changes are fast with the SDS‑Plus chuck, as they should be. Keep a dab of grease on the shank and the whole system stays smooth.

Dust management and compatibility notes

I ran the tool with a vacuum for nearly all concrete holes. Pairing it with an external dust shroud works; you’ll keep the air and hole clean enough for adhesives or clean anchors. DeWalt’s own shrouds and the recommended external extractor fit cleanly and track well with the bit.

Where I ran into friction was cross‑brand compatibility. When I tried to hook the shroud up to a non‑DeWalt vac, I had to cobble together adapters, and the connection wasn’t as secure. It’s doable, but not elegant. If you already operate within DeWalt’s dust ecosystem, it’s seamless. If you don’t, plan on either hunting for a proper adapter or accepting a less‑than‑perfect fit. For general anchor drilling, a quality vacuum alone at the hole is still surprisingly effective; the shroud just adds convenience and compliance.

Power source and duty cycle

Corded power still shines for repetitive work. The 9.0 A motor, aided by overload protection, didn’t fade during longer sessions, and I never hit a thermal limit. No‑load speed tops out around 820 RPM, but what matters is how the hammering mechanism maintains pace under load—and it does. If your workflow is lots of short bursts across a large space, cordless has obvious appeal. If you’re at a bench, core location, or a fixed area drilling dozens of holes, the corded consistency is hard to beat.

What could be better

• Cord length could be longer. Eight feet is fine, but 10–12 ft reduces extension cord clutter when working off ladders.
• Cross‑brand dust connection is awkward. If you don’t run a DeWalt vac, expect to source an adapter.
• No on‑board LED. Not a deal‑breaker, but visibility in tight mechanical rooms would benefit from a small task light.
• For frequent 7/8–1‑1/8 in. holes, you’ll want more impact energy than 4.2 J. This tool can do it, but it’s happier and faster in the mid sizes.

Who it’s for

• Electricians and plumbers setting 3/8–5/8 in. anchors all day who value smooth power and low vibration.
• Remodelers needing a single tool to drill anchors, chip tile, and chase channels without dragging an SDS‑Max around.
• Crews who prefer corded reliability on fixed setups or in shops, especially if already invested in DeWalt dust control.

If your work leans heavy—big bits, deep chiseling, or demolition—step up in class. If you need free range across a sprawling site with few outlets, a cordless SDS‑Plus may fit better.

Recommendation

I recommend this DeWalt SDS‑Plus combo hammer for anyone who drills a steady diet of 1/4–5/8 in. holes in concrete or needs a capable, low‑vibration corded rotary hammer for mixed drilling and light chipping. It hits a practical balance: enough impact energy to be productive, meaningful anti‑rotation protection, and excellent vibration control that genuinely reduces fatigue. The main cautions are dust‑extraction compatibility—best if you’re within DeWalt’s system—and the expected limitations of a mid‑class SDS‑Plus on larger bits. If those caveats match your work, it’s a dependable, well‑mannered hammer that earns its space in the kit.