DeWalt 20V MAX 1 in. Brushless Cordless SDS PLUS D-Handle Rotary Hammer Kit

Why I reached for the DCH133

I grabbed DeWalt’s DCH133 kit for a stretch of anchor-setting, wall mounts on brick, and some light chipping around conduit penetrations. I wanted a compact SDS‑Plus rotary hammer that didn’t tether me to a cord but didn’t feel underpowered in cured concrete. After several weeks across residential and light commercial tasks, this has become the rotary hammer I toss in the truck first. It’s squarely in the “do most jobs, anywhere” category, with enough punch to be meaningful and enough restraint to stay controllable for long days.

Design, balance, and controls

The D‑handle layout is the right call for a 1‑inch class SDS‑Plus tool. At about 5 lb bare, it’s well balanced with a 4.0Ah pack installed, and it rides naturally for vertical drilling and overhead work. The rubberized main grip and the included 360° side handle give you plenty of leverage to stay on line, and the side handle’s integrated depth stop is the simplest way to make repeatable anchor holes without fuss.

The mode selector is straightforward: drill, hammer drill, and chip. I like that the dial has a positive detent—easy to confirm by feel in a crawlspace or when wearing gloves. The variable speed trigger is well tuned for starting holes without skating and then ramping quickly once the percussion takes over. There’s an integral mechanical clutch, and it behaves like it should: invisible when things are going well, assertive when a bit hangs up on rebar.

The kit rounds out with two 20V 4.0Ah batteries, a charger, and a soft bag. Two packs make a real difference with a rotary hammer; there’s almost always one on the tool and one cooling/charging. The bag has enough room for a small bit roll and the side handle, but don’t expect a hard case level of protection.

Impact energy and drilling performance

DeWalt rates this brushless hammer at 2.6 Joules (EPTA). On paper that puts it in the sweet spot for the SDS‑Plus class, and in hand that’s exactly how it feels. In hammer-drill mode it chews through brick, block, and standard residential slab without drama. Real-world examples from my use:

• 3/16 in. Tapcon holes in cured concrete: Fast starts, consistent dust ejection, and minimal bit walk. I could run a series of anchors at a steady pace without the tool heating excessively.
• 3/8 in. holes in hard face brick: These were the kind that a conventional masonry bit in a standard drill barely scratches. With the DCH133, each hole took under a minute, with most of that time spent managing depth rather than fighting progress.
• 1/2 in. anchor holes in a garage slab: Smooth, controlled advancement with no need to lean on the tool. The percussion is strong enough that the bit does the work; you just guide it.

In other words, this is right at home in its stated optimum drilling range (roughly 5/32–5/8 in.). It will spin larger SDS‑Plus bits or a core adapter, but that’s where physics and battery draw start to assert themselves. If you’re regularly drilling 7/8–1 in. holes in rebar-laced structural concrete, you’ll get it done, but you’ll do it more efficiently with a higher‑energy SDS‑Plus or stepping up to SDS‑Max.

Runtime and battery strategy

With two 4.0Ah packs in the kit, I could keep a productive rhythm on anchor runs. How long a pack lasts depends heavily on diameter, embedment depth, aggregate, and whether you’re using hammer action. In my experience:

• Dozens of 3/16–1/4 in. anchor holes per 4.0Ah pack in typical slab.
• A modest handful of 1/2 in. by deeper embedment holes before it’s time to swap.
• Drill‑only applications with large core bits or diamond hole saws will drain a pack quickly; that’s expected since you’re relying on torque without the efficiency of percussive drilling.

The good news is the brushless motor feels efficient in the work it’s designed to do—hammer drilling in the SDS‑Plus wheelhouse. For anything outside that, I plan my battery swaps and keep the charger nearby. If you already live in DeWalt’s 20V ecosystem, it’s easy to scale runtime with higher‑capacity packs.

Chiseling and vibration

Chip mode is legitimately useful for light demolition: popping small tiles, chasing a shallow trench, or cleaning up around a knockout. As with many SDS‑Plus hammers in this size, it’s not a demolition hammer, and I wouldn’t buy it for day‑long breaking. It’s a “useful to have” mode that keeps you from hauling a second tool for minor chipping.

Vibration is well controlled for the class. The tool doesn’t numb your hands during repetitive work, and noise is tolerable for a rotary hammer. Ear and eye protection still apply. The ergonomics encourage good posture—arms in close, shoulders relaxed—which helps over long sessions.

One note on chisels: unlike some pro‑grade models that feature extensive chisel indexing systems, orientation here can drift under heavy hammering. If you’re particular about blade angle, take a second to recheck and re-seat as you go.

Bit fit, chuck behavior, and grease

The SDS‑Plus chuck locks bits securely with the familiar pull‑back collar. Instead of chuck jaws, SDS relies on the shank profiles and internal grooves, and those are lubricated. A light film of grease on the shank is normal, and you’ll see some transfer onto the bit near the insertion end during use. Wipe it down occasionally, and keep dust out of the chuck when swapping bits. If you experience any bit creep or rotation in hammer‑only tasks, verify you’re using an SDS‑Plus chisel designed for that mode and that the bit is fully seated.

Dust management and cleanliness

The tool is dust‑extraction ready. I ran it with a compatible DeWalt on‑board extractor and also with a universal shroud connected to a HEPA shop vac. Either setup makes a major difference in cleanup and silica exposure, especially with ceiling holes. The integrated depth rod is simple but effective for controlling embedment, and dust collection keeps the holes cleaner so anchors set reliably.

Safety and control under bind‑up

The mechanical clutch deserves praise. On one 3/8 in. hole I hit rebar near the edge of a footing. The bit locked abruptly, and the tool broke free without wrenching my wrist. The D‑handle gives you a strong stance, and the clutch buys you a margin of safety that’s worth having on any rotary hammer.

What I’d change

No tool is perfect, and there are a couple of realistic caveats:

• Large‑diameter drilling without hammer action taxes runtime. That’s inherent to the task, but it’s worth calling out if you’re planning core drilling on battery power.
• Chisel orientation can drift, so if you rely heavily on precise chisel indexing, look at models with more robust vario‑lock systems.
• The soft bag is convenient, but a molded case would better protect bits and the side handle in a crowded van.

None of these are deal‑breakers for the DCH133’s mission: fast anchor holes and light chiseling anywhere you can carry a pack.

Warranty, service, and ecosystem

DeWalt’s coverage here is solid: 3‑year limited warranty, 1‑year free service, and a 90‑day satisfaction guarantee. If you’re already invested in 20V MAX batteries, this kit slots neatly into the lineup, and the included two 4.0Ah packs make it easy to hit the ground running.

Bottom line

For its size and weight, the DCH133 delivers the right blend of speed, control, and convenience. It’s compact enough for overhead anchors and tight spaces, strong enough for 1/2 in. holes in cured concrete, and refined enough to keep fatigue at bay through a day’s work. The brushless motor and German‑engineered hammer mechanism feel efficient and durable, and the mode set covers the tasks most trades and serious DIYers actually do.

Recommendation: I recommend the DCH133 for electricians, HVAC techs, general contractors, and homeowners who frequently drill anchors in concrete, brick, or block and want a capable cordless option. It excels in the SDS‑Plus sweet spot (5/32–5/8 in.), the clutch adds a layer of safety, and the kit’s two 4.0Ah batteries keep you productive. If your work leans heavily toward large‑diameter core drilling or sustained demolition, choose a higher‑energy SDS‑Plus or SDS‑Max platform. For everything else, this is the rotary hammer I’d bring.