DeWalt 60V MAX 1-1/4 In. Brushless Cordless SDS PLUS Rotary Hammer Kit

I put the FlexVolt rotary hammer to work on a few anchor-setting jobs and some light chipping, and it didn’t take long to understand where this tool shines. It’s a cordless SDS‑Plus platform with enough punch to feel like a corded mid-size hammer, paired with the conveniences you want on an active site: real vibration control, a fast safety clutch, and integrated dust/asset features that make compliance and fleet tracking less of a headache.

Design and build

This is a 60V brushless SDS‑Plus rotary hammer rated at up to 4.5 joules of impact energy. In hand, the tool feels robust and well-balanced for its class. The bare tool weighs about 10.2 lb, and with a FlexVolt 60V 3.0Ah pack installed it still maintains a neutral center of gravity around the handle, helped by the included 360° side handle. Fit and finish are what I expect from DeWalt: tight tolerances at the chuck, a positive-locking mode selector, and a depth rod that stays put.

The German‑engineered hammer mechanism is smooth and consistent. You don’t hear the hollow clacking you sometimes get on cheaper hammers when they’re not fully loaded. The SDS‑Plus interface locks bits securely, and the tool is spec’d to run SDS‑Plus bits up to 1‑1/4 in. Realistically, that means you can handle bigger core-style accessories for occasional holes, but the tool is most at home in the 3/8 to 1 in anchor range.

Controls are straightforward:
- A three-position dial for drill, hammer‑drill, and chipping
- A responsive variable-speed trigger
- A quick action reverse

Top-line speed is listed at 540 RPM, but as with most rotary hammers, impact energy and BPM do the real work; you won’t miss a higher no-load speed.

Performance in concrete

I started with 3/8 in and 1/2 in holes for wedge anchors in 4,000 PSI concrete. The hammer‑drill mode engages quickly, with minimal lag before the piston gets into its rhythm. At 4.5 J, it’s not a brute-force SDS‑Max replacement, but it’s more than enough for standard anchor work:

• 3/8 in x 3 in holes: fast, predictable, and clean. The bit tracks well with little wandering.
• 1/2 in x 4 in holes: solid pace without feeling like the motor is laboring.
• 1 in holes for sleeve anchors: manageable, though it’s where you notice the difference between SDS‑Plus and heavier hammers; cutting is steady rather than aggressive.

Light chipping is very doable. Removing tile, chasing shallow channels for conduit, and knocking down high spots are within its comfort zone. If you’re expecting concrete-breaking performance beyond small patches and adjustments, you’ll want an SDS‑Max.

Vibration and safety

DeWalt’s SHOCKS active vibration control is meaningful here. In extended sets of holes, the handles transmit less buzz than many competitors in this class. That adds up over a day—especially overhead or at odd angles. The tool also includes the E‑CLUTCH anti‑rotation system, which is the sort of safety feature you don’t think about until you need it. I had one bind‑up in rebar-laced concrete while clearing an old anchor; the clutch tripped fast, the motor cut, and my wrist was spared the usual wrench.

Runtime and charging

The kit’s 60V 3.0Ah packs fit the tool’s draw well. Without babying the trigger, I was able to work through a typical anchor layout on a single battery, then swap packs while the first one hit the charger. Expect to power through a lot of 3/8 in holes or a moderate number of 1/2 in x 4 in anchors per charge. The included fast charger helps keep rotation moving; with two batteries in the kit, downtime isn’t an issue unless you’re drilling continuously with large bits.

Cold temps always knock lithium runtimes down; the tool doesn’t do anything magical there, but the pack warms up in use and maintains output. Venting around the motor and gearcase is generous, and I never hit thermal limits.

Dust control and site management

This is designed to play nicely with dust extraction for OSHA Table 1 compliance when paired with the specified shroud and a compatible extractor. With the right shroud on the bit and a DeWalt extractor, capture is effective, and you can keep dust to a minimum even drilling overhead. Wireless Tool Control is a welcome touch: the hammer can remotely trigger a paired extractor, so the vac kicks on when you start and shuts down on a delay when you stop. Once you set it up, you don’t want to go back to reaching for a separate switch.

There’s also a tag‑ready recess for a Tool Connect asset tag (DCE041). On multi-crew or rental-heavy sites, being able to track location and inventory without a bulky add-on is practical. It’s the sort of quiet feature that doesn’t change performance but does reduce friction in day-to-day fleet management.

Ergonomics and usability

• The 360° side handle locks firmly and doesn’t creep under torque.
• The depth rod is easy to set and doesn’t slip with vibration.
• Mode changes are positive and don’t require excessive force.
• Trigger modulation is smooth for starting holes cleanly.

At a little over 10 lb without a battery, this is not a featherweight SDS‑Plus. If you spend hours overhead, you’ll feel it. The trade-off is stability; on larger bits, the mass helps control, and combined with SHOCKS vibration control, it’s less fatiguing than its weight suggests.

Noise is typical for the class—ear protection is still required—and the exhaust airflow is directed away from the operator reasonably well. I didn’t notice hot air blasting my face in awkward positions, which is a small but appreciated design choice.

Where it fits

This rotary hammer lands squarely in the mid‑range SDS‑Plus category:
- Mechanical, electrical, and HVAC trades running anchors from 3/8 to 1 in
- Remodelers doing tile demo, light chipping, and patch work
- Concrete pros who want a cordless companion to an SDS‑Max breaker for lighter tasks

If you mostly drill 3/16 to 5/16 in holes for tapcons all day, a compact SDS‑Plus might be more comfortable. If you’re breaking footers or running 1-1/2 in holes routinely, step up to SDS‑Max. This one excels in the middle.

Limitations

• Weight: For an SDS‑Plus, it’s on the heavier side, and extended overhead work will tire you out.
• Big-bit expectations: While it can accept larger SDS‑Plus bits, productivity tapers as you push the upper end of capacity.
• Price: As a 60V kit with two batteries and a fast charger, it’s an investment. You’re paying for impact energy, runtime, and the integrated dust/asset features.

None of these are surprises; they’re inherent trade-offs of a higher-energy cordless SDS‑Plus platform.

The kit and warranty

The kit I used included the hammer, two 60V 3.0Ah packs, a fast charger, side handle, depth rod, and a case. It carries a 3‑year limited warranty. That’s a sensible package for a pro who wants to get on the job immediately without chasing accessories. If you’re already on the FlexVolt platform, the batteries slot into your other high-draw tools, which improves overall value.

Bottom line

As a cordless SDS‑Plus, this FlexVolt rotary hammer delivers the right mix of impact energy, control, and jobsite features. It drills anchors with authority, handles light chipping without complaint, and keeps fatigue in check thanks to effective vibration reduction. The E‑CLUTCH does its job when things go sideways, and the dust and connectivity touches are genuinely useful, not gimmicks.

Recommendation: I recommend this tool for pros and serious remodelers who need a mid‑range SDS‑Plus hammer with real power and modern jobsite features. Choose it if your work lives between 3/8 and 1 in holes, you value vibration control and safety, and you want cordless convenience without giving up performance. If most of your day is overhead tapcon drilling, consider a lighter compact. If you need heavy demolition, go SDS‑Max. For the broad middle of concrete drilling and light chipping tasks, this is a dependable, well-rounded choice.