DeWalt 20V MAX XR Brushless Cordless 1 in. SDS PLUS Rotary Hammer Kit with POWERSTACK 5Ah Battery

Why this compact rotary hammer earned a place in my kit

I spend a lot of time overhead setting anchors, and I’m picky about the tools I trust above my shoulders. This DeWalt 1-inch SDS‑Plus rotary hammer (the DCH273 kit with a POWERSTACK 5.0Ah battery) hits a sweet spot that’s easy to appreciate the first day you put it to work: enough punch for everyday anchors, noticeably lower vibration than older models, and a weight that doesn’t punish you on ladders or lifts.

Design and ergonomics

At just under 7 lb bare, the tool feels well balanced with the included POWERSTACK 5.0Ah battery installed. The grip angle and overmold keep your wrist in a neutral position, and the 360-degree side handle adjusts quickly without slipping. DeWalt includes a depth rod that actually stays put after you set it—basic, but appreciated when you’re repeating hole depths.

There’s an adjustable hook in the kit, which I used far more than expected. Clipping the tool to a rail or ladder rung keeps it handy during layout, and it’s rugged enough that I stopped worrying about it after the first day. The kit bag and charger are the standard DeWalt fare—nothing fancy, but functional.

Bit changes are quick and positive with the SDS‑Plus chuck. There’s minimal play compared to other SDS‑Plus hammers I own, and the collar action is smooth even after concrete dust inevitable finds its way to the front end.

Performance in concrete

With a rated 2.1 J of impact energy (roughly 1.55 ft‑lb), this is a true 1-inch SDS‑Plus class tool aimed at anchors, tap‑in fasteners, and light chipping. In practice, the hammering action feels crisp rather than brute‑force. For 3/16- to 1/2-inch holes in cured concrete and CMU, it’s fast enough to keep pace with layout without fatiguing you. I used it a lot for 3/8-inch wedge anchor holes in garage slabs and block walls; it chews those consistently without bogging.

Where it runs out of steam is exactly where you would expect: larger rotary hammer bits nearing the top of the SDS‑Plus range and any form of heavy chipping. It will run 7/8- to 1-inch holes, but that’s a task for occasional penetrations rather than production. If your day is full of 1‑inch+ through‑holes in hard aggregate, you’ll want to step up to a higher‑energy 1‑1/8-inch class tool or SDS‑Max. For most MEP mounting, strut, and seismic clamps, the DCH273 is right on target.

Modes and control

The three‑position selector is straightforward: drill‑only, hammer drill, and chisel (rotation stop). The switch has a firm detent, and I had zero accidental mode changes. Chisel mode won’t replace a demo hammer, but it’s extremely handy for chasing shallow channels, popping tile, or trimming small sections of masonry. The tool’s compact length lets you get it into corners where bulkier hammers struggle.

Trigger modulation is predictable, and starting holes on layout marks is easy. The included depth rod helps keep your embed consistent; once set, it didn’t wander even after repeated use.

Vibration and comfort

DeWalt’s SHOCKS active vibration control stands out on this model. Compared with older rotary hammers in the same class, the tingling in the hands and forearms is greatly reduced, especially during overhead work. After a morning of anchors, I felt less beat‑up than I typically do with non‑AVC tools. The reduction isn’t just marketing—the handle isolation and internal counterbalance feel dialed‑in, and it pays dividends in control and fatigue.

Dust management and compliance

Paired with DeWalt’s DWH303DH on‑board extractor, this setup can meet OSHA Table 1 requirements. The extractor mounts securely and keeps the system surprisingly balanced for an add‑on, which isn’t always the case. I like that the nose piece keeps a clean view of the bit tip when starting holes, and extraction is effective enough that cleanup is minimal. If you routinely work in occupied spaces or on lifts where debris is an issue, the ability to run a compact, compliant package is a big plus.

POWERSTACK battery advantages

The kit centers around the 5.0Ah POWERSTACK battery, which uses pouch cells rather than the cylindrical cells most packs rely on. In use, that translates to strong power delivery with less sag when you push the tool, and a pack that’s a bit more compact than comparable capacity bricks. It’s a good match for a mid‑size rotary hammer—enough runtime for a productive session without turning the tool into a nose‑heavy club.

The 3‑LED fuel gauge is readable at a glance. I didn’t find myself rushing for a charger, even with a steady diet of anchor holes. If you’re already on DeWalt’s 20V platform, this pack plays nicely with other tools, and on the charger the pack cooled at a reasonable pace between sessions.

Capacity and applications

• Concrete drilling: ideal day‑to‑day range of 3/16 to 1/2 inch, with 5/8 and 3/4 inch when needed.
• Chipping: light trimming, small patch prep, grout cleanup, and tile removal.
• Steel/wood: rated at 1/2‑inch in steel and 1‑inch in wood; I treat these as occasional‑use capacities for miscellaneous tasks when you don’t want to swap tools.

For electricians, plumbers, HVAC, and facility maintenance, the DCH273 is well suited to rod hanging, clamp mounting, strut, and safety attachments. The lightweight build makes it a favorite for overhead use and on lifts where every pound matters.

What I’d change

No tool is perfect, and I’ve got a few notes:

• Impact energy ceiling: At 2.1 J, it’s not the right hammer for heavy chipping or large‑diameter, hard‑aggregate drilling. That’s the trade‑off for its light weight and compact size.
• Electronic anti‑rotation: I would like to see an electronic bind‑up detection feature. The tool is controllable, and a mechanical clutch is implied, but electronic e‑clutch would add a safety layer when a bit grabs.
• One‑battery kit: The kit includes a single 5.0Ah battery. For production work, I’d prefer a two‑battery bundle, though many users will already have spares in the DeWalt ecosystem.

These aren’t deal‑breakers given the tool’s intent, but they’re worth noting so you pick the right hammer for your workload.

Value and ecosystem

DeWalt’s inclusion of the POWERSTACK 5.0Ah pack is meaningful—this is a premium battery, not an entry‑level throw‑in. If you’re already on 20V MAX, the kit slots in neatly, and the charger/bag are compatible with what you likely own. If you’re platform‑agnostic, the decision comes down to whether you prioritize vibration damping and overhead ergonomics over raw impact energy; for me, the answer for a 1‑inch SDS‑Plus is yes.

Bottom line

The DCH273 doesn’t try to be a mini demolition hammer, and that’s exactly why it succeeds. It’s a nimble, low‑vibration rotary hammer that makes the daily grind of anchors and light chipping more comfortable and more controlled. The POWERSTACK battery match‑up provides strong, consistent power in a compact footprint, and with the on‑board extractor it’s an easy call for OSHA Table 1 compliance on jobsites that require it.

Recommendation

I recommend this DeWalt rotary hammer for trades pros and serious DIYers who spend most of their time drilling 3/16‑ to 1/2‑inch holes in concrete, working overhead, or needing an OSHA‑compliant compact setup with the on‑board extractor. You’ll appreciate its low vibration, balanced handling, and the consistent punch of the POWERSTACK battery. If your work leans toward heavy chipping or frequent 1‑inch‑plus penetrations, step up to a higher‑energy model. For the core tasks it was built to handle, the DCH273 is a reliable, comfortable, and efficient choice.