DeWalt 1-3/8" x 18" x 22" SDS-Max High Impact Quad Drill Bit

A big-hole specialist that feels purpose-built

Big holes in concrete expose the difference between a good SDS‑Max bit and a great one. I ran this DeWalt SDS‑Max quad bit through a mix of tasks—sleeves for 1‑inch conduit, post‑installed anchors, and a few pass‑throughs in CMU—and it consistently punched above its weight. At 1‑3/8 inches in diameter with an 18‑inch working depth, it’s a serious piece of gear meant for serious rotary hammers. What stood out wasn’t just raw speed, but how controlled and predictable the bit felt once it was buried in concrete.

Setup and compatibility

The SDS‑Max shank locked in snugly to a mid‑size SDS‑Max rotary hammer with zero slop. Engagement was positive, and I didn’t experience any shank chatter or telltale fretting that sometimes shows up with cheaper bits. If you’re coming from SDS‑Plus territory, this is not a cross‑compatible setup—make sure your hammer is truly SDS‑Max and has the amperage and impact energy to turn a 1‑3/8‑inch bit. For most users, that means a 1‑9/16‑inch class SDS‑Max hammer or bigger.

The bit arrives bare (no case), which is typical at this size. I’d advise keeping the protective tip cap or a section of hose over the carbide crown when not in use—one hard drop can chip the cutting edges.

Design and build

This is a four‑cutter head with an open‑head geometry, and that design choice drives nearly all of its behavior. The quad‑cutter layout increases the carbide’s contact surface and spreads impact load, which in practice meant fewer stalls and a cleaner, rounder hole than two‑cutter bits at this diameter. The carbide is large and well‑seated; after multiple holes in cured slab, the cutting edges still presented sharply with only light polishing, no craters.

The flutes use an elongated helix that’s deep without being paper‑thin. Chip evacuation is the silent killer at this size; pack the flutes and you generate heat, wear the crowns, and risk binding. Here, the flutes carried spoil out efficiently, especially in dryer concrete. DeWalt’s hardened core seems to do its job too. The bit doesn’t feel whippy at full extension—there’s a reassuring stiffness when you’re 12–16 inches in.

Weight is reasonable for a 22‑inch overall length (about 1.24 pounds). It’s manageable to run horizontally for penetrations without feeling like it wants to sag or steer.

Drilling performance

In 4,000‑psi cured concrete, I saw steady, predictable progress. The bit likes a moderate feed with consistent hammering; push too hard and you’ll hear the hammer slow and the flutes heat up, but back the pressure off and it self‑feeds nicely. Compared with similar premium quad‑cutter bits, the pace is right in the same lane. Where it separates is in how it maintains that pace deep in the hole. Even past 12 inches, I didn’t have to feather the trigger to keep it from packing.

In CMU and grout‑filled block, it was almost effortless. The quad crown holds center well, so starting on slightly uneven block faces didn’t require a pilot divot. For precise layout on slab, I still prefer to open with a smaller pilot (say, 3/8 to 1/2 inch) for an exact start, then step up to the full diameter—old habit that pays off when hole position matters.

I did encounter light mesh in one penetration; the bit didn’t snag or hook aggressively. As always, if you expect heavy rebar, plan the hole or switch strategies—this is a concrete bit, not a steel cutter—but incidental contact at modest pressure wasn’t catastrophic.

Dust and chip evacuation

The open‑head geometry is more than a buzz phrase. It channels fines into the flutes instead of letting them churn at the tip. Using a dust extractor with a shroud, I could keep visibility good and maintain cutting efficiency. Without extraction, the bit still cleared chips effectively if I pulsed the trigger and withdrew the bit two or three times during deep holes. That habit keeps temperatures down and extends carbide life.

If you work under silica dust rules, pairing this bit with an appropriate vac setup makes compliance a lot easier. The open head and elongated flutes give the extractor a fighting chance to catch what’s coming out.

Accuracy and hole quality

Roundness and diameter held true. The hole walls looked evenly pecked with minimal ridging, and the bottom was flatter than I typically see with two‑cutter designs. That matters if you’re setting expansion anchors where bottoming depth is critical or using adhesive anchors that benefit from consistent sidewall texture. Blow‑outs at breakout were minimal when exiting through block; in slab, the hole shoulders were clean with no flaking around the entry.

Start‑up wander was low. On slick or troweled surfaces, I scribe a shallow cross or use a template—good practice with any large bit—but even freehand, the bit tracked straight once the crown seated.

Durability and longevity

Large‑diameter carbide takes a beating. After several holes in cured concrete and a handful through block, the cutting edges still showed clean margins. I watch for micro‑chipping along the leading edges as an early warning; I didn’t see meaningful chipping here. Heat discoloration on the flutes was also absent, which I credit to the evacuation design and periodic clearing. The hardened core helps resist torsional twist when the bit binds; I had one minor bind when encountering a pebble aggregate at depth, and the bit shrugged it off without visible corkscrewing.

As always, abuse will shorten life. If you find yourself leaning on the tool to force progress, you’re either dull, off‑speed, or packed—back off, clear the flutes, and let the hammer do the work.

Ergonomics and vibration

Vibration felt controlled for this size. The hammer’s anti‑vibration system does the heavy lifting, but bit geometry matters too. The quad head spreads the impact, translating to a less “choppy” feel and better control at the shoulders of the hole. That lowers user fatigue on long runs, particularly overhead.

Best uses and limitations

Where this bit shines:
- Deep holes in cured concrete where flute efficiency matters
- Larger‑diameter anchor holes and pass‑throughs for conduit and pipe sleeves
- Work that benefits from low wander and round, clean holes

Limitations to note:
- Not a rebar cutter; plan around heavy steel or switch to core drilling if that’s the day’s work
- Requires a true SDS‑Max hammer—don’t try to cheat with adapters
- No case included, so protect the crown in transport

Value

Premium SDS‑Max bits are an investment, and this one sits in that premium tier. The performance, hole quality, and longevity justify the spend if large holes are part of your normal workload. If you only need one or two big holes a year, renting a core rig or hiring out might pencil better. For regular users—concrete, MEP, and structural crews—the durability and predictable performance make the math easier.

Tips for best results

• Let the hammer work: apply steady, moderate pressure; if RPM or blows drop, you’re pushing too hard.
• Clear at depth: every 2–4 inches, feather out, evacuate chips, then continue.
• Use dust extraction: it keeps the bit cooler and extends carbide life while controlling silica.
• Mark depth: tape or a stop collar prevents over‑drilling and blow‑outs.
• PPE matters: safety glasses, hearing protection, and gloves are baseline for this work.

Recommendation

I recommend this DeWalt SDS‑Max quad bit for anyone who regularly drills large, deep holes in concrete or masonry with an SDS‑Max rotary hammer. It combines a stout, low‑wander four‑cutter head with excellent chip evacuation and a stiff core, delivering clean, round holes with less fuss and fewer stalls. The bit held its edge through multiple demanding holes, felt controlled at depth, and paired well with dust extraction. If your work involves frequent 1‑3/8‑inch penetrations, this bit earns its keep; it’s a reliable, predictable performer that helps you finish big‑hole tasks efficiently and with confidence.