DeWalt 20V MAX SDS Plus 1-1/8 in. Brushless D-Handle Rotary Hammer

First impressions

I brought the DCH263 onto a mixed bag of jobs—drop-in anchors overhead, tapcon pre-drilling in block, and light chipping to chase some conduit—because it sits right in that sweet spot of SDS‑Plus 1-1/8-inch capacity without being a boat anchor. It feels like a proper mid-size rotary hammer: enough punch to be productive in concrete, yet compact and balanced enough to run all day without wrecking your shoulders.

Out of the box, it’s straightforward: tool-only, 360° side handle, and a depth rod. I ran it primarily with a 5.0Ah 20V Max pack. The layout is familiar if you’ve used DeWalt rotary hammers before—D-handle grip, top-mounted mode selector, SDS‑Plus chuck, and DeWalt’s SHOCKS Active Vibration Control in the handle.

Design and ergonomics

At 5.95 lb bare (2.7 kg) and about 17 inches long, the DCH263 is lighter than the old-school corded equivalents I started with, and it carries its weight well. The balance is slightly nose-forward (as expected) with a drill bit and even more so with an on-board dust extractor, but the 360° side handle provides plenty of leverage. The D-handle shape lets you get your arm behind the tool for controlled, straight holes—especially in overhead and horizontal work.

The grip surfaces are well done—no hotspots or aggressive molding—and the trigger is smooth enough to feather in tight starts. DeWalt’s LED worklight is bright and actually useful for aligning marks in dim basements and above-ceiling runs. The depth rod is quick to set and resists slipping. I’d call the mode dial positive and easy to read; it clicks cleanly into drill, hammer drill, and chip.

Power and drilling performance

The headline number here is 3.0 joules of impact energy, and it shows. The tool’s optimum drilling range is 1/4 to 3/4 inch, and that’s where it’s most efficient. With a sharp 3/8-inch SDS‑Plus bit, it chews through cured slab fast and keeps a consistent pace, even when you encounter aggregate. Stepping up to 5/8 and 3/4 inch, the hammer keeps its rhythm and doesn’t bog, provided you let the tool do the work. It’s rated up to 1-1/8 inch, but I reserve that for occasional holes or softer block; if you’re living in 1-inch-and-up daily, you’re in SDS‑Max territory anyway.

No-load speed tops out at 1,165 RPM with a 4,300 BPM impact rate. In practice, the motor’s brushless profile gives you a steady, predictable bite into concrete and block. On one job I had to open up a misaligned sleeve; the DCH263 maintained percussion authority without that hollow “bouncing” you sometimes get with underpowered hammers.

Chipping and control

Rotation stop (hammer-only) mode is legitimately useful for light chiseling—chasing cracks for patching, knocking down small high spots, or removing the occasional bit of tile or stucco. The tool has enough mass to keep the chisel planted without skipping, but it’s not a demolition hammer, and you shouldn’t expect it to peel off large quantities of material quickly. For trim-out and corrections, it’s right on the money.

The factory-set clutch deserves credit. I intentionally walked a few holes into rebar to see how abrupt the reaction would be. The clutch slipped quickly and predictably—no wrist-wrenching spikes—letting me back out and reset. That matters in overhead and ladder work where a jam can get sketchy fast.

Vibration and comfort

DeWalt’s SHOCKS system works. Compared to similar SDS‑Plus hammers without active damping, the handle feels calmer, especially with repetitive anchor patterns. That reduction translates into less fatigue by the end of the day. You’ll still feel it—this is a rotary hammer—but it’s a noticeable step down in buzz.

Overhead work remains work. With a 5.0Ah battery installed, you’re north of 7 pounds in hand. The tool’s length makes plumbing holes easy, but your shoulders will remind you that gravity is undefeated. For overhead anchors, I found it manageable for long stretches, and the balanced D-handle helps distribute load.

Dust management and compliance

Paired with DeWalt’s DWH205DH on‑board extractor, the DCH263 can be used in an OSHA Table 1 compliant setup. The on-board unit integrates cleanly and doesn’t nose the tool over as much as some external hoses do. Capture is solid on typical 1/4- to 5/8-inch anchors; you still need to seat the shroud fully for best performance. With the extractor attached, visibility is slightly reduced, but the LED still helps. If your jobs require compliance or you simply want cleaner holes and less cleanup, the system works as advertised.

Runtime and batteries

Brushless efficiency pays off here. With a 5.0Ah pack, I was able to tackle a day’s worth of intermittent anchor drilling (think dozens of 3/8 x 2-1/2 inch holes in poured concrete) without hunting a charger midday. Continuous heavy drilling or chipping will pull down a pack faster, as expected. If you’re routinely in the 5/8- to 3/4-inch range or running the dust extractor, budget for a couple of batteries or step up in capacity. The tool’s variable speed control lets you keep heat in check and preserve runtime by not overspinning.

Build quality and maintenance

Fit and finish are what I expect from this line: tight battery interface, robust housing, and a chuck that locks bits in with a confident snap. I did see the usual light grease weep at the chuck after extended sessions—that’s common to SDS hammers and not a defect. Wipe the nose periodically and keep SDS‑Plus shanks lightly greased to minimize wear. The vents stayed clear, and the motor never emitted that burnt-epoxy smell that signals trouble.

The included side handle locks down firmly and doesn’t rotate under load. The depth gauge stayed put and didn’t drift after repeated cycles. The LED and electronics never flickered, even under aggressive percussion.

DeWalt backs the tool with a 3‑year limited warranty, 1‑year free service, and 90‑day satisfaction guarantee. It’s a tool‑only purchase—no battery or charger in the box—so factor that into your budget if you’re not already on the platform.

Usability details I appreciated

• The trigger modulation is smooth, making it easy to start holes precisely without walking.
• The mode selector is glove-friendly and doesn’t require a second hand to move.
• The tool length gives you line-of-sight to your mark without crouching awkwardly against the wall.
• The LED is positioned well enough to matter, not as an afterthought.

Limitations and trade-offs

• Weight is appropriate for the class, but overhead use will still test your endurance, especially with a larger battery or dust extractor attached.
• Chipping is “light-duty” by design. For heavy demo, you’ll want an SDS‑Max.
• It’s easy to get spoiled by productivity and push the bit; resist that urge. Let the hammer do the work to avoid premature bit wear and heat buildup.
• Tool-only purchase means additional cost if you aren’t already on 20V Max.

Who it’s for

If you install anchors, run mechanicals in concrete and block, or routinely need a cordless SDS‑Plus that can handle 1/4- to 3/4-inch holes efficiently, this is right in your lane. It’s also a strong fit for facility maintenance teams and remodelers who value mobility and Table 1-compatible dust control without dragging a cord. If your day-to-day lives in 1-inch holes and heavy chiseling, step up to a larger platform.

Recommendation

I recommend the DCH263. It combines real SDS‑Plus performance (3.0 J) with excellent ergonomics, low vibration, and practical runtime in a well-built package. The clutch behavior inspires confidence, the dust extractor compatibility helps you stay compliant, and the overall balance makes it a legitimate all-day tool for anchors and light chipping. The trade-offs—tool-only purchase and the inherent weight of the category—are easy to accept given the productivity and comfort the tool delivers. For concrete drilling and light chipping on a cordless platform, it’s a dependable, capable choice that earns its spot in the kit.