DeWalt 15 Amp Corded 2 in. SDS MAX Combination Rotary Hammer

I put this DeWalt SDS‑MAX rotary hammer to work on a mix of tasks that represent what most concrete crews ask of a big combi hammer: chipping trench lines in a 4-inch slab, drilling 1-1/2-inch anchor holes through old aggregate, and hand‑held coring for a 4-inch sleeve. It’s a serious tool for serious concrete, and it acted like it from the first squeeze of the trigger.

Power is the headline here. The motor and constant‑speed electronics keep rotations steady under load, and the hammering force (rated at 19.4 J EPTA) hits with authority. Under a systematic, step‑bit approach, I cleared 1-7/8-inch holes in cured concrete without bogging or the tool ramping down into a stall-y state. It’s the kind of performance that lets you focus on bit pressure and alignment instead of coaxing the machine to keep up. If your day includes drilling in rebar‑laden slab or block, this is the kind of hammer that turns frustrating jobs into routine ones.

The chipping side doesn’t disappoint either. With a wide chisel and the speed dial set mid‑range, I could feather up tiles and thinset without the tool “running away” from me. Dialed up, it had the mass and impact to break out a trench line quickly, with enough control to toe the edge of my chalk line without chasing cracks. Switching between rotation+hammer and hammer‑only is fast and positive; there’s no vague half‑engagement. If you regularly bounce between drilling and light demo, the changeover feels intuitive enough that you don’t have to think about it.

A few things help keep all that power manageable. DeWalt’s SHOCKS active vibration control does not make it dainty—that’s not possible in a 2-inch‑class SDS‑MAX—but it does take the sting out of long chipping sessions. I ran extended breaks with padded gloves and found forearm fatigue set in later than expected for a tool this strong. The anti‑rotation E‑CLUTCH is a big confidence builder. When a bit bound in a trash pocket near embedded mesh, the clutch kicked out immediately, the red indicator lit, and my wrists stayed intact. You’ll still want good stance and both hands on the tool, but the E‑CLUTCH turns a potential “yard sale” moment into a quick reset.

Ergonomically, the balance is better than the numbers suggest. At about 16 pounds, it’s not a featherweight, but the center of mass sits close to the grip, so horizontal and downward drilling feel planted rather than front‑heavy. Overhead is possible in short bursts with the right bit and care, but that’s not where this hammer shines—and DeWalt positions it for horizontal and downward work for good reason. The side handle locks down solidly and doesn’t creep, even when prying at awkward angles. The main trigger is progressive and predictable, and the separate speed control is useful for dialing down in brittle materials or when using wide chisels that can skate.

Bit changes are quick with the SDS‑MAX interface. The chuck action is positive and debris‑resistant, and I didn’t encounter sticking shanks even after extended chipping. Speaking of bits, the tool’s happy place is the optimum 7/8- to 1-7/8‑inch range for anchors and through‑holes. It will push larger bits, and it’s rated for coring up to 6 inches, but handheld coring at that size is its own discipline. For 3- and 4-inch handheld cores in block and green concrete, I had clean starts and controlled feed; in older, hard slab I’d still recommend a rig and water management if you’re going bigger or deeper. Either way, the constant‑speed electronics kept it from surging as it met aggregate and rebar.

Power delivery and jobsite practicality both benefit from the corded design. There’s no battery to sag under a sustained core or long chipping run, and the 15‑amp draw is right at the edge of what many circuits can offer. My advice: feed it from a 20‑amp circuit when possible and use a 12‑gauge extension cord if you need the extra reach. The built‑in 13‑foot cord is generous and covers most doorway‑to‑work distances without a lead, which is a small but real convenience.

Dust control is not built in, so plan your extraction strategy. With a shroud on the bit and a good vac, it stays OSHA‑friendly and keeps the jobsite cleaner. For coring, you’ll need to decide whether to run wet (best finish and speed) or dry (simpler clean‑up) depending on your environment. The tool doesn’t fight extraction; the speed control lets you find a sweet spot where the vac can keep up.

Durability and service cues seem well thought out. There’s a service indicator near the handle that never lit during my testing, and the tool’s build feels tight—no rattle in the selector, no slop in the chuck, and the housing handled dust and vibration without complaint. Being Tag Ready is a plus on sites where tool tracking matters; the recess is there to drop in a chip and tie it into your asset system. The included kit box is the right size to store the tool with a couple of long bits and a dust shroud, which keeps the setup tidy between jobs.

No tool is perfect, and a couple of realities are worth noting. First, it’s a lot of hammer for small‑diameter anchors in delicate materials—if your daily work lives in the 1/2- to 3/4‑inch world, a lighter SDS‑Plus or smaller SDS‑MAX may leave you less fatigued and faster hole‑to‑hole. Second, even with active vibration control, you’re still moving a 15‑amp class rotary hammer; plan for breaks and use proper PPE for long chipping sessions. Finally, price and weight both reflect its “big iron” intentions. If you only occasionally need this level of performance, you may not see the return compared to renting for those rare heavy days.

On the positive side of the ledger, the safety systems inspire trust. The E‑CLUTCH did its job every time I forced a bind to test it, and the engagement indicator is obvious. The controls are straightforward, the variable speed matters in real‑world materials, and the motor’s ability to hold pace under load is exactly what makes tough drilling predictable instead of punishing. The warranty support—3‑year limited, 1‑year free service, 90‑day satisfaction—adds a layer of reassurance for a tool that will see hard use.

Tips from the field:
- Let the hammer do the work. Pushing hard doesn’t speed things up; it just transmits more vibration to you.
- Use the right extension cord. A thick, short cord keeps voltage up and performance consistent.
- Start cores slowly. Use the variable speed to avoid skating and let the bit seat before ramping up.
- Match bits to the optimum range. The tool flies in its sweet spot and saves wear and tear.

Who is this for? Concrete contractors, MEP crews, and heavy remodelers who routinely drill large anchors, break trench lines, and occasionally core medium‑diameter holes will get their money’s worth. Facility teams that need a dependable, trackable rotary hammer for tough maintenance tasks will also appreciate the Tag Ready feature and the corded consistency.

Recommendation: I recommend this DeWalt SDS‑MAX rotary hammer for pros and serious users who need high impact energy, reliable speed under load, and strong safety features in a corded platform. It’s overkill for light anchor work and not ideal overhead, but in its element—horizontal and downward drilling and chipping in concrete and masonry—it’s fast, controlled, and confidence‑inspiring. If your workload includes regular heavy drilling or chipping, this tool earns its spot in the kit. If your needs are occasional and light, consider a smaller hammer or rental, but for daily heavy concrete work, this one delivers.