DeWalt 1-3/4 IN. SDS Max Combination Rotary Hammer Kit

Why I reached for this rotary hammer

On jobs where I’m bouncing between serial anchor drilling, some light chipping, and the occasional dry core, I want a tool that doesn’t bog down or beat me up. The mid-weight DeWalt SDS‑Max checked enough boxes on paper—10.5 J of impact energy, electronic clutch, and active vibration damping—that I took it onto a mix of slab and wall work to see if it actually earns a spot in the truck.

Build, size, and the kind of power you can lean on

At 27.7 lb and running on a 14 A motor, this is squarely a mid-weight SDS‑Max rotary hammer. It’s rated at 10.5 J (7.7 ft-lb) of blow energy, 375 RPM no-load, and up to 2,900 BPM. Numbers aside, the practical story is that it hits hard without feeling unruly. In concrete that normally makes lesser hammers feel mushy, this one stays crisp. The constant-speed electronics are doing real work here—when you load the bit and push, the motor doesn’t audibly sag, which keeps hole quality and speed consistent.

The SDS‑Max interface locks bits in with the usual confidence, and the overall housing feels ready for jobsite abuse. The kit case is robust enough for transport and stacking. I also appreciate that it’s Tag Ready; if you’re running a fleet and use DeWalt’s Tool Connect tags, being able to track location and check-in/out is handy.

Controls and safety features that matter

• The 7-position speed dial lets you tailor impact rate and speed, which pays off when you’re starting larger bits, working near edges, or doing delicate chipping on block.
• The E‑CLUTCH is worth calling out. When a bit binds—and they will—it cuts rotation fast. I had one ugly snag drilling across a rebar seam, and the tool shut down quickly enough that my wrist didn’t take a hit.
• SHOCKS Active Vibration Control lives in the handles and does a decent job of cutting the high-frequency buzz that wears you down. It’s not the most isolated hammer I’ve used in this class, but it’s effective enough to keep you comfortable across a long run of holes.

Mode switching is straightforward: rotary hammer for drilling and a chipping mode for demolition/bushing. The selector is positive and didn’t drift under vibration.

Real-world drilling performance

For typical anchor work (5/8 to 1-1/4 in), this DeWalt is well matched. I ran sequences of 1 in and 1-1/8 in holes in cured slab and deck, and it chewed through quickly without me needing to “ride” the tool. The balance helps: its center of mass sits in a way that makes horizontal drilling more stable than you might expect from the weight number. On walls, it still feels planted; over-your-head work is doable for short bursts, but this is not an all-day overhead machine.

Where this tool separates itself from lighter SDS‑Max hammers is in how confidently it maintains percussion under load. With larger bits, it keeps the blows coming as long as you keep your feed rate reasonable. That consistent speed control is the difference between a hole that cuts cleanly versus one that chatters and burns the bit.

Chipping and bushing

Chipping mode is more than an afterthought here. It’s not a demolition hammer, but for knocking off high spots, chasing for small conduit runs, or popping tile and thinset, the hit feels controlled. The 7-position speed dial is useful; I set it lower for block and brick to avoid over-breaking around the work area.

Coring capability up to 4 inches

Dry coring up to 4 in is within the spec, and it’s a realistic use case if you set the tool up correctly. I ran a 3-1/2 in dry core through CMU and a composite deck; keeping the speed mid-range and letting the tool’s percussion do the work delivered predictable progress. You’ll want a good dust shroud and a capable extractor—dry coring loads up quickly without proper dust management. For frequent, deep 4 in cores in high-strength concrete, a dedicated core drill still makes more sense, but for occasional penetrations this hammer holds its own.

Vibration, comfort, and the handle story

The SHOCKS system reduces the fatigue you’d normally expect at this weight. After long runs of anchors, my hands felt better than they do with older corded hammers without isolation. That said, there’s room to improve. Some competitors damp a touch better in the same power class, especially during extended chipping.

The side handle is sturdy with good traction, and it rotates for positioning, but it’s physically large. In tight corners or near columns, that bulk can get in the way, especially at odd drilling angles. I found myself repositioning it more than usual, and a slimmer profile would help.

The rear D-handle shape is comfortable, and the trigger/safety arrangement is intuitive. However, the 8 ft cord is on the short side for real sites—I was on an extension cord almost always. A 10–12 ft lead would reduce the number of times the plug becomes the limiting factor in reach.

Dust and PPE realities

This is a loud, forceful rotary hammer. Hearing protection is non-negotiable, and so is eye protection. For serial drilling, a shroud paired with a dust extractor keeps holes clean and the bit cutting efficiently. Dry coring in particular demands strong dust collection to keep the core segments cutting and the motor from working harder than it needs to.

Reliability, maintenance, and warranty

I never tripped thermal protection or noticed a hot smell, even after continuous drilling sessions. The gearbox feels tight and the SDS‑Max chuck engages and releases smoothly. Keep bits properly greased and blow out the vents at the end of the day and you’ll be fine. DeWalt backs it with a 3-year limited warranty, 1 year of free service, and a 90-day satisfaction guarantee, which is appropriate for a tool in this class.

Who this hammer suits best

• Concrete and MEP crews doing horizontal serial drilling in the 5/8–1-1/4 in range
• Contractors who need a single corded SDS‑Max to cover anchors, chipping, and occasional 3–4 in dry cores
• Shops or fleets that benefit from Tag Ready tracking and a durable case for transport

If your work is mostly 3/8–1/2 in anchors or frequent overhead tasks, a lighter SDS‑Plus or a compact SDS‑Max will be kinder to your shoulders. If you core 4 in holes all day, a dedicated core rig still wins.

Pros

• Strong 10.5 J impact energy with constant-speed electronics that hold pace under load
• E‑CLUTCH reacts quickly to binds and helps protect your wrist
• Useful 7-position speed dial for dialing in hole starts and chipping control
• SHOCKS vibration control reduces fatigue compared to non-isolated designs
• Tag Ready for fleet tracking; sturdy case included

Cons

• Heavy for extended overhead work; best suited to horizontal drilling
• Side handle is bulky and can interfere in tight or awkward angles
• Vibration control is good but not class-leading in this segment
• 8 ft cord feels short on real jobsites

Recommendation

I recommend this DeWalt rotary hammer for crews who need a dependable mid-weight SDS‑Max that can anchor all day, chip with control, and handle occasional dry coring up to 4 inches. Its power delivery is consistent, the E‑CLUTCH adds meaningful safety, and the speed dial makes it versatile across materials and tasks. While the side handle’s bulk and the short cord are annoyances, they don’t outweigh the overall performance and value. If your priority is horizontal serial drilling in the 5/8 to 1-1/4 inch range with the versatility to chip and core when needed, this tool fits the role well.