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

First impressions and setup

I put the DeWalt 20V rotary hammer to work the way I use any SDS‑Plus rotary hammer: anchor holes in cured concrete, overhead fasteners on a tilt-up, and some light chipping for cleanup and conduit runs. The kit lands with what you actually need—two 5Ah 20V packs, charger, side handle, depth rod, and a box that’ll survive the back of the truck. Out of the case, the bare tool is notably compact for a 1‑1/8 in. SDS‑Plus class, and the balance is right where it should be—just ahead of the trigger. Add a 5Ah pack and it still feels neutral enough for ceiling work without fighting the nose.

The control layout is straightforward: a rotating mode dial for drill / hammer drill / chip, and a comfortable D‑handle with a predictable variable‑speed trigger. The SDS‑Plus chuck locks bits positively with a clean snap; there’s no hunting for engagement. The 360° side handle is easy to place where you need leverage, and the depth rod stays put once you set it.

Power and drilling performance

Rated at 3.0 joules (EPTA) with up to 4,300 bpm and 1,165 rpm, this hammer lands squarely in the sweet spot for SDS‑Plus. In concrete that’s seen a few winters, it has the bite you want for the common range: 3/8 to 5/8 in. anchor holes. With a sharp 1/2 in. bit, hole speed is confidently quick; it doesn’t stall out at the end of the bore where some compact models can bog. On 5/8 and 3/4 in. holes for sleeve anchors, the tool maintains percussion energy well enough that you’re not leaning your full bodyweight into the handle to keep it moving.

Max capacity is 1‑1/8 in., but like most tools in this class the optimum range is 1/4 to 3/4 in. If your day is primarily 1 in. to 1‑1/8 in. bores in hard aggregate, you’ll get there—but I’d consider jumping to a heavier SDS‑Plus or even SDS‑Max for efficiency. For rebar doweling in the #3–#5 range and typical anchorage work, this tool feels correctly sized.

The brushless motor matters. Under sustained load, it holds speed and impact energy more consistently than older brushed models, especially noticeable when you’re running a string of identical holes and want uniform depth and finish. Trigger modulation is smooth enough to start cleanly without walking on slick surfaces; pair that with the included depth rod and your anchors hit the same stop every time.

Chipping and light demo

The rotation‑stop mode is effective for what I consider “reasonable” SDS‑Plus chiseling: knocking off high spots, popping small areas of tile, trimming around box cutouts, and cleaning up around anchors. The hammer mechanism brings enough authority that you don’t feel like you’re abusing the tool in chip mode, but it’s still a compact SDS‑Plus—the right tool for finesse, not for breaking up a slab. For chasing short channels or removing crusted thinset, it’s exactly what I want: controllable, not fatiguing, and with enough stroke to keep the chisel productive.

Vibration and ergonomics

DeWalt’s SHOCKS vibration control is more than a label here. Vibration at the handles is notably lower than many mid‑range SDS‑Plus hammers I’ve used. Over a few hours of overhead anchors, my hands were less buzzy than usual, and I wasn’t as beat up in the forearms at the end of the day. The D‑handle drives straight, the grip is secure without hot spots, and the side handle threads clamp solidly without loosening.

The weight is under 6 lb bare, and it remains manageable with a 5Ah pack. That balance matters when you’re drilling horizontal runs or spending time on a ladder; this tool doesn’t feel nose‑heavy or unwieldy.

Dust control and compliance

For occupied spaces or compliance jobs, pairing the tool with the DWH205DH onboard extractor makes a big difference. Setup is quick and the extractor tracks well across hole sizes in the optimal range. With that pairing, you can meet OSHA Table 1 without dragging a hose around, which is a practical upgrade in real‑world work. Expect a bit more front‑end weight with the extractor attached, but the system still balances well—credit to the D‑handle design.

If you rely on a shop vac instead, the dust port compatibility will depend on your accessory setup. Onboard is cleaner and faster for repetitive overhead anchors, and it’s nice to leave the hose at the floor.

Runtime and charging

Two 5Ah batteries are exactly what this class of tool needs. In intermittent site work—mark, set, drill, blow, set—the runtime per pack is long enough that I rarely found myself waiting on the charger. On more repetitive hole runs with larger bits, the second battery keeps you moving while the first tops up. The brushless motor helps stretch runtime; you can feel the tool staying efficient even as you push into denser aggregate.

I appreciate that the kit ships with 5Ah packs instead of 3Ah; the extra capacity makes a noticeable difference on a rotary hammer. And of course, the packs slot into the rest of the 20V MAX gear, which simplifies the kit bag.

Noise, heat, and durability

Noise is in line with the class: you’ll still want hearing protection for extended drilling, and eye protection is non‑negotiable. Heat management is good—after strings of 1/2 in. holes, the tool was warm but never alarming, and the chuck didn’t soften grease out the front. The overall build feels tight: no rattle in the mode dial detents, no flex in the handle, and no slop in the chuck after bit changes. The German‑engineered hammer mechanism reputation shows up as consistency—impact energy doesn’t feel like it fades during a longer session.

Controls and usability

• The mode selector is positive and easy to read at a glance; I never accidentally landed between settings.
• The variable‑speed trigger offers fine control for starting holes and driving at lower speed in brittle material.
• The included depth rod is simple and effective; it doesn’t creep during repetitive drilling.
• Bit changes are quick and positive. Keeping the chuck clean and lightly greased keeps the action snappy.

One small note: the tool’s LED isn’t a floodlight. It’s serviceable for close work but don’t expect it to replace a dedicated work light in dark mechanical rooms.

Where it fits in a kit

If your work is a mix of concrete anchors, rebar dowels up to #5, tap‑in anchors, and light chipping/cleanup, this is the right size and power. It’s more compact and easier to live with than heavier SDS‑Plus hammers and worlds more convenient than hauling extension cords. For trades running anchors all day (mechanical, electrical, concrete repair), it hits a strong balance of performance, runtime, and weight. If your day is dominated by 1 in.+ bores or heavy demolition, you’ll want to step up in class.

Shortcomings and wish list

• No complaints about power in the optimal range, but like all compact SDS‑Plus hammers, it’s not the most efficient choice for repeated 1 in.+ holes in very hard concrete.
• With the onboard extractor attached, sightlines around the bit can get busier; you trade a little visibility for compliance and cleanliness.
• The kit box is durable but not the most space‑efficient if you carry many accessories; a modular case option would be welcome.

These are nits more than deal‑breakers. The core drilling and chipping performance is where it should be.

Practical tips for best results

• Use high‑quality SDS‑Plus bits and keep them sharp; this tool rewards good tooling with faster holes and longer runtime.
• Let the hammer do the work—leaning excessively reduces efficiency and increases vibration.
• Set the depth rod and blow out holes properly; it’s faster than reworking anchors later.
• For overhead anchors in occupied spaces, budget for the DWH205DH extractor. It keeps your site cleaner and keeps you compliant.

Recommendation

I recommend this rotary hammer for pros and serious DIYers who need a reliable, cordless SDS‑Plus solution in the 1/4 to 3/4 in. hole range with occasional forays into 1 in. territory and light chiseling. It delivers strong impact energy for its size, excellent ergonomics, lower‑than‑average vibration, and genuinely useful runtime with the included 5Ah batteries. Pair it with the onboard extractor and you have a clean, compliant package that’s easy to carry and use all day. If your workload skews to larger holes or heavy demolition, step up in class; otherwise, this is a balanced, capable tool that earns a permanent spot in the kit.