DeWalt 1-1/8 in. SDS Plus Rotary Hammer Kit

A few weeks on concrete with DeWalt’s SDS‑Plus rotary hammer

I spent the past few weeks running DeWalt’s SDS‑Plus rotary hammer through anchor layouts, retrofit work, and a small slab demo. It slots into that mid‑size corded class: light enough for daily anchoring, strong enough to push larger SDS‑Plus bits, and simple to live with. After a lot of holes and a fair bit of dust, it’s clear where this tool excels—and where it asks for a bit of compromise.

Power and drilling performance

At 3.5 J impact energy and an 8.5‑amp motor, this hammer sits on the upper end of the SDS‑Plus segment. In real use, that translated to quick work on typical anchor sizes:

• 3/8 in. x 2-1/2 in. holes in cured slab went fast and uniform, with clean breakout and minimal wandering.
• 1/2 in. and 5/8 in. holes for wedge anchors felt like the tool’s sweet spot—strong pace without beating you up.
• 3/4 in. to 7/8 in. holes are within scope, but you start to feel the mass and energy at the handles, and progress depends heavily on aggregate and bit quality.

I also pushed some larger dry-core work in brick as a check. With the right adapter and a gentle hand, the motor will turn small masonry cores, but this isn’t what I’d reach for on large cores regularly. As with any SDS‑Plus, it shines when you stay within the platform’s intended envelope: repetitive small to mid‑diameter holes, light chipping, and precision anchoring.

The variable‑speed trigger is responsive and ramps predictably, and the dedicated speed dial helps tame the start in brittle masonry and tile. No‑load speed tops out around 1000 RPM; under load it holds speed well and feels a touch stronger than some peers in the same amperage class.

The factory‑set clutch is calibrated well. I hit rebar twice on a retrofit layout and the clutch tripped smoothly without the violent wrist snap that can sour your day. Recovery was quick: back out, shift the hole slightly, and carry on.

Ergonomics and vibration

At 8.1 lb, this is not a featherweight. On a wall at chest height, the balance is fine—the L‑shape motor layout keeps your wrist straight and the side handle locks down solidly. Overhead, you’ll notice the mass after a dozen holes. That’s the tradeoff for the impact energy on tap, and it’s typical of this class. If you’re doing lots of overhead anchors, a lighter SDS‑Plus or a compact cordless might be kinder to your shoulders.

DeWalt’s SHOCKS Active Vibration Control does good work here. Compared with older corded hammers, the tingling in my fingers and forearms after long runs is noticeably reduced. It’s not magic—extended sessions will still leave you fatigued—but the vibration at the handles is well managed for a 3.5 J hammer.

Noise is what you’d expect. The tool registers around 93 dB(A) at the operator position. It’s hearing protection territory, especially in echo‑prone spaces like parking structures and mechanical rooms.

Dust extraction and safety

Paired with a compatible DeWalt extractor, the on‑tool shroud and vacuum setup meet OSHA Table 1 requirements. I ran it with a HEPA dust extractor through an adapter and was impressed with capture on 3/8 in. to 5/8 in. holes. It cut cleanup time and kept visibility high when drilling overhead. If your job requires compliance or you simply like breathing easier, plan on budgeting for the extractor—the hammer is designed to play well in that system.

The clutch, as noted, is confidence‑inspiring. The side handle has enough texture and a positive locking ring to hold its position under torque. I had one mild bind‑up in a rough, aggregate‑rich pour and the tool kept its composure.

Controls and features

• SDS‑Plus chuck: Engages bits crisply with minimal play. Bits seat and release reliably, and the nose accepts standard SDS‑Plus shanks without fuss.
• Variable‑speed trigger and dial: The trigger alone gives you good modulation; the dial is handy for setting a ceiling when you’re drilling delicate block or when you want consistent starts for a series of anchors.
• Mode selector: The selector is positive and easy to swap with gloves. Hammer drilling is what I used most, and rotation‑only was smooth for pilot starts and through‑drilling tile before engaging percussion.

Cord length is about 8 ft. It’s workable on a bench or scissor lift, but on a slab or when moving between bays, plan on an extension. Strain relief at the rear of the tool is robust.

Build quality and durability

The tool feels every bit a jobsite product—tight casing, minimal flex in the handle, and a geartrain that doesn’t rattle. The “German‑engineered hammer mechanism” line reads like marketing, but the percussion is consistent and the blow cadence stays steady under load.

I did encounter two practical considerations in rough conditions:

• Trigger and moisture: In wet, muddy environments, the trigger feel got gummy once. After a blow‑out with dry air and time to dry, it returned to normal. I’d avoid leaving it face‑down on damp ground and would stow it when rain moves in. The switch sealing is good, not invincible.
• Chuck lubrication: SDS‑Plus systems expect periodic grease on the bit shank and a light touch of compatible grease in the nose. After a lot of dusty drilling, re‑greasing restored that crisp bit action and reduced heat. If you’re coming from cordless kits that you haven’t maintained much, plan on making grease a habit with this one.

Overall, after weeks of work the tool has held tolerances, and the gearbox still sounds tight—no grinding, no developing play in the chuck.

The kit includes the hammer and a case. No bits. The warranty coverage is solid: 3‑year limited, 1‑year free service, and a 90‑day satisfaction period.

Maintenance and day‑to‑day use

• Grease the bit shank lightly every change or two, and wipe the nose clean to keep grit from packing in.
• Blow out the vents at the end of the day. This helps keep fine dust from settling around the switch and electronics.
• Inspect the cord; the 8‑ft lead is durable, but jobsite cords take a beating. A short pigtail, frequent coiling, and heavy use are a recipe for jacket damage.
• Store it dry. If it gets wet, let it fully dry before the next session to keep the trigger action smooth.

These small habits keep the hammer feeling “new” longer and reduce the chances of sticky controls.

Where it fits

If your work is:

• Repetitive anchors from 3/16 in. up through 5/8 in.
• Occasional larger holes to 7/8 in. in concrete or block
• Light chipping or spot demolition
• Shop or site work where power is available and consistent

this corded DeWalt makes a lot of sense. It offers steady power, no battery management, and a performance level that hangs with or beats many peers in the same footprint. For all‑day overhead drilling, a lighter tool would be less fatiguing. For frequent cores beyond SDS‑Plus territory, step up to SDS‑Max.

The bottom line

DeWalt’s SDS‑Plus rotary hammer is a strong performer in the mid‑size corded class. It drills fast in the sizes that matter for anchoring, the clutch and vibration control are well‑tuned, and it integrates cleanly with dust extraction for compliant, cleaner work. It’s heavier than ideal overhead, the cord can feel short in open spaces, and the trigger prefers to live dry. But with basic maintenance—especially keeping the chuck greased and the switch clean—it’s a dependable daily driver.

Recommendation: I recommend this tool for pros and serious DIYers who need a corded, mid‑weight SDS‑Plus hammer primarily for anchors and general concrete drilling. You get high, consistent impact energy, very usable vibration control, and a durable build backed by a solid warranty. If your work is mostly overhead or you routinely run bits at the top end of SDS‑Plus, consider a lighter hammer or move up in class; otherwise, this is a balanced, capable choice that should serve well on site.