DeWalt 20V MAX XR Brushless Cordless 1 in SDS Plus L-Shape Rotary Hammer Kit

By mid-morning on a retrofit job, my shoulder usually reminds me why I prefer compact L‑shape rotary hammers. This DeWalt 20V rotary hammer has become my go-to for anchor holes, rod hanging, and light chipping because it strikes a practical balance: real SDS‑Plus performance without the bulk or fatigue of heavier corded units.

Design, balance, and build

The L‑shape layout keeps the motor behind the hammer mechanism, so the mass sits close to your wrist. With a 5.0 Ah pack installed, the tool weighs about 6.8 lb. That’s light enough for extended overhead work yet substantial enough to stay planted on the bit. The rubber overmold, 360° side handle, and a well-placed mode selector (Drill / Hammer Drill / Chip) make it intuitive to use with gloves. The kit’s adjustable hook is more useful than it sounds—clipping the tool to strut or ladder rungs between holes is a small but meaningful time saver.

Fit and finish are what I expect from DeWalt’s XR line: tight housing tolerances, a positive click at the mode selector, and a chuck that locks bits securely with minimal play. The SDS‑Plus nose is the right call for the intended work; it accepts 1 in bits, but the tool’s sweet spot is clearly anchors and through‑holes in the 5/32–1/2 in range.

Performance in concrete

On cured slab and stem walls, the hammering mechanism delivers 2.1 joules (EPTA) with up to 4,600 bpm and 1,100 rpm. In practical terms, that’s more than enough for 3/16–3/8 in holes for Tapcons and wedge anchors, even in dense, aggregate-rich concrete. The tool maintains momentum when the bit meets harder pockets, and it doesn’t bog unless you push dull consumables or oversize the bit beyond SDS‑Plus comfort. It will spin larger bits up to the stated 1 in capacity, but those passes feel like asking a compact truck to tow a trailer—it can do it, just not all day.

What impressed me most is consistency. In a sequence of overhead 3/8 in anchor holes, the hammer kept a steady cadence without the pitchy laboring sound you often hear from brushed motors. The brushless drive and German‑engineered mechanism seem tuned to keep percussive energy up while protecting the gearbox.

Chip mode is handy for light chiseling—popping off small tiles, trimming around box-outs, or chasing shallow channels. If you routinely strip floors or break up thick mortar beds, you’ll want a heavier SDS‑Plus or SDS‑Max machine. For jobsite “touch-ups,” this one is right in its lane.

Vibration, control, and safety

Vibration control is excellent. DeWalt’s SHOCKS system brings the hand/arm vibration down to a rated 1.5 m/s² in hammer drilling. In practice, that means your hands don’t buzz for an hour after running a dozen overhead holes. The decoupled handle feels compliant without being squishy, so you keep a solid line on the bit.

The factory-set clutch deserves a nod. Catch rebar mid‑hole and you’ll feel the tool hand off that torque spike quietly; there’s no violent wrist snap, just a muted slip and a chance to reposition. It’s not a headline feature until it saves your wrist on a ladder.

Sound pressure is listed at 86 dB(A). It’s still power‑tool loud, but noticeably friendlier indoors than many corded SDS‑Plus hammers. Ear protection remains a must; the lower sound signature simply makes conversations on site easier.

Dust control and OSHA compliance

Pairing the tool with DeWalt’s compatible on-board dust extractor transforms how cleanly you can work. With the extractor attached and the proper bit/shroud, you can meet OSHA Table 1 requirements for most routine anchors. The unit remains well-balanced with the extractor installed, though it does add some front-end bulk. For ceiling work above your head, that trade-off is well worth it—less mess, fewer callbacks, and better airflow in occupied spaces.

Batteries, runtime, and the kit

This kit includes two 5.0 Ah XR packs and a charger. With a fresh 5.0 Ah battery, I can typically handle a morning’s worth of anchor holes in mixed concrete without swapping packs. Runtime obviously depends on bit size and material; what matters is that the brushless motor sips rather than gulps, and the second battery keeps the tool in service while the first pack charges. The included case, depth rod, side handle, and hook round out a package that’s job-ready out of the box.

If you’re invested in DeWalt’s 20V platform, the ecosystem benefits are obvious. If you’re not, the kit stands on its own—two batteries at this capacity make sense for a rotary hammer that will see frequent use.

Controls and day-to-day usability

The mode selector is clear and positive. Switching from hammer drill to chip is quick, and the detents feel deliberate. The depth rod stays put and is easy to read, which is more than I can say for some competing setups. The SDS‑Plus chuck engages bits cleanly; a light twist while inserting helps ensure the balls seat completely, and the release collar has good spring tension.

A small note: in cold weather, the selector stiffens slightly until the tool warms up—nothing unusual for a grease‑packed mechanism. Also, like any SDS‑Plus, keep the shanks clean and lightly greased; it improves energy transfer and reduces the chance of a bit hanging up on removal.

Reliability and service experience

Overall durability has been solid, but I’ll be candid about two issues I’ve seen. On one job, after a quick run of consecutive holes, the hammering action paused while the motor continued to spin, as if the mechanism had momentarily decoupled. Power cycling and a brief cool-down brought it back, and the tool finished the day without a repeat. Later in the year, I had a single instance of a premium SDS‑Plus bit sticking in the chuck; it released with patience and a firm pull on the collar, but it underscored the importance of maintaining clean, lightly lubricated shanks.

If you do encounter a more serious failure, DeWalt’s 3‑year limited warranty and service network are the safety net. Turnaround and service-center proximity vary by region; plan accordingly if your schedule can’t absorb downtime. That’s not unique to this brand, but it’s worth factoring into a fleet decision.

Where it fits—and where it doesn’t

This rotary hammer is built for:

• Electricians and low-voltage installers anchoring strut, clamps, and boxes
• HVAC and plumbing trades mounting hangers and seismic bracing
• Remodelers setting Tapcons, drilling for sleeve anchors, and doing light chiseling
• Facility crews who need a compact, low‑vibration hammer for quick tasks across a campus

It’s not the right pick if your day is 1 in holes in hard concrete or demolition-heavy chipping—there you’ll want a higher‑energy SDS‑Plus or jump to SDS‑Max. Think of this as the daily driver for small to mid-size holes, not the weekend tow rig.

The bottom line and recommendation

The DCH273 earns its keep through comfort, balance, and dependable performance in the sizes most of us drill every day. The 2.1 J mechanism, low vibration, and clutch make it genuinely pleasant to use, especially overhead. Add dust-extractor compatibility and a two‑battery kit, and you have a cordless hammer that can carry a job from layout to last anchor without reaching for a cord.

I recommend this tool for pros and serious DIYers who prioritize ergonomics and workflow over raw, all-day demolition power. It shines in the anchor-hole sweet spot, keeps fatigue down, and integrates cleanly into a 20V kit. My caveats are straightforward: respect its optimum drilling range, maintain your SDS‑Plus bits, and be aware that service-center access can affect downtime if you do need warranty work. If those conditions fit your work, this rotary hammer is an easy yes.