DeWalt 27 LB SDS MAX Inline Chipping Hammer

A week of chasing channels in CMU and trimming slab edges is a good way to learn a chipping hammer’s personality. I put the DeWalt inline chipping hammer through tile demo, curb removal, and wall chasing, pairing it with SDS‑Max chisels and a dust extractor when space allowed. It’s a purpose-built, horizontal-and-downward machine—powerful, controlled, and efficient when matched to the right tasks.

Setup and first impressions

Out of the case, the tool feels substantial without being unwieldy. At about 28 lb with a long, inline body (roughly 30 inches), it’s clearly designed to be braced into the work rather than swung. The SDS‑Max chuck snaps bits in and out positively. I gave each bit a light coat of SDS grease, clicked it home, and was ready to go. There’s no speed dial to fuss with; it runs at a fixed rate up to 1,620 BPM, which simplifies operation and keeps you focused on tool placement and pressure.

The 13‑ft cord is a welcome length on site. I ran it on a 12‑gauge extension and a dedicated 15 A circuit without tripping breakers. The included case is basic but durable enough to keep the hammer, a couple of chisels, and the dust attachment together.

Design and ergonomics

Everything about the layout favors control in horizontal and downward chipping. The rear handle sits in line with the hammer mechanism, so the thrust you apply goes straight into the bit. That makes scaling, chasing, and slab edge trimming feel predictable. DeWalt’s SHOCKS Active Vibration Control is built into the handle assembly, and while you still know you’re running a serious chipping hammer, the buzz in the hands and forearms is notably reduced compared to older models I’ve used.

The balance point sits forward of the handle, which helps keep the bit planted on vertical surfaces. For extended overhead work, though, 28 lb is still 28 lb—this tool will fatigue you faster than a lighter-duty chipping hammer. The grip texture, trigger feel, and overall fit-and-finish are solid. There aren’t many controls to break or mis-set, which I appreciate on rental-heavy or multi-crew jobs.

Power and performance

DeWalt rates the mechanism at 27 J (EPTA), and in use the hammer feels every bit of it. It doesn’t have the brutal, single-blow wallop of a giant breaker, but its removal rate on dense concrete in the 1–5 in range is excellent. Here’s where it stood out for me:

• Floor work: Breaking out a 3–4 in slab edge along a trench was quick. The bit stayed engaged without skating, and the inline handle let me lean body weight into the cut. It’s not a 60–90 lb breaker, but for sections under about 5 in, this was faster and less fatiguing than wrestling a larger upright hammer.
• Masonry and CMU: Chasing a conduit path through a CMU wall is this tool’s happy place. Controlled, accurate chipping with minimal blowback. A narrower chisel let me keep the chase tidy.
• Tile and mortar beds: With a 3 in scaling chisel, it lifted large-format tile and stubborn mortar cleanly without beating me up. The fixed BPM and energy seem well matched to this kind of scaling.

Because there’s no rotation mode, this isn’t a drilling tool—and it’s better for it. The mechanism is tuned for chipping, and you can feel consistent energy transfer. The brushless motor helps here: there are no brushes to wear, and the tool runs cool for long stretches. Over a few hours of intermittent use, I didn’t see performance sag.

Vibration, noise, and fatigue

I’m sensitive to hand/arm vibration on longer demo days, and this hammer did better than most in its weight class. I could chip for longer periods without the tingling that some older machines leave. The published vibration level is low for the category, and subjectively the SHOCKS system earns its keep.

Noise is another story. At a rated 105 dB(A), hearing protection isn’t optional. With a dust extractor running alongside, the sound level climbs further. Ear muffs plus plugs were the right call on interior work.

Fatigue-wise, the inline design helps on horizontal and downward work, but long overhead sessions are still punishing. If you regularly chip ceiling concrete or high wall sections, a lighter chipping hammer or a smaller SDS‑Plus rotary hammer might make more sense for that specific use.

Dust management and connectivity

I tested the hammer with DeWalt’s dust-removal attachment and a cordless DCV585 extractor. The attachment captures a surprising amount of debris when you maintain good contact, and it doesn’t noticeably hinder visibility of the bit. The Wireless Tool Control feature that pairs the hammer to the vac is a nice touch; the extractor wakes up as you start hammering and coasts down after you release the trigger. It’s not essential, but it streamlines workflow and makes crews more likely to actually use dust control.

Keep in mind the attachment and extractor are sold separately, and matching airflow (and a fine filter) to silica dust is important. Still, the compatibility is there if you want to reduce cleanup and keep air clearer.

Bits, compatibility, and maintenance

With an SDS‑Max holder, you’ve got access to a huge ecosystem of chisels—bull points for starting cracks, narrow flat chisels for chasing, wide scaling chisels for tile and overlay removal, and gouges for patch prep. Bit changes are quick, and the retention feels secure. As with any SDS‑Max tool, grease the shank lightly and wipe it clean after use to extend chuck life.

Maintenance is minimal. The brushless motor means no carbon brushes to replace, and there’s not much to adjust or calibrate. Keep the vents clear, store the tool dry, and plan on occasional service if you’re using it daily in harsh conditions. Tag Ready tracking is available if you’re on DeWalt’s Tool Connect platform, which matters more to fleet managers than one-off users.

Power requirements and jobsite realities

It’s a true 15 A corded tool. On a shared temporary power string with compressors or heaters, you’ll want a dedicated circuit to avoid nuisance trips. Use 12‑gauge cord for runs up to 50 ft; voltage drop on lighter cords can rob performance and build heat. The fixed-speed behavior means you’ll notice underpowering right away as a soft, sluggish hit—solve it with a shorter, heavier cord or a better circuit.

Where it shines—and where it doesn’t

Strengths:
- Horizontal and downward chipping in the 1–5 in range
- Controlled, accurate removal on CMU and concrete
- Reduced hand/arm vibration compared to many peers
- Simple, durable controls; easy bit changes
- Dust extraction compatibility with optional auto-start

Limitations:
- Weight makes extended overhead work tiring
- Not a replacement for a heavy breaker on thick footings or large slab demo
- No variable speed; control is strictly by placement and pressure
- Dust accessories and extractor are add-ons, not included

Pros and cons

Pros:
- Strong 27 J hit with up to 1,620 BPM for fast material removal
- Inline rear-handle design keeps the bit planted and the thrust straight
- SHOCKS vibration control meaningfully reduces fatigue
- Long 13‑ft cord and solid build quality
- SDS‑Max compatibility and easy maintenance with a brushless motor
- Wireless Tool Control and Tool Connect Tag Ready for modern fleets

Cons:
- Heavy for overhead tasks
- Loud; demands robust hearing protection
- Single-speed operation won’t appeal to users who prefer a dial
- Dust solution is excellent but requires separate purchase

Final recommendation

I recommend the DeWalt inline chipping hammer for contractors and serious remodelers who need a dedicated, horizontal/downward chipping tool that hits hard without punishing the user. It excels at slab edge work, wall chasing, and tile/mortar removal, delivering consistent 27 J blows with low felt vibration and the option for integrated dust control. If your workload leans toward overhead chipping or breaking thick structural concrete, pair it with a lighter chipping hammer or a heavier breaker accordingly. For its intended range—1 to 5 inches of concrete and masonry—it’s a dependable, efficient, and thoughtfully designed addition to the kit.