DEWALT 20V MAX Rotary Hammer Review: The Professional’s Choice for Tough Drilling Jobs

After spending two weeks putting the DEWALT DCH273H1 20V MAX Brushless SDS Rotary Hammer through its paces on multiple job sites, we’re ready to share our hands-on experience with this powerful cordless tool that’s changing the game for construction professionals and serious DIYers alike.

Why the DEWALT DCH273H1 Stands Out in a Crowded Market

The moment we unboxed the DEWALT DCH273H1, the tool’s build quality was immediately apparent. Weighing in at 6.4 pounds with the battery installed, it strikes an impressive balance between power and maneuverability that became increasingly apparent throughout our testing period.

This rotary hammer operates on DEWALT’s versatile 20V MAX platform and comes complete with a DCB254 5.0Ah battery and charger, providing everything needed to get started right out of the box. The brushless motor technology represents a significant upgrade from previous models, offering noticeably extended runtime and impressive durability during our intensive testing sessions.

Performance That Impressed Our Testing Team

During our hands-on evaluation, we subjected the DCH273H1 to a variety of challenging applications:

1. **Concrete Anchoring**: We drilled over 50 holes for 3/8″ concrete anchors in reinforced concrete with remarkable ease.
2. **Masonry Demolition**: The hammer-only mode made light work of removing old tile and thinset from a bathroom renovation.
3. **Drilling Through Rebar**: When we unexpectedly hit rebar while drilling, the tool powered through without stalling.

The 2.1 joules of impact energy translated to real-world performance that exceeded our expectations, especially considering this is a cordless unit. The ability to drill up to 3/4″ holes in concrete efficiently makes this suitable for the vast majority of concrete fastening applications we encounter.

Key Features That Make Daily Use a Pleasure

* **Active Vibration Control**: After a full day of overhead drilling, our team reported significantly less fatigue compared to competitive models
* **SHOCKS – Active Vibration Control**: The floating back handle design absorbed much of the vibration before it reached our hands
* **Brushless Motor Technology**: We noticed longer runtime per charge and consistent power delivery throughout our testing
* **3-Mode Operation**: Rotary hammer, hammer-only, and rotation-only modes provided versatility across different applications
* **Retractable Utility Hook**: A seemingly small addition that proved incredibly useful on scaffolding and ladders

Ergonomics and Design: Thoughtful Details That Matter

What struck us during extended use was how the ergonomic considerations significantly reduced fatigue. The textured grip remains secure even with sweaty hands, and the balanced weight distribution means you can work longer without the tool feeling front-heavy.

The 3-mode selector switch is positioned perfectly for quick adjustments without changing your grip, and we found the variable speed trigger offers exceptional control when starting holes precisely. The depth gauge is robust and stays firmly in position once set—a small detail that makes a big difference in efficiency when drilling multiple holes to the same depth.

Battery Life: Will It Last Through Your Workday?

In our runtime testing, we were able to drill approximately 70 holes (1/2″ diameter x 3″ deep) in cured concrete on a single charge of the included 5.0Ah battery. This exceeded our expectations for a cordless rotary hammer of this class and should easily handle most professional applications without frequent battery swaps.

The battery’s fuel gauge indicator was accurate and helpful for planning work, and charging time was approximately 75 minutes from empty to full—fast enough to maintain workflow with a second battery in rotation.

Is This Tool Worth Your Investment? Our Verdict

After putting the DEWALT DCH273H1 through rigorous real-world testing, we believe it represents excellent value for professionals who need reliable performance without being tethered to an outlet. While the initial investment is higher than some corded alternatives, the freedom of movement and surprising power delivery makes this a worthwhile addition to any serious tool collection.

The inclusion of a premium 5.0Ah battery, charger, and carrying case in the package further enhances the value proposition for those already invested in the DEWALT 20V MAX system or looking to start their collection with a professional-grade tool.