DEWALT 20V XR 1-1/8″ SDS Plus Rotary Hammer Review

Tool Box Buzz rating:

DEWALT 20V XR  1-1/8 in. Rotary Hammer DCH263R2DH

DEWALT DCH263R2DH - 20V MAX* XR® Brushless 1-1/8 in. SDS Plus D-Handle Rotary Hammer Kit

4.5/5
Manufacturer: DEWALT
Model number: DCH263R2DH
Price: $649.00
Power source: 20V MAX
Weight: 23.45lbs
DEWALT’s Demolition and Rotary Hammers are impressive. They have a variety of corded and cordless hammers, all of which may be connected with dust extraction systems. The DEWALT 20V MAX* XR® Brushless 1-1/8 in. SDS Plus D-Handle Rotary Hammer Kit – Model DCH263R2DH was recently supplied to us for review. Let’s take a closer look at this DEWALT DCH263R2DH Rotary Hammer!

DEWALT’s Rotary Hammers coupled with their dust extractions are some of the best in the industry. In our 2014 Best SDS Corded Rotary Hammer Head to Head DEWALT took first place in Dust Control and Vacuum Integration.  DEWALT continues to improve its OSHA Compliance for Silica extraction which we will touch on in the next section of this review.

OSHA Table 1 Compliant

Crystalline silica particles can be found in the dust produced by cutting, grinding, drilling, or otherwise disrupting these materials. These dust particles are extremely minute. You are unable to see them. Lung illness and lung cancer are caused by inhalable silica dust. A small amount of airborne silica dust can cause serious health problems.

Silica dust particles become lodged in lung tissue, producing inflammation and scarring, as well as a reduction in the lungs’ ability to absorb oxygen. Silicosis is the medical term for this illness. Silicosis is a gradual, debilitating, and occasionally fatal condition that causes lifelong lung damage. For more information on Table 1 Compliance, check out the link to OSHA Table 1

 The DEWALT DCH263R2DH features the OSHA Table 1 Compliant DWH205DH; This dust extraction system features a powerful built-in motor for increased suction and high-performance drilling. The two-second power-off delay ensures that dust extraction continues after the drill is switched off. The DWH205DH features three nozzle heads for maximum dust collection during the application. This unit includes an OSHA 1926.1153-compliant Dust Box Assembly. Equipped with a filter cleaning mechanism and a HEPA filter, it removes 99.97% of airborne particles 0.3 microns or greater.

Features and Manufactures Specifications:

  • 3.0 joules of impact energy
  • Bright LED
  • DEWALT’s SHOCKS-Active Vibration Control®
  • Three replaceable optimized dust nozzle heads are tuned for up to 1 in. diameter bits, all stop bits up to 1.5 in. shoulder, and small diameter bits up to ½ in.
  • Durable clear high capacity dust box with replaceable HEPA canister
  • Easily adjusted depth stop
  • Dust extractor-mounted LED

DEWALT DCH263R2DH Kit

The DEWALT DCH263R2DH is sold as a kit with the following components:

  • DCH263 20V MAX XR Brushless 1-1/8″ D-Handle SDS Plus Rotary Hammer
  • Low Vibration Side Handle
  • Depth Rod
  • DCB206 (2) – 6.0Ah 20v Max Batteries
  • High-speed charger
  • Carrying Case

On the Job

This DEWALT 20V MAX* XR® Brushless 1-1/8 in. SDS Plus D-Handle Rotary Hammer with onboard dust extractor is lightweight, vibration reduction, is built to meet the needs of today’s contractors. The DCH263R2 Hammer is fast in chipping applications and has an optimal drilling range of 1/4 in. to 3/4 in.

A couple of our recent projects have made use of the DEWALT DCH263R2DH Kit.  The SDS drill was used to secure 3/8″x4″ Hex Washer Head Tapcons into the cement pad during a deck makeover. DEWALT DCH263R2DH Rotary Hammer easily cut into the cement. When the trigger is pressed, the dust extractor automatically starts and removes all of the silica dust.

Our second job was a basement remodel where we were framing new walls. The same concept as the deck stair securing, drilling into the wood, and tapconing into the cement with 1/4″ taps throughout the basement. We drilled over a hundred holes into concrete with no issues.

Dust Extracting

The brushed dust nozzle head, which glides back and forth, is where particles first begin to be drawn in. It maximizes dust collection and maintains contact with the drilling surface. The dust is sucked up through the sliding bar, where it enters the dust bin after passing through the filter.

 

SHOCKS-Active Vibration Control

Compared to hammers without this function, the SHOCKS-Active Vibration Control system lessens vibration felt at the handles. The transfer of energy to your wrist and forearm is greatly reduced. This SDS provides a full day’s work, even when drilling large diameter holes in the hardest / toughest concrete. Combining characteristics like its hard-hitting mechanism, quick drilling speed, long run time, and balanced design make it optimal for all-day use.

Cleaning the Dust Extractor Filter

To clean the dust bin, all you have to do is remove it from the tool, unlock it and remove the bin from the extractor. There is a “knock” feature on the extractor that will knock the dust off the filter and allow you to maintain continue drilling until the extractor bin is full. Pushing the lever up allows a burst of air to come in and it knocks the particles off the filter and into the bin. Similar to what you would see on a dust extractor vacuum.

3 Nozzles Options

For optimal dust collection during the drilling applications, the DWH205DH has three nozzle heads. The accompanying nozzles are tuned for small diameter bits up to 1/2″ to 1″ in diameter. For drilling applications, this dust extractor allows bit lengths up to 10 in. overall.

Overall Impression

For me, an SDS drill is not my most popular tool. It is one that when you need it, you need it, and there isn’t an alternative or substitute. The DEWALT DCH263R2DH Rotary Hammer with its built-in dust extraction is simply a beast. It’s a workhorse with all the bells and whistles while maintaining its lightweight and great ergonomics. Using this hammer for a good part of the work day and did not notice any additional fatigue. Definitely TBB Recommended!!

 

DEWALT DCH263R2DH - 20V MAX* XR® Brushless 1-1/8 in. SDS Plus D-Handle Rotary Hammer Kit
$649.00

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About the author

Scott Arnold

Contributing Editor Scott Arnold is the owner of Scott Arnold Remodeling LLC out of Waltham MA. Custom decks, fireplace makeovers, kitchens and bathrooms, Scott enjoys the frame to finish concept. Scott will share his perspective on tools as carpenter and remodeler here and on AConcordCarpenter.com

@scottarnold34Scott Arnold

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1 Comment

  1. Oleg K

    It came out years ago, I got it for $350 with the fist extractor and, I must say, at $350 it’s a GREAT tool but at nearly double the price they’re DREAMING! Or are high, not sure which one… It’s worth every penny of the $350 I paid for it and not a penny more!

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