The best rotary hammer isn't necessarily the most powerful. It's the one that matches your job site needs.
Between drilling a mounting hole in a drywall and coring a reinforced concrete slab, the required power difference is measured in tens of joules. On Quebec construction sites, the CNESST strictly regulates exposure to silica dust and vibrations, two factors that weigh just as much as raw power in tool selection.
Price, impact energy, battery life, and dust management: here are 5 Dewalt and Makita rotary hammers that cover all needs, from advanced DIYers to demolition contractors.
Our Quick Picks
- Best Entry-Level → Dewalt DCH172B Atomic: $248
- Best Value for Money → Dewalt DCH133M2 (Full Kit): $398
- Best for Indoor, Dust-Free Work → Makita DHR242ZWX: $549
- Best for Extended Professional Use → Dewalt DCH273P2 XR (Kit): $829
- Best for Demolition and Coring → Dewalt DCH775X2 Flexvolt (Kit): $1,839
Comparison Chart
| Model | Impact Energy | Chuck | Kit / Tool Only | Main Use | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dewalt DCH172B Atomic | 1.4 J | SDS-Plus 5/8 in | Tool Only | Overhead work, light fastenings | $248 |
| Dewalt DCH133M2 | 2.6 J | SDS-Plus 1 in | Kit 2x4Ah + Charger | Daily drilling, replaces corded | $398 |
| Makita DHR242ZWX | To be confirmed | SDS-Plus | Tool Only | Dust-free indoor drilling | $549 |
| Dewalt DCH273P2 XR | 2.1 J | SDS-Plus 1 in | Kit 2x5Ah + Charger | Extended professional use | $829 |
| Dewalt DCH775X2 Flexvolt | 19.4 J | SDS-Max | Kit 9Ah | Demolition, dry coring | $1,839 |
See our entire collection of rotary hammers to compare other Dewalt and Makita models.
1. Dewalt DCH172B Atomic
Best entry-level for overhead work
The DCH172B is part of Dewalt's Atomic line, designed for light tasks where weight and size are more important than raw power. Its brushless motor and German-engineered mechanism deliver 1.4 joules of impact energy, with the SHOCKS active vibration control system.
This is the preferred tool for suspending threaded rods, mounting on cable trays, standoffs, clamps, and railings. Compatible with the DWH200D sensor and DWH161D1 extractor for OSHA Table 1 compliance.
Pros
- Lightweight and compact, easy to handle overhead
- Compatible with OSHA-compliant dust extraction
- SHOCKS vibration control system
Points to Consider
- Battery and charger sold separately
- 1.4 J is limited for intensive drilling of dense concrete, see the DCH133M2
Ideal for: electricians and installers who work overhead on light fastenings.
Not ideal for: repeated drilling in reinforced concrete, where the DCH775X2 takes over.
Price: $248.00
View DCH172B at Polar Equipment →2. Dewalt DCH133M2 (Full Kit)
Best value for money
The DCH133M2 delivers 2.6 joules of impact energy thanks to its German-engineered mechanism, a power designed to directly replace a corded hammer. Its application speed exceeds that of a corded tool, in a compact and balanced format.
The mechanical clutch improves control in case of bit jamming and reduces sudden torque reactions. Sold as a complete kit with 2x 20V/4Ah batteries and a charger, it is ready to use right out of the box.
Pros
- Complete kit: 2 batteries + charger included
- 2.6 J, sufficient for daily concrete drilling
- Mechanical clutch for added safety
Points to Consider
- D-handle is bulkier than pistol grip models
- No integrated dust extraction, see the Makita DHR242ZWX
Ideal for: the contractor who wants a ready-to-use tool to replace their corded hammer on a daily basis.
Not ideal for: environments where dust must be strictly controlled, see the DHR242ZWX.
Price: $398.00
View DCH133M2 at Polar Equipment →3. Makita DHR242ZWX
Best for indoor, dust-free work
The DHR242ZWX stands out with its integrated HEPA DX06 dust extraction system, adjustable depth gauge, and large capacity dust box. It is the only model in this selection specifically designed for dust-free drilling in sensitive environments.
Its 3 modes (hammer and rotation, hammer only, rotation only) and torque limiter that stops the bit in case of jamming make it a versatile tool for interior renovation as well as light masonry.
Pros
- Integrated HEPA dust extraction
- 3 operating modes, one-touch sliding chuck
- Torque limiter for operator safety
Points to Consider
- Tool only, batteries and charger sold separately
- Higher price than Dewalt models without extraction, see the DCH172B
Ideal for: indoor work in dust-sensitive environments: occupied renovations, healthcare facilities, open commercial spaces.
Not ideal for: tight budgets without dust management needs, see the DCH172B.
Price: $549.00
View DHR242ZWX at Polar Equipment →Not sure which model is right for your job site?
Our experts know every rotary hammer in the Dewalt and Makita range and can help you choose based on your actual use.
View all rotary hammers Contact our experts4. Dewalt DCH273P2 XR (Kit)
Best for extended professional use
The DCH273P2 focuses on battery life rather than raw power: its 20V/5Ah batteries offer a greater energy reserve than the DCH133M2 kit, a real advantage on a job site that extends throughout the day.
Its lightweight design and SHOCKS Active Vibration Control system make it a relevant choice for prolonged overhead use, with OSHA Table 1 compliance when paired with the DWH303DH extractor.
Pros
- Superior battery life thanks to 5Ah batteries
- OSHA Table 1 compliant with the appropriate extractor
- Lightweight, suitable for prolonged overhead use
Points to Consider
- Impact energy (2.1 J) is lower than the DCH133M2 despite a higher price: the extra cost reflects battery life and OSHA compliance, not raw power
- Higher investment for occasional use
Ideal for: crews who work all day and want maximum battery life without recharging.
Not ideal for: those looking for raw power at the best price, see the DCH133M2.
Price: $829.00
View DCH273P2 XR at Polar Equipment →5. Dewalt DCH775X2 Flexvolt (SDS-Max Kit)
Best for demolition and coring
The DCH775X2 is the most powerful in the selection with 19.4 joules of impact energy, enough to drill and chip through the toughest concrete while maintaining a consistent pace thanks to electronic speed management.
It handles horizontal and vertical drilling, installation of #9 to #14 rebar, dry coring up to 6 inches, and chipping of floors or low walls. The E-CLUTCH system stops the tool as soon as a jam occurs, and it pairs with the DCV585 cordless dust extractor with remote activation.
Pros
- 19.4 J, the most powerful in the selection
- Dry coring up to 6 in, chipping included
- E-CLUTCH electronic clutch and DEWALT Tool Connect compatibility
Points to Consider
- High price and weight, oversized for light drilling
- Investment only justified for demolition or large job sites, see the DCH133M2 for general use
Ideal for: demolition, coring, and heavy masonry work.
Not ideal for: occasional residential drilling, see the DCH172B or DCH133M2.
Price: $1,839.00
View DCH775X2 at Polar Equipment →How to choose your rotary hammer
SDS-Plus or SDS-Max, what's the difference?
The SDS-Plus (10 mm shank) equips the light to medium rotary hammers in our selection, from the DCH172B to the DCH273P2, for bits up to approximately 1 inch in diameter. The SDS-Max (18 mm shank), reserved for the DCH775X2, accepts more robust bits and chisels for demolition and large diameter coring.
A typical residential job usually gets by with SDS-Plus. SDS-Max becomes necessary when breaking reinforced concrete or coring beyond 1 inch.
How many joules do you need for your project?
Impact energy, measured in joules, determines the speed and efficiency of drilling in concrete. Our 5 models cover a range from 1.4 J to 19.4 J.
For light fastening and anchoring, 1.4 to 2.6 J is amply sufficient. For repeated professional drilling, count 2 to 3 J. Beyond that, you enter the territory of demolition and coring, where the DCH775X2 and its 19.4 J come into their own.
Corded or cordless?
The 5 models in this selection are cordless, operating on either a 20V Max or 60V Max Flexvolt platform depending on the power required. A cordless rotary hammer eliminates the cord constraint on elevated or confined job sites, at the cost of managing battery life.
Complete kits like the DCH133M2 or DCH273P2 include 2 batteries and a charger, allowing for continuous work without downtime.
Budget: which rotary hammer for your use
- Under $300: Dewalt DCH172B ($248), for light fastenings and occasional troubleshooting
- $300 to $600: Dewalt DCH133M2 ($398) or Makita DHR242ZWX ($549), for regular use with or without dust management
- $600 to $1,000: Dewalt DCH273P2 XR ($829), for autonomy and extended professional use
- Over $1,000: Dewalt DCH775X2 Flexvolt ($1,839), for demolition and coring
Find the right rotary hammer for your job site
Dewalt, Makita, and Polar Equipment all in one collection, with real-time pricing and availability.
View all rotary hammers Contact our experts