TLDR Review: DEWALT 20V MAX SDS Plus Rotary Hammer Drill DCH172B
Verdict
The DEWALT 20V MAX SDS Plus Rotary Hammer Drill (DCH172B) is a solid choice if you need a cordless hammer drill mainly for light to medium household and DIY projects, especially with SDS bits. However, if you plan to tackle tougher masonry or need versatility for multiple bit types, this model might leave you wanting more power and flexibility. Also, keep in mind the battery is not included, so you’ll need a compatible DEWALT 20V MAX battery to get started. If you want a hammer drill that handles more demanding tasks or offers broader bit compatibility, you might want to consider other models or brands specialized for heavy-duty use.
- Top pro:
- Delivers excellent power, especially for hammer drill tasks, making it well-suited for handyman-level and DIY projects.
- Top con:
- Only accepts SDS Plus bits, which limits compatibility—conventional wood, masonry, or metal bits cannot be used.
Pros
- •Delivers excellent power, especially for hammer drill tasks, making it well-suited for handyman-level and DIY projects.
- •Reliable and high-quality performance consistent with DEWALT’s brand reputation.
- •The hammer feature works effectively when needed, providing dependable impact action.
- •Solid and sturdy build quality that feels substantial and durable for general use.
- •Provides good comfort and control while driving screws.
- •Expected to have long-lasting durability, making it a tool that can grow on users with time.
- •Longer-lasting battery life compared to some older models (note battery not included).
- •Performs well for typical household tasks with reliable power delivery.
Cons
- •Only accepts SDS Plus bits, which limits compatibility—conventional wood, masonry, or metal bits cannot be used.
- •The product description does not make the SDS-only limitation clear, which may surprise non-professional users.
- •Struggles with even lighter materials like mortar and easily gets stuck, indicating underperformance on softer tasks.
- •Not suitable for tougher jobs such as drilling into brick or heavy-duty applications; considered less powerful than some older, heavier models.
- •The cordless battery-operated design may not satisfy users who prefer plug-in tools or those expecting included batteries.
- •Feels heavier than previous DEWALT models, which might affect user fatigue on longer jobs.
- •Some users are disappointed given the brand’s reputation, citing that performance does not meet their expectations for durability and power.
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How we researched this
About this review: it summarizes the professional reviews and customer ratings ShopSavvy collected for this product, alongside prices from ShopSavvy's price data.
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