DEWALT DCH273P2 Rotary Hammer Review: Strong but Pricey
When one builder says a drill “saved me a lot of time and energy” and an electrician praises it as “very tough” after a year of use, you know the DEWALT DCH273P2 SDS Rotary Hammer with Batteries isn’t just another cordless tool—it’s earned its keep. Averaging 8.8/10 across reviews, it blends portable power with jobsite endurance, though not without some size and cost concerns. Designed to tackle concrete, masonry, and overhead applications, this model’s brushless motor and vibration control standout as its biggest assets.
Quick Verdict: Conditional buy — shines for light-to-medium drilling and chiseling, less suited to heavy industrial concrete
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Powerful 2.1J impact energy for cordless | Price higher than many comparable drills |
| Excellent vibration control reduces fatigue | Weight can be tiring for prolonged overhead work |
| Long battery life with 2×5.0Ah XR batteries | Not optimal for drilling extremely thick concrete |
| Ergonomic overhead drilling experience | Slightly heavy compared to some rivals |
| Durable German-engineered mechanism | Kit cost may deter budget-conscious DIYers |
| Convenient retractable utility hook |
Claims vs Reality
One of DEWALT’s boldest claims is “corded power without the cord.” Official specs tout 2.1 joules of impact energy and drilling over 90 holes per charge in 10 mm concrete. Digging deeper into user reports, this holds up well for masonry wall anchors and light chiseling. A builder from the U.S. shared: “I got [the DCH273P2] when I noticed my old 20v hammer drill was slow… it saves me a lot of time and energy.”
Another marketing highlight is “best-in-class vibration at 6.6 m/s².” This aligns closely with feedback from trustpilot reviewers who emphasize comfort. “Active vibration control… makes it easy to use the machine,” noted one verified reviewer, adding that it “guarantees comfort and stability when drilling.”
Where marketing and user experience diverge is in suitability for heavy drilling. DEWALT positions the tool as handling “anchors and fixing holes into concrete… 4mm to 24mm.” Yet one Q&A respondent admitted, “No, the bits are not sufficient to drill 20″ concrete… they are meant for light drilling.” For tradespeople working on infrastructure with thick concrete pours, expectations must be tempered.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
From Reddit to Trustpilot, owners consistently highlight battery performance. The twin 5.0Ah XR lithium-ion packs give long runtimes—builders, electricians, and plumbers benefit from hours of use without recharging. Reddit user feedback described the ergonomics as “ideal for overhead applications,” which is especially valued in electrical conduit hangs and seismic bracing installs.
Vibration control is another point of consensus praise. The SHOCKS® system absorbs handle vibrations, reducing strain in prolonged work. Trustpilot’s editor’s review emphasized this “significantly reduces vibration” in real-world use, making it approachable for DIYers and pros alike. For builders drilling anchor points, reduced fatigue translates into higher productivity.
Build quality receives consistent nods. “Well built… plenty of power,” wrote one Trustpilot reviewer, reinforcing DEWALT’s durable reputation. The German-engineered mechanism garners trust among trades with repeated heavy handling.
Common Complaints
Price emerges as the leading drawback. At $529 USD in some eBay listings, several DIY users questioned value versus need—especially if only used occasionally. One reviewer lamented, “problem with spending $529… suited for light duties,” highlighting perceived mismatch for high-spend buyers expecting heavy-concrete capability.
Weight causes mixed reactions. While DEWALT lists 2.5 kg (without accessories), Trustpilot and blog reviews cite a working weight around 11.68 lbs in hand. For short jobs, it’s manageable, but prolonged overhead or repetitive drilling sessions can cause fatigue. Users doing continuous seismic bracket mounts or large hammering runs may feel the strain.
Finally, in heavy concrete drilling, complaints center on bit suitability and performance drop-off. As expressed in Q&A, this tool thrives in light-to-medium density materials, not thick structural concrete where larger corded SDS Max hammers outperform.
Divisive Features
The retractable utility hook splits opinion. Some trades love quick belt or scaffold hanging in between tasks, citing convenience on cluttered sites. Others dismiss it as non-essential, preferring more compact designs without protrusions.
LED lighting is another divisive point. While it improves visibility in dim workspaces, for users on outdoor daylight jobs, it’s seen as redundant. Electricians in crawlspaces appreciate it; framers in bright conditions don’t notice the benefit.
Trust & Reliability
Long-term durability appears strong. An electrician reported using it “for more than a year” with continued satisfaction, reinforcing DEWALT’s confidence with a 3-year warranty and 2-year free service. Across channels, there’s minimal evidence of early mechanical failure—the German-engineered core seems to hold up.
Trustpilot shows no widespread scam or counterfeit issues for this model, especially when sourced from reputable sellers. High eBay seller ratings (99%+ positive feedback) suggest buyers receive genuine products as described. The inclusion of verified accessories—two batteries, charger, side handle—adds value assurance.
Alternatives
Comparisons in user discourse place the DCH273P2 against Milwaukee 2416-20, Makita models, and Bosch RHH181-01. The Milwaukee earns points for lighter weight (3.9 lbs) but offers less sustained runtime. Makita’s similar vibration control and speed rival DEWALT, but torque and rpm advantages favor the DCH273P2. Bosch matches brushless durability, though an 18V/4.0Ah setup delivers shorter battery life than DEWALT’s 5.0Ah packs.
These competitors show DEWALT’s niche: longer runtimes and comfort over ultra-light portability, making it ideal for sustained, moderate drilling sessions versus rapid, intermittent tasks.
Price & Value
Recent eBay sales range from ~$450 to $529 USD new, while UK listings sit around £369 GBP. Sellers with 98–99% feedback bolster buyer confidence. While costly upfront, the kit holds resale strength due to DEWALT’s brand value and bundled accessories. Community advice leans toward buying from authorized dealers or top-rated eBay sellers to avoid counterfeits.
For frequent trades use, the investment pays over time in fewer recharges and dependable ergonomics. Occasional DIYers should weigh cost against frequency of light concrete or masonry projects.
FAQ
Q: Can the DCH273P2 drill through 20″ thick concrete?
A: No. Users note bit and power limitations make it best for light-to-medium drilling up to its stated 24 mm capacity in concrete.
Q: Does the kit accommodate long drill bits?
A: Yes. Owners confirm space for 7″ bits and 10″ chisels in the case.
Q: Is it compatible with 20V 9.0Ah batteries?
A: Yes, so long as the battery shape matches the original design.
Q: Does the vibration control noticeably help in long jobs?
A: Absolutely. The SHOCKS® system gains praise for reducing fatigue during prolonged overhead drilling or repetitive concrete anchoring.
Q: What trades benefit most from this model?
A: Electricians, builders, plumbers, and carpenters all report effective use for light chiseling and drilling tasks without cord restrictions.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a tradesperson or serious DIYer needing a cordless, low-vibration rotary hammer for light-to-medium drilling with long battery life. Avoid if your work consistently involves thick, dense concrete where heavier corded SDS tools excel. Pro tip: Pair with the DEWALT DWH303DH dust extractor for cleaner, OSHA-compliant operation in tight indoor sites.
