Updated October 2026
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A rotary hammer on this page is an SDS / SDS-Plus (or SDS-Max) hammer that drills and chips concrete: drop an SDS bit, drill an anchor hole, flip to hammer-only and nibble a pocket. It is not a regular cordless drill with a hammer setting, and it is not a demolition-only breaker that cannot rotate a bit. Same shop: Best Impact Wrenches, Best Track Saws. Related: read the WEN RH1042 rotary hammer kit review. Compare the SKIL RH1704-1A rotary hammer kit.
We do not hand-test these tools. We use manufacturer ratings, then check that the Amazon listing is a real US product page (or Home Depot for Milwaukee / Ridgid). Prices move, so this page does not print street prices; check current price and seller on Amazon before you buy.
Milwaukee and Ridgid are Home Depot exclusives in the US. We do not send you to an Amazon third-party listing for those lines.
Quick verdict
Best cordless SDS-Plus: DeWalt DCH273B — 20V MAX XR brushless 1 in L-shape, 2.1 J, three modes. Tool only. Check current price and seller on Amazon. Check price on Amazon
Best compact D-handle cordless: DeWalt DCH133B — 20V MAX brushless 1 in D-handle, 2.6 J, three modes. Tool only. Read our review. Check price on Amazon
Best corded SDS-Plus: Bosch 11255VSR — Bulldog Xtreme 8.0 A, 1 in, 2.0 Ft-Lbs, case in the carton. Check price on Amazon
Best already-LXT cordless: Makita XRH01Z — 18V LXT brushless 1 in, 2.4 J, tool only. Check price on Amazon
Best budget kit: WEN RH1042 — 12 A corded SDS-Plus, bits + chisels + case in the box. Check price on Amazon
Home Depot exclusive: Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2912-20 — cordless 1 in SDS-Plus, 2 ft-lbs, AUTOSTOP. Tool only at Home Depot. Pack sold separately. Not an Amazon buy. Marketplace listings are third-party. We are not linking those.
Comparison
| Model | Best for | Power | Chuck / energy | Notes | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DeWalt DCH273B | Cordless SDS-Plus | 20V MAX XR brushless | SDS-Plus 1 in; 2.1 J | Tool only; L-shape XR | Check price on Amazon |
| DeWalt DCH133B | Compact D-handle | 20V MAX brushless | SDS-Plus 1 in; 2.6 J | Tool only; D-handle | Check price on Amazon |
| Bosch 11255VSR | Corded SDS-Plus | Corded 8.0 A | SDS-Plus 1 in; 2.0 Ft-Lbs | Case in carton; Vario-Lock | Check price on Amazon |
| Makita XRH01Z | Already LXT | 18V LXT brushless | SDS-Plus 1 in; 2.4 J | Tool only; torque-limiting clutch | Check price on Amazon |
| WEN RH1042 | Budget kit | Corded 12 A | SDS-Plus 1-3/16 in; 4 J | Bits + chisels + case | Check price on Amazon |
| Milwaukee 2912-20 | Already M18 | M18 FUEL | SDS-Plus 1 in; 2 ft-lbs | HD exclusive; tool only | Home Depot only |
Bosch RH328VC (B003DQO7ES) is a real 1-1/8 in corded SDS-Plus listing — we kept the Bosch slot on the 11255VSR. Makita XRH05Z (B00O2ZTCR6) is a real 36V (18V X2) listing with no listed price. Makita HR2475 (B002SSUR28) is a real corded 1 in; cordless LXT stayed on XRH01Z. DeWalt D25263K (B00VNBV2F2) is a real corded 1-1/8 kit. DeWalt DCH481B (B06XDG24ZX) is a real FlexVolt SDS-Max combination — different shank. Hilti TE 30 (B00F0YKCEK) and TE 7-C (B01J78ELIC) are real listings; we do not link them. SKIL RH1704-1A (B08H214TB5) is a real PWR CORE 20 kit — budget slot stayed on WEN.
DeWalt DCH273B — best cordless SDS-Plus
If the rest of the bag is 20V MAX and you want the L-shape XR most shoppers open, this is the 1 in SDS-Plus. DeWalt: 20V MAX XR brushless, 2.1 J, 0–1,100 RPM, 0–4,600 BPM, SDS-Plus 1 in (DeWalt Type 20 manual). Three-mode dial: drill, hammer-drill, chip. SHOCKS Active Vibration Control. DeWalt’s OSHA Table 1 claim is only with the DWH303DH on-board extractor — that attachment is not in this carton. Official includes: DCH273, 360° side handle, depth rod, adjustable hook. Tool only. Amazon catalog B00YDZI9BA. Check current price and seller on Amazon. 4.7 stars, 3,424 ratings on the listing. B01H0REJ6G is the same product — it resolved to this ASIN.
Who it’s for. Already on 20V MAX / FlexVolt and you want an L-shape SDS-Plus for anchors, rod hangers, and light chip-out. Same packs run a cordless drill and an impact wrench.
Who it’s not for. Starting from zero — you would be buying a pack and charger on top of a tool-only box. Need a D-handle in tight space — DCH133B. Already on LXT — XRH01Z. Already on M18 — Home Depot 2912-20. Want bits and a case in one budget carton — WEN.
Specs that matter. Model DCH273B. Amazon B00YDZI9BA. Confirm the title is still the tool-only DCH273B, not a kit or a dust-extractor bundle. Joule, RPM, and BPM figures are DeWalt’s.
Caveats. Confirm new vs used. Tool only. SHOCKS and OSHA Table 1 claims are DeWalt’s.
DeWalt DCH133B — best compact D-handle cordless
Same 20V MAX aisle, D-handle body, more impact energy on paper. DeWalt: 20V MAX brushless, 2.6 J, SDS-Plus 1 in, three modes (DeWalt). Dealer spec sheets list 0–1,500 RPM, 0–5,550 BPM, about 5 lb tool-only. HD copy lists 16.148 in front-to-back and 5.798 lb. Dust-extraction ready for D25301D — extractor not in the carton. Official includes: DCH133, 360° side handle, depth rod. Tool only. Amazon catalog B01MF4YEIF. Check current price and seller on Amazon. 4.8 stars, 2,087 ratings. Read our full DeWalt DCH133B review.
Who it’s for. Already on 20V MAX and you want a D-handle for downward holes, forming, and tight bays. Same packs as the DCH273B.
Who it’s not for. Starting from zero. Anyone who only wanted the L-shape XR — that is the DCH273B. Already on M18 or LXT. Anyone who needed SDS-Max dowel work — that is a different shank.
Specs that matter. Model DCH133B. Amazon B01MF4YEIF. Confirm the title is still the D-handle tool-only, not a kit. 2.6 J is DeWalt’s. RPM / BPM / 5 lb come from dealer spec sheets, not a test from us.
Caveats. Tool only. “Faster than corded” on dealer copy is a manufacturer / dealer claim.
Bosch 11255VSR — best corded SDS-Plus
If you want one corded 1 in SDS-Plus with a case and you do not want to buy a battery, this is the Bulldog shoppers actually open. Bosch: 8.0 A, 2.0 Ft-Lbs EPTA, 0–1,300 RPM, 0–5,800 BPM, 6.7 lb, 17.25 in, SDS-Plus 1 in (Bosch Tools). Three modes + Vario-Lock (36 chisel positions). Integral clutch. Rotating brush plate. Official carton: hammer, auxiliary handle, depth gauge, carrying case. Amazon catalog B000BB79Q6. Check current price and seller on Amazon. 4.7 stars, 3,016 ratings. The Amazon listing said 7.5 A — Bosch’s published rating is 8.0 A.
Who it’s for. Shop or basement with an outlet. Daily 1/4–5/8 in anchors and light chip-out when you want a cord and a case without Milwaukee money.
Who it’s not for. Already on 20V MAX and you will not add a cord — DCH273B or DCH133B. Already on LXT — XRH01Z. Already on M18 — Home Depot 2912-20. Need a budget first kit with bits in the box — WEN. Need the heavier 1-1/8 in corded Bosch — that is RH328VC (real listing, not the pick).
Specs that matter. Model 11255VSR. Amazon B000BB79Q6. Amp, Ft-Lbs, RPM, BPM, and 6.7 lb are Bosch’s.
Caveats. Confirm new. Amazon copy said 7.5 A; use Bosch’s 8.0 A. Corded — you still need an outlet or a generator.
Makita XRH01Z — best already-LXT cordless
If the rest of the bag is 18V LXT, this is the 1 in SDS-Plus that eats those packs. Makita: brushless, 2.4 J / 1.7 ft-lbs, 0–950 RPM, 0–4,700 BPM, 12-7/8 in, 7.2 lb with battery (Makita). Three modes. Torque-limiting clutch. Sequential Impact Timing — Makita’s “up to 50% faster drilling” is a manufacturer figure, not a test from us. Optional DX01 HEPA extractor sold separately. In the carton: side handle 158057-6 + depth gauge 324219-0. Tool only. Amazon catalog B00OBKV18A. Check current price and seller on Amazon. 4.7 stars, 460 ratings. Confirm new vs Amazon Resale.
Who it’s for. Already on 18V LXT with a pack to spare. Same batteries as a cordless drill.
Who it’s not for. Starting from zero — a tool-only plus a 5.0Ah and charger is not a first kit. Already on 20V MAX — DCH273B or DCH133B. Already on M18 — Home Depot 2912-20. Wanted the two-battery 36V XRH05Z — that listing had no listed price.
Specs that matter. Model XRH01Z. Amazon B00OBKV18A. Confirm the title is still tool-only, not the XRH01T two-battery kit. Joule, RPM, BPM, and 7.2 lb are Makita’s.
Caveats. Tool only. Needs one LXT pack. Sequential Impact Timing claim is Makita’s.
WEN RH1042 — best budget kit
If you need a first SDS-Plus carton with bits and chisels and you are not paying Bosch or DeWalt money, this is the listing shoppers actually open. WEN: 12 A, SDS-Plus, up to 4 J, 500–900 RPM, 2,300–4,300 BPM, 1-3/16 in in concrete, 10.80 lb (WEN manual). Three modes: hammer-drill, chisel, drill. Kit: 360° side handle, 3/16 / 5/16 / 1/2 in SDS bits, flat 9/16 in chisel + pointed chisel, hard case. Two-year warranty (WEN). Amazon catalog B0D3W6XFZY. Check current price and seller on Amazon. 4.0 stars, 49 ratings on the listing. This is a rotary hammer (drill + chip), not a demolition-only breaker.
Who it’s for. Occasional concrete anchors, brick, and light chip-out on a tight budget, when you want bits in the same box.
Who it’s not for. Daily production or a platform you already own — Bosch 11255VSR, DCH273B, XRH01Z, or Home Depot 2912-20. Anyone who thinks 4 J on a budget WEN is the same class as a Bosch / DeWalt / Milwaukee mechanism.
Specs that matter. Model RH1042. Amazon B0D3W6XFZY. Amp, 4 J, RPM, BPM, and 10.80 lb are WEN’s.
Caveats. Confirm new, and that the carton still lists the bits and chisels. 49 ratings — thin review pile next to the Bosch and DeWalt listings. Not a cordless platform buy.
Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2912-20 — Home Depot exclusive, not an Amazon buy
Available at Home Depot for the tool-only 1 in SDS-Plus. Internet #315444524.
Milwaukee: POWERSTATE brushless, 2 ft-lbs, 1,330 RPM, 4,800 BPM, 6.8 lb, 11.5 in, SDS-Plus 1 in, three modes (Milwaukee). AUTOSTOP kickback control. AVS anti-vibration. Milwaukee’s “fastest drilling rotary hammer in its class” and “up to (125) 3/8 in. x 2 in. holes per charge” with a HIGH OUTPUT XC6.0 are manufacturer figures, not tests from us. Tool only — M18 pack sold separately. 5-year limited warranty (Milwaukee).
Who it’s for. Already on M18. Same packs as other jobsite tools. No cord over a slab.
Who it’s not for. Anyone we would send to Amazon. Marketplace listings are third-party or generic. We are not linking those.
Caveats. Confirm the price at Home Depot. Tool only. RPM, Ft-Lbs, and hole-count claims are Milwaukee’s.
How to pick a rotary hammer
Rotary hammer vs hammer drill vs breaker. A cordless drill with a hammer setting is for occasional brick or block with a 3-jaw chuck. A rotary hammer uses an SDS shank and a piston mechanism — that is this page. A demolition-only breaker does not rotate a bit. Do not buy a breaker because the title said “hammer.”
SDS-Plus vs SDS-Max. SDS-Plus is the 1 in class on this page (anchors, 3/8–5/8 holes, light chip). SDS-Max is the heavier shank for big dowels and more chip — DeWalt DCH481B is a real FlexVolt SDS-Max listing; we left it off the pick list so this stays a drill+chip SDS-Plus page.
Cord vs pack. Corded (11255VSR, WEN) is cheaper and does not die mid-hole. DeWalt if the rest of the bag is 20V MAX. Makita XRH01Z if you already own LXT. Milwaukee if the rest of the truck is M18 — Home Depot only.
Tool-only vs kit. Only the WEN carton on this page ships bits, chisels, and a case. DCH273B, DCH133B, XRH01Z, and Milwaukee 2912-20 are tool-only. Budget a pack if you do not already own one.
After the hole. Anchors and hangers are this tool. Fasteners are an impact wrench. Sheet goods are a track saw.
FAQ
Which SDS rotary hammer should I buy in 2026? The DCH273B if you already live in 20V MAX and want the L-shape XR. The DCH133B if you want the D-handle. The 11255VSR if you want a corded 1 in with a case. The XRH01Z if you already live in LXT. The RH1042 if you want a kit. Milwaukee 2912-20 at Home Depot if you already live in M18. Check current price and seller on Amazon for each Amazon pick.
Is a rotary hammer the same as a hammer drill? No. A hammer drill is a 3-jaw drill with a hammer setting. A rotary hammer is an SDS tool with a piston. See best cordless drills for the drill. This page is the SDS hammer.
Why no Amazon link for Milwaukee? Home Depot exclusive. Same rule for Ridgid. We will not send you to a third-party Amazon listing.
Why no Hilti? Hilti TE 30 (B00F0YKCEK) and TE 7-C (B01J78ELIC) are real US listings. Neither is on the pick list, and we are not linking those listings.
Do I need SDS-Max instead? Only for big dowels and heavier chip. SDS-Plus covers typical 3/16–5/8 anchors. An SDS-Max combination (DeWalt DCH481B) is a different shank and a different buy.
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Prices and Amazon offers change. We don’t list live prices; check Amazon for the current price and seller. Manufacturer amp, joule, Ft-Lbs, RPM, BPM, weight, dust, and hole-count claims are the manufacturers’ published ratings, not tests we ran. Milwaukee and Ridgid are Home Depot exclusives, so buy them at Home Depot.