DeWalt DCH273 Review: A Compact 1-Inch SDS Plus Rotary Hammer with a Chipping Mode

Introduction

The DeWalt DCH273 is a 1-inch SDS Plus rotary hammer running on DeWalt’s 20-V platform. Its defining trait is simple: it is the smallest cordless rotary hammer DeWalt offers that includes a chipping mode. That makes it an interesting pick for anyone who wants light demolition and concrete drilling in one compact tool without stepping up to a bigger, heavier machine.

Who This Product Is for

This tool suits remodelers, tile setters, and DIY users who occasionally need to chip out old backsplash or shower tile, or break up concrete around plumbing work like removing an old P trap when installing a bathtub on a slab. It is also a good fit for anyone drilling anchor holes in concrete or masonry who wants the convenience of an SDS Plus chuck rather than a keyed chuck.

Main Strengths

The SDS Plus system is the standout convenience here. Bits have grooves in the shaft, so you slide the bit into the chuck, give it a small twist to lock it in, and pull the sleeve back when you want it out. No chuck tightening, no key, no fuss.

It also has a bind-up mode: if the bit binds while drilling, the tool simply quits instead of twisting out of your hands. Drilling speed proved genuinely quick in testing, and the tool is comfortable to use. Without a battery, it weighs 5.8 pounds.

The Three Modes and the Piston Drive

The DCH273 has three modes: hammer only, which is the chipping mode; hammer drill; and drill only. The hammer mechanism uses a piston drive that pushes air into a striker, which then strikes the bit. Because there is less internal contact than in a hammer drill, the tool should last longer.

A hammer drill, by comparison, relies on two ribbed clutch plates running across each other as they spin, creating a chatter that is more of a tapper than a hammer. It works for concrete and masonry, but hammer drills offer no chip-only mode. That is exactly why this model exists in the lineup: the smaller Atomic 5/8-inch and 12-V rotary hammers from DeWalt only have drill and hammer drill modes.

Where the Chipping Mode Earns Its Place

If you specifically want the hammer-only mode, this is the tool to choose within DeWalt’s range. For chipping, it is a practical option for tile removal, whether that is a backsplash, shower tile, or pulling up an old P trap on a concrete slab during a tub install.

It is a niche capability at this size class, but for the right jobs it saves bringing a separate demolition tool to the site.

How It Compares Within DeWalt’s Rotary Hammer Lineup

DeWalt offers nine cordless rotary hammers in total, ranging from a 12-V model at the small end to a 2-inch SDS Max 60-V at the top. At 1 inch, the DCH273 sits at the top of the SDS Plus range; once you move into the 1-1/2-inch class, you step up to SDS Max bits.

Compared against its 1-1/8-inch and 1-1/4-inch bigger brothers, this 1-inch model drilled a 4-inch deep hole surprisingly fast while remaining comfortable to handle. The size difference is real, and the smaller body is part of the appeal.

Things to Consider Before Buying

The common kit version comes bundled with an 8-Ah battery. That is a heavy pairing for a compact tool, and a slimmer PowerStack battery sits flush and fits the tool nicely. For most users, the best value is simply running it on a regular 5-Ah battery you may already own on the 20-V platform.

Buying Advice

If you only drill occasional holes in concrete and never chip, the smaller Atomic model may be enough. But if you want light chipping capability in a 20-V tool, the DCH273 is the smallest DeWalt option with that mode, and it earns its place.

It has been seen on sale around Christmas time in kit deals with a free 8-Ah battery, which is worth watching for if you are not in a hurry.

Conclusion

The DeWalt DCH273 packs a chipping mode, a fast piston-driven hammer mechanism, and the convenience of SDS Plus into the smallest package DeWalt offers with those features. For tile removal, light concrete work, and everyday masonry drilling, it is a well-rounded and genuinely useful compact rotary hammer.