Product · DEWALT
DeWalt DCH263N: 3 J brushless SDS plus, 28 mm, bare
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The DCH263N is DeWalt's 28 mm SDS plus hammer for electricians, plumbers, builders and serious renovators who drill a lot of concrete and brick. It is supplied as a bare unit with a side handle. Its standout is reach: the listing quotes holes from 4 to 28 mm in concrete, the widest range of the cordless SDS drills in our guide, which makes it suited to anchors and large fixing holes.
- Impact energy
- 3.0 J
- Concrete capacity
- 4 to 28 mm
- Modes
- Rotary, hammer, chisel
- In the box
- Tool and side handle (no battery)
In its favour
- The listing gives 3.0 J of impact energy and holes from 4 to 28 mm in concrete, brick and masonry.
- Rotation stop mode handles light chiselling in plaster, tiles and render.
- Compact, ergonomic design with a side handle included.
Good to know
- Bare unit: no battery, charger or case in the box.
- The listing does not state the weight with a battery fitted.
Our take
Modes for different jobs
DeWalt lists a rotation stop mode for light chiselling in plaster, tiles and render, and an impact stop mode for plain rotary drilling in wood and metal. With the normal hammer drilling mode, that makes three uses: making holes in masonry, removing tiles or knocking out small sections of render, and boring timber or steel without percussion.
The specs list three speeds, up to 2,550 rpm, vibration reduction and a weight of 2.7 kg without a battery.
Impact energy and capacity
Our guide lists 3.0 J of impact energy for this model, the highest among the cordless SDS drills compared. Impact energy is how hard each blow lands, and more of it drives a bit through dense concrete faster. Combined with the 28 mm capacity, this is a tool for repeated anchor holes and pipe penetrations.
The listing's 3.82 Nm torque figure is not a meaningful measure for an SDS hammer; impact energy is the number to compare.
Bare unit and batteries
No battery, charger or case is included. DeWalt XR owners can use their existing packs; a 5 Ah or larger pack will suit a demanding SDS tool. If you are new to DeWalt, budget for a battery and charger, which changes the comparison with kit options like the DCH172D2.
Versus other SDS drills
The Milwaukee M18FH-0 lists 2.5 J and 26 mm with four modes, also body only. The DeWalt DCH172D2 is far lighter at 1.4 J and 16 mm, sold with two 2 Ah packs, and suits occasional wall plugs. The Makita DHR263ZJ uses two LXT packs at once for 36 V power in a 26 mm class tool.
Of the group, the DCH263N is the one to pick when you expect regular holes above 16 mm, such as for resin anchors or waste pipe runs.
Verdict
Buy the DCH263N if you own DeWalt XR packs and need a powerful SDS plus for large holes, anchors and light chiselling. For lighter work, the DeWalt DCH172D2 is a smaller kit, and Milwaukee M18 owners should look at the M18FH-0.
Compared with alternatives in: Best cordless SDS drills
Amazon listing title: DEWALT DCH263N-XJ 18V XR Brushless 28mm SDS-Plus Hammer Drill - Bare Unit