Product · DEWALT
DeWalt DCH172D2: 1.4 J compact SDS plus, 2 x 2 Ah
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DeWalt's DCH172D2 is an ultra compact SDS plus rotary hammer for electricians, kitchen fitters and home owners who want faster, easier masonry drilling than a combi drill can give, without carrying a full size SDS. It comes with two 2.0 Ah batteries. The point of difference is size and weight: the listing gives 1.8 kg without a battery, very light for an SDS tool.
- Impact energy
- 1.4 J
- Concrete capacity
- 16 mm
- Modes
- Rotary hammer, rotary only
- In the box
- 2 x 2.0 Ah batteries
In its favour
- The listing states 1.4 J, up to 4,980 bpm and 16 mm in concrete.
- Weight is 1.8 kg without battery, with an LED and a tether point for work at height.
- Listed with two 2.0 Ah XR batteries, unlike most SDS drills here.
Good to know
- There is no chisel mode, so it cannot remove tiles or chase channels.
- A charger is not clearly listed in the contents; confirm before ordering.
Our take
Specification from the listing
DeWalt quotes a no load speed of 1,060 rpm, up to 4,980 blows per minute and 1.4 J impact energy. Capacities are 16 mm in wood, 16 mm in concrete and 10 mm in metal. The brushless motor is said to give long run time and reduced maintenance.
There are two modes, rotary hammer and rotary only. A bright LED with a delay keeps the work lit after you release the trigger, and a tether point lets you secure the tool when working at height.
How 1.4 J compares with a combi drill
A combi drill hammers by grinding two ridged plates together, while an SDS tool uses a piston to strike the bit. Even at 1.4 J, an SDS drill typically makes holes in concrete and hard brick faster and with less effort than a combi. For 6 to 10 mm plug holes, this compact tool is ideal.
For 20 mm and larger holes, or regular drilling into reinforced concrete, the 16 mm limit and lower energy will slow you down.
What is in the box
The listing title and specs confirm two 2.0 Ah lithium ion packs. A charger is not clearly listed in the contents, so ask the seller before buying if you do not already own a DeWalt charger. Small packs keep the tool light but limit the number of holes per charge.
Alternatives
The DeWalt DCH263N is the heavier 28 mm option with 3 J and a chisel mode, sold bare. The Bosch GSB 18V-45 plus GBH 18V-22 kit gives a combi drill and SDS drill together with larger 4 Ah packs. The DeWalt DCH072NT is the even smaller 12 V option at 1.1 J, sold bare in a TSTAK case.
Verdict
Buy the DCH172D2 if you want a light, compact SDS plus for wall plugs and small anchors with batteries included, after confirming the charger. Choose the DeWalt DCH263N for larger holes and chiselling, or the Bosch GSB 18V-45 plus GBH 18V-22 kit if you also need a combi drill.
Compared with alternatives in: Best cordless SDS drills
Amazon listing title: DeWALT | XR SDS + Rotarty Hammer | 18V 2 x 2.0Ah Li-Ion | DCH172D2-GB