Product · DEWALT
DeWalt DCH072NT: 12 V XR SDS plus, 1.1 J, bare
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DeWalt's DCH072NT is a 12 V SDS plus hammer for installers, electricians and DIYers who drill small holes in masonry and want the lightest SDS tool they can find. It is brushless and comes in a TSTAK case, but with no battery or charger. What sets it apart in our SDS guide is the 12 V platform itself: none of the other SDS drills here run on 12 V packs.
- Impact energy
- 1.1 J
- Concrete capacity
- Not stated
- Modes
- 2 modes
- In the box
- Tool in TSTAK case (no battery)
In its favour
- The 12 V XR platform keeps size and weight down for overhead and light work.
- Brushless motor with two modes, according to the listing.
- Supplied in a stackable TSTAK case for storage and transport.
Good to know
- 1.1 J is the lowest impact energy here, so larger holes in concrete will be slow.
- Bare unit and the listing is light on detail, including capacity in concrete.
Our take
What the listing contains
The title gives a brushless motor, SDS plus fitting, 1.1 J impact energy and two modes. The bullets are vague, mentioning that it suits home or professional use. The spec table lists two speeds and capacities of 13 mm in wood and 10 mm in metal, but no concrete capacity. Some fields, such as 1 rpm and 0.26 Nm, are clearly errors.
The two modes are not named. On a compact SDS drill they are usually hammer drilling and rotary only, but confirm with DeWalt if you need a specific mode.
Living with 1.1 J
At 1.1 J, this is the lowest impact energy in our SDS guide. It will drill small plug holes in brick and block faster than a 12 V combi drill could, but larger holes in dense concrete will be slow. Think curtain poles, shelf brackets, cable clips and alarm sensors rather than structural anchors.
The benefit is a small, light tool for overhead and ladder work, where a full size SDS drill becomes tiring quickly.
Batteries
The specs say it is compatible with DeWalt 12 V batteries and chargers. If you already use DeWalt 12 V tools, you are set. If your DeWalt kit is all 18 V XR, this drill will need a separate battery system, and the DCH172D2 becomes the more sensible choice.
Other compact SDS options
The DeWalt DCH172D2 is the 18 V ultra compact SDS at 1.4 J and 16 mm, sold with two 2 Ah packs. The Bosch GBH 18V-22 is aimed at 6 to 10 mm holes with KickBack Control, sold bare. Both offer a little more power on bigger battery platforms.
Verdict
Pick the DCH072NT only if you already own DeWalt 12 V packs and want the lightest SDS tool for small plug holes. DeWalt 18 V owners are better off with the DCH172D2, and Bosch 18 V users with the GBH 18V-22, both of which give more power on bigger batteries.
Compared with alternatives in: Best cordless SDS drills
Amazon listing title: Brushless Hammer XR 12V SDS-Plus® 1.1J 2 Modes Without Charger/Battery with TSTAK Case Multicoloured