For electricians, an SDS Plus rotary hammer can make concrete and masonry work much easier, from drilling anchor holes to mounting cable tray and strut. The right choice depends on where you work: a cordless model is handy for service calls and overhead tasks, while a corded drill can suit longer jobs near a power source. Below, we compare five options by power source, impact energy, modes, and likely fit for electrical work.
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison
| Product | Power | Impact energy | Standout feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| DEWALT DCH273B 20V MAX SDS Rotary Hammer | 20V cordless | 2.1 joules | Three modes and vibration control |
| DESHUO 1-Inch SDS Plus Rotary Hammer | 9-amp corded | 3 joules | Four modes in a lightweight design |
| DEKOPRO 1-1/4-Inch SDS Plus Rotary Hammer | 12.5-amp corded | 5.5 joules | Four functions and included accessories |
| XtremepowerUS 800W SDS Plus Rotary Hammer | 800W corded | 15 joules | Chipping-focused design with included bits |
| DEWALT DCH293B 20V MAX XR SDS Plus Rotary Hammer | 20V cordless | 3.5 joules | E-Clutch and vibration control |
Our Picks: Best Sds Plus Drills For Electricians reviews
DEWALT DCH273B: Cordless Pick for Routine Concrete Drilling
The DCH273B is a cordless SDS Plus rotary hammer with 2.1 joules of impact energy and three modes: drill, hammer drill, and chip. That gives you options for drilling masonry, using the hammer action on concrete, or light chipping. Its listed applications include rod hanging, cable tray and strut mounting, and clamp mounting—common tasks for electrical installations.
DEWALT’s SHOCKS Active Vibration Control is designed to reduce vibration felt at the handles. That can matter when you are drilling overhead or making a series of holes. The brushless motor and cordless design also make it a practical choice when a cord would get in the way or a work area has limited access to power.
This is a bare tool, so check your existing battery and charger setup before choosing it. Its 2.1-joule impact energy is lower than the corded DEKOPRO and the DCH293B, so those may be better fits for more demanding drilling or chipping. The listing says it is OSHA Table 1 compliant when paired with the DWH303DH on-board extractor; that condition matters if you need dust-control compliance for a job.
Pros:
- Cordless design is convenient for overhead and mobile work.
- Three modes cover drilling, hammer drilling, and chipping.
- Vibration control is designed to reduce vibration at the handles.
- Brushless motor is intended to support runtime and durability.
Cons:
- Bare tool only; battery and charger are not included.
- Lower listed impact energy than the DCH293B and corded DEKOPRO.
Verdict: Choose the DCH273B if you want a versatile cordless hammer drill for routine concrete drilling and mounting work, especially if you already own compatible DEWALT batteries.
DESHUO 1-Inch SDS Plus: Lightweight Corded Option
This corded DESHUO rotary hammer weighs a listed 7.19 pounds and has a 9-amp motor, 3 joules of impact energy, and a stated maximum capacity of 1 inch in concrete. Its four modes include rotary hammer, rotary only, hammer only, and chisel-angle adjustment. For an electrician, the combination can cover anchor drilling as well as light chipping or tile removal.
The lighter weight may help when drilling overhead or moving between work areas, though the power cord limits where you can use it. A variable-speed trigger and forward-and-reverse controls provide more control when starting a hole or freeing a bit. The built-in safety clutch is designed to disengage torque transmission if the bit binds.
The manufacturer describes this model as suitable for DIY use and not for heavy-duty demolition. That makes it a more sensible fit for general drilling and occasional light chipping than for breaking up large amounts of concrete. It accepts SDS Plus bits only—not standard drill bits or SDS Max bits—so check your bit collection before buying.
Pros:
- Listed weight of 7.19 pounds suits overhead or downward drilling.
- Four modes cover drilling, hammer drilling, and light chipping tasks.
- Safety clutch is designed to help when a bit binds.
- Includes forward and reverse controls and a variable-speed trigger.
Cons:
- Corded operation requires access to a suitable power source.
- Not intended for heavy-duty demolition work.
Verdict: Consider the DESHUO for lighter corded drilling and occasional chipping when a manageable tool weight matters more than cordless convenience or heavy demolition capacity.
DEKOPRO 1-1/4-Inch SDS Plus: Higher-Power Corded Pick
The DEKOPRO is a corded rotary hammer with a 12.5-amp motor and 5.5 joules of listed impact energy. Its stated maximum drilling capacity is 1-1/4 inches in concrete. Four functions cover drill-only work in wood or steel, hammer-only chiseling, hammer drilling, and chisel-angle adjustment.
For electrical work, the extra impact energy may be useful when you need to drill larger holes or do more substantial masonry work. A 360-degree adjustable auxiliary handle is intended to help with balance and handling, while the safety clutch is designed to protect against high-force bind-ups. The included package lists several SDS Plus drill bits and chisels, a depth gauge, and a carrying case.
This is a corded tool, and its greater power makes it a less nimble choice than the compact cordless DEWALT options. Its listed capacity and impact energy should not be confused with a recommendation to drill every hole at the maximum size; match the bit and task to the tool and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If your work is mostly small anchor holes, a lighter model may be easier to manage.
Pros:
- 5.5 joules of listed impact energy and 1-1/4-inch stated concrete capacity.
- Four functions include hammer drilling and chisel-angle adjustment.
- Includes a range of bits, chisels, and other accessories.
- Safety clutch and adjustable auxiliary handle support controlled handling.
Cons:
- Corded design is less convenient for mobile work than a cordless tool.
- May be more power and weight than needed for frequent small anchor holes.
Verdict: The DEKOPRO is a strong fit if you need a corded SDS Plus tool for larger holes and regular chiseling, and you value having accessories included.
XtremepowerUS 800W SDS Plus: Chipping-Oriented Option
The XtremepowerUS is an 800W corded SDS Plus rotary hammer with a listed 15 joules of impact energy. Its description focuses on demanding chipping jobs such as removing tile, plaster, and grout, while also noting use for drilling masonry, wood, and metal. It has a variable-speed trigger, an anti-vibration mechanism, and an adjustable side handle.
Its chipping focus could suit electricians who sometimes need to open or repair masonry, rather than those who mainly drill anchor holes. The package lists a bull-point chisel, a flat chisel, three SDS drill bits, and protective items. A swivel D-grip handle can be repositioned or detached according to the task.
For routine mounting work, the listed impact energy is much higher than that of the two cordless DEWALT models. That may be more tool than you need for repeated small holes, and the listing’s emphasis on demolition tasks makes this a less obvious everyday choice for electricians. It is corded, so it also needs access to power.
Pros:
- Listed 15-joule impact energy is geared toward substantial chipping work.
- Variable-speed trigger and adjustable handle offer control options.
- Includes chisels, drill bits, and protective accessories.
- Anti-vibration mechanism is included in the design.
Cons:
- High listed impact energy may be excessive for routine anchor drilling.
- Corded format is less convenient for mobile or overhead tasks.
Verdict: Pick the XtremepowerUS only if chipping and masonry removal are regular parts of your work; for mainly drilling anchors, a more compact hammer drill may be a better match.
DEWALT DCH293B: More Impact in a Cordless Tool
The DCH293B is a cordless 20V MAX XR SDS Plus rotary hammer with a brushless motor and 3.5 joules of listed impact energy. Compared with the DCH273B, it offers more impact energy while keeping the mobility of a cordless tool. Its L-shaped design and retractable utility hook may be useful on jobs where you need to carry or hang the tool between tasks.
DEWALT’s E-Clutch is designed to provide control in bind-up situations, and its SHOCKS Active Vibration Control is designed to reduce vibration felt at the handles. The tool is also dust-management ready for use with the D25304DH. These features can be useful for electricians who drill concrete regularly and want more capability than the lighter-duty cordless option.
The DCH293B is sold as a tool only, so account for the battery and charger if you do not already have compatible equipment. It also has fewer listed details about application modes than the DCH273B, which specifically offers drill, hammer-drill, and chip settings. Consider that difference if you need a dedicated chipping mode.
Pros:
- 3.5 joules of listed impact energy in a cordless model.
- E-Clutch is designed to help control bind-up situations.
- Vibration control and a retractable utility hook add practical features.
- Brushless motor is intended for runtime and durability.
Cons:
- Tool only; battery and charger are not included.
- Higher impact energy may be unnecessary for occasional small holes.
Verdict: Choose the DCH293B if you want a more powerful cordless option for frequent concrete drilling and already have compatible batteries, or are prepared to add them.
How to Choose an SDS Plus Drill for Electrical Work
Choose Cordless or Corded Power
A cordless drill gives you more freedom to move around a job site and can be easier to handle when working overhead. Check whether the model is sold as a bare tool and whether you already own compatible batteries and a charger. A corded drill avoids battery changes during longer work, but you need a suitable power source and must manage the cord around your work area.
Match Impact Energy and Capacity to the Job
For small anchor holes and regular mounting tasks, a lower-impact model may be easier to control and carry. Larger stated capacities and higher impact energy can be useful for more demanding drilling or chipping, but they may be unnecessary for routine electrical work. Compare the listed impact energy and maximum drilling capacity with the holes and materials you actually handle.
Look at Modes, Not Just Power
Hammer-drill mode is for drilling into concrete and masonry. A drill-only mode can support work in materials such as wood or steel when the tool is designed for it, while hammer-only mode is used for chipping. Chisel-angle adjustment helps position a chisel before use. Check the mode list carefully because not every SDS Plus drill offers the same functions.
Consider Weight, Vibration, and Handle Design
Tool weight matters when you are drilling overhead, working from a ladder, or carrying equipment between locations. Vibration-control features and an adjustable auxiliary handle may improve handling during repeated work. These features do not replace good technique or safe work practices, but they can be useful when comparing tools for frequent use.
Check the Chuck and Bit Compatibility
SDS Plus drills require SDS Plus bits. They do not accept standard round-shank drill bits or SDS Max bits unless the tool has a suitable adapter, and adapters should only be used as directed by the manufacturer. Review the included accessories as well: some models include drill bits and chisels, while others are sold without them.
Plan for Dust Control and Safe Drilling
Concrete drilling creates dust, so consider how you will control it and what protective equipment your work requires. Some models are described as dust-management ready or as compliant only when paired with a specific extractor. Check the exact tool-and-extractor combination and applicable workplace requirements rather than assuming the drill alone meets them. Before drilling, confirm the location of wiring, plumbing, and other hidden services.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does SDS Plus mean?
SDS Plus is a bit and chuck system used by compatible rotary hammers. It allows SDS Plus bits to be inserted and changed without a standard keyed chuck. These drills require SDS Plus bits, so check bit compatibility before purchase.
Can an SDS Plus drill be used for electrical work?
Yes. SDS Plus rotary hammers are commonly suited to drilling concrete and masonry for mounting work. The best choice depends on hole size, how often you drill, and whether you also need chipping functions.
Which of these options is cordless?
The DEWALT DCH273B and DCH293B are cordless 20V models. Both are listed as bare tools or tool only, so check what batteries and chargers you will need.
Which drill is best for overhead work?
The DESHUO has a listed weight of 7.19 pounds and is described as suitable for overhead or downward drilling. The cordless DEWALT models may also be convenient where a cord would restrict movement. Compare weight, battery setup, and task demands before choosing.
Do all five drills have a chipping mode?
The DCH273B has a chip mode, while the DESHUO and DEKOPRO list hammer-only or chiseling functions. The XtremepowerUS is described for chipping and demolition tasks. The DCH293B product details provided here do not specify its application modes, so confirm the manufacturer’s instructions if chipping is a key requirement.
Is a higher impact-energy rating always better?
No. More impact energy can help with demanding work, but it can be unnecessary for small holes and routine mounting. Consider how much drilling and chipping you do, along with the tool’s size, handling, and power source.
Does a bare-tool listing include a battery and charger?
The DEWALT DCH273B is listed as bare tool only, and the DCH293B as tool only. Plan on using compatible equipment you already own or checking the listing for available battery and charger bundles.
Final Recommendation
For electricians who want a mobile tool for routine concrete drilling, the DEWALT DCH273B is a practical starting point, especially if they already have compatible batteries. If you want more impact energy in a cordless tool, consider the DCH293B. For corded work, the DESHUO offers a lighter listed weight, while the DEKOPRO better suits larger holes and more frequent chiseling. The XtremepowerUS is the most chipping-focused option in this group and is best reserved for jobs where that extra capability is useful.
