As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Rotary hammer guides: 4 models, one plain row each
Each row says who the model suits, its main strength and its main catch, taken from each guide's listed sources. Open a guide to confirm the exact model and what's included before you buy on Amazon.
| Product | Best for | Main strength | Main caveat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Makita HR2641 1 in. SDS-PLUS AVT Rotary Hammer (D-Handle) | Corded users who drill 1/4 to 5/8 in. holes in concrete and want an anti-vibration design | Tool case included | Wood and metal drilling needs an optional chuck |
| DEWALT DCH293B 20V MAX XR Brushless 1-1/8 in. SDS PLUS L-Shape Rotary Hammer (Tool Only) | DEWALT 20V MAX owners who drill larger anchor holes and want bind-up protection | E-Clutch cuts torque in a bind-up | Battery and charger are extra |
| DEWALT DCH133B 20V MAX Brushless 1 in. SDS PLUS D-Handle Rotary Hammer (Tool Only) | DEWALT 20V MAX owners who drill anchor holes in concrete and want a cordless D-handle hammer | Brushless motor | Battery and charger are extra |
| Bosch GBH2-28L SDS-plus Bulldog Xtreme Max 1-1/8 in. Rotary Hammer | Corded users drilling holes up to 1-1/8 in. who want bind-up shut-off and a carrying case | KickBack Control stops rotation on bind-up | Corded only |
What to check before buying
These rotary hammer guides set out each hammer's power source, impact energy, speed, bind-up protection and warranty from DEWALT's, Makita's and Bosch's pages and manuals, and note where a maker's page and manual disagree.
- Cord or battery. The Makita HR2641 and Bosch GBH2-28L are corded, at 8 and 8.5 amps. DEWALT sells the DCH133B and DCH293B tool only, so the battery and charger are extra.
- Impact energy. DEWALT lists 2.6 joules for the 1 in. DCH133B and 3.5 for the 1-1/8 in. DCH293B, and Makita 2.9 J for the HR2641. Bosch rates the GBH2-28L at 2.4 ft.-lbs. (EPTA), a different unit, or about 3.3 J by our conversion.
- Bind-up protection. The DCH293B's E-Clutch and the GBH2-28L's KickBack Control respond when the tool starts to twist in a bind-up. The DCH133B's overload clutch and the HR2641's torque limiter disengage the drive when a bit jams.
- Speed and blows. Makita lists 0 to 1,100 rpm and 0 to 4,500 BPM for the HR2641, and Bosch 0 to 1,230 rpm for the GBH2-28L with two BPM figures on one page. DEWALT's manuals print 1,500 rpm for the DCH133 and 1,000 for the DCH293.
- Warranty. DEWALT gives three years plus free service on both of its hammers. The corded Makita and Bosch hammers carry one year, per Makita's manual and Bosch's warranty page.
This page collects 4 rotary hammer guides from Plain Buy Guides. Each guide covers one exact Amazon listing: the maker's published specifications, what the listing says is included, the fit and installation limits that decide whether it suits you, and the main caveat, with every source listed and dated. Nothing here is based on hands-on testing, and no guide promises a price or stock level.
In the table above, the Best for column says who each model suits, and the strength and caveat columns carry the first point each guide makes. Open a guide before buying to confirm the exact model, the included parts and any conflict between the listing and the maker's documents, which each guide reports rather than settles. Side-by-side pages put the published facts of two models from this category in one place.
- Makita HR2641 1 in. SDS-PLUS AVT Rotary Hammer (D-Handle)
Makita's HR2641 is an 8 amp corded 1 in. SDS-PLUS D-handle rotary hammer with AVT anti-vibration. Makita lists 2.9 J of impact energy and 0 to 4,500 BPM.
- DEWALT DCH293B 20V MAX XR Brushless 1-1/8 in. SDS PLUS L-Shape Rotary Hammer (Tool Only)
DEWALT's DCH293B is a 20V MAX XR brushless 1-1/8 in. SDS PLUS L-shape rotary hammer sold tool only. DEWALT lists 3.5 joules and an E-Clutch anti-rotation system.
- DEWALT DCH133B 20V MAX Brushless 1 in. SDS PLUS D-Handle Rotary Hammer (Tool Only)
DEWALT's DCH133B is a 20V MAX brushless 1 in. SDS PLUS D-handle rotary hammer sold tool only. DEWALT lists 2.6 joules of impact energy and three modes.
- Bosch GBH2-28L SDS-plus Bulldog Xtreme Max 1-1/8 in. Rotary Hammer
Bosch's GBH2-28L is an 8.5 amp corded 1-1/8 in. SDS-plus Bulldog Xtreme Max rotary hammer. Bosch lists 2.4 ft.-lbs. of impact energy and KickBack Control.