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Quick answer from a licensed plumber: For anchors and hanger rod in concrete on DeWalt batteries, the DeWalt DCH133B, a 2.6-joule SDS Plus hammer. For core holes for pipe, the corded Makita HR2641, rated for a 2-11/16-inch core bit or a 3-1/8-inch dry diamond core bit, either big enough for 2-inch PVC but not 3-inch (our arithmetic). For breaking slab, step up to an SDS Max hammer like the DeWalt D25481K. SDS Plus and SDS Max bits do not interchange, so choose the bit system first.
Our pick for most plumbers: the DeWalt DCH133B 20V MAX 1 in. brushless SDS Plus rotary hammer. Check the DeWalt DCH133B on Amazon
A rotary hammer drills concrete by hitting the bit while it turns, and all four here can also chip with the rotation off. For a plumber that means anchors and hanger rod in concrete, holes for pipe through a wall or floor, and breaking out slab to reach a drain. This page compares three SDS Plus hammers and one SDS Max hammer, all sold by Amazon.com when we checked. Every spec comes from the makers’ own manuals and product pages.
Rotary Hammers Compared
| Hammer | Bit system | Power | Impact energy (maker) | Hole size in concrete (maker) | Chipping |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DeWalt DCH133B | SDS Plus | 20V MAX battery | 2.6 J | 1 in. class (model name) | Yes (chip mode) |
| Makita HR2641 | SDS-PLUS | Corded, 8 amp | 2.9 J | 1 in.; 2-11/16 in. core bit, 3-1/8 in. dry diamond core bit | Yes |
| DeWalt D25263K | SDS Plus | Corded, 8.5 amp | 3.0 J | 1-1/8 in. (masonry) | Yes (hammer only) |
| DeWalt D25481K | SDS Max | Corded | 6 J (6.1 J in one place) | 1-9/16 in. (40 mm) class | Yes |
Figures from DeWalt’s DCH133B, D25263K and D25481K pages and manuals and Makita’s HR2641 page and manual. Each linked hammer was sold by Amazon.com and in stock on October 5, 2026.
SDS Plus vs SDS Max
SDS is the bit system. Bosch, which makes both kinds of hammer, explains the difference on its own SDS Plus and SDS Max pages:
| SDS Plus | SDS Max | |
|---|---|---|
| Shank (Bosch) | 10 mm | 18 mm |
| Bit range on Bosch’s own hammers | 3/4 in. to 1-1/4 in. | 1-9/16 in. to 2 in. |
| Jobs Bosch lists | Drilling masonry, setting anchors, light chiseling | Heavy drilling and chiseling, oversized anchor holes, breaking through slabs and walls |
| Picks on this page | DeWalt DCH133B, Makita HR2641, DeWalt D25263K | DeWalt D25481K |
Bosch says the two shanks are not interchangeable, so the bits must match the hammer. It also says to grease the SDS Plus shank for smooth operation and easier bit changes. The bit ranges in the table are for Bosch’s own hammers; the hammers on this page list their own maximums in the comparison table above.
Plumber’s note: for anchors, hanger rod and holes for supply lines, an SDS Plus hammer is the everyday tool. If you break out slab for drain repairs or basins, that is the heavy chiseling Bosch describes for SDS Max, and it is the job an ejector pump install can turn into.
Core Holes for Pipe
Size a core hole to the pipe’s outside diameter, not its nominal size. Charlotte Pipe lists an average outside diameter of 1.900 inches for 1-1/2-inch Schedule 40 PVC DWV, 2.375 inches for 2-inch and 3.500 inches for 3-inch. In its HR2641 manual, Makita rates the hammer for a 2-11/16-inch core bit, or a 3-1/8-inch dry-type diamond core bit run in rotation-only mode. A 2-11/16-inch core is 2.6875 inches, about 0.31 inch wider than 2-inch PVC; a 3-1/8-inch core is 3.125 inches, 0.75 inch wider. Neither is big enough for a 3-inch line (our arithmetic). None of the DeWalt hammers here lists a core bit capacity.
DeWalt DCH133B 20V MAX 1 in. Brushless SDS Plus D-Handle Rotary Hammer
20V MAX battery (tool only) · brushless · SDS Plus · 2.6 joules impact energy · drill, hammer drill and chip modes · overload clutch · 360-degree side handle and depth rod included · 3-year limited warranty
This is the hammer I would point a plumber to for anchors and hanger rod in concrete on DeWalt batteries. DeWalt lists 2.6 joules of impact energy and names rod hanging, clip and bracket mounting, and beam and column anchorage among the jobs it is built for, which is the work of hanging pipe from a concrete deck or strapping it to a wall.
A dial sets it to drill, hammer drill or chip. DeWalt’s manual lists rotary drilling for steel, wood and plastics, rotary hammering for concrete and masonry, and hammering only for light chipping. If a bit jams, the manual says an overload clutch interrupts the drive, so hold the tool with both hands and expect the stall. It comes with a side handle and a depth rod, and it is sold as a bare tool.
- 2.6 joules of impact energy, per DeWalt
- Built for rod hanging and bracket mounting, per DeWalt
- Three modes, including light chipping
- Overload clutch for bit jams
- Less impact energy than the corded hammers here
- DeWalt lists no maximum concrete hole size beyond the 1 in. model name
- Bare tool: battery and charger sold separately
Verdict: The pick for plumbers on DeWalt 20V batteries who set anchors and hanger rod.
Makita HR2641 1 in. AVT Rotary Hammer, SDS-PLUS
Corded, 8 amp · SDS-PLUS · 2.9 joules (2.1 ft.-lbs.) · 0 to 1,100 RPM · 0 to 4,500 BPM · 1 in. max in concrete (1/4 to 5/8 in. optimum) · 2-11/16 in. core bit, 3-1/8 in. dry diamond core bit (manual) · torque limiting clutch · AVT anti-vibration · 7.1 lb on Makita’s page (6.8 lb in the manual) · 13.1 ft cord
The HR2641 is the only hammer here with a listed core bit capacity. Makita lists 3-1/8 inches with a core bit on its spec page; the HR2641 manual splits that into 2-11/16 inches with a core bit and 3-1/8 inches with a dry-type diamond core bit, and says to run diamond core bits in rotation-only mode, because hammering can damage them. Makita’s page also lists a 1-inch maximum in concrete and an optimum range of 1/4 to 5/8 inch. That makes it the corded SDS-PLUS pick when the job is a hole for a pipe, not just an anchor. It has an 8 amp motor rated for 2.9 joules, up to 1,100 RPM and 4,500 blows per minute.
Makita lists three modes, rotation only, hammering with rotation and chipping, and 40 bit angle settings. A torque limiting clutch disengages the gears if the bit binds, per Makita. Its AVT counterbalance and a damper spring are meant to cut vibration, and Makita lists a vibration figure of 11.5 m/s². Makita’s page lists the weight at 7.1 pounds; the manual’s spec table gives 3.1 kg (6.8 pounds). It comes with a side handle, depth gauge and case.
- Core bits to 2-11/16 in., or 3-1/8 in. dry diamond, per Makita
- 2.9 joules on an 8 amp motor
- Torque limiting clutch
- Three modes and 40 bit angle settings
- Corded: needs an outlet and a 13.1 ft cord or an extension
- A 3-1/8 in. core is too small for 3 in. PVC (see the core hole section)
- Makita’s spec table lists no bind-up control
Verdict: Buy it for core holes for small drains and supply lines, and for anchors where power is available.
DeWalt D25263K 1-1/8 in. SDS Plus D-Handle Rotary Hammer Kit
Corded, 8.5 amp · SDS Plus · 3.0 joules · 0 to 1,450 RPM · 0 to 5,350 BPM · 1-1/8 in. max in masonry (1/4 to 3/4 in. optimum) · drill-only, hammerdrill and hammer-only modes · torque limiting clutch · SHOCKS Active Vibration Control · side handle, depth rod and kit box
The D25263K is the biggest SDS Plus hammer on this page. DeWalt lists 3.0 joules of impact energy on an 8.5 amp motor, and its manual gives a 1-1/8-inch maximum in masonry with an optimum range of 1/4 to 3/4 inch, up to 1,450 RPM and 5,350 blows per minute.
The manual lists drill-only, hammerdrill and hammer-only modes, plus a chisel rotation setting. DeWalt says its integral clutch reduces sudden, high-torque reactions if the bit jams, and its SHOCKS Active Vibration Control reduces vibration felt at the handles. DeWalt says it works with its D25301D drilling dust extraction system.
- 3.0 joules, the most of the SDS Plus hammers here
- 1-1/8 in. max in masonry, per DeWalt’s manual
- Hammer-only mode for chipping
- Clutch and active vibration control
- Corded only
- No core bit capacity listed
- Bigger than you need for small anchors
Verdict: The SDS Plus pick for heavier anchor holes and chipping on house power.
DeWalt D25481K 1-9/16 in. SDS MAX Combination Hammer Kit
Corded · SDS Max · 1-9/16 in. (40 mm) · 6 joules (6.1 J in DeWalt’s feature list) · up to 540 RPM · SHOCKS Active Vibration Control · overload clutch · kit box
When the job moves from anchors to breaking concrete, you are in SDS Max territory. Bosch’s SDS Max page says these hammers are built for heavy drilling and chiseling, including breaking through concrete slabs and walls and chipping over-poured concrete. DeWalt sells the D25481K as a 1-9/16-inch (40 mm) combination hammer for drilling and chiseling, and its manual says it is designed for professional concrete drilling and chiseling.
DeWalt’s page gives 6 joules in its overview and 6.1 in its feature list. Its SHOCKS Active Vibration Control works best, the manual says, with just enough pressure to put the damper on the main handle at about mid-stroke; pushing harder does not make the tool hit faster, and the vibration control will not engage. An overload clutch interrupts the drive if a bit jams. The manual says a properly engaged SDS Max bit moves several centimeters in and out of the holder.
- SDS Max for heavy drilling and chiseling
- 6 joules of impact energy, per DeWalt
- Active vibration control and overload clutch
- Kit box included
- Corded only
- DeWalt’s page gives both 6 and 6.1 joules
- Takes SDS Max bits only; SDS Plus bits do not fit, per Bosch
Verdict: The pick when you break slab or drill big holes in concrete on a regular basis.
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What About Milwaukee?
I run a Milwaukee M18 SDS-Max hammer drill on my jobs. We do not link Milwaukee rotary hammers, because the Amazon listings we found for the M18 SDS-Max and SDS Plus models were from third-party sellers. If you are already on Milwaukee batteries, buy from a dealer you trust and read Milwaukee’s own specs.
Before You Buy
- Pick the bit system first. SDS Plus for anchors and small holes, SDS Max for slab work and big holes, per Bosch. The bits do not cross over.
- Size it to your biggest hole. Check the maker’s maximum, and for pipe, check the core bit rating against the pipe’s outside diameter.
- Look for a clutch. All four hammers here list an overload or torque limiting clutch for bit jams.
- Match your batteries. The DCH133B is sold as a bare tool for DeWalt 20V MAX packs.
- Plan for dust. DeWalt sells a drilling dust extraction system for the D25263K, and its manuals call for respiratory protection.
Safety: Drilling and Chipping Concrete
DeWalt’s manuals for these hammers say to hold the tool with both hands and always use the side handle, because operating it with one hand will result in loss of control, and that breaking through or hitting hard material such as rebar may be hazardous. If a bit jams, the overload clutch stops the drive, and DeWalt says to expect the stall and grip the tool firmly against the twist. Hold the tool by its insulated gripping surfaces wherever the bit may contact hidden wiring. Do not change modes while the tool is running, and never run a rotary mode with a chisel in the holder. Wear ear and eye protection. DeWalt warns that drilling concrete and masonry makes dust containing crystalline silica and says to use NIOSH/OSHA approved respiratory protection. It also warns that hammer vibration can harm your hands and arms over long periods, so take frequent breaks.
FAQ
What is the difference between SDS Plus and SDS Max?
The shank. Bosch says SDS Plus bits have a 10 mm shank and SDS Plus hammers are lighter and suited to masonry drilling, anchors and light chiseling. SDS Max bits have an 18 mm shank, and SDS Max hammers are built for heavier drilling and chiseling, such as breaking through concrete slabs and walls.
Can I use SDS Plus bits in an SDS Max rotary hammer?
No. Bosch says SDS Plus and SDS Max use different shank sizes and are not interchangeable, and bits must match the tool’s chuck system.
What size core bit do I need for a drain through concrete?
Size it to the pipe’s outside diameter. Charlotte Pipe lists 2.375 inches for 2-inch Schedule 40 PVC DWV and 3.500 inches for 3-inch. Makita rates the HR2641 for a 2-11/16-inch core bit, or 3-1/8 inches with a dry-type diamond core bit. Both clear 2-inch PVC, by about 0.31 and 0.75 inch, and neither fits 3-inch pipe (our arithmetic).
Do I need an SDS Max hammer to break a slab?
For real slab work, that is what Bosch says SDS Max hammers are for: heavy chiseling and breaking through concrete slabs and walls. Bosch describes SDS Plus hammers as suited to light chiseling. The DeWalt D25263K and Makita HR2641 have chipping modes for small jobs.
Can a rotary hammer drill wood or steel?
In its rotary drilling mode, with the hammer off. DeWalt’s DCH133 manual lists that mode for steel, wood and plastics and says large holes in steel, 5/16 to 1/2 inch, are easier with a 5/32 to 3/16 inch pilot hole first. Never run a rotary mode with a chisel in the holder, the manual says.
Why Trust Plumbing Picks
Plumbing Picks is written by a licensed Georgia journeyman plumber. Every spec here comes from the maker documents linked below, or from the Amazon listings we link; nothing comes from hands-on testing. On October 5, 2026, every linked listing was in stock and sold by Amazon.com. If you buy through a link we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Nobody pays to be included here. More on who writes this and how we pick.
Sources
- Bosch: SDS-plus hammers (category page and SDS Plus FAQ), Bosch: SDS-max hammers (category page and SDS Max FAQ)
- DeWalt: DCH133B 20V MAX 1 in. brushless SDS Plus D-handle rotary hammer (product page), DCH133 instruction manual (N476604)
- Makita: HR2641 1 in. AVT rotary hammer, SDS-PLUS (features and specs), HR2641 instruction manual
- DeWalt: D25263K 1-1/8 in. SDS Plus D-handle hammer kit (product page), D25133/D25260/D25262/D25263 instruction manual (N401624)
- DeWalt: D25481K 1-9/16 in. SDS MAX combination hammer kit (product page), D25481 instruction manual (N479489)
- Charlotte Pipe: PVC Schedule 40 DWV submittal package (pipe outside diameters)
- Amazon listings for each linked hammer (linked above)
Bottom Line
For anchors and hanger rod, buy an SDS Plus hammer: the cordless DeWalt DCH133B, or the corded Makita HR2641 if you also core holes for small pipe. For heavier SDS Plus work, the DeWalt D25263K. For slab work, an SDS Max hammer like the DeWalt D25481K. Whichever you choose, use the side handle, hold it with both hands, and protect your lungs from concrete dust.