New Dewalt 20V Cordless Rotary Hammer DCH253

Dewalt is coming out with a new 20V Max cordless rotary hammer, model DCH253. The new rotary hammer is rated as having the same power as Dewalt’s DCH213, and also features active vibration control for improved user comfort.

Features

• 1.7 ft-lbs impact energy
• “SHOCKS” active vibration control
• LED worklight
• Variable speed trigger
• 0-1200 RPM/0-4500 BPM
• Rotary + impact, rotary-only, and impact-only modes
• 360° side handle with depth rod
• Factory-set clutch to reduce high torque reactions if bit jams or binds
• DCH253M2 kit includes (2) 4.0Ah lithium-ion batteries, charger, and kit box
• DCH253B bare-tool option

We have received numerous tips that the DCH253 is powered by a brushless motor, but have yet to receive official comment or clarification from Dewalt. If it is brushless, it won’t be the first – Bosch and Makita came out with their 18V cordless brushless rotary hammers over a year ago, and Milwaukee’s 12V Fuel brushless rotary hammer recently hit the market.

Buy Now(Kit via Amazon)
Buy Now(Bare tool via Amazon)

Whether built with a brushed or brushless motor, the kit’s 4.0Ah battery packs should keep you away from the charger for a reasonably long time.

The DCH253 is available in Europe and will soon be available in North America. A second new cordless rotary hammer model is also available in Europe, model DCH254. The DCH254 cordless rotary hammer has an additional feature the DCH253 lacks – a quick release SDS-Plus chuck AND a quick release 1/2″ 3-jaw keyless chuck. With the 3-jaw chuck you can use the rotary hammer (in rotary-only mode) with traditional twist drill bits as you would with a drill or hammer drill.

First Impression

Aside from a couple of new vent placements, a slightly different motor casing, and a higher price, there does not seem to be any major differences between the DCH213 and DCH253 rotary hammers. If I had to guess, I’d say that the new model has been redesigned on the inside for greater efficiency and runtime.

Vibration dampening on the DCH213 is excellent, and I can’t see any way that Dewalt could have improved upon it further.

One thing I am happy to see is that the mode-select markings are high contrast yellow-on-black. The markings on the DCH213 are not terribly difficult to read, but the DCH253 markings look leaps and bounds clearer.