DEWALT DCH172D2 ATOMIC™ 20V MAX Rotary Hammer Kit: Fast, Lightweight, and Built for Concrete Work

Introduction

Drilling into concrete, masonry, or stone on a professional jobsite demands a tool that combines real impact energy with manageable weight. Corded rotary hammers can deliver the power, but the cable limits your mobility. Undersized cordless options often compromise on performance. The DEWALT DCH172D2 ATOMIC™ 20V MAX 5/8 in. Brushless Cordless SDS PLUS Rotary Hammer Kit is designed to close that gap.

Built around a brushless motor and a German-engineered mechanism, the DCH172D2 delivers 1.4 Joules of impact energy in a compact, cordless package. It is purpose-built for applications like rod hanging, concrete forming, cable tray mounting, and railing installation — tasks that require consistent concrete-drilling performance without the restriction of a power cord.

If you are a contractor, electrician, or tradesperson who drills into concrete regularly and needs a cordless solution that does not sacrifice capability, the DEWALT ATOMIC™ DCH172D2 is worth a close look.

DEWALT DCH172D2 ATOMIC 20V MAX rotary hammer kit with two 2Ah batteries, charger, side handle, and kit box on white background
The DEWALT DCH172D2 ATOMIC™ kit — everything included to get to work immediately.

What is the DEWALT DCH172D2 ATOMIC™ Rotary Hammer Kit?

The DEWALT DCH172D2 is a cordless SDS PLUS rotary hammer — a category of tool specifically designed for drilling and light chiseling in concrete, brick, and masonry. The SDS PLUS chuck system allows bits to slide and rotate independently during drilling, which dramatically improves concrete penetration efficiency compared to standard rotary drills.

The ATOMIC™ designation in DEWALT’s lineup refers to their compact, high-performance tool category — tools built to deliver professional-grade output in a smaller, lighter body. The DCH172D2 runs on DEWALT’s 20V MAX battery platform, compatible with the broader DEWALT 20V MAX ecosystem of batteries and chargers.

The D2 suffix indicates this is the kit version, which includes two DCB203 20V MAX 2.0Ah batteries, a charger, and a durable kit box — everything you need to start working straight out of the box.

Key features

  • 1.4 Joules of impact energy — Delivers the drilling power needed for 5/8-inch holes in concrete for common trade applications including rod hanging, clip and bracket mounting, and cable tray installation.
  • Brushless motor — Runs more efficiently than brushed motors, generating less heat and providing longer runtime per battery charge, with a longer service life and less maintenance.
  • German-engineered mechanism — The internal hammer mechanism is engineered for durability and consistent performance in demanding drilling conditions.
  • SHOCKS ACTIVE VIBRATION CONTROL® System — Reduces vibration felt at the handles compared to rotary hammers without this feature, helping reduce user fatigue on extended drilling tasks.
  • Mode selector switch — Quickly switches between drill mode and hammer drill mode, giving you flexibility for different materials without changing tools.
  • SDS PLUS chuck — Provides fast, tool-free bit changes and the independent bit movement that makes rotary hammers effective in concrete and masonry.
  • 360° side handle — Provides additional control and stability during drilling, especially for longer sessions or tougher materials.
  • Depth rod — Allows you to set a consistent drilling depth for repetitive anchor or fastener installation.
  • Belt hook — Keeps the tool accessible and off the ground when not in use.
  • OSHA Table 1 Compliance — Achievable when paired with the separately available DWH200D shroud and DWH161D1 dust extractor.
  • Kit includes: DCH172 Rotary Hammer, (2) DCB203 20V MAX 2.0Ah Batteries, DCB112 Charger, 360° Side Handle, Depth Rod, Belt Hook, Kit Box
DEWALT DCH172D2 ATOMIC rotary hammer close-up showing SDS PLUS chuck, mode selector switch, brushless motor housing, and 360-degree side handle
The DCH172D2 showing the SDS PLUS chuck, mode selector, and 360° side handle for full drilling control.

Why choose the DEWALT DCH172D2?

Cordless freedom without the performance compromise. The DCH172D2’s 1.4 Joules of impact energy is designed specifically for the 5/8-inch drilling tasks common in trade applications — not just occasional light masonry work.

The ATOMIC™ form factor matters on a crowded jobsite. The compact design makes this tool easier to use in tight spaces — between studs, above ceilings, inside mechanical rooms — where a full-size rotary hammer would be awkward or impossible to maneuver.

Vibration control is a practical benefit. The SHOCKS ACTIVE VIBRATION CONTROL® System reduces hand-arm fatigue, which translates to more comfortable and sustainable use over long shifts.

Part of the 20V MAX ecosystem. If you already use DEWALT 20V MAX tools on site, the DCH172D2 integrates directly into your existing battery and charger setup.

Complete kit value. At $259.00, this kit includes two batteries, a charger, and a kit box — a ready-to-work setup that does not require separate accessory purchases.

Who is this tool for?

The DEWALT DCH172D2 ATOMIC™ is a strong fit for:

  • Electricians installing cable trays, conduit strut, and clip brackets in concrete structures.
  • Mechanical and HVAC contractors who hang rods and mount brackets in concrete ceilings and walls.
  • General contractors who need a reliable cordless concrete drilling solution for anchor and fastener installation.
  • Carpenters and form workers involved in concrete forming and railing installation.
  • Tradespeople already on the DEWALT 20V MAX platform looking to add a compact rotary hammer to their kit.
  • Anyone working in confined or overhead spaces where a full-size rotary hammer is impractical.

How to use the DEWALT DCH172D2

  1. Installing a bit — Insert an SDS PLUS bit into the chuck by pushing it in and rotating until it clicks. Bits change quickly without tools.
  2. Selecting the mode — Use the mode selector to choose between drill only and hammer drill. Always select the appropriate mode for your material.
  3. Attaching the side handle — Slide the 360° side handle onto the front and position it for your preferred grip. Tighten securely before use.
  4. Setting drilling depth — Insert the depth rod and adjust to your required depth — especially useful for repetitive anchor installations.
  5. Drilling in concrete — Apply steady forward pressure and let the hammer mechanism do the work. Avoid excessive force — the SDS PLUS system is most efficient when the bit reciprocates freely.
  6. OSHA compliance setup — For OSHA Table 1 dust compliance, pair with the separately available DWH200D shroud and DWH161D1 dust extractor.
  7. Battery management — With two 2.0Ah batteries included, rotate between them to maintain continuous workflow while one charges.
DEWALT DCH172D2 ATOMIC SDS PLUS rotary hammer right-side profile showing belt hook, 20V MAX 2Ah battery, depth rod, and compact body
Full profile of the DCH172D2 showing the compact ATOMIC™ form factor, depth rod, and belt hook.

Buying considerations

  • 5/8-inch capacity — Optimized for 5/8-inch drilling in concrete. For larger diameter holes, a higher-impact-energy rotary hammer may be more appropriate.
  • 2.0Ah battery capacity — Suited for moderate use. For extended continuous drilling, upgrading to higher-capacity 20V MAX batteries will extend runtime.
  • OSHA compliance — The dust shroud and extractor required for OSHA Table 1 compliance are sold separately.
  • Tool-only vs. kit — If you already have 20V MAX batteries, the DCH172B (tool only) may offer better value.
  • SDS PLUS bit compatibility — Uses the SDS PLUS bit standard, the most widely available rotary hammer bit format. Existing SDS PLUS bits are compatible.

Benefits summary

  • 1.4 Joules of impact energy for effective 5/8-inch drilling in concrete and masonry
  • Brushless motor for efficient performance, longer runtime, and extended tool life
  • German-engineered mechanism built for durability in demanding applications
  • SHOCKS ACTIVE VIBRATION CONTROL® reduces handle vibration for more comfortable extended use
  • Compact ATOMIC™ form factor for use in tight and overhead spaces
  • Mode selector for quick switching between drill and hammer drill
  • 360° side handle and depth rod for control and consistent depth
  • Complete kit — two 2.0Ah batteries, charger, and kit box included
  • OSHA Table 1 compliant when paired with compatible dust accessories
  • 20V MAX platform compatible for shared battery use across DEWALT tools

Ready to drill smarter on the jobsite?

The DEWALT DCH172D2 ATOMIC™ 20V MAX Rotary Hammer Kit gives tradespeople the cordless freedom to work anywhere on a jobsite without sacrificing the concrete-drilling performance the job demands. With a complete kit ready to work out of the box, it is a practical, professional investment.

View the DEWALT DCH172D2 ATOMIC™ Rotary Hammer Kit on Bore-X →

Frequently asked questions

What is an SDS PLUS rotary hammer and how is it different from a regular drill?

An SDS PLUS rotary hammer uses a dedicated chuck system that allows the drill bit to slide and rotate independently, delivering a hammering action directly into the material. This makes it significantly more effective than a standard drill for drilling into concrete, brick, and masonry.

What applications is the DEWALT DCH172D2 designed for?

It is designed for rod hanging, concrete forming, cable tray and strut mounting, clip and bracket mounting, and railing mounting — common tasks in electrical, mechanical, and general construction trades.

What is the SHOCKS ACTIVE VIBRATION CONTROL® System?

DEWALT’s vibration reduction system built into the DCH172D2. It reduces vibration felt at the handles compared to rotary hammers without this feature, helping to reduce hand-arm fatigue during extended drilling sessions.

Is this tool OSHA Table 1 compliant for silica dust?

The DCH172D2 can achieve OSHA Table 1 compliance when paired with the separately available DWH200D shroud and DWH161D1 dust extractor. These accessories are not included in the kit.

What batteries are included in the DCH172D2 kit?

The kit includes (2) DCB203 20V MAX 2.0Ah batteries and a DCB112 charger, compatible with all tools in the DEWALT 20V MAX platform.

Can I use my existing DEWALT 20V MAX batteries with this tool?

Yes. The DCH172D2 is fully compatible with all DEWALT 20V MAX batteries, including higher-capacity options that can extend runtime for demanding drilling sessions.

What is the difference between the DCH172D2 and the DCH172B?

The DCH172D2 is the kit version, including two 2.0Ah batteries, a charger, side handle, depth rod, belt hook, and kit box. The DCH172B is the tool-only version — suited for users who already have the 20V MAX battery system.

What size holes can the DCH172D2 drill in concrete?

The tool is rated for up to 5/8-inch diameter holes in concrete for typical trade fastening applications. For larger holes, a higher-energy rotary hammer would be more appropriate.

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