DeWalt DCH172B Review

The DeWalt DCH172B is a powerful and compact cordless hammer drill, designed to handle a range of tough drilling and driving tasks with ease. As part of DeWalt’s 20V MAX lineup, this tool combines high performance with user-friendly features, making it ideal for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts. Whether you’re working on masonry, concrete, wood, or metal, the DCH172B provides the power and versatility needed to tackle challenging projects. In this review, we’ll explore the key features, performance, and overall value of the DeWalt DCH172B to help you decide if it’s the right tool for your needs.

Introduction to the DeWalt DCH172B

The DeWalt DCH172B is a 20V MAX cordless hammer drill that combines high-impact power with a compact and lightweight design. Featuring a brushless motor, this tool delivers improved efficiency and longer runtime compared to traditional models. With its durable construction and three-mode operation, the DCH172B is built to handle demanding tasks such as drilling into concrete, masonry, and metal, while also offering versatility for everyday drilling and driving tasks. Whether you’re working on home improvement projects, construction sites, or renovations, the DCH172B is designed to provide both power and convenience in a portable package.

One of the most notable features of the DCH172B is its lightweight design, making it easier to handle and maneuver in tight spaces. Its powerful motor ensures that you can complete tasks efficiently without sacrificing performance. Let’s take a deeper look at the key features and performance of the DeWalt DCH172B to determine if it’s the right choice for your toolkit.

Key Features of the DeWalt DCH172B

1. Brushless Motor Technology The DeWalt DCH172B is powered by a brushless motor, offering several advantages over traditional brushed motors. The brushless motor is more efficient, generates less heat, and requires less maintenance, making it ideal for long-lasting use. This technology also increases the tool’s runtime, so you can work longer without needing to recharge the battery. The brushless motor delivers consistent power, providing the necessary force for demanding tasks like drilling into tough materials.

2. Three-Mode Operation The DCH172B features three modes to provide flexibility for various tasks:

   • Drill Mode: Ideal for drilling into wood, metal, and other softer materials.

   • Hammer Mode: Designed for tougher materials such as concrete and masonry, providing extra impact force for drilling into dense surfaces.

   • Chiseling Mode: Allows the tool to function as a chipping hammer, making it perfect for surface preparation, breaking up materials, and demolition tasks.

   These three modes ensure that the DCH172B can handle a wide range of applications, from light drilling to heavy-duty masonry work.

3. Compact and Lightweight Design One of the key benefits of the DCH172B is its compact and lightweight design. Weighing just 4.2 pounds, this tool is significantly lighter than other heavy-duty hammer drills on the market, making it easier to handle and maneuver, especially in tight or overhead spaces. The reduced weight helps minimize user fatigue, allowing for extended use without discomfort. The compact design also makes it easier to transport, ideal for professionals who need to carry their tools to different job sites.

4. 1/2-Inch Keyless Chuck The DCH172B is equipped with a 1/2-inch keyless chuck, allowing for quick and easy bit changes without the need for additional tools. The keyless chuck ensures that your drill bits are securely held in place during use, preventing them from slipping and providing greater control over your drilling and driving tasks. This feature saves you time and improves productivity, especially when you need to switch between tasks quickly.

5. Durable Construction and Ergonomics The DCH172B is built to withstand the rigors of professional use, with a rugged exterior that is designed to endure tough job site conditions. Its durable construction ensures that it can handle impacts, drops, and rough handling without compromising performance. The drill also features an ergonomic handle with a soft rubber overmold, providing a comfortable and secure grip that reduces hand fatigue. This design allows you to maintain better control of the tool, even during extended use.

6. 20V MAX Lithium-Ion Battery System The DCH172B is powered by DeWalt’s 20V MAX lithium-ion battery system, which provides long-lasting power and quick charging times. The 20V MAX batteries offer superior performance compared to older battery technologies, ensuring that your drill operates at peak performance throughout the job. The system is also compatible with other DeWalt 20V MAX tools, giving you the flexibility to use the same batteries across your entire tool collection.

7. LED Work Light For added convenience, the DCH172B is equipped with a built-in LED work light. This feature illuminates your work area, making it easier to see what you’re doing, especially in dimly lit spaces. Whether you’re working in a basement, attic, or outside at dusk, the LED light ensures better visibility, allowing you to work with greater precision and safety.

Performance and Efficiency

The DeWalt DCH172B delivers powerful performance, making it ideal for a wide range of applications. Its 20V MAX brushless motor ensures that the drill operates efficiently, even when drilling into dense materials like masonry and concrete. The three-mode functionality provides the versatility needed to tackle various tasks, from drilling holes for anchors to breaking up surfaces with the chiseling function.

The hammer function delivers strong impact energy, allowing the tool to break through tough materials like concrete and stone with ease. With the 1/2-inch keyless chuck, you can securely hold a variety of drill bits, ensuring accurate and reliable drilling in different materials. The compact design and ergonomic handle provide comfort and control, making it easier to work in tight spaces or for extended periods without causing strain or fatigue.

The DCH172B’s battery system provides long-lasting power, ensuring that you can complete tasks without frequent interruptions for recharging. The lithium-ion batteries deliver consistent power throughout their charge cycle, so you don’t have to worry about sudden drops in performance during use. With the fast-charging system, you can quickly recharge the batteries, reducing downtime and keeping you productive throughout your projects.

Battery Life and Charging

The DeWalt DCH172B is powered by DeWalt’s 20V MAX lithium-ion battery system, providing long-lasting power for your drilling and hammering needs. The batteries are known for their efficiency and quick charging times, ensuring that you can complete projects without the need to stop and wait for your tool to recharge.

The batteries are compatible with other DeWalt 20V MAX tools, making it easy to swap out batteries between tools in your collection. This compatibility provides flexibility, especially if you already own other DeWalt tools that use the 20V MAX system. The fuel gauge on the battery allows you to easily track the remaining charge, so you can plan ahead and avoid running out of power unexpectedly.

With the included charger, you can recharge the battery in under an hour, ensuring that you can quickly get back to work. Having multiple batteries on hand ensures that you can keep working without interruptions, making the DCH172B a reliable tool for long work sessions.

Pros of the DeWalt DCH172B

• Powerful performance: Provides strong impact energy for drilling into tough materials like masonry, brick, and stone.

• Three-mode operation: Offers versatility with drilling, hammering, and chiseling functions to tackle a wide range of tasks.

• Compact and lightweight design: Easy to handle and maneuver, especially in tight or overhead spaces, reducing user fatigue.

• Brushless motor: Increases efficiency, runtime, and durability, reducing maintenance and providing smoother operation.

• Ergonomic handle: Comfortable grip that reduces hand strain and improves control during use.

• SDS Plus compatibility: Ideal for quick and easy bit changes, enhancing productivity.

• Built-in LED light: Provides better visibility for precision work, even in dimly lit environments.

Cons of the DeWalt DCH172B

• Higher price point: The DCH172B is priced higher than some other drills on the market, which may be a concern for users on a tight budget.

• Not suitable for extreme heavy-duty tasks: While it performs well for medium-duty applications, it may not have the power required for large-scale demolition or very heavy-duty masonry tasks.

• No corded option: While cordless operation is convenient, some users may prefer a corded option for unlimited runtime during long work sessions.

How to Get the Most Out of Your DeWalt DCH172B

To maximize the performance of your DeWalt DCH172B, consider the following tips:

1. Choose the right mode: Use the hammering mode for tough drilling tasks in masonry or stone and the chisel mode for surface preparation or demolition work.

2. Charge batteries regularly: Keep the batteries charged and have a spare ready to go to avoid downtime during long work sessions.

3. Use the correct bit for the material: Ensure you’re using the proper drill or chisel bit for the material you’re working with to ensure maximum efficiency and longevity of both the tool and the bit.

4. Maintain the tool: Clean the chuck and keep the tool free from debris to ensure it operates smoothly and efficiently.

Conclusion

The DeWalt DCH172B is a powerful, versatile, and durable rotary hammer drill that delivers exceptional performance for a variety of drilling, hammering, and chiseling tasks. With its 20V MAX brushless motor, three-mode functionality, and ergonomic design, it provides the perfect balance of power, comfort, and convenience. While it may not be ideal for extreme heavy-duty tasks or large-scale demolition, it excels in medium-duty applications and is well-suited for masonry, concrete, and other tough materials.

If you’re looking for a reliable, high-performance rotary hammer drill that combines power and portability, the DeWalt DCH172B is an excellent choice. Its combination of features, including the brushless motor, lightweight design, and versatile functionality, makes it a valuable addition to any toolkit, whether you’re a professional contractor or a serious DIYer.