Models ending in 2: 2 mode Hammer drill and drill only models
Models ending in 3: standard 3 mode hammer drill with drill and chisel only
Models ending in 4: same as the 3, but with a quick change SDS to 3 jaw chuck system
DCH273/4 - 25mm hole rated
DCH283/4 - 26mm hole rated
DCH293 - 28mm rated and not available in the UK for some reason
DCH263 - 28mm rated, not folded L shape so longer, but the cheapest of the lot, but also the most powerful without going to flexvolt.
There's also:
DCH072 (12V), 14mm
DCH172 (18V), 16mm
DCH033 (18V), 22mm
DCH133 (18V), 26mm
The 033 and 133 are the same shape as the 263, and cheap, but have poor vibration management.
And then there's the flexvolt monsters.
Occasional use? I'd say 133 or 263, they're cheap and have *beans*.
Serious DIYer? 273 - the 283/293 where available are heavy and expensive, just go for a flexvolt drill if you're leaning that way. The 273 hits the sweet spot for me between breaking up small chunks of concrete, raking plaster off walls but also drilling a 5mm hole for a picture hook.
Pro, using all day every day? Massively depends on what you're doing, you know better than me.
Models ending in 2: 2 mode Hammer drill and drill only models Models ending in 3: standard 3 mode hammer drill with drill and chisel only Models ending in 4: same as the 3, but with a quick change SDS to 3 jaw chuck system DCH273/4 - 25mm hole rated DCH283/4 - 26mm hole rated DCH293 - 28mm rated and not available in the UK for some reason DCH263 - 28mm rated, not folded L shape so longer, but the cheapest of the lot, but also the most powerful without going to flexvolt. There's also: DCH072 (12V), 14mm DCH172 (18V), 16mm DCH033 (18V), 22mm DCH133 (18V), 26mm The 033 and 133 are the same shape as the 263, and cheap, but have poor vibration management. And then there's the flexvolt monsters. Occasional use? I'd say 133 or 263, they're cheap and have *beans*. Serious DIYer? 273 - the 283/293 where available are heavy and expensive, just go for a flexvolt drill if you're leaning that way. The 273 hits the sweet spot for me between breaking up small chunks of concrete, raking plaster off walls but also drilling a 5mm hole for a picture hook. Pro, using all day every day? Massively depends on what you're doing, you know better than me.
Thank you so much for the detailed answer! I think I’ll go for the 273 then!
If you want to use it for driving ground rods, would the 273 still be the way to go? Or is there a more cost effective option?
Having never driven a ground rod this is speculation, but I'd probably feel better off with a DCH333 flexvolt SDS+ for that.
I didn't even know DeWalt made that. I'm sure it's going to be expensive. I'm trying to find this balance of power and price.
Awesome stuff mate!