DEWALT DCH133B: problems, parts and running costs

Checked: 2026-10-17

Summary

The DCH133B is a bare-tool 20V MAX brushless SDS+ D-handle rotary hammer rated at 2.6 joules, 0-1,500 RPM and 0-5,500 BPM, weighing about 5 lbs. The friction is that it ships with no battery, charger or case, it lacks the electronic clutch and active vibration control of the higher-end DCH293, and one owner reported a chuck that would not hold bits. Running cost is the battery and charger plus SDS+ bits; it is a fair buy near $249 for an existing DEWALT 20V owner, and the total climbs toward $350-450 once you add power.

Common problems and fixes

No electronic clutch or active vibration control — those features are on the higher-end DCH293; this model has a mechanical clutch instead. [1]
Chuck would not hold bits — an iFixit owner reported a gap below the sliding tube and a chuck that would not hold bits on a fairly new tool with minimal use; one isolated case, not a pattern. [18]
Adequate for chipping but not top-tier — Reddit owners say it “gets the job done” for chipping but “there are better and faster things on the market.” [4]
Dust extraction requires a separate attachment — the tool is dust-extraction ready but needs the DEWALT D25301D attachment, sold separately. [1]

Parts and consumables

Yearly running cost

The tool ships with no battery or charger, so the first-year cost is the power supply: DEWALT 20V MAX batteries run roughly $50-150 depending on capacity and a charger about $40-60. After that, the ongoing cost is SDS+ bits and the D25301D dust attachment if you add it. No source gives a per-year total, so the exact yearly figure is not enough data.

When it is a good buy

The bare tool runs about $249 at Northern Tool, Coastal Tool and Farrell Equipment [7][8].
Lowe’s lists a 2-tool combo kit with the DCH133B at $449 [2].
The DCH133M2 kit was about $299 when available, per a 2017 ToolGuyd reference that may be outdated [1].
For someone already on DEWALT 20V MAX batteries it is solid mid-range value; without them the total approaches $350-450 with battery and charger, at which point a Bosch or Milwaukee kit deserves a look [1].
Alternatives: the DCH293 when you want the electronic clutch and active vibration control this model lacks, or the DCH273 for a more compact body [1].