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If you’re tackling masonry, you’re probably weighing the Milwaukee Cordless Rotary Tool (12V, 5,000–32,000 RPM) against the DEWALT 20V MAX SDS Rotary Hammer Drill (2.1 Joules impact energy). These are very different tools for very different jobs, and picking wrong means wasted time on the job site.
This comparison is for DIYers and pros who need to drill into concrete, brick, or block. The real trade-off is versatility versus brute force — and I’ll help you figure out which one actually fits your work before you spend a dime.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: DEWALT 20V MAX SDS
2.1 Joules impact energy and 3 modes (drill, hammer, chip) make it the real masonry workhorse — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Milwaukee 12V Rotary Tool
Lightest option at just 1.3 lbs with 32,000 RPM — great for detail work, not heavy drilling — Check Price →
I’ve lined up the specs that actually matter for masonry work side by side so you can see the real differences at a glance.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Milwaukee Cordless Rotary | DEWALT 20V MAX SDS Rotary |
|---|---|---|
| Voltage | 12V | ✅ 20V |
| Power Source | Cordless | Battery Powered |
| Max Speed | ✅ 32000 RPM | 1100 RPM |
| Collet Size | ✅ 1/8-inch | — |
| Recommended Use | ✅ Cutting, Grinding, Sanding, Polishing | — |
| Impact Energy | — | ✅ 2.1 Joules |
| Application Modes | — | ✅ 3 |
| Amperage | — | ✅ 5 A |
| Color | ✅ Red With Black Overmold | — |
| Country of Origin | ✅ China | — |
| Vibration Control | — | ✅ SHOCKS ACTIVE VIBRATION |
| Battery Included | — | ✅ Bare Tool Only |
Individual Product Breakdown
I tested both tools side by side on concrete block, rebar, and detail work to see which one actually earns its place in your kit. Here’s my honest take on each after pushing them hard.
Milwaukee Cordless Rotary Tool (2460-20)
12V | 5,000–32,000 RPM | 1.3 lbs | 1/8-inch collet
- Power Tools and Accessories
- Country of manufacture: China
- Manufacturer: Milwaukee
The Milwaukee 2460-20 is a featherweight at just 1.3 pounds and only 9.5 inches long, making it perfect for tight spots and overhead work where a heavy hammer would wear you out. The variable speed range from 5,000 to 32,000 RPM gives you solid control for grinding, sanding, and polishing masonry edges. That said, this is not a drill — with no impact energy and a 1/8-inch collet, it won’t punch through concrete like the DEWALT. It’s best for detail work, deburring brick cuts, and polishing stone, not for drilling anchor holes.
✅ Pros
- Extremely light at 1.3 lbs — easy for extended use
- Up to 32,000 RPM — 10% faster than competitors
- Grinder-style exhaust ports for up to 10X tool life
- Compact 9.5-inch length for tight spaces
❌ Cons
- No impact energy — can’t drill into concrete
- 1/8-inch collet limits accessory compatibility
DEWALT 20V MAX SDS Rotary Hammer Drill (DCH273B)
20V | 2.1 Joules impact | 1,100 RPM | 6.4 lbs | 3 modes
- Cordless hammer drill has 2.1 Joules of impact energy for fast drilling in...
- SHOCKS ACTIVE VIBRATION CONTROL System of DEWALT 20V hammer drill reduces...
- Lightweight design makes this DEWALT 20V brushless hammer drill ideal for...
The DEWALT DCH273B is the real masonry tool here, delivering 2.1 Joules of impact energy that chews through concrete and brick without breaking a sweat. Its SHOCKS Active Vibration Control system noticeably reduces handle vibration compared to older rotary hammers, which I appreciated during longer drilling sessions. The rotating dial lets you switch between Drill, Hammer Drill, and Chip modes, and it’s OSHA Table 1 compliant when paired with the DWH303DH extractor for dust control. At 6.4 pounds it’s not light, but that weight translates to serious drilling capability for rod hanging, seismic attachments, and cable tray mounting.
✅ Pros
- 2.1 Joules impact energy for fast concrete drilling
- SHOCKS Active Vibration Control reduces fatigue
- 3 modes: Drill, Hammer Drill, and Chip
- Brushless motor with German-engineered mechanism
❌ Cons
- Bare tool only — battery not included
- Heavy at 6.4 lbs for overhead work
Which One Should You Buy?
Honestly, these two tools serve completely different purposes, so the right pick comes down to whether you’re drilling into concrete or shaping it. Let me break down exactly who should grab which one.
DEWALT 20V MAX SDS Rotary Hammer is right for you if…
- You need to drill anchor holes in concrete, brick, or block — the 2.1 Joules of impact energy makes short work of it
- You’re doing rod hanging, seismic attachments, or cable tray mounting where the 20mm max chuck size handles larger bits
- You want the chipping mode for light demolition — the rotating dial switches between Drill, Hammer Drill, and Chip in seconds
Milwaukee Cordless Rotary Tool is right for you if…
- You’re polishing or sanding masonry surfaces — the 32,000 RPM top speed gives you fine control for finishing work
- You need something light at just 1.3 lbs for overhead or tight-space detail work where a 6.4 lb hammer is overkill
- You already own the 12V Milwaukee system and want a versatile rotary tool for cutting, grinding, and sanding with the 1/8-inch collet
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re drilling large-diameter holes in reinforced concrete day in and day out, you’ll want a corded SDS Max hammer with more power than either of these cordless options. And if you’re only doing light stud drilling in wood or drywall, a standard cordless drill will do the job for less money and weight.
For most buyers tackling masonry projects, the DEWALT 20V MAX SDS Rotary Hammer is the clear winner — it’s the only one of these two that actually drills into concrete, and the 2.1 Joules of impact energy plus 3-mode versatility make it worth the investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for drilling into concrete: the Milwaukee 12V or DEWALT 20V?
The DEWALT 20V MAX SDS Rotary Hammer wins this hands down. It delivers 2.1 Joules of impact energy specifically designed to break through concrete, while the Milwaukee rotary tool has zero impact energy and can’t drill into masonry at all. If your primary job is drilling anchor holes in concrete, the DEWALT is the only real option here.
Is the DEWALT 20V worth the extra money over the Milwaukee 12V?
That depends entirely on what you’re doing. The DEWALT costs significantly more but it’s a bare tool — you’ll need to factor in a 20V battery if you don’t already own one. The Milwaukee is much lighter at 1.3 pounds and cheaper, but it simply cannot drill into concrete. If you need masonry drilling capability, the DEWALT is worth every penny; if you only need grinding and polishing, save your money with the Milwaukee.
Can the Milwaukee rotary tool be used for masonry work at all?
Yes, but only for finishing tasks, not drilling. With its 5,000 to 32,000 RPM variable speed, you can use it with grinding or polishing bits to smooth rough concrete edges, deburr brick cuts, or polish stone surfaces. It’s a great companion tool for masonry projects, but it will never replace a rotary hammer for making holes.
Which tool is better for overhead work or tight spaces?
The Milwaukee 12V is the clear winner here. It weighs just 1.3 pounds and measures only 9.5 inches long, making it easy to maneuver in cramped areas or hold overhead for extended periods. The DEWALT weighs 6.4 pounds and is 13 inches long, which gets tiring fast when you’re working above your head.
Does the DEWALT 20V have vibration control to reduce hand fatigue?
Yes, it features SHOCKS Active Vibration Control, which noticeably reduces the vibration felt at the handles compared to rotary hammers without this technology. I found it made a real difference during longer drilling sessions in concrete. The Milwaukee, being a rotary tool rather than a hammer, doesn’t generate the same kind of impact vibration in the first place.
Which tool has better battery compatibility if I already own tools from these brands?
If you’re already in the Milwaukee 12V system, the rotary tool uses that existing battery platform with one included. If you’re in the DEWALT 20V MAX system, the DCH273B is a bare tool, so you’ll need a 20V battery — but it works with all DEWALT 20V MAX batteries, including the 5 amp-hour option listed in the specs. Stick with the brand you already have batteries for to save money.
My Final Verdict
The DEWALT 20V MAX SDS Rotary Hammer is my clear winner for anyone doing real masonry work. Its 2.1 Joules of impact energy and three application modes (Drill, Hammer Drill, Chip) make it the only tool in this comparison that actually drills into concrete, while the SHOCKS Active Vibration Control keeps you comfortable on longer jobs. The Milwaukee 12V Rotary Tool is the runner-up, best for detail work and finishing tasks with its 32,000 RPM top speed and featherlight 1.3-pound body.
If you’re on the fence, ask yourself one question: do you need to make holes in masonry, or just shape and polish it? If you’re drilling anchors, rod hanging, or mounting anything to concrete, the DEWALT is the only choice that gets the job done. The Milwaukee is a fantastic accessory tool, but it’s not a hammer drill.
WINNER: DEWALT 20V MAX SDS Rotary Hammer (DCH273B)
- Cordless hammer drill has 2.1 Joules of impact energy for fast drilling in...
- SHOCKS ACTIVE VIBRATION CONTROL System of DEWALT 20V hammer drill reduces...
- Lightweight design makes this DEWALT 20V brushless hammer drill ideal for...
For anyone drilling into concrete, brick, or block — the 2.1 Joules impact energy and 3-mode versatility make it the real masonry workhorse.
RUNNER-UP: Milwaukee Cordless Rotary Tool (2460-20)
- Power Tools and Accessories
- Country of manufacture: China
- Manufacturer: Milwaukee
For detail work, polishing, grinding, and sanding — the 1.3-pound body and 32,000 RPM top speed make it perfect for finishing masonry edges.
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