Cordless rotary hammers are the most power-hungry tools you’ll ever charge — and choosing the right battery makes the difference between finishing a job and dead cells mid-concrete drilling. Unlike drill drivers or impact drivers, rotary hammers demand sustained high current draw, and underpowered batteries will deplete in minutes or throttle performance when you need it most.
This guide cuts through the marketing and tells you exactly which batteries work best with the Makita DHR243, DeWalt DCH273, and Milwaukee 2713-20 — and why capacity matters more for these tools than any other category.
Quick Recommendations
| Brand | Rotary Hammer | Best Battery | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Makita 18V LXT | DHR243 | BL1860B (6.0Ah) | Our pick for long drilling sessions (Makita: “ideal for tools with a high power consumption”) |
| DeWalt 20V MAX | DCH273 | DCB206 (6.0Ah) | Our pick for long drilling sessions |
| DeWalt FLEXVOLT | DCH416 | DCB606 (6.0Ah at 20V / 2.0Ah at 60V) | For DeWalt’s 60V MAX rotary hammers |
| Milwaukee M18 FUEL | 2713-20 | 48-11-1860 (6.0Ah) | Our pick for long drilling sessions |
Starter packs by platform
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Before you buy: check that the size, fitting/bore and maximum-rated speed marked on the accessory match what your tool’s manual specifies. We have not physically tested these products; listings are compiled from published specifications. These are affiliate links.
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Which batteries fit which tools — cross-brand, adapters & Ah, decoded.
Bottom line: for long drilling sessions we suggest 6.0Ah packs and a spare; smaller packs work but need swapping more often. We have not tested runtimes.
Why Battery Choice Matters for Rotary Hammers
Rotary hammers are among the heavier-drawing cordless tools, so pack capacity has a big effect on how long you can drill between charges.
This has real consequences:
- Compact batteries (up to 3.0Ah) fit, but need frequent swaps for continuous drilling.
- 4.0–5.0Ah batteries suit occasional drilling.
- 6.0Ah and larger packs suit longer sessions.
- Use a pack from the tool’s own platform. We found no maker rating that singles out particular packs for “sustained high current”; check the battery list in your tool’s manual.
For very heavy work — jackhammering concrete for hours, breaking out masonry, serious demolition — consider a corded SDS-MAX instead. Or if you’re on the Makita side, Makita’s separate 40V XGT platform is another option for heavier work, with its own batteries.
Browse Milwaukee M18 Batteries on Amazon
Browse DeWalt 18V Batteries on Amazon
Browse Makita 18V Batteries on Amazon
Makita 18V LXT Rotary Hammers
The Makita DHR243 is the entry-level SDS+ rotary hammer — 18V, lightweight, good for occasional SDS drilling. It pairs well with the entire Makita 18V LXT battery platform, but performance depends heavily on which cell you choose.
Best Battery: Makita BL1860B (6.0Ah)
The BL1860B is Makita’s 6.0Ah 18V LXT pack. Makita describes it as having “a charge level indicator” and as “ideal for tools with a high power consumption.” Makita does not publish a runtime for the DHR243, and we have not tested one.
Alternatives:
- BL1850 (5.0Ah): acceptable for lighter SDS work, or if you own two and rotate. Saves weight.
- BL1840 (4.0Ah): Only if drilling occasional holes. Not recommended for serious work.
- Smaller packs (BL1830 and below): we would not choose them for long drilling sessions.
Important: If you’re considering the Makita 40V XGT platform (different ecosystem), Makita also sells 40V XGT rotary hammers on its separate XGT battery platform. Stick with 18V LXT unless you’re already invested in 40V. See 18V vs 40V compatibility for more.
DeWalt 20V MAX Rotary Hammers
The DeWalt DCH273 is the flagship 20V MAX SDS+ model — compact, fast, reliable. It works across the full DeWalt 20V MAX platform, with best results at higher capacities.
Best Battery: DeWalt DCB206 (6.0Ah)
The DCB206 is DeWalt’s 6.0Ah 20V MAX pack. DeWalt does not publish a runtime for the DCH273, and we have not tested one.
Alternatives:
- DCB205 (5.0Ah): lighter, acceptable if you rotate two batteries.
- DCB204 (4.0Ah): Avoid for rotary hammer work. Too small.
DeWalt FLEXVOLT option: If you’re considering the DeWalt DCH416 FLEXVOLT rotary hammer (60V), use the DCB606 (6.0Ah at 20V / 2.0Ah at 60V). DeWalt says FLEXVOLT batteries switch voltage automatically to suit the tool. We have no DeWalt data comparing 60V and 20V rotary hammers on concrete. See 20V MAX vs FLEXVOLT compatibility for more detail.
Milwaukee M18 FUEL Rotary Hammers
The Milwaukee 2713-20 is the premium M18 FUEL SDS+ model — compact, powerful, and built for trade work. It draws heavily from the Milwaukee M18 battery platform, and RedLithium cells are the optimal choice.
Best Battery: Milwaukee 48-11-1860 (6.0Ah RedLithium)
The 48-11-1860 is Milwaukee’s US 6.0Ah M18 REDLITHIUM pack. Milwaukee does not publish a runtime for the 2713-20, and we have not tested one.
Alternatives:
- 48-11-1850 (5.0Ah REDLITHIUM): lighter, acceptable for intermittent use.
- Use genuine M18 packs listed for your tool.
Full Comparison Table: Rotary Hammer Batteries
| Brand & Model | Capacity | Voltage | Rotary Hammer | Published runtime | Recommended? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Makita BL1860B | 6.0Ah | 18V | DHR243 | Not published; not tested by us | ✓ Our pick |
| Makita BL1850 | 5.0Ah | 18V | DHR243 | Not published; not tested by us | ✓ Acceptable |
| Makita BL1840 | 4.0Ah | 18V | DHR243 | Not published; not tested by us | Occasional use only |
| DeWalt DCB206 | 6.0Ah | 20V MAX | DCH273 | Not published; not tested by us | ✓ Our pick |
| DeWalt DCB205 | 5.0Ah | 20V MAX | DCH273 | Not published; not tested by us | ✓ Acceptable |
| DeWalt DCB606 | 6.0Ah at 20V / 2.0Ah at 60V | FLEXVOLT | DCH416 | Not published; not tested by us | For 60V tools |
| Milwaukee 48-11-1860 | 6.0Ah | M18 | 2713-20 | Not published; not tested by us | ✓ Our pick |
| Milwaukee 48-11-1850 | 5.0Ah | M18 | 2713-20 | Not published; not tested by us | ✓ Acceptable |
The makers do not publish runtimes for these tool and battery pairs, and we have not tested them, so we do not estimate them. Runtime varies with concrete hardness, bit condition and technique.
Pro Tips for Rotary Hammer Battery Management
- Carry at least two 6.0Ah batteries: Concrete drilling is non-stop work. While one charges, you drill with the other. A single battery creates downtime.
- Rotate batteries: using two or three packs in turn lets each one cool between uses.
- Store packs part-charged: Ryobi, for example, advises against leaving batteries fully charged or completely flat for long periods.
- Keep batteries cool: Sustained drilling generates heat. Let batteries cool between uses if possible, especially in summer.
- Monitor voltage sag: As a battery ages, voltage sag (drop under load) increases. If you notice the rotary hammer slowing in the last few minutes, it’s time to retire that cell.
- For very heavy work, consider corded SDS-MAX: If you’re jackhammering concrete all day, a corded 1500W+ SDS-MAX will outlast any cordless setup. Cordless is convenient; corded is relentless.
Watch: Video Guide
FAQ: Rotary Hammer Batteries
Q: Can I use a 4.0Ah or 5.0Ah battery in a rotary hammer?
A: Yes. Any pack from the tool’s own platform fits. Smaller packs simply need swapping more often; for longer jobs we suggest 6.0Ah. The makers do not publish runtimes for these combinations, and we have not tested them.
Q: Do I need matching batteries for two rotary hammers?
A: Not necessarily. Makita DHR243, DeWalt DCH273, and Milwaukee 2713-20 are all standalone tools — you can pair each with a different battery. But if you’re running the same tool with two batteries rotating, yes, matching capacity ensures consistent runtime.
Q: Is DeWalt FLEXVOLT better than 20V MAX for rotary hammers?
A: We have no DeWalt data comparing 60V FLEXVOLT and 20V MAX rotary hammers on concrete. FLEXVOLT is DeWalt’s higher-voltage option for heavier tools; for occasional DIY drilling, 20V MAX is enough.
Q: Can I use a Makita 18V battery in a DeWalt rotary hammer?
A: No. Makita 18V LXT, DeWalt 20V MAX and Milwaukee M18 are separate battery platforms, and their batteries are not cross-compatible. See Makita LXT and XGT compatibility for more on Makita’s own platforms.
Q: How often should I replace rotary hammer batteries?
A: We could not find a published cycle rating for these packs. Lithium-ion packs lose capacity with use and age; replace a pack when its runtime has dropped noticeably for your work.
How we compile this guide
We cross-reference compatibility details against manufacturer specifications where available, official tool manuals, and the physical standards that govern fitment (bore sizes, arbor diameters, voltage platforms, connector types). We prioritise primary sources over retailer listings, flag anything we can’t confirm, and re-verify the data on a regular cycle. Where we give a buying recommendation, we tell you the reasoning — not just the link. More on our method →
