DEWALT DW5809 Review

When a standard SDS-plus drill bit tops out at around 16 mm and the job demands a clean, straight hole through reinforced concrete for anchor bolts, rebar dowels, or pipe sleeves, stepping up to the SDS-max system is the logical move. An SDS-max bit has a larger shank with deeper drive grooves and a thicker body than its SDS-plus equivalent, allowing it to transfer more of the hammer's impact energy to the cutting tip — which means faster drilling, less bit flex, and longer service life. For contractors who own an SDS-max rotary hammer, a good quality carbide-tipped bit is essential for the larger diameter holes that SDS-plus tools cannot handle. A bit that centres accurately, clears dust efficiently, and keeps its edge through abrasive concrete pays for itself in time saved and holes drilled.

Dewalt's SDS-max accessory range covers the full spectrum of masonry drilling from small-diameter anchor holes to large core bits for service penetrations. A bit in the 16 mm class — roughly 5/8 inch — sits at the smaller end of the SDS-max range but delivers a combination of relatively fast drilling speed and the structural strength needed for deep holes in hard concrete. When selecting an SDS-max bit, the key considerations are the carbide tip quality, the flute design for dust clearance, and the overall length — which determines how deep you can drill before the hammer body contacts the wall.

This review covers the Dewalt DW5809, an SDS-max carbide-tipped masonry drill bit rated 4.6 out of 5 stars from 21 customer reviews. We examine its cutting performance, build quality, and the professional applications where a 16 mm bit earns its keep.

This SDS-max bit features a tungsten carbide cutting tip brazed onto a hardened steel body with an overall length of approximately 410 mm (16 inches) and a usable drilling depth that comfortably reaches through standard cavity walls and foundation blocks. The bit diameter is approximately 16 mm (5/8 inch), placing it in the medium range for SDS-max tooling — large enough for M12 and M16 anchor bolts and chemical anchor capsules, small enough that even mid-range SDS-max hammers can drive it efficiently without the bit stalling in hard aggregate. The bit weighs approximately 0.56 kg (1.24 pounds).

The carbide tip uses Dewalt's aggressive cutting geometry designed to start accurately and maintain penetration speed through concrete, reinforced concrete, and hard brick. The centring tip design prevents the bit from wandering as it starts the hole — critical when the hole position must be precise for structural fixings. The spiral flute body channels drilling dust up and out of the hole as the bit rotates, reducing the risk of binding in deep holes where dust accumulation can cause the bit to seize and overheat. The SDS-max shank has the standard four drive grooves that lock into any SDS-max chuck, providing both rotary drive and the sliding axial freedom that allows the hammer's pneumatic mechanism to strike the bit effectively.

In use, the bit requires an SDS-max rotary hammer — it is not compatible with SDS-plus tools. For efficient drilling in reinforced concrete, a hammer rated at 6 joules or more of impact energy is recommended, though lighter hammers can drive this diameter with slower progress. The bit operates in rotary hammer mode only and must not be used in hammer-only or rotary-only modes. Customer feedback from 21 reviews averaging 4.6 out of 5 stars is consistently positive, with users noting good durability and fast drilling speed in hard concrete.

The bit is manufactured to Dewalt's specifications and carries their quality expectations. It is sold as a single unit and is compatible with all SDS-max rotary hammers regardless of brand — the SDS-max interface is a universal standard. At 410 mm long, it provides enough reach for through-wall drilling in most residential and light commercial construction. For professionals installing M12 and M16 anchor bolts, through-bolts, and chemical anchors, this bit should deliver consistent performance across dozens of holes before the carbide tip requires replacement.

The DW5809 is a single-piece consumable accessory — no adapters, no moving parts, no maintenance beyond keeping the shank clean and lightly greased for smooth operation in the chuck. At its price point and with 21 positive reviews backing its performance, it represents a reliable choice for contractors who already own an SDS-max hammer and need a durable 16 mm bit for anchor installation and structural fixing work.

This SDS-max carbide-tipped drill bit is designed for professional contractors who need to drill 16 mm diameter holes through concrete, reinforced concrete, and masonry for anchor bolts, chemical anchors, and structural fixings using an SDS-max rotary hammer.