INSTRUCTION MANUAL
GUIDE D'UTILISATION
MANUAL DE INSTRUCCIONES
INSTRUCTIVO DE OPERACIÓN, CENTROS DE SERVICIO Y PÓLIZA 
DE GARANTÍA. ADVERTENCIA: LÉASE ESTE INSTRUCTIVO ANTES 
DE USAR EL PRODUCTO. 
DEWALT Industrial Tool Co., 701 Joppa Road, Baltimore, MD 21286
(FEB08)    Part No. 659965-00     DC212, DC222, DC223    Copyright © 2006, 2008 DEWALT
The following are trademarks for one or more DEWALT power tools: the yellow and black color 
scheme; the “D” shaped air intake grill; the array of pyramids on the handgrip; the kit box configura-
tion; and the array of lozenge-shaped humps on the surface of the tool.
DC212 Heavy-Duty 18V Cordless Rotary Hammer
DC222, DC223 Heavy-Duty 24V Cordless Rotary Hammers
Perceuse à percussion haute résistance sans fil 18V DC212
Perceuses à percussions haute résistance sans fil 24V DC222 et DC223
Rotomartillo inalámbrico DC212 de 18 V para trabajo pesado
Rotomartillos inalámbricos  DC223 del 24 V para trabajo pesadoDC222 y 
If you have questions or comments, contact us.
Pour toute question ou tout commentaire, nous contacter.
Si tiene dudas o comentarios, contáctenos.
1-800-4-D WALT • www.dewalt.comE
Definitions: Safety Guidelines 
The definitions below describe the level of severity for each signal word. Please read 
the manual and pay attention to these symbols.
DANGER: will  Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, 
result in death or serious injury.
WARNING: could Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided,   
result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION may: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided,   
result in minor or moderate injury.
CAUTION:  Used  without the safety alert symbol indicates a potentially hazardous 
situation which, if not avoided,   result in may property damage.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS ABOUT THIS OR ANY D WALT TOOL, E
CALL US TOLL FREE AT: 1-800-4-DEWALT (1-800-433-9258).
 WARNING: To reduce the risk of injury, read the instruction manual.
General Power Tool Safety Warnings
WARNING! Read all safety warnings and instructions Failure to follow the warnings 
and instructions may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury.
SAVE ALL WARNINGS AND INSTRUCTIONS 
FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
The term “power tool” in the warnings refers to your mains-operated (corded) power tool or 
battery-operated (cordless) power tool.
1) WORK AREA SAFETY
 a)  Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered or dark areas invite accidents.
b) Do not operate power tools in explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence 
of flammable liquids, gases or dust. Power tools create sparks which may ignite the 
dust or fumes.
c)  Keep children  and  bystanders  away while  operating  a  power tool.  Distractions 
can cause you to lose control.
2) ELECTRICAL SAFETY
a)  Power tool plugs must match the outlet. Never modify the plug in any way. Do 
not use any adapter plugs with earthed (grounded) power tools. Unmodified plugs 
and matching outlets will reduce risk of electric shock.
b) Avoid body contact with earthed or grounded surfaces such as pipes, radiators, 
ranges and refrigerators. There is an increased risk of electric shock if your body is 
earthed or grounded.
 c)  Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions. Water entering a power tool 
will increase the risk of electric shock.
d) Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord for carrying, pulling or unplugging  
the  power  tool.  Keep  cord  away from  heat,  oil,  sharp  edges  or moving  parts. 
Damaged or entangled cords increase the risk of electric shock. 
e)  When  operating  a  power  tool  outdoors,  use  an  extension  cord  suitable  for 
outdoor  use.  Use  of  a  cord  suitable  for  outdoor  use  reduces  the  risk  of  electric 
shock. 
f)  If operating a power tool in a damp location is unavoidable, use a ground fault 
circuit  interrupter  (GFCI)  protected  supply.  Use  of  a  GFCI  reduces  the  risk  of 
electric shock.
3) PERSONAL SAFETY
a)  Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common sense when operating a 
power tool. Do not use a power tool while you are tired or under the influence of 
drugs, alcohol or medication. A moment of inattention while operating power tools 
may result in serious personal injury.
b) Use  personal  protective  equipment.  Always  wear  eye  protection.  Protective 
equipment such as dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard hat, or hearing protection 
used for appropriate conditions will reduce personal injuries.
c)  Prevent  unintentional  starting.  Ensure  the  switch  is  in  the  off  position  before  
connecting to power source and/or battery pack, picking up or carrying the tool. 
Carrying power tools with your finger on the switch or energising power tools that have 
the switch on invites accidents.
d) Remove any adjusting key or wrench before turning the power tool on. A wrench 
or  a  key  left  attached  to  a  rotating  part  of  the  power  tool  may  result  in  personal 
injury.
e)  Do  not  overreach.  Keep  proper  footing  and  balance  at  all  times.  This  enables 
better control of the power tool in unexpected situations.
 f)  Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewellery. Keep your hair, clothing 
and gloves away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewellery or long hair can be 
caught in moving parts. 
g) If  devices  are  provided  for  the  connection  of  dust  extraction  and  collection 
facilities, ensure these are connected and properly used. Use of dust collection 
can reduce dust-related hazards.
4) POWER TOOL USE AND CARE
a)  Do  not  force  the  power  tool.  Use  the  correct  power  tool  for  your  application.  
The correct  power  tool  will  do  the  job better  and safer at  the rate for  which  it was 
designed.
b) Do not use the power tool if the switch does not turn it on and off. Any power tool 
that cannot be controlled with the switch is dangerous and must be repaired.
c)  Disconnect  the  plug  from  the  power  source  and/or  the  battery  pack  from  the  
power  tool  before  making  any  adjustments,  changing  accessories,  or  storing 
power tools. Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk of starting the power 
tool accidentally.
d)  Store  idle  power  tools  out  of  the  reach  of  children  and  do  not  allow  persons 
unfamiliar with the power tool or these instructions to operate the power tool. 
Power tools are dangerous in the hands of untrained users.
e)  Maintain  power  tools.  Check  for  misalignment  or  binding  of  moving  parts,  
breakage  of  parts  and  any  other  condition  that  may  affect  the  power  tool’s 
operation. If damaged, have the power tool repaired before use. Many accidents 
are caused by poorly maintained power tools.
 f)  Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly maintained cutting  tools with sharp 
cutting edges are less likely to bind and are easier to control.
g) Use  the  power  tool,  accessories  and  tool  bits,  etc.  in  accordance  with  these  
instructions,  taking  into  account  the  working  conditions  and  the  work  to  be 
performed. Use of the power tool for operations different from those intended could 
result in a hazardous situation.
5) BATTERY TOOL USE AND CARE
a)  Recharge only with the charger specified by the manufacturer. A charger that is 
suitable for one type of battery pack may create a risk of fire when used with another 
battery pack.
b) Use power tools only with specifically designated battery packs. Use of any other 
battery packs may create a risk of injury and fire.
 c)  When battery pack is not in use, keep it away from other metal objects like paper 
clips, coins, keys, nails,  screws, or other small metal objects that  can make a 
connection from one terminal to another. Shorting the battery terminals together 
may cause burns or a fire.
d) Under  abusive  conditions,  liquid  may  be  ejected  from  the  battery;  avoid 
contact. If contact accidentally occurs, flush with water. If liquid contacts eyes, 
additionally seek medical help. Liquid ejected from the battery may cause irritation 
or burns.
6) SERVICE
a)  Have your power tool serviced by a qualified repair person using only identical 
replacement parts. This will ensure that the safety of the power tool is maintained.
Additional Safety Instructions for Rotary Hammers 
 • Hold power tools  by insulated gripping surfaces when performing an  operation 
where the cutting tool may contact hidden wiring or its own cord. Contact with a 
“live” wire will make exposed metal parts of the tool “live” and shock the operator. 
 •  Wear ear protectors. Exposure to noise can cause hearing loss.
•    Use  auxiliary  handles  supplied  with  the  tool.  Loss  of  control  can  cause  personal 
injury.
 •  Be certain that the material being drilled does not conceal electric or gas service 
and that their locations have been verified with the utility companies.
 •  Use  clamps  or  another  practical  way  to  secure  and  support  the  workpiece  to  a 
stable platform. Holding the work by hand or against your body leaves it unstable and 
may lead to loss of control.
 •  Wear safety goggles or other eye protection. Hammering operations cause chips to 
fly. Flying particles can cause permanent eye damage. Wear a dust mask or respirator for 
applications that generate dust. Ear protection may be required for most applications.
 •  Keep a firm grip on the tool at all times. Do not attempt to operate this tool without 
holding  it  with  both  hands. It  is  recommended  that  the  side  handle  be  used  at  all 
times. Operating this tool with one hand will result in loss of control. Breaking through or 
encountering hard materials such as re-bar may be hazardous as well.
 •  Do not operate this tool for long periods of time. Vibration caused by hammer action 
may be harmful to your hands and arms. Use gloves to provide extra cushion and limit 
exposure by taking frequent rest periods.
 •  Do not recondition bits yourself. Chisel reconditioning should be done by an authorized 
specialist. Improperly reconditioned chisels could cause injury.
 •  Wear  gloves  when  operating  tool  or  changing  bits. Accessible  metal  parts  on  the 
tool and bits may get extremely hot during operation. Small bits of broken material may 
damage bare hands.
 •  Never lay the tool down until the bit has come to a complete stop. Moving bits could 
cause injury.
 •  Do not strike jammed bits with a hammer to dislodge them. Fragments of metal or 
material chips could dislodge and cause injury.
 •  Slightly worn chisels can be resharpened by grinding.
 •  Keep the power cord away from the rotating bit. Do not wrap the cord around any 
part of your body. An electric cord wrapped around a spinning bit may cause personal 
injury and loss of control.
NOTE: Do not overheat the bit (discoloration) while grinding a new edge. Badly worn chisels 
require reforging. Do not reharden and temper the chisel.
WARNING: ALWAYS use safety glasses. Everyday eyeglasses are NOT safety glasses. 
Also  use  face  or  dust  mask  if  cutting  operation  is  dusty.  ALWAYS  WEAR  CERTIFIED 
SAFETY EQUIPMENT:
 •  ANSI Z87.1 eye protection (CAN/CSA Z94.3),
 •  ANSI S12.6 (S3.19) hearing protection,
 •  NIOSH/OSHA/MSHA respiratory protection.
WARNING: Some  dust  created  by  power  sanding,  sawing,  grinding,  drilling,  and  other 
construction  activities  contains  chemicals  known  to  cause  cancer,  birth  defects  or  other 
reproductive harm. Some examples of these chemicals are:
 •  lead from lead-based paints,
 •  crystalline silica from bricks and cement and other masonry products, and 
 •  arsenic and chromium from chemically-treated lumber (CCA).
Your risk from these exposures varies,  depending on how often you  do this type of work. 
To reduce your exposure to these chemicals: work in a well ventilated area, and work with 
approved safety equipment, such as those dust masks that are specially designed to filter 
out microscopic particles.
 •  Avoid prolonged contact with dust from power sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling, 
and other construction activities. Wear protective clothing and wash exposed areas 
with soap and water. Allowing dust to get into your mouth, eyes, or lay on the skin may 
promote absorption of harmful chemicals. 
WARNING: Use of this tool can generate and/or disburse dust, which may cause serious 
and permanent respiratory or other injury. Always use NIOSH/OSHA approved respiratory 
protection appropriate for the dust exposure. Direct particles away from face and body.
WARNING:  ALWAYS  wear  proper  personal  hearing  protection  that  conforms  to 
ANSI S12.6 (S3.19) during use. Under some conditions and duration of use, noise from this 
product may contribute to hearing loss.
   WARNING:  ALWAYS  use  eye  protection. All  users  and  bystanders  must  wear  eye 
protection that conforms to ANSI Z87.1.
CAUTION: When not in use, place tool on its side on a stable surface where it will 
not  cause  a  tripping  or  falling  hazard.  Some  tools  with  large  battery  packs  will  stand 
upright on the battery pack but may be easily knocked over. 
 •  The label on your tool may include the following symbols. The symbols and their definitions 
are as follows:
 V .................. volts  A ................amperes
Hz ................hertz  W ...............watts
min ..............minutes   .............alternating current
  ........... direct current   .............alternating or direct current
 ................Class I Construction  no ..............no load speed
    .................... (grounded)   ...............earthing terminal
      ................ Class II Construction   ..............safety alert symbol
  .................... (double insulated)   BPM...........beats per minute
 …/min ......... per minute  RPM ..........revolutions per minute
IPM..............impacts per minute
Important Safety Instructions for All Battery Packs
When ordering replacement battery packs, be sure to include catalog number and voltage. 
Consult the chart at the end of this manual for compatibility of chargers and battery packs.
The battery pack is not fully charged out of the carton. Before using the battery pack and 
charger, read the safety instructions below. Then follow charging procedures outlined.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS
 •  Do not charge or use battery in explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence 
of flammable liquids, gases or dust. Inserting or removing the battery from the charger 
may ignite the dust or fumes.
 •  NEVER force battery  pack into charger.  DO NOT modify battery pack in any way 
to fit into a non-compatible charger as battery pack may rupture causing serious 
personal injury. Consult the chart at the end of this manual for compatibility of batteries 
and chargers. 
 •  Charge the battery packs only in DEWALT chargers.
 •  DO NOT splash or immerse in water or other liquids.
 •  Do not store or use the tool and battery pack in locations where the temperature 
may  reach  or  exceed  105°F  (40˚C)  (such  as  outside  sheds  or  metal  buildings  in 
summer).
DANGER: Electrocution hazard. Never attempt to open the battery pack for any reason. 
If battery pack case is cracked or damaged, do not insert into charger. Do not crush, drop or 
damage battery pack. Do not use a battery pack or charger that has received a sharp blow, 
been dropped, run over or damaged in any way (i.e., pierced with a nail, hit with a hammer, 
stepped on). Electric shock or electrocution may result. Damaged battery packs should be 
returned to service center for recycling.
NOTE: Battery storage and carrying caps are provided for use whenever the  
battery is out  of the tool or charger. Remove cap  before placing battery in 
charger or tool.
WARNING:  Fire hazard.  Do not store  or carry  battery so  that  metal 
objects can contact exposed battery terminals. For example, do not place 
battery in aprons, pockets, tool boxes, product kit boxes, drawers, etc., with 
loose nails, screws, keys, etc. without battery cap. Transporting batteries 
can  possibly  cause  fires  if  the  battery  terminals  inadvertently  come 
in contact with conductive materials such  as keys,  coins, hand tools 
and  the  like.  The  US  Department  of  Transportation  Hazardous  Material 
Regulations (HMR) actually prohibit transporting batteries in commerce or on 
airplanes (i.e., packed in suitcases and carry-on luggage) UNLESS they are 
properly protected from short circuits. So when transporting individual batteries, make sure 
that the battery terminals are protected and well insulated from materials that could contact 
them and cause a short circuit.
SPECIFIC SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR NICKEL CADMIUM (NiCd) OR NICKEL 
METAL HYDRIDE (NiMH)
 •  Do not incinerate the battery pack even if it is severely damaged or is completely 
worn out. The battery pack can explode in a fire.
 •  A  small  leakage  of  liquid  from  the  battery  pack  cells  may  occur  under  extreme 
usage or temperature conditions. This does not indicate a failure. 
   However, if the outer seal is broken:
a. and  the  battery liquid  gets on  your  skin,  immediately wash  with  soap  and  water  for  
several minutes.
 b.  and the battery liquid gets into your eyes, flush them with clean water for a minimum of 
10 minutes and seek immediate medical attention. (  The liquid is 25-35% Medical note:
solution of potassium hydroxide.)
SPECIFIC SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR LITHIUM ION (LI-ION)
 •  Do not incinerate the battery pack even if it is severely damaged or is completely 
worn out. The battery pack can explode in a fire. Toxic fumes and materials are created 
when lithium ion battery packs are burned.
 •  If  battery  contents  come  into  contact  with  the  skin,  immediately  wash  area  with 
mild soap and water. If battery liquid gets into the eye, rinse water over the open eye for 
15 minutes or until irritation ceases. If medical attention is needed, the battery electrolyte 
is composed of a mixture of liquid organic carbonates and lithium salts.
 •  Contents of opened battery cells may cause respiratory irritation. Provide fresh air. 
If symptoms persists, seek medical attention.
WARNING: Burn hazard. Battery liquid may be flammable if exposed to spark or flame. 
The RBRC™ Seal
 The RBRC™ (Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corp oration) Seal on the nickel  
cadmium, nickel metal hydride or lithium ion batteries (or battery packs) indicate 
that the costs to recycle these batteries (or battery packs) at the end of their 
useful life have already been paid by DEWALT. In some areas, it is illegal to 
place  spent  nickel  cadmium,  nickel  metal  hydride  or  lithium  ion  batteries  in  the  trash  or 
municipal solid waste stream and the RBRC program provides an environmentally conscious 
alternative.
RBRC™ in cooperation with DEWALT and other battery users, has established programs 
in the United States and Canada to facilitate the collection of spent nickel cadmium, nickel 
metal  hydride or  lithium ion batteries. Help protect our environment and conserve natural 
resources by returning the spent nickel cadmium and nickel cadmium, nickel metal hydride 
or lithium ion batteries to an authorized DEWALT service center or to your local retailer for 
recycling. You may also contact your local recycling cen tion on where to drop ter for informa
off the spent battery.
RBRC™ is a registered trademark of the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation.
Important Safety Instructions for All Battery Chargers
 SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS:  This  manual  contains  important  safety  and  operating 
instruc tions for battery chargers.
 •  Before using charger, read  all instructions and cautionary  markings on charger, battery 
pack, and product using battery pack.
DANGER: Electrocution hazard. 120 volts are present at charging terminals. Do not probe 
with conductive objects. Electric shock or electrocution may result.
WARNING: Shock hazard. Do not allow any liquid to get inside charger. Electric shock may 
result.