DeWalt is a trusted brand across the US. When it comes to hand tools, power tools (grinders, saws, wrenches, etc.), and their accessories, DeWalt is a top choice for millions of Americans. If you are a DIY enthusiast, a woodworker, contractor, or someone who likes to be prepared in all situations, having a DeWalt on your side is a must.
The DeWalt range presents a variety of high-quality cordless hammer drills at affordable prices. Reliability and durability are synonymous with the DeWalt brand, and if you’re shopping around for the right hammer drill for you, perhaps investigating the DeWalt range should be on the top of your to-do list.
If you are buying for the first time from the DeWalt range, a little history of the company will give you a firm idea of the brand’s values.
DeWalt – The Brief History of the Brand
In 1922, Raymond DeWalt laid the foundation of the DeWalt Company by perfecting the first woodworking machine. He was so determined and confident about his machine that a production plant was set up in Leola, Pennsylvania, within two years. Slowly and gradually, DeWalt started to rise to fame.
In 1941, DeWalt began to undergo rapid expansion to satisfy a high number of government orders. In 1949, the American Machine Foundry acquired DeWalt, and in 1953 DeWalt expanded its operation to Canada. DeWalt kept on growing and achieving various milestones. It expanded its product line and took part in NASCAR racing as well. In 2013, DeWalt introduced its cordless 20V brushless power tools with brushless motors and high-capacity lithium-ion batteries. DeWalt had arrived!
Research and innovation spurred the growth of DeWalt so much that there’s hardly a neighborhood without at least one tool from the range. Raymond Dewalt once said, “You buy a machine and what you really get is satisfaction, entire satisfaction”, and that seems to ring true in the praises of every happy customer.
Now that you have a little background on the DeWalt brand let’s scrutinize the best hammer drills on their range and figure out which one is best for you and your needs!
Buyer’s Guide
A buying guide comes in handy when you are buying a drill. If you are an experienced user or a drill pro, you may not need to go through a buying guide. However, for beginners, a buying guide is of paramount importance. A well-researched buying guide makes sure that you don’t skip any critical feature/specification in a hammer drill.
Our buying guide will ensure that you get the best return on your money, and the purchased drill works well for your intended use other purposes.
A battery-powered drill is an indispensable tool at the worksites which don’t have a power supply. It also comes in handy during power outages. Let’s look at all the features you may need in a hammer drill.
Power
Make sure you get a high-powered hammer drill. The volt rating means power capacity. A higher volt is best for tools like hammer drills. All the DeWalt drills on our list come with a 20-volt rating. They are way more powerful than the 10.8 or 18 volts hammer drills. If you have already used a low volt hammer drill and start using a 20 volts hammer drill, you will feel the difference.
A hammer drill is frequently used in materials like wood, metals, and other soft materials. If your drill is not powerful enough, it will not work well with hard materials. Therefore, making sure that your drill has a higher power rating means that it will respond well regardless of the type of material you are working on.
Chuck Size
If you are a beginner and don’t know what a chuck is. Let us explain to you. A chuck is a 3-pronged clamp at the front side of the hammer drill, and it is the place where the working bit is attached. A powerful drill comes with a big chuck size. All the DeWalt models reviewed above have a chuck size of ½ inches. It means that all the models are heavy-duty and powerful. Big chuck sizes are ideal for metal and wood. They work excellent with soft materials and are perfect for DIY projects. For commercial usage, ½ inch chuck size is recommended.
Battery Type
All the hammer drills on our list come with a lithium-ion battery. It is a lot more powerful than the NiCad batteries. They have longer runtimes and take less time to recharge. Lithium batteries are also lighter than nickel-cadmium batteries and have a longer life. If you are buying a DeWalt drill from our list, don’t worry about its battery.
Charger Power
Make sure you look for a powerful charger. A low-power charger will take a lot of time to recharge your drill and can delay your work. Hence, it is better to buy a cordless hammer drill with a heavy-duty charger.
Clutch
The clutch is responsible for torque generation. Torque is defined as the power with which the bit spins. The rule with clutch is simple: higher clutch settings mean more torque generation, making your machine more versatile. Heavyweight hammer drills come with 10-20 clutch settings, whereas simple models have 1-2 clutch settings. If you have to deal with hard materials quite often, we suggest buying a hammer drill with high clutch settings. For DIY projects, a simple clutch will suffice.
Drill Speed
Drill speed allows you to work on different materials without any trouble. If your work is limited to one or two materials, you can go for one-speed hammer drills. For versatile workers, a 3-speed drill is an excellent choice. You won’t feel limited and out of options while working with the drill.
Weight and Dimensions
Make sure you look for a machine with low weight and compact size. If you frequently work in tight spaces, then don’t go for a big machine. It will be best to choose a DeWalt cordless hammer drill with a small length and head size.
A drill with a low weight is ideal for people with arthritis or other joint problems. We don’t want you to get tired, and that is why we have included lightweight hammer drills on our list.
Ergonomics
When you are buying a hammer drill, checking the ergonomics of the machine is of vital importance. When you work for longer periods, a comfortable grip and a user-friendly design are necessary. If you overlook these factors, you may end up with pain in your arm and shoulder after a job. Therefore, it is very important to check the design and other features of the hammer drill. You must also make sure that the machine’s grip will fit nicely in your palm and will not bother you in the long run.
Warranty
All the DeWalt hammer drills come with impressive warranty coverage. You get 90 days money-back guarantee, a one-year free service, and a 3-year limited warranty. A very few brands offer such a comprehensive and encompassing warranty cover.
Extra Features
Some special features like LED lights, carrying bags, cases, extra tools, and safety glasses increase the value of your investment.
Safety Tips and Usage Instructions for Cordless Hammer Drills
Hammer drills are widely used all over the world. Unfortunately, there are still many people that ignore necessary safety instructions which leads to accidents and injuries. Therefore, we honestly recommend you to follow all the safety precautions and adopt the usage instructions given below:
- Make sure that the hammer you are working with is appropriate for the job. A wrong hammer drill can result in malfunctioning of the machine and also cause you injury.
- Make sure that the grip is comfortable and you don’t have to face vibration, impact, and squeezing pressure.
- There must be no loose parts on the machine and timely replace any broken handles, chuck, or any other part of the hammer drill.
- Don’t forget to wear work gloves, safety goggles, and a face shield. You may also need to wear a safety cap if you are working at a construction site.
- You must wear hearing protection when working with the tool for longer periods.
- Ensure that the machine is properly stored, kept at room temperature and not in humid spots.
- Don’t let the debris gather near your work area.
- Always keep the kids away from the worksite.
- Don’t work with power tools if you have flammable substances in open containers.
- Apply proper pressure on the hammer drill. Don’t over-push it or hold it too lightly. The machine can slip or fall and cause injuries.
- Ensure that the drilling bit is secured properly in the chuck. Don’t forget to remove the key if using a machine with a key chuck.
- Keep your fingers away from the trigger while carrying the machine and keep them away from the rotating bit while working with the hammer drill.
- Never expose hammer drills or other power tools to rain or snow. Water entering the machines can cause serious damage to them.
- Always use both hands for greater control on the hammer drill.
- Follow all the recharging instructions while using the charger.
- Don’t forget to go through the instruction manual and other brochures that come with your drill.
TOP 6 of the Best DeWalt Cordless Hammer Drills
1. DEWALT 20V MAX XR Hammer Drill Kit (DCD996P2)
The 20V MAX XR Hammer Drill is a complete solution for all your hammer-drilling needs. It comes with a carry/storage case, charger, and batteries and includes everything you need to get started. The brushless motor in this drill delivers 75% more runtime than the conventional 18V NiCad brushed motors. You will feel like you’re holding a light power punch while putting this machine through its paces.
The drill also comes with a heavy-duty ½ inch ratcheting nitro-carburized metal chuck with carbide inserts, and it offers excellent bit gripping capabilities. With this drill, the working bits will not move or vibrate and give you accuracy and precision while working.
Three-speed variations make it easier to work in different work settings. You can set the drill at 0-450, 0-1300, and 0-2000 RPM according to your work needs. In hammer drill mode, the speed settings are 0-500, 0-1500, 0-2250 RPM. For drilling in masonry materials, the speed setting is 0-38,250 BPM. The DeWalt DCD996 comes with a powerful motor that supplies you with 820 unit watts out for a faster working speed.
The batteries of this unit come with a digital fuel gauge and can provide 33% more capacity than standard packs. It offers users the convenience of 3-mode LED lighting to let them work in dark and confined spaces. The LED spotlight has a 20-minute delayed shutoff function, so you aren’t faced with any issues while lifting and resting the drill in dark places.
Along with a 20V cordless drill, this unit offers two 20V MAX XR high-capacity lithium-ion batteries, a charger, a belt hook, a 360° side handle, and a kit box.
SUMMARY
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 16.5 x 11.5 x 4.25 Inch |
| Weight | 10.98 pounds |
| Battery Type | Lithium-ion (2) |
| Speed | 3-SPEED |
| Voltage | 20 V |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Warranty | 3 Years |
DEWALT 20V MAX XR Hammer Drill Kit
Pros
- Sturdy and powerful
- No aches in the body after using
Cons
- No issues with the drill
Downloads:
2. DEWALT 20V MAX XR Brushless Impact Driver and Hammer Drill Combo Kit (DCK299M2)
If you are a professional or an established DIY-er, this combo is an excellent option. The kit comes with an impact driver and a hammer drill – total convenience in one package.
When it comes to the impact driver, it provides 1825 inch-pounds torque and has a 0-3250 RPM speed with 0-3600 impacts per minute. The ¼ inch impact driver is compact, measures 5.3 inches (front-to-back length), and weighs only 3.4 pounds. The lightweight design increases usability and helps remove the corrosive, frozen, or over-torqued nuts and bolts effortlessly. This is a 20V machine and uses lithium-ion batteries.
The hammer drill also comes with a 3-speed setting with a maximum speed of 2000 RPM. The all-metal transmission optimizes the tool-to-task ratio for fast application speeds and a longer battery time. In addition to this, the drill offers 0-38,250 BPM for fast drilling in masonry materials. The drill has a chuck size of ½ inches, and the voltage is 20V. The front-to-back length of this unit is 8.4 inches and weighs 4.7 pounds. This hammer drill’s low weight and compact size make it ideal for carrying around and using in tight spaces.
While working in dark and poorly lit areas, the hammer drill’s LED lighting plays its role perfectly. The 3-mode LED lighting provides 20 times more light than previous DeWalt models. You also get 20 minutes delayed light shutoff.
The kit includes a hammer drill, impact driver, batteries, charger, two belt hooks, a 360-degree side handle, and a contractor bag for better portability.
SUMMARY
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | Hammer Drill: 8.4 inch |
| Weight | Hammer Drill: 4.7 pounds |
| Battery Type | Lithium-ion |
| Speed | Hammer drill: 3-SPEED |
| Torque (Impact Dr) | 1825 inch. pounds |
| Voltage | 20 V |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Warranty | 3 Years |
DEWALT 20V MAX XR Brushless Impact Driver and Hammer Drill Combo Kit
Pros
- Strong build quality
- Durable and reliable
- Combo deal with a discount
Cons
- The directional switch gets jacked up after a couple of years
Downloads:
3. DEWALT 20V MAX XR Compact Hammer Drill Kit (DCD796D2)
If you are looking for a lightweight and high-quality hammer drill, look no further than the 20V MAX XR Compact Hammer Drill Kit. This model from DeWalt was built with lightweight working requirements in mind.
Weighing just 3.53 pounds and measuring 16.22 x 4.5 x 10.1 inches, this unit is ideal for working in tight spaces. Its 3-mode LED lighting provides ample light while working in dark and confined spaces. The LED lights are improved to provide 20 times more brightness than the previous model. The unit also offers a 20 minute delayed shutoff, which is convenient when working in low light.
This is a 20V cordless drill machine with a brushless motor capable of providing you 57% more runtime than brushed motors. It comes with XR lithium-ion batteries, which provide you with 33% more capacity than NiCad batteries. Where other machines fail, this one keeps going. The drill’s fuel gauge keeps you notified about the battery percentage, ensuring you’re never caught out in the middle of a project.
This DeWalt hammer drill comes with 2-speed settings. You can either go for 0-550 RPM or 0-2000 RPM setting. These varying settings help you work speedily according to your project demands. It also comes with a ½ inch metallic chuck for a powerful bit of gripping.
The package includes a hammer drill, two batteries, a charger, a kit box, and a belt hook.
SUMMARY
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 16.22 x 4.5 x 10.1 inch |
| Weight | 3.53 pounds |
| Battery Type | Lithium-ion |
| Speed | 2-SPEED |
| Voltage | 20 V |
| Warranty | 3 Years |
DEWALT 20V MAX XR Compact Hammer Drill Kit
Pros
- Lightweight
- Best for working in tight spots
Cons
- May develop issues after 2-3 years of use
Downloads:
4. DEWALT 20V MAX Hammer Drill Kit (DCD985M2)
If you are looking for a drill for commercial use, then this model is an excellent option. It comes with a ½ inch chuck size and 22 clutch settings. Clutch settings help adjust the speed of the drill and allow you to work on different materials seamlessly. You will find that the metal ratcheting chuck on this unit provides superior bit gripping, and the carbide inserts are long-lasting and durable. In fact, you can expect them to withstand the commercial workload.
The high-power, high-efficiency brushless motor gives a staggering power supply of 535 unit watts out for outstanding response and power. No matter what drilling and fastening application you are doing, this machine will not let you down.
The unit comes with a 3-speed setting to work for different tasks. The machine has a bright LED light with a 20-second delay after trigger release. One thing worth noting on the negative side is that the delay timing is not up to the mark, and it can cause some issues while working in dark areas. Hence, it is better to keep an emergency light or torch with you if you are working with this drill.
The drill comes with a 1-hour charger, two 20V lithium-ion batteries, a 360-degree side handle, and a kit box. Please keep in mind that it is a big machine and you may not be very comfortable working with this one in confined and small spaces. It is ideal for open spaces and commercial purposes. The machine measures 13.06 x 16 x 4.88 inches and weighs 5.28 pounds.
SUMMARY
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 13.06 x 16 x 4.88 Inch |
| Weight | 5.28 pounds |
| Battery Type | Lithium-ion |
| Speed | 3-SPEED |
| Voltage | 20 V |
| Warranty | 3 Years |
DEWALT 20V MAX Hammer Drill Kit
Pros
- Best for big projects
- High power output
- Excellent commercial use warranty
Cons
- Occasional overheating issues
- Very low LED delay timing
Downloads:
5. DEWALT 20V Max Cordless Drill / Driver Kit (DCD771C2)
Not everyone can afford high-end DeWalt drills. To make sure that people on a tight budget get a quality product, DeWalt has introduced a hammer drill, the 20V Max Cordless Drill, at an affordable price. This machine is ideal for DIY projects and light commercial applications.
The drill comes with a moderate performance motor that is capable of delivering 300 unit watts of power. It makes it perfect for a variety of applications. It offers a 2-speed setting with the high-speed metallic transmission. A low speed of 0-450 RPM and a high speed of 0-1500 RPM allows you to complete a range of fastening and drilling applications.
It has a ½ inch single sleeve ratcheting chuck which provides a tight bit gripping strength. Its output is 1.3 Amp-hour and uses a lithium-ion battery for superior performance. The machine has 16 different clutch settings, which complement different work needs. One of the best things about this machine is that it comes with a forward and reverse switch. The tool width is 1.9 inches. The chuck type is keyless and allows you to change the work bits in a snap.
This unit offers two 20V batteries, a compact charger, and a contractor bag along with the hammer drill.
SUMMARY
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 13.88 x 9.88 x 4.25 Inch |
| Weight | 3.64 pounds |
| Battery Type | Lithium-ion |
| Speed | 2-SPEED |
| Voltage | 20 V |
| Torque | 530 Inch. pounds |
| Wattage | 300 watts |
| Maximum power | 300 watts |
| Warranty | 3 Years |
DEWALT 20V Max Cordless Drill / Driver Kit
Pros
- Affordable price
- Lightweight
Cons
- Battery problems
Downloads:
6. DEWALT 20V MAX XR Hammer Drill (DCD996B)
This tool is one of the most powerful hammer drills from the house of DeWalt. It is capable of 820 unit watts of power, which is quite impressive in its price range. It is a lot of power compared to other models reviewed above. It comes with three different speed settings for various applications. The chuck size is ½ inches, and you get 11 clutch settings for an optimized working experience.
This drill comes with a brushless motor capable of delivering 75% more runtime than the traditional 18V NiCad batteries. The 3-model LED lights in the machine provide 20 times more bright light for working in confined and dark places. The LED light is programmed to turn off after 20 minutes so that you don’t have to worry about picking and placing it down while working.
It’s safe to say that this machine is one of the most sought-after 20V cordless hammer drills from DeWalt. It is also one of the most versatile and powerful drills made by DeWalt. If you are a passionate DIY person and like to undertake challenging projects, you can use it with full confidence. It is also the best machine for woodworkers, contractors and an excellent option for use in shops and offices.
One of the most striking features of this machine is that it packs a powerful punch for such a small unit. Measuring 4 x 10 x 8 inches and weighing just 4 pounds, the drill is perfect for people who like their tools lightweight. If you are a contractor who works out of your workplace, you will love it. It is also ideal for women looking for a compact and powerful unit that’s lightweight too.
Please note that this tool is not a complete kit. You will get a hammer drill, a belt hook, and a 360-degree side handle, but the batteries are not included.
SUMMARY
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 4 x 10 x 8 inch |
| Weight | 4 pounds |
| Battery Type | Lithium-ion |
| Speed | 3-SPEED |
| Voltage | 20 V |
| Wattage | 820 watts |
| Warranty | 3 Years |
DEWALT 20V MAX XR Hammer Drill, Brushless
Pros
- Extremely powerful
- Lightweight
- A perfect option for people not looking for carrying bags and plastic boxes
Cons
- Battery problems after 2-3 years of use
Downloads:
FAQs
A hammer drill is used to drill in hard materials. It generates hammering motion. You can use a hammer drill to drill in metals, woods, and masonry materials.
The ideal size of the hammer drill depends on your work needs. If you are a professional with frequent usage, you will need a bigger and a power drill. For DIYers, a small drill will suffice.
All the hammer drills discussed above are best in their respective categories. You can buy any one of the above without any worries.
Maintaining a brushless motor is very simple. You need to dust and clean the device’s ventilation openings. It prevents overheating and enhances the efficiency of the machine. For more details, refer to the instruction manual of your model.
Final Word
DeWalt is one of the top brands in the power tools industry. It has always tried to provide the best products and after-sale services to its customers. You can buy a DeWalt cordless hammer drill without any worries. It will go a long way with you and give you excellent results.
