DeWalt 20V MAX XR Brushless Cordless 1/2 in. 3-Speed Hammer Drill (Tool Only)

A compact bruiser with thoughtful safety

I put DeWalt’s XR 20V hammer drill through a few weeks of jobsite and shop tasks—framing, light electrical, and some small masonry fixes—and it consistently behaved like a compact tool that punches above its weight. It’s not the absolute lightest in its class, but the combination of a brushless motor, a 3‑speed all‑metal gearbox, and an anti‑rotation safety system made it a reliable, confidence‑building driver/driller for real work.

Build quality and ergonomics

Out of the box, the first impression is stoutness without bulk. The bare tool weighs about 4.1 lbs and measures 7.6 in long, which is short enough to snake between studs and under sink basins. The balance shifts depending on the battery you clip on; with a 5.0Ah pack it felt right in the hand, and even with an 8.0Ah pack it stayed manageable for overhead work. The overmold is grippy without being too gummy; it didn’t pick up dust and debris as quickly as some others in my kit.

The included side handle is worth using for anything bigger than small twist bits. It locks down securely and gives the leverage this motor deserves. There’s also a sturdy belt hook for quick holstering—small quality-of-life detail, but appreciated on ladders.

The all‑metal transmission inspires confidence. I tend to baby plastic speed selectors after a few bad experiences on other brands; here the selector moves decisively and hasn’t given me a reason to worry.

Power, speed, and control

The three speed ranges—0–450, 0–1,200, and 0–2,000 RPM—cover a wide spread. Low speed has the muscle for large spade bits, plugs, and self‑feed bits; high speed is fast enough to rip through sheet metal and thinner stock with small diameter bits. The middle gear became my “default” for mixed drilling and driving because it strikes a nice balance of speed and torque.

The variable‑speed trigger is linear and easy to modulate. Paired with 11 clutch settings, I could creep screws in perfectly flush in cabinetry and then switch to drill mode for fast holes without hunting around. The hammer function adds up to 38,250 BPM in the top range; I used it on 3/16 and 1/4 in. masonry bits for anchors in aged concrete and brick. It’s not a rotary hammer, but for anchor holes up to 3/8 in. in typical masonry, it’s efficient and less fatiguing than I expected from a compact hammer drill.

The headline spec—1530 MWO—doesn’t translate directly to a user feel metric, but in practice it means this drill won’t bog under normal pro tasks. It powered through 2‑1/8 in. hole saws in pine and studs, then switched to 1‑in. augers with consistent pace in fir. Heat buildup was reasonable; the brushless motor and metal gearbox shed heat better than many plastic‑cased transmissions.

Chuck, bit retention, and clutch

DeWalt’s 1/2 in. ratcheting chuck is nitro‑carburized with carbide inserts, and it shows in grip. I didn’t experience bit spin even on polished‑shank masonry bits or larger spades. The collar ratchets positively and releases cleanly—no two‑hand wrestling to free a stuck bit.

The clutch ring is easy to read and clicks precisely from 1 to 11. I landed on mid‑range settings for cabinet screws into hardwood and dialed down for hinge screws to avoid stripping. In drill and hammer modes, the clutch bypasses cleanly as expected.

Anti‑rotation safety that actually helps

The anti‑rotation system is the standout safety feature. If the bit binds and the tool starts to twist, it cuts power and flashes an indicator. I forced a few binds with a self‑feed bit and again while stepping a hole saw through dense grain; the system tripped fast enough to prevent a wrist‑twist, but not so sensitive that it interrupted normal drilling. It’s a smart layer that, together with the side handle, makes high‑torque tasks feel controlled rather than risky.

Work light that behaves like a real flashlight

The LED setup is better than most. It pivots to three positions and includes a 20‑minute spotlight mode. That longer‑on setting is great for crawlspace work or under‑cabinet installs; I used it to illuminate a junction box while laying out my holes, then switched back to normal to conserve battery. The button is easy to actuate with gloves, and the beam is focused enough not to blind you with close‑range glare. Just remember to turn off the 20‑minute mode—it can drain a smaller pack if you forget.

Runtime and batteries

As a bare tool, this drill makes the most sense if you already own DeWalt 20V MAX packs. With a 5.0Ah battery, I got through a half‑day of mixed drilling and driving with juice to spare. Swapping to an 8.0Ah pack stretched the runtime into “I stopped before it did” territory, especially in wood. In hammer mode on concrete, the 5.0Ah pack still held up well for anchor runs.

I didn’t notice dramatic performance sag as the packs approached empty; the brushless motor and electronics keep output consistent until the pack steps down. If you spend a lot of time in low‑speed, high‑torque work, budget for higher‑capacity packs—they maintain balance and keep you off the charger.

Connectivity and tracking

The tool is Tool Connect chip‑ready. If you’re running an inventory system across a crew, the ability to add tracking is valuable. As a one‑person shop, I don’t lean on asset tracking, but it’s nice that the cavity is there if I decide to standardize across tools later.

Durability and service

After dust, drops, and a rainy morning, the drill still looks and behaves like new. The UL safety listing, all‑metal gearbox, and overall fit and finish line up with professional expectations. Noise and vibration are on par with other premium hammer drills; in hammer mode, vibrations feel controlled rather than buzzy. The 3‑year limited tool warranty is standard for the brand and gives a reasonable hedge against defects.

What could be better

• No case in the bare‑tool package. A molded case or at least a soft bag would cut down on scuffs and keep the side handle from wandering off.
• Weight adds up with large packs. Paired with an 8.0Ah battery, overhead work gets tiring; a 5.0Ah felt like the sweet spot for balance.
• The spotlight mode can be a battery trap. It’s great until you toss the drill down and forget it’s on; an auto‑off shorter than 20 minutes for the brightest mode would be welcome.
• Tool Connect chip is extra. Not a deal‑breaker, but for fleet users the added cost per tool to enable tracking can add up.

Who it’s for

This hammer drill hits a sweet spot for pros and advanced DIYers who need one drill to cover general carpentry, electrical rough‑in, and routine masonry anchoring. If your work leans toward heavy concrete day in and day out, a dedicated SDS‑Plus rotary hammer is still the right tool. For everyone else, this drill’s combination of speed ranges, safety shutdown, and a non‑slip chuck makes it a dependable daily driver.

Recommendation

I recommend this DeWalt XR hammer drill. It’s compact, genuinely powerful across three usable speed ranges, and the anti‑rotation safety is more than a bullet point—it prevents real‑world injuries. The chuck holds stubborn bits, the LED is useful beyond token brightness, and the build quality matches professional expectations. The bare‑tool packaging and optional tracking chip are minor knocks, but if you’re already on the 20V MAX platform and want one drill that capably covers wood, metal, and light masonry, this is an easy yes.