DeWalt 20V Lithium‑Ion Cordless Brushless Compact 1/2 in. Hammer Drill Kit with (2) 2.0Ah Batteries and Charger

Why this compact 20V hammer drill stayed in my tool bag

The first time I picked up the DeWalt DCD805, the size-to-muscle ratio caught my attention. At just about 7 inches front to back and under 3 pounds bare, it’s noticeably compact, yet the brushless motor and two‑speed transmission give it the kind of authority I expect from a “full‑size” drill/driver. Over several weeks I used it for framing tasks, electrical rough‑ins, a handful of Tapcon anchors, and some cabinetry. It proved to be a capable all‑rounder with a few thoughtful touches that make daily use easier.

Standout features in actual use

• Power and gearing: The 0–650 / 0–2,000 RPM range covers controlled fastening and rapid drilling without feeling under‑geared. I kept it in low for large spade bits and hole saws in studs, high for twist bits and smaller spades. The shift between ranges is crisp.
• Hammer mode: Rated up to 34,000 BPM, the percussion is legit for brick, block, and most cured concrete when you’re staying in the 3/16–1/4 inch anchor range.
• Chuck: The 1/2 inch metal ratcheting chuck grips well. I didn’t experience any bit loosening—even under hammering with 3/16 and 1/4 inch carbide bits, and while running a 2‑1/8 inch bi‑metal hole saw through a solid-core door for a lockset.
• LED worklight: The 3‑position pivoting LED sounds like a minor feature until you actually need it. Being able to aim the light up, straight, or down keeps glare off fastener heads and puts light where a fixed-bezel LED would miss. Brightness is adequate; it’s more than a “token” light.
• Size and balance: With the included 2.0 Ah pack, the tool balances right above the trigger. It’s easy to keep square on a pilot hole or maintain a shallow angle while driving long screws.

Performance and control

On wood, the DCD805 feels stout for its size. Low gear has the torque and throttle resolution to keep a 1‑1/4 inch spade bit from binding in stud bays. High gear runs cleanly with twist bits up to 3/8 inch in SPF and hardwood without chattering. I used it to drive structural screws up to 5/16 x 4 inches after a pilot; it’s not as fast as an impact driver for that job, but when you need straight axial drive with no cam‑out, it gets it done.

Where some compact drills get twitchy at the trigger, the variable speed here is predictable. The ramp‑up is smooth, which makes countersinking cabinetry screws or running sheet‑metal screws far less frustrating. I also appreciate that bit swaps are quick and secure—the chuck jaws bite evenly, and the ratchet prevents the half‑turn loosen that can plague cheaper chucks.

Hammer mode and masonry drilling

I tested the hammer function in old clay brick and in a cured sidewalk slab. Using fresh carbide bits, the drill made short work of 3/16 x 1‑3/4 inch holes for Tapcons in brick. In concrete, it’s perfectly serviceable for occasional anchors up to 1/4 inch. If you’re tackling a series of deep 3/8 inch holes in hard aggregate or hitting rebar, you’ll want an SDS‑Plus rotary hammer. But for punch‑list anchors, electrical boxes on block walls, or ledgers in softer masonry, the DCD805 is exactly what you grab when you don’t want to haul out a cord or a separate SDS.

Two small tips from use:
- Let the percussion do the work—don’t lean on it or you’ll mushroom bits and stall batteries.
- Clear dust frequently; withdrawing the bit a few times while drilling keeps progress brisk and reduces heat.

Ergonomics and lighting

DeWalt’s handle shape suits my hand well, and the textured overmold stays grippy even with dust and sweat. The shorter head length matters more than you think when you’re drilling between studs or around joist hangers. Overhead work is reasonable with the included 2.0 Ah packs because the weight stays close in to the wrist.

The pivoting LED is the best lighting setup I’ve used on a compact drill. Aiming it down to avoid shadowing the fastener line on face frames helped, and angling it up while drilling into a cabinet carcass lit the interior without bouncing hard glare back at me. It’s a small quality‑of‑life improvement that you quickly miss on other tools.

Battery life and charging

The kit ships with two 20V MAX 2.0 Ah batteries and a standard charger. Run time depends heavily on the task:

• Light duty (pilot holes, cabinetry, electrical rough‑ins): A 2.0 Ah pack lasts a surprisingly long time and keeps the tool nicely balanced.
• Mixed carpentry (spade bits, hole saws, structural screws): You’ll be swapping packs more often; having two in the kit keeps you moving.
• Masonry drilling: This drains packs faster. For multiple anchors in concrete, I prefer a 5.0 Ah pack to keep hammer energy consistent and reduce the number of swaps.

If you already own higher‑capacity packs, the DCD805 benefits from them—especially for hole saws and masonry. If not, the included 2.0 Ah pair still covers most punch‑list and interior tasks well and keeps weight down.

Build quality and durability

The tool feels tight and well put together—no creaks or flex in the case, and the chuck runs true. The gearbox selector and mode ring engage positively. After a few weeks of jobsite dust and incidental bumps, it still looks and feels new. The metal chuck takes the abuse of hammer mode better than plastic‑sleeve designs, and I didn’t notice heat soak becoming an issue except during extended concrete drilling with back‑to‑back holes.

As a note, this kit doesn’t include an auxiliary side handle. For most tasks its compact size and torque are manageable, but if you regularly spin large hole saws in hardwood or run big augers, a drill with a side handle will give you more control and safety margin.

Smart touches and omissions

• Tool Connect chip pocket: There’s an integrated pocket for DeWalt’s DCE042 chip. If you manage a fleet or just want basic asset tracking, it’s a clean, unobtrusive option. The chip is sold separately.
• Belt hook: Handy for ladder work; it’s sturdy and reversible.
• Case/bag: The kit bag is functional and fits the drill, two batteries, charger, and a small accessory box.
• No published torque spec: In practice it’s strong for its class, but shoppers who compare torque numbers across brands won’t have a figure to anchor on.

Where it excels

• Trades and DIYers who want one compact drill that does wood, metal, and occasional masonry without swapping tools.
• Installers and remodelers working in tight spaces—short head length really helps.
• Punch‑list work, service calls, and indoor tasks where a lighter pack keeps fatigue down.

Where it could be better

• Extended masonry sessions will tax the included 2.0 Ah batteries. Pairing it with a 5.0 Ah (or high‑output) pack improves pace.
• No auxiliary handle in the kit limits leverage for large diameter hole saws and aggressive boring.
• A fast charger would better complement the two‑battery bundle for pros cycling packs all day.

The bottom line

The DCD805 hits a sweet spot: compact, well‑balanced, and genuinely capable across wood, metal, and light‑to‑moderate masonry. The brushless motor and two‑speed gearing deliver predictable control, the metal ratcheting chuck holds on under hammering, and the pivoting LED is a smarter lighting solution than most. The included 2.0 Ah batteries make the package lightweight and ready for indoor and overhead work; stepping up to a 5.0 Ah pack when you need longer runtime or more demanding drilling is an easy upgrade within the same platform.

Recommendation: I recommend the DCD805 for anyone who needs a single 20V drill/driver that can comfortably cover day‑to‑day carpentry and installation tasks with the bonus of capable hammer drilling when anchors are on the list. It’s not a rotary hammer replacement, and it’s not the right pick if you regularly run oversized bits without a side handle, but as a compact, do‑almost‑everything drill, it’s a reliable, refined choice that’s easy to live with.