1/2 in. Single Speed Hammer Drill

Features

  • 7 A motor with overload protection
  • Dual mode: hammer and drill
  • Variable speed trigger for precise control
  • Lock‑on trigger for continuous operation
  • Two‑finger rubber trigger for comfort
  • 360° side handle with depth rod for depth control
  • Compact length for access in tight spaces (~10.3 in)
  • Includes depth rod, chuck key with holder, and 360° side handle

Specifications

Amps 7 A
Power Source Corded
No Load Speed 0–2800 RPM
Chuck Size 1/2 in
Chuck Type Metal, keyed
Max Drilling Capacity (Masonry) 3/8 in
Max Drilling Capacity (Steel) 1/2 in
Max Drilling Capacity (Wood) 1 1/4 in
Tool Length 10.3 in (10-1/3 in)
Weight 3.7 lb (manufacturer listing)
Blows Per Minute 47600 BPM (retailer listing)
Cord Length 8 ft (retailer listing)
Includes Depth rod; Chuck key with holder; 360° side handle
Warranty 3 Year Limited; 1 Year Free Service; 90 Days Satisfaction Guaranteed

Corded single‑speed hammer drill with a 7 A motor. Offers dual-mode operation (hammer/drill) for use in masonry, wood, and steel. Features variable speed control, a keyed 1/2 in metal chuck, a 360° side handle with depth rod, and a lock‑on trigger for continuous operation. Includes depth rod, chuck key with holder, and a side handle.

Model Number: DWE5010
View Manual

DeWalt 1/2 in. Single Speed Hammer Drill Review

4.3 out of 5

I reached for this compact DeWalt hammer drill to mount ledger angles and set a run of Tapcons in a garage block wall. It’s a simple, no‑nonsense corded tool with a familiar shape, and it promised just enough punch for light masonry without the bulk of a rotary hammer. After several days of mixed work—concrete anchors, steel plate drilling, and some carpentry—it proved useful and predictable, with a few quirks worth noting.

Build and design

The drill is small and light—about 10.3 inches long and roughly 3.7 pounds—so it fits between studs and works well overhead. The housing is compact, the grip is rubberized, and the two‑finger trigger has a comfortable reach. A lock‑on button lets you keep the motor running for long, steady holes or wire wheel work.

DeWalt sticks with a metal, keyed 1/2‑inch chuck here. It’s sturdy and holds bits without creeping, which matters when you’re hammering masonry or driving larger twist bits in steel. The key snaps into a built‑in holder so it’s less likely to walk off—still, you need to keep track of it on a busy site.

The 360‑degree side handle is more than a hand rest—it’s a necessity for controlling the drill in hammer mode. It tightens firmly and doesn’t wander under load. A depth rod slides through the handle and stays put, letting me set anchor depths consistently. The cord is around 8 feet, flexible enough for shop work; for jobsite distances you’ll want a good 12‑ or 14‑gauge extension cord to keep the 7‑amp motor fed.

Power and performance

On paper, this drill runs 0–2800 RPM with about 47,600 blows per minute in hammer mode. In practice, it’s well matched to light‑ to medium‑duty tasks. In poured concrete, I had no trouble drilling 3/16‑ and 1/4‑inch holes with quality carbide bits. It maintains speed as long as you keep a steady, moderate feed pressure. For 5/16‑inch and larger holes, it’ll do the job, but you feel it working harder, and heat builds if you run a series back‑to‑back. The listed masonry capacity is 3/8 inch, which is realistic for the tool—think small anchors, fixtures, and electrical boxes rather than large mechanical anchors all day.

In wood, it’s smooth and quick. A 1‑1/4‑inch spade bit and a small self‑feed both ran cleanly in SPF studs without stalling. In steel, it handled 3/8‑inch holes in mild plate at lower RPMs with cutting fluid, and 1/2‑inch is achievable if you step up through sizes. This is one advantage of the keyed chuck: you can tighten down on larger shanks and the bit won’t spin under torque.

Remember, this is a single‑speed hammer drill with variable trigger control, not a two‑gear transmission. You modulate speed with your finger, and the trigger is responsive enough to ease into delicate starts on tile or steel before committing to full speed.

Control, vibration, and comfort

The ergonomics are better than average for this class. The trigger is easy to meter, and the handle shape puts your wrist behind the bit. Vibration in hammer mode is noticeable—as it is on most compact hammer drills—but manageable. The side handle takes the sting out and lets you lean into the hole without fighting the tool. Noise is high in hammer mode, so hearing protection is a good idea.

I appreciated the compact nose; it allowed me to drill near corners where a larger gear case would have blocked access. The depth rod is simple but accurate. Set it once, and your anchors seat at a consistent depth without over‑drilling.

The chuck and bit security

Keyed chucks aren’t fashionable on many consumer drills, but here it makes sense. With masonry and larger steel bits, the extra clamping force helps, and I never had a bit slip. The downside is obvious: you need two hands and the key to swap bits, which slows you down if you’re alternating masonry and screwdriving. For that reason, I kept a separate driver handy for fasteners and used this strictly as a drill.

Runout on my test unit was minimal—good enough for countersinks and clean hole starts in steel. If you plan to use small twist bits frequently, the variable trigger helps prevent walking, especially paired with a center punch.

Heat management and durability

The 7‑amp motor has overload protection and seemed well ventilated. After a string of holes in cured concrete, the gear case was warm but not alarming. I gave it short cooldowns between series, which is simply good practice on any compact hammer drill—these tools aren’t meant to run hammer mode at full tilt for half an hour straight. If you need to drill dozens of 3/8‑inch anchors in 4,000 PSI concrete, step up to an SDS‑Plus rotary hammer. For occasional anchors and light fixtures, this drill is perfectly suited.

I didn’t encounter bearing noise or play during my time with it, and the metal chuck took the inevitable scuffs without complaint. As with any hammer drill, keep dust out of the vents, blow the tool off after masonry work, and don’t lean on the bit to “force” progress; let the hammer action do its job. Those habits go a long way toward extending service life.

DeWalt backs it with a 3‑year limited warranty, one year of free service, and a 90‑day satisfaction period. That’s reassuring on a corded tool where there’s not much else to maintain beyond brushes and the chuck.

Where this drill fits

This is a great fit for homeowners, facility maintenance, electricians, and general carpenters who need:

  • A reliable corded hammer drill for light masonry: Tapcons, sleeve anchors, plastic anchors
  • A compact, controllable drill for wood and steel up to its stated capacities
  • A keyed chuck that won’t loosen under impact

It’s less ideal if you:

  • Regularly drill large holes in concrete or work in hard aggregate; use an SDS‑Plus rotary hammer instead
  • Want rapid bit changes for mixed drilling and driving; a keyless chuck or a separate impact driver is more efficient
  • Need cordless convenience on ladders or outdoors without power; there are decent 18V hammer drills that trade endurance for mobility

Tips for best results

  • Use quality carbide masonry bits and keep them sharp. Cheaper bits slow down and create excess heat.
  • For clean starts in tile or block, begin in drill mode to score the surface, then switch to hammer mode.
  • Keep the RPM up with moderate pressure—don’t bog the motor. If progress slows, back the bit out to clear dust.
  • Set the depth rod for your anchor length and add a small margin; concrete dust cushions the tip and can leave holes shy of full depth.
  • Pair the drill with a robust extension cord—12‑gauge for longer runs—to avoid voltage drop and weak performance.
  • Eye, ear, and dust protection are mandatory in hammer mode. A vacuum or blow bulb improves hole quality and anchor grip.

Value

Corded hammer drills like this occupy a nice price/performance niche: they undercut SDS hammers and high‑end cordless models while offering steady power and no battery management. Considering the metal chuck, side handle, depth rod, and the balanced design, you get a capable tool for a modest investment. If you mostly work near outlets and your masonry needs are modest, it’s a smarter buy than overspending on a rotary hammer you’ll barely tap into.

Recommendation

I recommend this DeWalt hammer drill for users who need a compact, dependable corded tool for light masonry, plus general drilling in wood and steel. It’s comfortable, has enough power for common anchor sizes, and the keyed chuck keeps bits secure under impact. If your workload skews toward frequent, large concrete holes, skip this and invest in an SDS‑Plus rotary hammer. For everything else—hanging cabinets on block, mounting conduit, drilling angle iron, and general shop tasks—this drill hits a practical sweet spot without the bulk or cost of heavier gear.



Project Ideas

Business

Masonry Mounting Service

Offer fast, clean installations of TVs, shelves, mirrors, and art on brick, block, or poured concrete. Use hammer mode with the depth rod for exact anchor depths and the side handle for safe control. Upsell cable concealment and hardware sourcing.


Custom House Numbers + Install

Design and fabricate modern address plaques (wood, metal, acrylic) and include on-site masonry installation. Variable speed drilling protects delicate materials; hammer mode handles brick anchors. Package options: backlit, standoff, or flush-mount.


Exterior Fixture Anchoring

Specialize in installing cameras, motion lights, hose reels, handrails, and mailbox posts into masonry. Depth control prevents blowing out cavities; keyed chuck handles larger masonry bits for sleeve or wedge anchors. Offer bundled maintenance plans for property managers.


Pergola/Deck Post Base Anchors

Provide accurate layout and anchoring of post bases into concrete patios and slabs. Use the depth rod for consistent hole depth, drill mode for pilot holes in steel bases, and hammer mode for fast anchor holes. Add-on services: layout, sealing, and hardware supply.


Removable Holiday Light Anchor Points

Install discreet stainless anchors in brick or stone for seasonal lights and decor. Pre-set hole depths to avoid over-penetration and ensure uniform spacing. Sell annual packages: install, takedown, and storage.

Creative

Brick-Anchored Industrial Pipe Shelving

Build a rustic pipe-and-wood shelf that mounts to a brick wall. Use hammer mode to drill precise Tapcon or sleeve-anchor holes with the depth rod to avoid over-penetration, then switch to drill mode to pilot holes in the wood shelf. The 360° side handle gives control when drilling near mortar lines.


Backlit House Number Plaque

Create a wood-and-metal plaque with routed channels for LED wiring and standoff mounts. Drill clean pilot holes in aluminum or steel standoffs, then use hammer mode to anchor the plaque to masonry. Variable speed helps prevent tear-out on the wood face.


Concrete-and-Wood Side Table

Cast a small concrete block as a base and attach a live-edge wood top via threaded rod. Drill anchor holes in the concrete with hammer mode and set epoxy anchors; switch to drill mode for the wood top. The keyed 1/2 in chuck grips large bits for through-holes.


Masonry-Anchored Garden Trellis

Build a cedar trellis that fastens to a block or brick wall. Use the depth rod for consistent hole depth for sleeve anchors, ensuring equal standoff for airflow. Variable speed lets you countersink hardware neatly in the wood frame.


Outdoor Projector Screen Mount

Fabricate a fold-down screen bracket and mount it to a brick facade. Hammer mode speeds anchor holes; drill mode pilots clean holes in steel brackets. The lock-on trigger helps when making multiple holes at consistent depth.