DeWalt 1/2 in. hammer drill and 1/4 in. impact driver combo kit with TOUGHSYSTEM

A high-torque, long-runtime combo that covers most of the jobsite

Two tools handle the bulk of drilling and fastening I do in renovations: a hammer drill for wood, metal, and the occasional bit of masonry, and a compact impact driver for everything fastened with a screw or lag. This DeWalt combo kit delivers on that formula with strong brushless motors, long-running 5.0Ah batteries, and a rugged storage case. After weeks of tile work, demo, framing repairs, and some exterior anchoring, I came away impressed with the speed and control—while noting a few durability and ergonomics caveats that buyers should keep in mind.

What you get and first impressions

The kit includes a 1/2 in. 3-speed hammer drill, a 1/4 in. 3-speed impact driver with a precision mode, two 20V 5.0Ah batteries, a charger, belt hooks, a 360° side handle, and a TOUGHSYSTEM hard case. The batteries arrive at a partial charge; topping them off took about an hour per pack. Fit and finish are typical DeWalt: rubber overmold in the right spots, clear speed selectors, and bright LEDs. The hammer drill is on the heavier side at roughly 4.7 lbs bare, and the impact driver about 3.4 lbs. With 5.0Ah packs, both feel substantial—welcome when controlling torque, less so for overhead work.

The TOUGHSYSTEM case is a real value-add if you already use that storage ecosystem. It’s stackable, weather resistant, and takes a beating. The internal layout keeps the tools and batteries reasonably snug, though the charger cord can rattle around. The tradeoff is weight—the kit tips the scales around 14 lbs.

Hammer drill: Fast, controllable power with real masonry chops

The hammer drill’s three mechanical speeds and all-metal transmission are the difference-makers. I used:

• Speed 3 (up to about 2,250 RPM) for twist bits up to 3/8 in. in steel and for fast pilot holes in wood.
• Speed 2 for hole saws in HardieBacker and plumbing pass-throughs with spade and auger bits.
• Speed 1 for large self-feed bits and anything that could bind.

With a 1-1/2 in. self-feed bit in SPF studs, the tool never stalled in Speed 1, and the side handle earned its keep—reaction torque is no joke. The chuck grips well, and I didn’t experience persistent slippage, though like most heavy-duty drills, big hole saws will occasionally walk a shank loose if you don’t re-check tightness after a bind.

In hammer mode, the drill reaches a reported 38,250 BPM. Drilling 5/32 in. Tapcon pilots in cured concrete went quickly and stayed accurate. Dust extraction helps visibility, but the built-in LED is bright enough to see your mark even in dim basements. For deeper or repetitive concrete drilling, I still prefer a rotary hammer, but for mixed residential work, this hammer drill is more capable than most “do-it-all” options. Heat buildup is manageable if you give it brief rests during sustained hammer drilling.

One feature I used more than expected was the work light setting on the drill. The high-output LED with a long post-trigger delay functions like a mini spotlight for layout and marking. It’s not a substitute for a proper task light, but it’s a nice bonus in crawlspaces and closets.

Impact driver: Fast, flexible, and precise when you need it

The impact driver’s 3-speed setup is well thought out:

• Precision/low-speed mode for cabinet hardware, small screws, and soft materials where you want to avoid overdriving.
• Speed 2 for general duty: deck screws, structural screws up to 4 in., and most remodeling tasks.
• Speed 3 for long TimberLOKs, lag bolts with pilot holes, and stubborn fasteners.

With 1,825 in-lbs of torque and 3,250 RPM/3,600 IPM at the top end, it drives fasteners aggressively. The trigger is nicely linear, so you can feather screws into finish work before the impacting ramps up. The 3-LED ring eliminates shadows well, and the post-trigger delay is handy when moving between fasteners. Noise is typical for an impact driver—loud under load—so hearing protection is smart for long runs.

Bit changes are one-handed and positive. Battery retention on my kit has been tight and trouble-free, and I didn’t notice excessive handle flex under pressure. Vibration is well controlled for this class.

Runtime, charging, and system compatibility

The included 5.0Ah packs are a sweet spot for power and runtime. I could drive hundreds of backer board screws in a day on the impact driver without swapping packs, and the hammer drill handled a full set of plumbing bores and a dozen concrete anchors on a single charge. DeWalt’s charger isn’t the fastest on the market, but two batteries kept me working without downtime. Compatibility with the broad 20V MAX ecosystem matters; if you’re already in DeWalt, this kit slots right in.

Ergonomics and control

Both tools have excellent triggers and intuitive speed controls. The hammer drill’s side handle is essential for big bits and masonry. Balance with 5.0Ah batteries is slightly tail-heavy on the hammer drill and near-neutral on the impact driver. If you do a lot of overhead or ladder work, consider pairing the kit with a compact 2.0Ah pack to lighten the load at the expense of runtime.

The all-metal chuck on the hammer drill inspires confidence. As with many hammer drills, you may see a small amount of grease at the nose after heavy hammer use; a light weep is normal, but persistent leakage warrants service. I didn’t run into electrical or mode-switch gremlins—everything stayed consistent—but I always recommend registering for the 3-year limited warranty and taking advantage of the 1-year free service if anything feels off.

Durability, maintenance, and quirks

The housings and overmold take jobsite abuse well, and the TOUGHSYSTEM case truly protects the kit. Still, these are high-output tools: avoid binding the drill in high gear, use the side handle, and let the motor work within its designed speed ranges. Keep the chuck clean, check set screws on hole saws, and don’t ignore odd noises or heat—catching issues early is key to longevity.

One note on lights: tool-mounted LEDs are great, but they are still wear items. If a light fails, it doesn’t affect core performance, and DeWalt’s service network can address it if you care to fix it. For constant low-light work, I rely on a dedicated task light anyway.

TOUGHSYSTEM case: Protection with a weight penalty

I love the case for transport and storage. It stacks with other TOUGHSYSTEM boxes, seals well against dust and splashes, and shrugs off the back of a truck. If you’re a backpack-and-bucket remodeler, the weight and bulk won’t be your favorite, but if you keep tools organized in the van, it’s excellent. Internal padding is adequate; I added a small foam block to stop the charger from bouncing.

Who it’s for

• Pros and serious DIYers who want a high-output drill/impact pairing that can handle wood, metal, and occasional masonry without switching platforms.
• Remodelers who value runtime and a tough storage solution.
• Users already invested in DeWalt 20V MAX batteries.

Who should look elsewhere:

• Anyone prioritizing minimal weight/size for overhead or punch-list work; a compact brushless drill/driver kit with smaller batteries might suit you better.
• Trades doing daily heavy concrete drilling; an SDS-plus rotary hammer is still the right tool.

Pros and cons

Pros
- Strong, efficient brushless motors on both tools
- Three mechanical speeds on the hammer drill; excellent control and torque
- Impact driver’s usable 3-speed/precision mode and bright LED ring
- Long runtime from two 5.0Ah batteries
- Rugged, stackable TOUGHSYSTEM case
- Solid warranty and service coverage

Cons
- Hammer drill is heavy and bulky for overhead work
- Occasional chuck re-tightening needed with big hole saws
- LED and other small components are wear items; service if they fail
- Case adds bulk and weight; interior could secure accessories better

Recommendation

I recommend this DeWalt combo kit for pros and committed DIYers who need a do-everything drill and a fast, controllable impact driver with serious runtime. The hammer drill’s three-speed gearbox and hammer performance, combined with the impact driver’s torque and precision mode, cover the vast majority of tasks I see in remodeling. The 5.0Ah batteries keep the tools running all day, and the TOUGHSYSTEM case is genuinely protective and practical for truck and site work.

Be aware of the weight, use the side handle, and keep an eye on the chuck and lights over time. With those caveats, this kit offers power, speed, and durability that justify the investment—especially if you’re already in the 20V MAX ecosystem and want a reliable, hard-working pair that can take on wood, metal, and light masonry without blinking.