DeWalt 20V MAX XR Brushless Cordless Compact Hammer Drill with Tool Connect Kit

First impressions and setup

Out of the box, this DeWalt compact hammer drill feels like it was designed by people who actually use drills. The size is genuinely compact, the balance is neutral with the included 2 Ah pack, and the controls are familiar: a 2-speed gearbox, a 13-position clutch, and a 1/2-inch keyless chuck. The brushless motor promises the efficiency you want in a compact package, and the kit includes two DCB203 batteries, a charger, and a hard case.

The headliner here is Tool Connect. Pairing was straightforward: hold the foot-mounted button for a few seconds until the blue LED flashes, open the app, and add the tool. From there I could assign it to a job and a user, set up “disable when out of range” alerts, and view diagnostics like runtime, trigger pulls, temperature, and the status of the module’s coin-cell battery. If you manage multiple tools or share gear, this is more than a gimmick.

Build, ergonomics, and controls

The DCD797 is compact—about 7 to 7.4 inches long—and around 3.6 lb bare tool, so it fits into cabinets and between studs without contortions. The rubber overmold is where it should be, and the variable-speed trigger is smooth, with predictable ramp-up. I appreciate the separate clutch and mode ring, which makes it easy to bump between driving, drilling, and hammer drilling without losing your torque setting.

The on-board LED work light is better than average. You can adjust brightness and delay in the app, which sounds minor until you need the light to stay on while you mark the next hole or you want it to shut off immediately to save battery. I set mine to a longer delay for anchor work and a shorter one for general driving.

A small but welcome detail: you get a true 1/2-inch chuck. It holds large shank bits securely and didn’t let go on me under load. There’s no side handle in the kit, though. For a hammer drill, especially if you’ll push larger masonry bits, that’s a miss. You can buy one separately, but I’d rather see it included.

Performance: driving and drilling

In wood and metal, the DCD797 is a strong performer for its size. With a rated 460 UWO and a 2,000 RPM top speed, it zips through common tasks: pocket holes, spade bits up to 1-1/4 inch in low gear, step-bits in mild steel, and a steady diet of screws. The 13-position clutch is well spaced; I could dial it down for cabinet hardware without stripping, yet still have enough overhead for structural screws in SPF.

Two-speed gearing is exactly what you’d expect:
- Speed 1 for torque-heavy work, larger bits, and control
- Speed 2 for small twist bits, countersinks, and faster driving

If you’re used to older brushed 18V drills, you’ll notice how much less the motor sags when you lean on it. That brushless efficiency shows up both in pace and temperature. Even during longer drilling sessions, the housing stayed warm but never worrying.

Hammer mode and light masonry

The hammer function tops out at 34,000 BPM. In practice, that’s plenty for light masonry: Tapcon pilots in brick, clearance holes in block, and a handful of 3/8-inch anchor holes in mortar. It’s not a rotary hammer replacement—you’ll still want an SDS for heavy anchors and cured concrete—but for the jobs that pop up on a remodel or service call, it does the trick.

Where I missed the side handle was on 3/8-inch and larger masonry bits; it’s doable without one, but a secondary grip would make long runs safer and easier on the wrist. Vibration is moderate for a compact hammer drill—noticeable but not fatiguing over a handful of holes.

Tool Connect: more than a locator tag

The integrated Bluetooth module is genuinely useful if you’re managing inventory or sharing tools:
- Last-seen location when a phone or gateway passes within range
- Assignments to jobsites and users
- On-tool diagnostics: trigger counts, runtime, temperature, coin-cell status
- Mode programming and LED customization
- “Disable when out of range” alerts to deter unauthorized use

I found the mode programming to be the sleeper feature. The drill ships with a Home mode and three programmable slots. I set mine like this:
- Mode 1: Low RPM cap and low LED brightness for delicate screw driving
- Mode 2: Full RPM in drill mode for wood/metal drilling
- Mode 3: Hammer mode, high LED brightness, longer delay for masonry

Switching modes on the tool is quick, and it effectively gives you three tailored personalities without fiddling with the trigger to “feel out” the sweet spot every time. The one caveat: if you turn on “disable when out of range,” make sure your phone or a Tool Connect gateway is present on site. It’s an effective deterrent, but you don’t want to accidentally lock yourself out mid-task.

Note that this is Bluetooth only—no Wi‑Fi—so “last seen” relies on being within range of a device running the app. The diagnostics are great for understanding how hard a tool is being run and spotting abuse or impending maintenance.

Batteries, runtime, and charging

The kit includes two 2 Ah XR packs and a charger. Recharge time is roughly an hour per pack. With compact batteries, the drill stays nimble and fits better into tight spaces. For general carpentry and light electrical/HVAC work, I could rotate packs and keep moving without much downtime.

That said, if your day leans toward larger bits, frequent hammer drilling, or long runs of fasteners, the 2 Ah packs will feel short. The motor has the guts to do more than the compact packs can support over an extended push. I swapped to a 5 Ah pack for a few hours of Tapcons and larger spade bits and the experience improved dramatically at the cost of some balance and weight. Consider adding a higher-capacity pack if this is your primary drill.

Reliability and service

Over my test period, one of the included batteries in my first kit refused to charge. The charger was fine; the second pack charged normally. I exchanged the kit and had no further issues. It’s a reminder that even in a premium line, quality control hiccups happen. The upside here is DeWalt’s support structure: a 3-year limited warranty, 1 year of free service, and a 90-day satisfaction guarantee. If you get a dud battery or a tool that acts up early, take advantage of that window rather than trying to nurse it along.

The Tool Connect module reports the coin-cell battery life, which is helpful—just be aware that tiny battery will eventually need replacing to keep the module reporting status when a main pack isn’t installed.

What it does best

• Compact, balanced form factor with real power on tap
• Smart, configurable electronics that genuinely speed up repeat tasks
• Useful hammer action for light masonry in a pinch
• Thoughtful LED work light with adjustable brightness and delay
• Fleet-friendly Bluetooth features that go beyond simple tracking

Where it falls short

• No side handle included; you’ll want one for larger bits and masonry
• 2 Ah batteries keep it nimble but limit sustained runtime
• Bluetooth is range-limited; “last seen” depends on nearby devices
• Occasional QC hiccups; lean on the warranty if your kit isn’t 100%

Who should buy it

If you value a compact drill that can bridge daily driving, wood/metal drilling, and occasional masonry—and you want tracking, diagnostics, and programmable modes baked in—the DCD797 is a strong fit. It’s especially compelling for crews and facilities where tool accountability matters. If you don’t care about Tool Connect and you rarely use hammer mode, DeWalt’s non-connected compact drill-driver may be a better value, and if you routinely drill large anchors or bore big holes, step up to a heavier-duty drill with a side handle or an SDS.

Recommendation

I recommend this DeWalt compact hammer drill for pros and advanced DIYers who will take advantage of Tool Connect and appreciate a compact tool that punches above its size. The combination of brushless performance, customizable modes, and light masonry capability makes it a versatile main drill in a tight package. Add a 5 Ah battery for longer days and a side handle for heavier drilling, and it covers a lot of ground. If your priority is maximum runtime per pack or you never use the connected features, consider a non-connected kit with larger batteries instead.