DeWalt Tool Connect 20V MAX 2-Tool Combo Kit with Bluetooth Batteries

Why this kit earns a spot on my truck

I’ve been slowly migrating my cordless lineup, and this 20V Tool Connect combo from DeWalt hit a sweet spot for performance with a layer of smart features that’s actually useful. The kit pairs a brushless hammer drill (DCD997) and brushless impact driver (DCF888) with 5.0Ah Tool Connect batteries, all built around DeWalt’s 20V MAX platform. The highlights are familiar—power, runtime, ergonomics—but the Bluetooth-enabled inventory and configuration tools add day-to-day value if you’re managing multiple tools or working across jobsites.

Setup and the Tool Connect experience

Getting the tools and batteries paired to the app took a couple of minutes. The integrated LEDs cue you through pairing, and once connected I could assign batteries to a jobsite, tag a user, and see key diagnostics like state of charge, temperature, and runtime. The “Last Seen” address updated reliably whenever my phone (or another Tool Connect device) was within range, which in my testing was 60–100 feet depending on walls and interference. A quick note: this isn’t GPS. It’s a Bluetooth breadcrumb, so you’ll get the last location where a phone or gateway saw the battery.

Two features stand out for a crew environment. First, I can temporarily disable a battery if it walks off or if it’s out of a geofenced range, which at minimum keeps your tools from being used against you. Second, the “Lend” function lets me time-box a loaner battery—after a set period it disables until it’s back in range and reenabled. It’s not a cure-all for theft, but it’s a meaningful deterrent and a genuine management tool for small fleets.

Impact driver: compact punch with precision

The DCF888 is a compact driver that stays nimble in tight spaces. It’s rated at up to 3250 rpm and 1825 in-lbs of torque, and those numbers show up in real work. I drove 3-inch construction screws into SPF without a pilot, buried 1/4-inch structural screws into LVL with a pilot, and ran cabinet screws in melamine without chewing up heads. The brushless motor hits hard without feeling jumpy, and the 1/4-inch quick-release anvil is positive and smooth.

What sets this driver apart is the customization in the app. I created a low-speed preset with Precision Drive behavior tuned for sheet metal and hardware installation; it starts softly, limits initial torque, and cuts down on cam-out and stripped heads. I also set a full-power mode for timber framing where I want everything the motor will give. LED brightness and delay are surprisingly handy—crank it up for attic or crawlspace work, tone it down to save your eyes in reflective cabinets.

Noise is typical of a brushless impact; hearing protection remains a good idea. Balance is excellent with the 5.0Ah pack, though you’ll notice the extra weight over a 2.0Ah if you’re working overhead all day.

Hammer drill: fast holes, steady in concrete

The DCD997 hammer drill sits in the “more than enough for most” category. With a 1/2-inch chuck, three speed ranges, and up to 2000 rpm on the top end, it drilled clean holes in hardwood and powered through metal with the right bits. In hammer mode, it handled 1/4-inch and 5/16-inch Tapcon anchors in cured concrete without drama. Vibration is controlled, and the form factor (about 7.9 inches long, 4.6 pounds bare) keeps it maneuverable on ladders.

The clutch is consistent, and the electronic controls are responsive—there’s no lag in trigger take-up. Like the driver, the drill benefits from the 5.0Ah battery’s torque delivery; you’ll put more energy into the work before the pack sags.

Runtime and charging

With two 5.0Ah batteries, I was able to work through a mixed day of framing screws, light electrical rough-in, and a handful of masonry anchors without going dark. One battery typically covered several hours of stop-and-go work on the driver. The included charger (DCB115) isn’t a “rapid” unit; refilling a 5.0Ah pack takes around an hour and a half. Rotating between two packs kept me moving, but if you’re on a production schedule, consider a faster charger or add a compact 2.0Ah pack for lighter tasks.

The diagnostics in the app helped me avoid heat-related slowdowns—seeing pack temperature at a glance is trivial but useful on hot days or during heavy hammer drilling.

Ergonomics and build

Both tools land in a sweet ergonomic spot. The grips are comfortable, the balance is neutral with 5.0Ah packs, and the footprint stays friendly: the driver is roughly 5.3 inches long and around 2 pounds bare. The textured overmold cleans up easily even after a dusty day. DeWalt’s LED implementation is solid—bright, well-placed, and (on the driver) adjustable.

Build quality feels dialed-in: tight chucks, crisp direction switches, and consistent speed transitions. The brushless motors contribute to the refined feel, and compared to older brushed tools, the noise and vibration signature is noticeably better.

What I’d change or watch for

• Charger speed: The DCB115 is a dependable multi-voltage unit, but not fast. If you rely on 5.0Ah packs, budget for a quicker charger.
• Bluetooth expectations: The “Last Seen” feature is only as good as the nearest phone or gateway. It’s a great trail of breadcrumbs, not a live tracker.
• Weight with 5.0Ah packs: Great for runtime and power delivery, but overhead work benefits from a lighter battery when possible.
• Reliability and service: I had one hiccup early on with the impact driver hesitating in forward under load. After a reset and firmware re-pair it cleared up and hasn’t returned, but it’s a reminder to register the kit and keep the warranty details handy. DeWalt’s 3-year limited warranty, 1-year free service, and 90-day satisfaction policy are good safety nets—just know that exchanges after the satisfaction window typically give way to repair.

Who this kit fits best

• Pros and crew leads who want tool visibility, lending controls, and basic anti-theft measures without the overhead of dedicated trackers.
• Facility teams and trades who benefit from diagnostics and assigning batteries to locations or users.
• Serious DIYers who want premium performance and like the idea of app-tunable driver behavior, with room to grow into the 20V MAX ecosystem.

If you’ll never open the app, similar DeWalt combos without Tool Connect will save you a bit of money while delivering comparable torque and speed.

The bottom line

The 20V Tool Connect kit blends strong, modern brushless tools with smart features that aren’t gimmicks. The impact driver is compact, powerful, and made better by customizable profiles. The hammer drill is a reliable workhorse with the punch to handle concrete anchors and the finesse to drill clean holes in wood and metal. Two 5.0Ah batteries keep the kit productive, and the Bluetooth layer meaningfully raises the bar for inventory awareness and control.

Recommendation: I recommend this kit for pros and advanced DIYers who will use the Tool Connect features and appreciate tunable performance. The tools themselves are excellent performers with comfortable ergonomics and real-world power; the app adds theft deterrence, diagnostics, and customization that streamline daily work. If you don’t care about connectivity or you need rapid charging out of the box, consider a non-connected combo or add a faster charger—but as a connected starter or expansion set, this kit is a smart, capable addition to a 20V MAX lineup.