1/2 in. Hammer Drill Kit

Features

  • 1/2 in. metal keyless chuck for improved bit retention
  • Brushless motor design
  • No-load speed up to 1,650 RPM (drill mode)
  • Hammer action up to 28,050 BPM (hammer mode)
  • On-tool LED work light for task illumination
  • Compact tool head length (6.93 in)
  • Kit includes belt hook, one DCB205 battery and one charger

Specifications

Chuck Size 1/2 in.
Chuck Type Keyless (metal)
Brushless Yes
Max Power (Mwo) 543
No Load Speed (Drill Mode) Up to 1,650 RPM
Hammer Blows Per Minute (Bpm) Up to 28,050 BPM
Tool Head Length 6.93 in.
Includes (1) 1/2 in. hammer drill, (1) belt hook, (1) DCB205 battery, (1) charger
Warranty 3 Year Limited Warranty; 1 Year Free Service; 90 Days Satisfaction Guaranteed

Cordless 1/2 in. brushless hammer drill intended for drilling in concrete, masonry and general drilling tasks. It has a compact tool head and an integrated LED work light for improved visibility in low-light conditions. The tool is supplied as a kit with a battery, charger and belt hook.

Model Number: DCD798P1
View Manual

DeWalt 1/2 in. Hammer Drill Kit Review

4.1 out of 5

A compact hammer drill that favors control over brute force

I put this DeWalt hammer drill through its paces on a mix of punch‑list carpentry and light masonry anchoring, the sort of day‑to‑day work where a compact tool saves your wrist and your patience. The head is notably short at 6.93 inches, so it fits between studs, under sink lips, and into cabinet boxes where a full‑size drill driver becomes a knuckle buster. Paired with the included 5.0Ah battery, the balance feels neutral in the hand—hefty enough to stay planted on fasteners, but not tip‑heavy.

The brushless motor is the star here. Startup is smooth, power delivery is linear, and the tool responds predictably to trigger input. In drill mode the no‑load speed tops out around 1,650 RPM, which is right in the sweet spot for general drilling and driving. In hammer mode, the 28,050 blows per minute give you the tap‑tap‑tap you want for small concrete anchors without rattling your teeth loose.

Build quality and ergonomics

DeWalt’s metal 1/2‑inch keyless chuck is a practical choice. It grips bits well, it tightens with confidence even when your gloves are dusty, and it releases without binding. Over a few weeks of swapping between brad‑point wood bits, step bits in sheet metal, and SDS‑plus‑style masonry bits with straight shanks, I never had a bit walk out on me. The chuck’s knurling offers good purchase, and the ratcheting action is clear and positive.

Grip and controls are familiar DeWalt: a comfortable handle with a trigger that modulates speed cleanly from a slow creep to full tilt. The on‑tool LED work light is brighter than it looks on paper and it’s placed well enough not to cast a big shadow from the chuck. In low‑light corners of a basement mechanical room, it lit up my pilot hole and fastener head just fine. The included belt hook is sturdy and sits where you expect; it catches a pocket or ladder rung without getting in the way when you’re kneeling.

One ergonomic highlight: because the head is so compact, you tend to apply pressure more directly behind the bit. That reduces wandering in metal and tile backer when you’re starting a hole.

Performance in wood, metal, and masonry

In wood, this drill is a pleasure. Spade bits up to 1‑1/4 inch in pine were no drama, and 3/4‑inch augers through 2x material stayed controllable without stalling. Driving 3‑inch construction screws into framing felt confident—any slowdown was more about the screw head or pilot size than the tool. The brushless motor’s efficiency shows up as less heat buildup and longer runs between charges.

In metal, the top speed is fast enough for clean results on thin stock with a good bit and cutting fluid. I used step bits for 18‑gauge electrical enclosures without chatter. The variable trigger makes it easy to throttle back for larger diameters.

As a hammer drill, it’s clearly intended for light to medium duty. If you’re setting Tapcons for a couple of ledger brackets or drilling 3/16‑inch holes in cured concrete block, it does the job. Switching to 3/8‑inch holes in poured concrete is doable but slow, and you feel the tool working hard. This drill is great for “I need a few anchors right now” but not the right choice for an afternoon of repetitive anchoring. If that’s your day, grab a corded unit or, better yet, an SDS‑plus rotary hammer.

Practical tip: use sharp masonry bits, start with a pilot size, and clear the dust frequently—this drill rewards that kind of care with faster holes and less heat.

Speed control, clutch, and chuck behavior

The torque clutch does what it should—protects your fasteners and materials, especially in cabinet installs and hardware mounting. The detents are distinct, and the transition from clutch slipping to full‑drill mode is obvious, so you’re unlikely to accidentally leave it in the wrong setting. The metal chuck holds round‑shank masonry bits better than many plastic‑sleeve designs; I didn’t experience bit creep even under hammering.

One quirk I noticed on my first sample: the forward/reverse selector was occasionally sticky when I tried to switch directions quickly after stopping a screw. It improved when I made a habit of letting the spindle come to a complete stop before moving the switch. My second sample didn’t have the issue. If you encounter a stubborn selector, a quick blast of compressed air around the switch to clear fines and a bit of patience between direction changes helps. If it persists, it’s worth having a service center look at it—direction control should be unequivocal on any pro‑oriented drill.

Runtime, battery, and charging

The kit includes a DCB205 5.0Ah battery and a charger, which is a smart pairing. With that pack, I got a half‑day of mixed driving and drilling on a deck‑framing task before swapping to a spare. Hammer mode uses noticeably more energy, as expected, but I still managed two dozen 3/16‑inch holes in block and installed the anchors on a single charge. Heat management is good; the motor housing got warm under sustained hammering but never painfully hot. The charger is straightforward and consistent; plan on a typical coffee‑break top‑off to get back into the second half of a small job.

If you already own other DeWalt 20V Max packs, this drill feels nimble with a 2.0Ah compact battery for overhead work and spot driving, but it performs best with a 4.0 or 5.0Ah pack when drilling larger holes or using the hammer function.

Noise, vibration, and feel

In drill mode, it’s relatively quiet, with a refined sound signature that’s typical of brushless motors. In hammer mode, you feel the percussive action, but vibration is well controlled for a drill‑format hammer. It won’t replace an SDS‑plus for comfort in hard concrete, but for occasional anchors it’s less fatiguing than some high‑revving compact competitors.

Durability and serviceability

The overall build inspires confidence: tight tolerances, no flex in the chuck collar, and no wobble in the spindle. The metal chuck will wear better than plastic in a shop that sees dust and debris. DeWalt backs the tool with a three‑year limited warranty, a year of free service, and a 90‑day satisfaction guarantee, which is reassuring if you’re hard on your tools. If you’re doing site work, keep the selector, vents, and chuck area clear of fines—brushless motors handle dust better than brushed, but a quick blast with compressed air at the end of the day extends any tool’s life.

Little touches that add up

  • The LED work light actually matters when you’re trying to read a pilot on a dark joist or under a sink. It’s bright and useful rather than an afterthought.
  • The compact head length is excellent for cabinetry, electrical box work, and tight framing.
  • The belt hook is simple and secure; it’s easy to live with on a ladder.

What could be better

  • Hammer mode is capable but not fast on larger holes in hard concrete. That’s expected with this format, but worth noting if you’re buying it primarily for masonry.
  • On one unit I tested, the forward/reverse switch could hang up if I rushed it. Waiting for the spindle to stop before switching minimized the issue; a second unit was clean and crisp.
  • A side handle isn’t included. The drill’s compact size is the point, but when you’re hogging larger bits in wood, a handle adds leverage and safety.

Where it fits

This drill slots neatly into the “compact, capable, and convenient” category. It’s not a high‑torque, full‑size hammer drill meant for big hole saws and all‑day anchoring, and it doesn’t pretend to be. It’s the drill you reach for most of the time: driving fasteners, drilling through studs, boring clean holes in sheet goods, and knocking out a few anchors when the job calls for it. If you already run DeWalt’s 20V Max system, it’s an easy add that won’t weigh down your bag.

Recommendation

I recommend this DeWalt hammer drill for anyone who values a compact, well‑balanced tool that handles daily drilling and driving with ease and can tackle light masonry when needed. The brushless motor, metal 1/2‑inch chuck, and thoughtful ergonomics make it a dependable “first out of the bag” drill. If your work leans heavily toward large anchors in hard concrete or frequent big‑bit drilling in wood, pair this with a rotary hammer or a higher‑torque drill. Be mindful of the direction selector—let the spindle stop before changing directions and keep dust out of the switch area. With those caveats, the kit’s inclusion of a 5.0Ah battery and charger, plus DeWalt’s warranty support, makes it a practical, well‑rounded choice for pros and serious DIYers alike.



Project Ideas

Business

Brick & Concrete Mounting Service

Offer a mobile service specializing in mounting TVs, shelves, artwork, and mirrors on brick, stone, and concrete. Package includes hardware selection, safe cable routing, and clean finish—perfect for urban condos and historic homes.


Outdoor Lighting Installations

Design and install patio string lights, wall sconces, and garden spotlights anchored into masonry. Provide layout planning, weatherproof hardware, and timer/smart controls for homeowners and cafes seeking ambiance upgrades.


Garage/Basement Organization Installs

Install heavy-duty wall systems—track rails, shelving, and bike racks—secured into concrete or block walls. Offer bundled packages and seasonal refreshes for homeowners who need safe, load-rated storage.


Cinder-Block Lanterns & Planters Shop

Produce perforated block lanterns and custom-drilled concrete planters with precise drainage holes. Sell locally and online with options for patterns, finishes, and bundled patio decor sets.


Rental Make-Ready Hardware Upgrades

Provide quick-turn installs of curtain rods, towel bars, handrails, and house numbers into tile, brick, and masonry for landlords and Airbnb hosts. Flat-rate pricing, minimal downtime, and neat patch/replace services.

Creative

Perforated Cinder-Block Lanterns

Lay out geometric or star patterns on hollow cinder blocks and use masonry bits in hammer mode to drill clean perforations. Add an LED candle inside to create dramatic light patterns for patios or entryways. Paint or stain the blocks for different moods.


Brick Feature Wall With Floating Shelves

Design a small reading nook or bar by mounting hardwood floating shelves onto a brick wall using sleeve anchors drilled with the hammer function. Integrate the shelves with LED strip lighting routed behind for a sleek, modern look.


River-Stone Wind Chime

Select flat river stones and carefully drill small through-holes with diamond/masonry bits, then thread with cord or wire. Combine stones, driftwood, and metal accents to create a soothing outdoor chime that celebrates natural textures.


Basement Concrete Pegboard Wall

Create a custom hardwood pegboard panel and anchor French cleats to the concrete wall using Tapcon screws. The pegboard can hold plants, tools, or decor, turning an underused wall into a functional, artful organizer.


Patio String-Light Mast Bases

Fabricate steel plate bases for 4x4 posts and drill anchors into a concrete patio to secure them. Add cedar posts and string lights to create a cozy, removable outdoor canopy without pouring new footings.