DeWalt 20V MAX* XR Brushless Cordless 1/2 in. 3-Speed Hammer Drill With LANYARD READY Attachment Point (Tool Only)

20V MAX* XR® Brushless Cordless 1/2 in. 3-Speed Hammer Drill With LANYARD READY™ Attachment Point (Tool Only)

Features

  • LANYARD READY™ attachment point for tethering the tool and battery (use LANYARD READY™ equipped batteries when working at height)
  • ANTI-ROTATION system that detects excessive rotational motion and shuts the tool down; red LED indicates when engaged
  • Brushless motor (20V MAX* XR®)
  • All-metal 3-speed transmission
  • Pivoting 3-position push-button LED with a 20-minute work light setting
  • 1/2 in. ratcheting nitro-carburized metal chuck with carbide inserts for improved bit retention
  • Secondary/side handle included for added control
  • TOOL CONNECT™ CHIP READY™ compatible (chip sold separately) for asset tracking
  • Reported runtime example: up to 275 holes per charge using the specified test battery and bit (DCB2108LR battery and 7/8" auger in 1-1/2" fir)
  • Short overall tool length for improved access in tight spaces

Specifications

Battery Type 20V MAX*
Battery Voltage [V] 20
Chuck Size [In] 1/2
Chuck Type Keyless
Has Led Light? Yes
Has Perform & Protect? Yes
Has Secondary Handle? Yes
Has Variable Speed? Yes
Is Brushless? Yes
Max. Power [Mwo] 1530
No Load Speed [Bpm] 0-8,500 / 0-22,100 / 0-38,250
No Load Speed [Rpm] 0-500 / 0-1,300 / 0-2,250
Number Of Clutch Positions 11
Number Of Speed Settings 3
Power Output [W] 1530
Product Height [In] 8.6
Product Length [In] 7.6
Product Weight [Lbs] 4.1
Product Width [In] 2.9
Tool Length [In] 7.6
Warranty 3 Year Limited Warranty, 1 Year Free Service, 90 Days Satisfaction Guaranteed

Cordless 1/2 in. 3-speed hammer drill with a brushless motor and an all-metal transmission. Includes an attachment point for a safety lanyard and an anti-rotation system that stops the tool if excessive rotational motion is detected. Battery and charger are sold separately.

Model Number: DCD1007BLR
View Manual

DeWalt 20V MAX* XR Brushless Cordless 1/2 in. 3-Speed Hammer Drill With LANYARD READY Attachment Point (Tool Only) Review

4.8 out of 5

First impressions and setup

I reached for the DCD1007 to anchor track in a block wall and never looked back. It’s a compact, stout hammer drill with an all‑metal three‑speed gearbox and a brushless motor, and it feels like a serious tool the moment you load a bit. Bare weight is about 4.1 lbs; with a mid‑size pack it becomes a solid, well‑balanced package rather than featherweight. Battery and charger are sold separately, so plan your kit accordingly.

The design is familiar DeWalt: thick overmold where you need it, a short overall length (about 7.6 in.) that fits between studs, and a secondary handle that clamps securely. The side handle is not window dressing—use it. This drill has real torque and the handle lets you keep that power under control.

Controls, gearing, and lighting

Three mechanical speeds cover most tasks:
- Speed 1: 0–500 RPM for high torque tasks
- Speed 2: 0–1,300 RPM for general drilling
- Speed 3: 0–2,250 RPM (38,250 BPM in hammer mode) for fast small‑diameter drilling and masonry

The selector clicks positively without feeling gritty, and the clutch ring offers 11 driving settings along with dedicated drill and hammer positions. The trigger is predictable with good low‑speed modulation; feathering screws into hardware without cam‑out is easy.

The pivoting LED is more useful than it looks on paper. It has three positions and a push‑button that includes a 20‑minute work‑light mode. I used it to finish up in a dim stairwell without grabbing a headlamp. It’s bright, well‑placed, and doesn’t create harsh shadows around the chuck.

Chuck and bit retention

The 1/2 in. ratcheting chuck is nitro‑carburized with carbide inserts. In practice, that translates to high clamping force and less tendency for slick shanks to spin. I ran a 7/8 in. auger and a 1/2 in. masonry bit back‑to‑back; neither budged, and the knurling makes tightening with gloves on straightforward. It’s a keyless chuck done right.

Masonry performance

This is where the drill impressed me. In speed 3, with hammer mode engaged, it zipped through brick and block for Tapcon anchors without bogging. The published blows‑per‑minute tops out over 38,000, and you feel that impact energy translating into aggregate dust quickly. For continuous concrete anchoring, I still prefer an SDS‑Plus rotary hammer, but for mixed tasks (a few anchors here, some metal and wood work there), this hammer drill eliminated a lot of trips back to the truck.

Heat management was good—after a string of holes in brick the housing was warm, not hot, and there was no electronic throttling.

Wood and metal

In framing, speed 1 handled large spade bits and self‑feed bits with authority. Boring 1‑1/2 in. holes in SPF studs was controlled and fast; the side handle keeps wrist surprises to a minimum. In metal, speed 2 with a 3/8 in. twist bit provided clean holes without chatter, and the slow‑start trigger control helped keep bits from walking when I didn’t want to pre‑punch.

Where I noticed a limitation was hole saw work. When a bi‑metal hole saw bound in plywood while cutting a 2‑1/8 in. lockset hole, the tool’s anti‑rotation system stepped in and shut the motor down. More on that below—it’s not a lack of power; it’s the safety electronics doing their job.

Anti‑rotation safety: friend and occasional frustration

This model includes an anti‑rotation system that senses abrupt rotational motion and stops the motor, with a red LED to let you know it’s engaged. It’s part of DeWalt’s Perform & Protect approach, and it’s there to protect your wrists and shoulders when a bit catches.

In practice, it’s excellent for augers, spades, and masonry bits—tasks where a sudden bind can whip a drill violently. I had it save a near miss when a long spade bit grabbed a hidden nail. That said, hole saws are grabby by design, and the system can be a little overprotective. On a few binds with 2+ inch hole saws, the drill shut down rather than muscling through. The workaround is technique and setup:
- Drop to speed 1 for max torque and smoother control
- Use a high‑quality arbor with a clutch, or step up to a purpose‑built high‑torque drill for large hole saws
- Keep your feed steady and let the saw clear chips

I’ll take occasional shutdowns over a sprained wrist, but if you cut big holes all day, you should know this behavior is part of the package.

Runtime and power

DeWalt rates this brushless setup at 1530 MWO, which tracks with what I felt in heavy drilling. With a mid‑capacity 5.0Ah pack, I was able to complete an afternoon mix of masonry anchors, pocket holes, and a couple dozen timber fasteners without swapping batteries. Brushless efficiency is evident—there’s little wasted heat, and the drill doesn’t feel like it’s fighting itself at low speed.

Your runtime will vary widely with bit type and material. The bottom line: pair it with a modern, high‑output battery and you’ll get long cycles between charges. If you often need maximum push, consider a higher‑capacity pack for both endurance and a bit more nose weight to dampen kick.

Lanyard and tracking features

The LANYARD READY attachment point is a thoughtful addition if you work at height. Combined with a compatible tethered battery, you can secure both tool and pack. The mount feels solid and doesn’t interfere with grip or balance. It’s also TOOL CONNECT chip‑ready (chip sold separately), which is useful for fleet managers and anyone who wants basic asset tracking without changing platforms.

Ergonomics and durability

The short nose-to-tail length pays off when drilling overhead between joists and working inside cabinets. The grip angle is familiar and neutral; the drill sits comfortably in the hand and doesn’t torque your wrist in awkward positions. The all‑metal transmission and robust housing inspire confidence, and the side handle collar has no slop.

Noise and vibration are well controlled for a hammer drill. In hammer mode, the sound is crisp rather than harsh, and there’s less tingling through the handle than I’ve felt on some competitors.

What could be better

  • Hole saw behavior: The anti‑rotation system can shut down mid‑cut when a hole saw binds. That’s protective, but you’ll need to adjust technique or use a different tool for frequent large‑diameter cuts.
  • Weight with large batteries: Bare weight is reasonable, but with larger packs the tool gets hefty. If you spend all day overhead, it’s something to consider.
  • No battery/charger included: As a tool‑only purchase, it makes sense for pros with existing packs, but first‑time buyers should budget for batteries and a charger.

Warranty and service

DeWalt backs it with a 3‑year limited warranty, 1‑year free service, and a 90‑day satisfaction guarantee. That’s solid coverage for a pro‑grade hammer drill.

Who it’s for

  • Trades and remodelers who need a single drill to handle wood, metal, and moderate masonry without switching platforms
  • HVAC, electrical, and maintenance techs who benefit from compact length and a strong top speed for small‑bit drilling
  • Anyone working at height who wants a true tether point and appreciates added safety features

If your day is dominated by SDS‑Plus concrete work or constant 2‑1/2 in. hole saws, choose a specialized tool. For everything else, this is a versatile, powerful choice.

Recommendation

I recommend the DCD1007 for pros and serious DIYers who want a compact, high‑power hammer drill with real safety features, excellent bit retention, and thoughtful lighting. It excels in masonry anchors, structural wood drilling, and general metal work, and the side handle plus anti‑rotation system help keep you out of trouble when a bit grabs. The only caveat is hole saw work—if you cut large holes constantly, plan on complementary tooling or technique adjustments. Otherwise, this drill delivers the power, control, and runtime I expect from a flagship 20V hammer drill, and it’s built to handle jobsite abuse.



Project Ideas

Business

Masonry Mounting & Anchoring Service

Offer on-site installation of TVs, cabinets, mirrors, gym rigs, and handrails in brick, block, and concrete. Price per anchor and complexity, include hardware packages. The anti-rotation protection reduces risk when coring larger holes, and the lanyard point enables safe work at height on balconies and stairwells.


Retail and Gallery Install Micro-Agency

Provide rapid-fit art and signage installs for pop-ups and boutiques: drilling into concrete walls, ceilings, or CMU backrooms. Offer night and off-hour service, laser-level layout, patch-and-paint add-ons, and asset tracking with TOOL CONNECT chips on shared tools. Bill per drop with rush fees.


Property Manager Punch-List Partner

Sell recurring service packages to apartments and offices: hang shelves, curtain rods, safety rails, bike mounts, and mailbox clusters in mixed substrates. Bundle monthly or quarterly visits, standardized anchor specs, and photo documentation. The bright LED and compact body help in tight maintenance rooms.


Mobile Home Gym & Climbing Mounts

Specialize in safe installs of pull-up bars, squat racks, hangboards, and crash-pad hooks into masonry or structural framing. Include substrate assessment, hardware selection, and load testing. The side handle and 3-speed gearbox make large-diameter bit work controlled; offer liability-backed certificates for clients.


Outdoor Lighting and Planter Wall Installs

Design/build patio string-light posts anchored to slabs and modular planter walls for restaurants and residential patios. Offer seasonal refreshes, plant swaps, and dimmer controls. The hammer drill speeds anchor installs in concrete, and the 20-minute work light supports twilight setups without extra lighting gear.

Creative

Brick-to-Bloom Vertical Herb Wall

Use hammer mode to drill into brick or block and mount a French cleat or Unistrut rail system. Build modular cedar planter boxes that hang from the rail, with drainage holes drilled in low speed for control. The pivoting LED doubles as a task light in shaded patios, and the short tool length helps when drilling between tight brick courses.


Live-Edge Dowel-Peg Entry Rack

Mill a live-edge slab and drill precise, deep dowel holes for hardwood pegs using low-speed, high-torque settings with the side handle for stability. Add concealed key shelf pockets with Forstner bits, then mount to studs or masonry using hammer mode and sleeve anchors. The clutch prevents overdriving screws into the slab.


Concrete-Anchored Floating Nightstands

Build minimalist plywood boxes with hidden steel brackets. Use the hammer drill to bore anchor holes in concrete or block walls, then switch to drill/driver mode for wood fasteners. The 3-speed transmission lets you countersink cleanly and drive hardware without stripping. The anti-rotation feature adds safety when boring larger concrete holes.


Backyard String-Light Pergola

Construct 4x4 or 6x6 posts and anchor base plates to a patio slab with Tapcon-style anchors—pilot holes made in hammer mode. Use low speed for auger holes and high speed for pilot and clearance holes. Integrate the 20-minute work light setting for evening adjustments without carrying an extra lamp.


Industrial Pipe Shelf on Masonry

Combine black iron pipe brackets with thick wood shelves. Layout level lines, drill masonry holes with the hammer function, and fasten shield anchors. Use the ratcheting 1/2 in. chuck for secure hold on masonry bits, and the compact length to work near corners and soffits. Finish with a clear coat for a loft-style look.