DeWalt 20V MAX XR Tool Connect Cordless Brushless 1/2 in. Hammer Drill/Driver (Tool Only)

Why I reached for this drill

I picked up DeWalt’s XR hammer drill as a compact, do‑everything driver for days when I’m bouncing between wood framing, metal hardware, and the occasional Tapcon in concrete. I wanted something that lived in my tool bag without feeling like a boat anchor, but with enough punch that I wouldn’t be cursing it on tougher holes. This one checks those boxes: a brushless, two‑speed 1/2 in. drill/driver with a hammer mode that stays compact and well balanced with common 20V batteries.

It’s sold as a bare tool, so you’ll need your own 20V battery and charger. I ran it mostly with a 5Ah pack and DeWalt’s compact high‑output pack and swapped in a 2Ah battery when I wanted to cut weight for overhead work.

Build, balance, and controls

The first thing you notice is the size. Front‑to‑back, it’s short enough to squeeze between studs and into cabinet bays where full‑size hammer drills feel clumsy. At about 3.2 lb bare, it’s light in the hand; with a compact battery it stays nimble, and with a 5Ah it feels planted without getting unwieldy.

The grip shape is familiar DeWalt: slightly palm‑filling with a rubber overmold that doesn’t get slippery with dust. The trigger pull is linear and predictable, and the forward/reverse switch has a positive detent. I like that the two‑speed gearbox is easy to toggle with a thumb while maintaining a grip: low is 0–550 RPM for control and torque, high is 0–2,000 RPM for fast drilling. The mode ring is straightforward—screw driving with a clutch, regular drill, and hammer drill. The clutch gives good resolution for finishing screws without snapping heads.

The 1/2 in. keyless chuck bites well. I experienced minimal runout and no bit walk with quality shanks. It holds onto masonry bits through hammering sessions without loosening, which isn’t a given on compact hammer drills.

Power where you need it

In wood, this drill is right in the sweet spot. In high speed it zips through pilot holes and cabinetry work; flip to low and it muscles through larger holes or stubborn fasteners. I drove 3‑1/2 in. construction screws into SPF without predrilling and followed with 1 in. spade bits and small hole saws. It doesn’t feel like a high‑torque, wrist‑yanking brute, but it rarely bogged down if I chose the right gear. For metal, step bits and twist bits up to 3/8 in. went smoothly in low speed with a dab of oil.

Where the brushless motor earns its keep is in efficiency and control. Heat buildup is modest, and power delivery stays consistent as the pack drains. Under stall, the electronic protection steps in gracefully—you feel it, but it’s not jarring.

Hammer mode: capable for the size

This compact hammer drill is not a replacement for an SDS‑plus rotary hammer, but it’s legitimately useful for light masonry. The hammer mechanism hits at around 34,000 blows per minute, and combined with the 2,000 RPM top speed, it’s quick on brick, block, and the softer side of poured concrete.

With 3/16 in. and 1/4 in. masonry bits, I drilled a dozen holes for Tapcons into concrete slab and exterior block. Progress was steady, dust cleared well, and I didn’t feel excessive vibration through the handle. On hard aggregate it slows, as all compact hammer drills do, but it kept moving without overheating the motor. For occasional anchors, patio fixtures, or ledger prep, it’s more than serviceable. If your week is full of wedge anchors or 1/2 in. holes in cured concrete, reach for an SDS‑plus.

A tip that helped: let the bit do the work. Keep it in high speed for smaller masonry holes; only drop to low if you’re losing RPM and the bit is polishing rather than biting.

Light and visibility

The LED is brighter than average and more useful than a token trigger light. There are three brightness levels, and the highest locks into a 20‑minute “spotlight” mode. I used that as an area light under a sink while swapping a trap and when marking holes in a dim stairwell. It’s not a jobsite light, but it’s legitimately handy and saves a trip back to the van for a flashlight. The switch logic is simple and doesn’t get in the way.

Runtime and battery pairing

Pairing matters. With a 2Ah compact pack, the drill is feather‑light and great for punch lists and cabinet installs. Under heavier loads—larger bits in wood or a string of masonry holes—it benefits from a 4–6Ah pack or a high‑output compact. You get longer runtime and less voltage sag, which helps keep hammer mode lively. With a 5Ah pack, I drilled and set a box of Tapcons on a single charge with pauses between holes to vacuum dust.

If you’re building a kit from scratch, plan on at least one mid‑size battery. This drill rewards the extra cells.

Tool Connect readiness

There’s a slot for DeWalt’s Tool Connect chip (sold separately). If you track tools across crews or want to label and locate your drill through the app, it’s a nice add. If you’re a solo user, you can ignore it—there are no extra buttons or menus to fuss with if you don’t install the chip.

Durability and upkeep

After regular use on site and in a small shop, the drill still feels tight. The mode ring hasn’t loosened, the gearbox shifts cleanly, and the chuck jaws show even wear. Blow out dust around the nose after masonry work and wipe the chuck threads occasionally; like any hammer drill, keeping grit out extends its life. The brushless motor means no brushes to replace, and DeWalt backs the tool with a 3‑year limited warranty, a year of free service, and a 90‑day money‑back guarantee.

I’d like a removable side handle for big hole saws, but that’s a trade‑off common in compact classes. Respect the limits and it rewards you with control and longevity.

Where it fits—and where it doesn’t

Strengths:
- Compact and light with real muscle for its size
- Two usable gear ranges with smooth electronic protection
- Legitimate light masonry performance at 34,000 BPM
- Bright, multi‑mode LED with a practical 20‑minute spotlight
- Solid chuck grip and predictable ergonomics
- Optional Tool Connect tracking without added complexity

Limitations:
- Sold as a bare tool—budget for batteries and a charger if you’re new to the platform
- Not a substitute for an SDS‑plus rotary hammer for frequent 3/8–1/2 in. concrete holes
- High‑torque hole saws and large augers are best tackled in stages or with a heavier drill

Best use cases

If you’re a remodeler, maintenance tech, or serious DIYer who wants one cordless drill that covers 80–90% of tasks—driving, clean drilling in wood/metal, and light masonry—this is a smart choice. It lives comfortably as a primary drill for light‑to‑medium work, or as a compact companion to a dedicated rotary hammer on concrete‑heavy days. For cabinetmakers and installers, the compact length and excellent light are worth calling out.

Recommendation

I recommend this drill for anyone already in the 20V platform who needs a compact, versatile hammer drill/driver that punches above its size. It’s efficient, comfortable, and reliable in the core tasks: drilling wood and metal, driving fasteners with clutch control, and knocking out Tapcon holes without drama. Pair it with a 4–6Ah battery for best all‑around performance, keep a compact pack for overhead work, and bring an SDS‑plus when the day is mostly concrete. If you’re starting from scratch, factor in the cost of a battery and charger—once you do, this becomes a very capable cornerstone for a small kit.