DeWalt 20V MAX* Cordless Brushless XR Hammer Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit

Why I reached for this kit

I tossed this DeWalt XR combo kit into the truck for a bathroom gut and figured I’d see how it handled a week of real work—tile demo, backer board, framing tweaks, and a handful of masonry anchors. By day two, it had earned a permanent spot in my rotation. It isn’t the most extreme, bleeding‑edge spec monster, but it’s a well‑balanced, dependable pairing that handles nearly everything a remodel throws at you with minimal fuss.

What’s in the box and how it’s set up

The kit includes a 1/2 in. three‑speed hammer drill, a 1/4 in. hex impact driver, two 20V 4.0 Ah batteries, a charger, belt hooks, a 360° side handle for the drill, and a soft contractor bag. Both tools are brushless. The batteries are a sweet spot for runtime without making the tools overly nose‑heavy. I clipped the belt hooks on both tools immediately; they’re sturdy and actually useful on a ladder.

I’d prefer a hard case for protection and organization, but the soft bag does the job for short hauls. If you’re tossing this kit in and out of vans all day, consider migrating it to a hard box.

Hammer drill: power with control

The hammer drill’s three‑speed all‑metal transmission tops out at 2,000 rpm, with up to 38,250 BPM in hammer mode. That’s plenty for light masonry and time‑saving on tap‑cons in block and brick. Drilling 3/8 in. holes for anchors went quickly and without chatter, and the percussion is effective enough that I didn’t miss the rotary hammer for small batches.

Where I really appreciated the gearing was in versatility: low speed for big spade bits and hole saws, mid for general use, and high for smaller twist bits. Running a 2‑1/8 in. hole saw through Hardiebacker, I used the side handle and low gear—smooth and predictable. The 1/2 in. chuck holds well; I only had one slight slip driving a dull hole saw through doubled subfloor, which is a reminder to snug the chuck fully and use the side handle on high‑torque jobs.

The built‑in LED system is excellent. The three‑mode work light includes a spotlight setting that stays on for an extended period, which is very handy when you’re marking or measuring in a dim corner without juggling a separate flashlight. The drill balances nicely with a 4.0 Ah pack, and the 8.4 in. length keeps it agile in stud bays.

Impact driver: compact speed and plenty of punch

The impact driver is the workhorse here. With up to 1,825 in‑lbs of max torque, 3,250 rpm, and 3,600 IPM, it zipped through long deck screws and structural screws without hesitation. The compact 5.3 in. head helps in tight cabinets and between joists, and the trigger control is precise.

The three‑speed settings are not a gimmick. I lived in speed 1 for delicate cabinet hardware and electrical plates, speed 2 for most interior screws, and speed 3 for large structural fasteners and lag screws. Being able to set the pace saves fasteners and reduces cam‑outs, especially with stainless screws.

Noise is typical impact‑driver loud, and the small LED is plenty for finding screw heads. I did push it by tightening some stubborn, rusted fasteners; it had the grunt, though for seized bolts I still prefer a mid‑torque impact wrench.

Runtime and charging

With two 4.0 Ah batteries in the kit, I ran a full day of mixed work (drilling, driving, a handful of hammer mode anchors) on one battery and a half, rotating the second on the charger. Brushless motors help stretch runtime, and the charge turnaround is quick enough that I never waited on power. For marathon deck builds or extended masonry days, a third battery is nice, but most users will be fine with the two included packs.

Ergonomics and handling

Both tools strike a good balance between size and heft. The grips are comfortable, and the rubber overmold is placed where it matters without being too squishy. The drill’s side handle is secure and easy to reposition. I like that both tools are short front-to-back; the impact driver in particular is easy to index in cramped corners. With gloves on, the forward/reverse switch is positive, and the mode selectors are easy to find by feel.

Build quality and reliability

Fit and finish are solid: tight seams, a sturdy metal gearbox on the drill, and a chuck that feels more premium than price suggests. After extended use, I noticed a light sheen of grease near the chuck—normal on many hammer drills after heavy hammer‑mode use and not a functional issue in my case. Everything stayed square and rattle‑free after a couple of accidental drops onto subfloor.

I will call out two potential weak points to watch:
- Chuck abuse: Large hole saws or self‑feeding bits in higher gears can strain any chuck. Use low gear, tighten fully, and lean on the side handle.
- Battery latch wear: Keep the rails clean; grit can accelerate latch slop over time.

I didn’t encounter electronic cutouts or flickering LEDs. That said, the work lights on compact drivers can be a failure point on jobsite beaters; avoid using the LED as a primary work light for long stretches.

Performance in materials

• Wood framing: Zero complaints. Spade bits, augers, and long screws are well within its comfort zone.
• Sheet goods and backer: The drill holds rpm under load; the impact nails backer screws without mushrooming.
• Masonry: For occasional anchors and small holes, hammer mode is effective. If you’re setting hundreds of anchors, a rotary hammer will still be faster and less fatiguing.
• Metal: With sharp bits and oil, the drill tracks clean holes in mild steel. Step bits in low gear feel controlled.

The little things that help

• Belt hooks are strong and reversible.
• The drill’s spotlight mode is genuinely useful; it’s bright and lingers long enough to layout or inspect.
• The soft bag is roomy with enough structure to stand up, but it’s not protective. If your kit takes daily abuse, migrate to a hard box or foam‑lined organizer.

What could be better

• Case: A hard case would protect the tools and batteries in transit and keep bits organized.
• Vibration in hammer mode: It’s typical for this class, but longer masonry sessions will still warm up your hands.
• Impact LED placement: Bright, but slightly shadowed with bulky sockets. Not a dealbreaker, just a quirk.
• Specs headroom: The impact’s 1,825 in‑lbs is plenty, but competitors offer higher headline torque. In practice, the three speeds and control make up for that most of the time.

Value and ecosystem

As part of DeWalt’s 20V MAX platform, this kit slides right into a broad ecosystem—from lights and oscillating tools to nailers and grinders. The two 4.0 Ah batteries are a better starter investment than the common 2.0 Ah packs you see in cheaper bundles. The warranty (3‑year limited, 1‑year service, 90‑day satisfaction) adds peace of mind.

Who it’s for

• Remodelers and general contractors who need a dependable, compact drill/driver combo that covers 90% of daily tasks.
• Serious DIYers tackling renos who want pro‑grade performance without juggling multiple chargers and batteries.
• Pros who occasionally need hammer drilling but don’t want to carry a rotary hammer every day.

If your workload includes constant heavy masonry, mixing compounds, or oversized hole saws in tough stock, pair this kit with a rotary hammer and a high‑torque drill for the brutal tasks.

Recommendation

I recommend the DeWalt XR combo kit for most pros and serious DIYers who want a reliable, efficient two‑tool foundation. The hammer drill’s three‑speed gearbox and excellent work light, combined with the impact driver’s compact size and three‑speed control, make a versatile pair. Runtime on the included 4.0 Ah batteries is strong, the ergonomics are sorted, and the build feels jobsite‑ready. While I’d prefer a hard case and would keep an eye on the chuck during high‑torque work, the overall performance, balance, and ecosystem make this a smart, long‑term buy.