DeWalt DWD520 Hammer Drill Review
Great Product
DeWalt DWD520
Reviewed by: Timothy Henderson
Last modified:
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
DeWalt DWD520 Review Summary:
Possessing a 10-amp strong electric motor, this hammer drill includes two speeds — maxing out at 3500 revolutions per minute — allowing you to adjust for fast-paced or high-torque tasks depending on your requirements.
And, as it offers dual-mode capabilities, you can effortlessly change the operation between drill and hammer work — by means of the selector switch. This negates the need to carry an army of power tools around with you.
In terms of maximum drilling range — in masonry, it’s 0.75 inches. Meanwhile, in wood and steel, it can reach 1.5 and 0.5 inches respectively.
Additionally, the pistol grip or D-shaped design is built for ease of operation and stability — enabling you complete control during hammer time. While the DeWalt system is geared to offer additional safety in the event of overheating, thanks to the overload protection.
It includes a 360-degree adjustable side handle, with a soft grip for comfort, plus a chuck key to speed up drill bit changeovers and a depth rod for drilling accuracy. The DWD520 also comes with a 3-year warranty.
The tool is designed by DeWalt Industrial Tool Company, a US-headquartered manufacturer of hand and power tools for the woodworking, construction, and manufacturing industries around the world.
Pros:
Cons:
Features and Benefits of the DeWalt DWD520 Hammer Drill
Two-Mode Hammer Drilling Tool
The DeWalt DWD520 comes with a dual-mode of operation. And this is what makes it versatile. It allows you to hammer down when drilling into heavy-duty materials — such as stone or brick, but when you’re dealing with the likes of wood, it doubles as a regular drill.
A hammer drill works on the principle of percussion — a combination of rotational speed and strike. This action allows the release of two “toothed wheels” which, by rubbing against each other, will transmit a vibration to the drill.
The striking rate of machines like this, to be effective, must be high — typically around 48k strokes per minute are needed. However, the DeWalt DWD520 has impacts per minute (IPM) of 56k.
The drill attachment also executes rotating and striking movements at the same time. However, the individual blows are much stronger here, which allows use in concrete and generally enables faster work.
And, if you look closely, this hammer drill performs fewer blows per unit of time, but it has a significantly higher impact energy than an impact drill.
Incidentally, this hammer drill can also be used well in masonry blocks made of lightweight concrete. However, as it’s a percussion device, it’s a vocal piece of machinery — so ear protection is advisable.
Sturdy and Compact Build
If you need to use a handheld power tool continuously, you have to keep an eye on the weight and the size.
Most models usually vary between four and 8 pounds, but devices that scratch at the upper limit can be very uncomfortable after a few minutes.
Meanwhile, because of the robust metal and hard plastic construction as well as the extra functions of the device, it weighs 6 pounds. Therefore, it falls in the middle of the range in terms of weight, although a few users still say it’s on the heavy side.
But with its moderate dimension of 10.5 x 14.44 x 3.25 inches, its compact design enables access to tight spaces. Due to this, the rotary hammer should be ideally suited for overhead work.
And, its metal front end ensures it can handle worksite abuse and day-to-day use.
Two-Speed Function
The DWD520 sports not one, but two speed ranges — 0 to 1200 RPM and 0 to 3500 RPM.
With this dual functionality, you can make straightforward switching between high and low-speed drilling applications. Hence, having an electronic speed variator allows you to adapt the pace according to the material — no slippage and no jerks.
And, while a drill possessing a one-speed gearbox must be used as precisely and slowly as possible. Its two-speed cousin, found in the DWD520, can call up additional power — drilling holes much faster.
Pistol Grip Handle
One of the key features of the hammer drill is that it’s pistol-shaped, so, as the name suggests you hold it a bit like you would a gun. Combine this design with the two-finger trigger switch and it transpires to better control during your hammering and drilling jobs.
What’s more, the soft-grip handle ensures increased comfort — meaning, it’s ideal for heavy-duty applications and time-lengthy tasks.
DeWalt DWD520 Specifications
| DeWalt DWD520 | |
|---|---|
| Motor power | 10 amp |
| No-load speed | 0-1200 / 0-3500 RPM |
| Impacts per minute | 0-19200 / 0-56000 IPM |
| Wood Capacity (Ø) | 1.5 inches |
| Steel Capacity (Ø) | 0.5 inches |
| Masonry Capacity (Ø) | 0.75 inches |
| Power/speed level | 2 |
| Weight | 6 pounds |
| Length | 14.44 inches |
| Chuck size | 0.5 inches |
| Drill type | Corded electric |
| Max speed | 3500 RPM |
| Voltage | 120 volts |
| Extra features | 360-degree adjustable handle, chuck wrench and depth measure. |
| Warranty | 3 years |
What Users Say About The DeWalt DWD520
In this DeWalt DWD520 review, you’ve had my perspective on this power tool. However, for a true reflection of its performance in the field, what do bonafide users have to say on the matter? What do they think is positive, and what are the underlying challenges?
Overall, it’s favorable.
While a few users said the impact action could be better, and the device could be more lightweight in design, many expressed they’re satisfied with the functionality of this drill. Comments regarding the powerful hammer action were also frequent, explaining how it bores holes in less than 20 seconds.
And, corroborating my perspective on the sturdy construction of the device, many also note how solid and rugged it feels, how easy it is to handle, and how well it works.
Alternatives To The DeWalt DWD520
While the users rate this power tool highly, it doesn’t mean the DeWalt DWD520 is going to suit everyone. Hence, if you, for whatever reason, feel it doesn’t tick all your drilling boxes, I’ve picked out a few alternatives for you to consider.
DeWalt 20V MAX XR Hammer Drill
With a cordless design, the MAX XR Hammer Drill can be used without a direct connection to the mains. So, it’s ideal if you’re always on the move or you need it for no-connection applications.
It features a LED light for working in limited light conditions, a brushless motor and three speed settings — max 2000 RPM. And, while this hammer drill can make up to 38250 BPM for fast drilling in tough jobs like masonry, it’s lower than the DWD520.
- The DCD996B is a cordless design, as opposed to the corded DWD520.
- Both the DWD520 and DCD996B are of a similar price point.
- Weighing 4 pounds, the DCD996B is lighter than the DWD520.
Makita HR 2475 1″ Rotary Hammer
The HR 2475 boasts a 7-amp motor and a top speed of 1100 RPM, while max drilling ranges equate to — concrete (one-inch), steel (0.5 inches) and wood (1.25 inches). It also features an oversized trigger and variable speed for user-friendly control.
What’s more, the Makita arrives with a carry case, side handle and depth rod.
- Both drills are of comparable weight.
- Harder on the pocket than the DWD520.
- The HR 2475 features a 3-mode function — the DWD520 has two.
Bosch Professional GBH 2-28L SDS
As with the FAT38AD, the CP69495 incorporates a 0.375-inch chuck, aluminum housing, and a 90 psi requirement at 4 CFM. However, at a lower price point than the Freeman, it may appeal more to casual users.
- No user-selectable speed settings — unlike the FAT38AD.
- At 2.65 pounds, it’s heavier than the Freeman.
- Unlike the FAT38AD, it doesn’t include oil, connectors, or wrenches.
Conclusion
However, this shouldn’t be a problem, as you only need to switch from the hammering to drilling operational mode. And this dual-mode means that while it’s suitable for brick, masonry and blocks, it’s also a dab hand for use with wood and metals of a heavy-duty hardness — tailoring to whatever your project demands.
What’s more, with the selectors on this power tool, you can also change from low-speed to the high-speed setting during high-torque applications. Plus, the included depth rod makes series drilling a no-fuss affair.
Hence, if you’re interested in a multi-material hammer drill for your various woodworking or construction projects, why not check out the DeWalt DWD520.
DeWalt DWD520 FAQs
Q: Can a DeWalt Hammer Drill Be Used as a Regular Drill?
Yes, the DeWalt DWD520 hammer drill can be used as a regular drill. Remember we said this is a two-mode model. As in, you can use it for either hammering or drilling.
Q: Is DeWalt DWD520 Drill Suitable for Concrete?
The device works great in metals and poured concrete. The hammer drill can drill holes of up to 0.75 inches (20 mm) into masonry works in general.
Q: How Much Does the DeWalt DWD520 Cost?
The DeWalt DWD520 is a dual-function drill, boasting hammer and drill only modes. Its pistol-grip design and two-finger trigger allow complete speed control. To check out the current cost of the DWD520.
Q: What Is the Best Brand of Hammer Drill?
Some manufacturers have become indispensable when it comes to hammer drills in the DIY and professional sector. These include DeWalt, Bosch, Makita, Einhell, and more.
- DeWalt is a subsidiary of Black and Decker, one of the most recognized brands in power tool manufacturing.
- Bosch has a pioneering role when it comes to rotary hammers because the company was the first in the world to mass-produce these tools.
- Makita is a Japanese company that specializes in the development and manufacture of battery-operated power tools in recent years.
- The German company Einhell manufactures hammer drill devices that are primarily intended for private use. This not only applies to hammer drills but also many other electrical tools.
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