# TLDR Review: DEWALT DWD520 Hammer Drill

*Published: 2026-03-28 | Updated: 2026-03-28 | Source: https://shopsavvy.com/reviews-tldr/dewalt-dwd520-hammer-drill*

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## Product: DEWALT DWD520 Hammer Drill
**Brand:** DEWALT

## Pros
- Powerful 10-Amp motor delivers strong performance, making it effective for drilling through concrete, wood, and metal.
- Versatile with two-speed settings and a dedicated hammer drill mode for different applications.
- Solid, heavy, and well-balanced design provides excellent control and comfort during extended use.
- Speed control trigger is responsive and reliable, helping users manage drilling speed easily.
- Uses a Jacobson-style chuck that secures bits tightly, reducing bit loosening common in keyless chucks.
- Adjustable pistol grip enhances comfort and ergonomics, with a good handle spacing.
- Durable and well-made tool trusted by professionals and recommended for heavy-duty tasks.
- Performs notably better than some popular competing drills, including certain Milwaukee impact drills.
- Relatively cool operation with only slight warming during extended use, maintaining steady performance.
- Suitable for serious construction projects and frequent, long-duration use.

## Cons
- Some users report the drill is not suitable for all cement types or very old, hard concrete, leading to frustration.
- A few units have had reliability issues such as grease leakage from the nose cone and motor arcing after just a few hours of use.
- Repair and customer service support can be slow and frustrating, with poor communication reported.
- The included rubber strap for chuck key retention is confusing and not intuitive, lacking clear manufacturer instructions.
- Storing the chuck key near spinning drill parts is unsafe; an alternative storage solution is recommended.
- Motor can get hot during extended, heavy-duty use, though it generally cools down with breaks.

## Bottom Line

The DEWALT DWD520 Hammer Drill stands out as a powerful and durable corded tool ideal for heavy-duty drilling needs, especially for concrete, wood, and metal. Its solid construction, bite-tight chuck, and versatile speed settings make it a favorite for professionals and serious DIYers alike. However, be aware that a small percentage of users encountered reliability problems, and customer support might not be as responsive as you'd hope. If you need a reliable and robust hammer drill with corded power and adjustable grip comfort, this one's worth serious consideration. Just keep an eye on storage solutions for the chuck key, as the included strap isn’t the best.

## Pros vs Cons at a Glance

| Pros | Cons |
|------|------|
| Powerful 10-Amp motor delivers strong performance, making it effective for drilling through concrete, wood, and metal. | Some users report the drill is not suitable for all cement types or very old, hard concrete, leading to frustration. |
| Versatile with two-speed settings and a dedicated hammer drill mode for different applications. | A few units have had reliability issues such as grease leakage from the nose cone and motor arcing after just a few hours of use. |
| Solid, heavy, and well-balanced design provides excellent control and comfort during extended use. | Repair and customer service support can be slow and frustrating, with poor communication reported. |
| Speed control trigger is responsive and reliable, helping users manage drilling speed easily. | The included rubber strap for chuck key retention is confusing and not intuitive, lacking clear manufacturer instructions. |
| Uses a Jacobson-style chuck that secures bits tightly, reducing bit loosening common in keyless chucks. | Storing the chuck key near spinning drill parts is unsafe; an alternative storage solution is recommended. |
| Adjustable pistol grip enhances comfort and ergonomics, with a good handle spacing. | Motor can get hot during extended, heavy-duty use, though it generally cools down with breaks. |
| Durable and well-made tool trusted by professionals and recommended for heavy-duty tasks. |  |
| Performs notably better than some popular competing drills, including certain Milwaukee impact drills. |  |
| Relatively cool operation with only slight warming during extended use, maintaining steady performance. |  |
| Suitable for serious construction projects and frequent, long-duration use. |  |

## Current Prices

| Retailer | Price | Availability |
|----------|-------|-------------|
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| MSC Industrial Supply | $201.01  | In Stock |
| HD Supply | $250.46  | In Stock |

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*About this review: We pulled together findings from professional and user reviews, and cross-referenced them with ShopSavvy's pricing data from thousands of retailers to give you the short version.*