DIY Tool Picks

Power Tools: Choose the Right Hammer Drill or Drill/Impact Combo for Your Jobs

Choose between compact hammer-drill handling, an auxiliary handle, the lowest listed price, or a two-tool Makita kit with an impact driver, charger, and tool bag.

Last updated Aug 1, 2026

Choosing cordless power tools comes down to more than voltage: decide whether you need a single hammer drill/driver, a compact format, added control from an auxiliary handle, or a drill-and-impact-driver pairing. The four options here cover those different priorities, from standalone brushless hammer drills to a used Makita combo kit.

Quick take

The DEWALT DCD805 MAX XR 20V Brushless Cordless 1/2-Inch Hammer Drill Driver has the lowest listed price in this group and is presented as an only-tool configuration. The Makita XPH14Z focuses on a brushless hammer-driver format with an auxiliary handle, keyless chuck, and a stated 1,250 in-lb maximum torque. For a compact 1/2-inch hammer drill/driver with detailed speed, clutch, and drilling-capacity specifications, look to the Milwaukee Tool 3602-20 M18. Choose the Makita Driver-Drill/Impact Driver Combo Kit when having both a driver-drill and impact driver matters more than keeping the setup to one tool.

The listed-price span is $117.51 from the lowest-priced entry to the highest-priced kit. That range reflects a meaningful format choice: three options are hammer drill/drivers, while the Makita kit includes a separate impact driver.

Listed price comparison

ToolListed pricePrice positionFormat
Makita XPH14Z 18 V Brushless Cordless Hammer DriverUSD 72.99Brushless hammer driver
DEWALT DCD805 MAX XR 20V Brushless Cordless 1/2-Inch Hammer Drill DriverUSD 52.49Brushless hammer drill driver, only tool
Makita Driver-Drill/Impact Driver Combo Kit 18V Cordless w/ Charger+Tool BagUSD 170.00Driver-drill and impact-driver kit
Milwaukee Tool 3602-20 M18 Compact Brushless 1/2-Inch Hammer Drill/Driver Tool OnlyUSD 81.20Compact brushless hammer drill/driver, bare tool

Decision matrix

  • Lowest listed-price priority: Pick the DEWALT DCD805, which is the least expensive entry and is identified as an only-tool hammer drill driver.
  • Auxiliary-handle control: Pick the Makita XPH14Z. Its configuration includes an auxiliary handle and keyless chuck.
  • Compact hammer-drill specifications: Pick the Milwaukee Tool 3602-20 M18 for its compact classification, three speed settings, 12 clutch settings, and 1/2-inch chuck.
  • Drilling plus impact driving: Pick the Makita Driver-Drill/Impact Driver Combo Kit, which adds an impact driver, charger, and tool bag to the driver-drill setup.

Product notes

Makita XPH14Z 18 V Brushless Cordless Hammer Driver

At USD 72.99, the Makita XPH14Z is a strong fit for shoppers who want a single 18V brushless hammer driver with more control at the tool. The auxiliary handle is the key reason to choose this configuration, while the keyless chuck supports quick bit changes. Its description also gives a maximum torque of 1,250 in-lb and a top speed of 2,100 RPM, and the lightweight and compact features suit a maneuverable setup. The tradeoff is condition: this Makita is marked open box rather than new. It is best matched to hammer-drilling and driving work where the handle-equipped design is the deciding feature.

DEWALT DCD805 MAX XR 20V Brushless 1/2-Inch Hammer Drill Driver

At USD 52.49, the DEWALT DCD805 is the natural starting point when the lowest listed price is the main consideration. It combines a brushless motor with a compact hammer-drill-driver format and a keyless chuck, making it aimed at drilling and fastening tasks without moving to a multi-tool kit. The important limitation is its only-tool setup: the attributes specify that no battery is included. It is also marked as having no auxiliary handle. Choose the DCD805 for a new, standalone 1/2-inch hammer drill driver when an included battery, separate impact driver, and auxiliary-handle configuration are not central to the job.

Makita Driver-Drill/Impact Driver Combo Kit 18V Cordless w/ Charger+Tool Bag

At USD 170.00, the Makita Driver-Drill/Impact Driver Combo Kit takes a different route from the single-tool choices by pairing a driver-drill with an impact driver. The charger and tool bag named in the title make the kit appropriate for shoppers who want both drilling and fastening roles covered in one 18V cordless set. Lithium-ion battery technology is specified, and the kit weighs 10.03 lb. The limitation is that the condition is used, and the motor type is brushed rather than brushless. Select this Makita kit when having an impact driver alongside the drill is more useful than a compact, bare hammer drill.

Milwaukee Tool 3602-20 M18 Compact Brushless 1/2-Inch Hammer Drill/Driver Tool Only

At USD 81.20, the Milwaukee Tool 3602-20 M18 suits work that calls for a compact brushless hammer drill/driver with clearly defined settings. It has a 1/2-inch chuck, three speed settings, 12 clutch settings, and a maximum working torque of 45.8 ft-lb. Its stated drilling capacities reach 2 inches in wood and 3/8 inch in concrete, while hammer action is rated up to 25,500 blows per minute. The limitation is straightforward: it is a bare tool and no battery is included. Choose the Milwaukee when compact class, adjustable clutch control, and the specified wood and concrete capacities are the main priorities.

Final recommendation by use case

Choose the DEWALT DCD805 when the lowest listed price and a new only-tool hammer drill driver fit the plan. Choose the Makita XPH14Z for an auxiliary handle, keyless chuck, and the higher stated torque figure. Choose the Milwaukee Tool 3602-20 M18 for a compact hammer drill/driver with three speeds, 12 clutch settings, and explicit drilling capacities. Choose the Makita Driver-Drill/Impact Driver Combo Kit when a separate impact driver, charger, and tool bag are more useful than a single hammer drill.

Products in this article
Makita XPH14Z 18 V Brushless Cordless Hammer DriverUSD 72.99View on eBayDEWALT DCD805 MAX XR 20V Brushless Cordless 1/2" Hammer Drill Driver (Only ToolUSD 52.49View on eBayMakita Driver-Drill/Impact Driver Combo Kit 18V Cordless w/ Charger+Tool BagUSD 170.00View on eBayMilwaukee Tool 3602-20 M18 Compact Brushless 1/2" Hammer Drill/Driver Tool OnlyUSD 81.20View on eBay
Makita XPH14Z 18 V Brushless Cordless Hammer DriverUSD 72.99View on eBayDEWALT DCD805 MAX XR 20V Brushless Cordless 1/2" Hammer Drill Driver (Only ToolUSD 52.49View on eBayMakita Driver-Drill/Impact Driver Combo Kit 18V Cordless w/ Charger+Tool BagUSD 170.00View on eBayMilwaukee Tool 3602-20 M18 Compact Brushless 1/2" Hammer Drill/Driver Tool OnlyUSD 81.20View on eBay