DEWALT Hammer Drill Kit, 1/2-Inch, 10-Amp, Mid-Handle Grip, Corded (DWD525K)

I'll put this review into separate little sections to help you "drill down into" what I think about it!!**Why I bought this drill**I'm just kind of a hobbyist mechanic and woodworker, but I sought out a pretty big drill so that it would better complement my current (and future) cordless drill(s). As cordless drills get better and better (now way more powerful than my older 14.4 V Porter-Cable cordless), it just doesn't make sense to own a small size corded drill, because it won't have any more power, and it would be less convenient than a cordless one. For that reason, I bought this one as one of the larger corded drills that DeWalt makes so that I can use it for the big and rugged jobs that still lie beyond the capabilities of a cordless.**What I think about the design**I'm very pleased with the way this drill is constructed. The silvery-white part that you see in the photo is aluminum, not plastic, and makes it seem solidly built. This drill also has a hammer feature, which you will definitely want if you want to drill holes in concrete for anchors, and that's another feature that you usually don't see in cordless drills. It is very easily to switch it into the hammering mode.This drill comes with a depth gauge to help you get the depth of your holes right. The secondary side grip is especially well designed, you can put it in lots of different positions, including underneath, as shown in the picture, and on the right and on the left. You can also take it completely off if you like. The design of the front hand grip is particularly awesome, as DeWalt put splines on it, so it can't slip and rotate by accident after you get it tightened down, even if it gets oily, or loosens a little on you while you are drilling.The electrical cord on this drill has only two prongs. At first I thought this might be unsafe, but after researching it a little it is because it doesn't need a grounding prong because it is double insulated. I think for some people this could be an advantage, like if you are working in an old house that doesn't have modern three prong electrical outlets.The only thing about this drill that I'm a little unsure of is the handle grip style. I thought I would like the mid-grip design when I ordered it, but after using it a little, I think I would have preferred the more traditional pistol grip that is positioned all the way at the back of the drill. If I had it again, I think I would buy that type. This isn't a big enough problem to warrant me taking away stars, and it isn't DeWalt's fault anyway, so I'm happy to give this drill five stars!!!Happy Drilling!!!

The drill worked perfectly for nine years. I did hundred of drills into concrete using every size bit it could hold and it never gave me any issues. Even the case held up well under all of the abuse.Sadly it got stolen last week from my truck. Now I have to buy the 520 model which has the handle on the end instead of centered. The even newer ones that are Keyless are not even an option for me.The Keyless chucks cannot deal with heavy torque.

A great value for what you get. You’re getting Dewalt quality at a good price. It’s a hammer drill so of course it’s beefy. But if you’ve ever used the Bosh Bulldog hammerdrill, this thing is much more manageable than that.I bought it because I ran into a couple jobs that required a hammer drill and I had to borrow one. But also, I do a lot of drywall and needed a stronger drill to mix buckets of mud. My old Milwaukee drill started smoking after years and years of faithful service... so I knew it was time to replace.The Dewalt hammerdrill is more than powerful enough to mix a 4.5 gallon bucket of drywall compound with its two speed settings AND the hammer feature can be switched on or off. Also, the trigger sensitivity is great. If you want to drill/mix slow or quickly the drill responds well to the amount of pressure you apply.Overall happy with it after first use. It feels solid and durable and performed well on first use. Would recommend to anyone of my friends.

Purchase this drill several years ago and only used it a few times over the years on small 5/32" & 3/16" holes. The drill looks virtually brand new still. Finally used it on a project this past January on several 1/2" X 3" deep holes and on the first hole, it started throwing out sparks like it was the Fourth Of July and completely bogged out.PJD from MN

This review is for the DeWalt DWD525K 1/2-Inch VSR Mid-Handle Grip Hammerdrill Kit.First, this is a great drill. It is NOT a cheap, light, wimpy drill - there are plenty of those when you need them. This hammerdrill is heavy (eased by the mid-grip position), powerful and not very cheap.Pros:Powerful drill. Provided that I use proper preparation and technique, this drill has been a blessing to use. I come from a world of cordless drills and this beats the pants off of those, even the other DeWalts.Cons: (and they aren't a big deal).This is a bare-bones kit - no bits or anything. The storage case is OK, but the buckles on the lid are kind of cheap.This drill is huge - don't be surprised if it won't fit in a tight space.The directional control is a tad too easy to touch by mistake. I prefer the forward and reverse switch to be on the top - away from my hands.The drill's locking side handle seems to get really tight and difficult to adjust or remove (like when changing depths on the depth rod).I would have liked a 3-prong grounded plug instead of the double-insulation, but then I guess this works with more types of extension cords and with ungrounded outlets. Too picky?Other Remarks:I rarely need to use the chuck key (I got used to keyless chucks, and use it that way most of the time). I would humbly suggest that if your bit is "slipping" around, perhaps it was a hex shank that got rounded off and is now worn out. I have had no troubles with standard or hex shanks.The power cord is about 7 feet long, in case that information helps anyone.Wear your eye protection!

This drill is probably best suited for the serious DIY home user. It is a serious drill with serious size, power and heft! Do yourself a favor and get this DWD525K with the mid-handle grip. The weight balance/distribution will be far better than with the DWD520K and your wrists will thank you!