WORX WX370.1 20V Cordless Hammer Drill: features, torque and who it suits

The WORX WX370.1 is a 20-volt cordless hammer drill supplied with two 2.0 Ah lithium-ion batteries. It drills, drives screws and, with its impact mode, can work in masonry. For home DIY, it replaces both a plain drill-driver and, for light jobs, a corded hammer drill.

What the impact function does

In hammer or impact mode, the chuck adds a rapid forward hammering action as it turns, which helps a masonry bit break up brick, block and concrete. WORX says its impact technology gives good drilling in walls. Hammer drills of this size are generally suited to occasional holes for plugs and fixings, rather than heavy concrete work, where a larger rotary hammer is more usual.

Torque and the two-speed gearbox

WORX lists a maximum torque of 50 Nm. Torque is the twisting force, and it matters for driving long screws and drilling larger holes. The two-speed gearbox has a low gear for torque, as used for screwing and big bits, and a high gear for faster drilling with smaller bits. WORX says the gearbox is metal and built for a longer working life, and that electronic speed control lets you vary speed with the trigger to suit different materials, including wood, concrete, steel, plastic and metal.

Torque adjustment

There are 20+1+1 torque settings: 20 clutch positions for screwing, plus a drilling position and a hammer position. The clutch slips when the set torque is reached, so a screw isn't driven too far or damaged. WORX says there's an independent adjustment ring for screwing and impact drilling. Start on a low number and step up until the screw sits flush.

Chuck and handling

A 13mm single-sleeve keyless metal chuck with automatic spindle lock allows one-handed bit changes. A forward and reverse switch lets you drive in or back out screws. WORX says there is full power in reverse for removing screws or a jammed bit. The handle has a vibration-absorbing rubber coating. It weighs about 3.0 lb (1.4 kg) and measures 8.7 x 2.4 x 4.7 inches, compact enough for tight spaces.

Battery and protection

The battery slides in and out. WORX says active battery protection stops the tool and flashes an LED warning if a bit jams or the tool is under extreme load; pressing the trigger again restarts it. WORX says the batteries keep their charge when idle.

PowerShare

The 20V batteries are part of WORX's PowerShare system, which the brand says lets one battery run its 20V, 40V and 80V products. Two batteries mean one can charge while you work with the other.

Who it suits

It suits homeowners and DIYers who put up shelves, assemble furniture and drill the odd masonry hole, and who may add other WORX 20V tools later.

What to check before you buy

• Masonry needs: for lots of concrete, consider a heavier tool.
• Chuck size: the 13mm chuck takes most standard bits.
• Charger: check what the pack includes; the listing doesn't detail it.
• Battery compatibility: confirm PowerShare compatibility with any other WORX batteries.
• Safety: follow the manual, wear eye protection, and check for hidden pipes and wiring before drilling into walls.
• Bits: you'll need suitable bits, such as masonry bits for brick and concrete.

The short version

• A 20V cordless hammer drill with two 2.0 Ah lithium-ion batteries.
• Up to 50 Nm of torque and a metal two-speed gearbox.
• 20+1+1 torque settings and electronic speed control.
• 13mm keyless metal chuck with automatic spindle lock.
• PowerShare battery compatibility and battery protection.

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