Of the seven tools Dewalt will introduce as part of their new 12V MAX lithium ion cordless line this fall, the most demanded tool will probably be the cordless screwdriver (DCF610S2) due to its small size and user-friendly features. Dewalt designed the screwdriver to be compact yet powerful enough to handle the intense fastening demands of professionals.
Not only does the cordless driver pack a powerful punch and impressive runtime in a compact and lightweight frame, it features a number of handy features that distinguish it from the competition.
Features
- Lightweight at only 2.2 lbs
- 3 LEDs located around the chuck for shadowless visibility
- One-handed 1/4″ hex chuck
- Accepts 1″ insert bits
- 15-setting clutch + max
- 0-1050 RPM with non-linear trigger for better speed control
- Belt hook
- Ergonomic handle and flat-bottom battery
- Ability to drive 207 2-1/2″ cabinet screws on a single battery charge
What’s Hot, What’s Not
First off, I LOVE the idea of the one-handed chuck. Pop a bit in, and it locks into place without any twisting, turning, pulling, or tightening. One-handed bit removal should also be possible.
It seemed strange that Dewalt only gave the tool a single speed setting when 2-speed tools are all the rage these days. After a brief chat with a Dewalt product manager, I understood their rationale. The speed control in the trigger is non-linear, meaning that slight squeezes will offer users great control of lower speeds. Depress the trigger a bit further, and the speed starts to ramp up quicker.
The cordless screwdriver is indeed quite compact, but it doesn’t quite match the shortness of Bosch’s new PS21-2A Pocket Driver, which is currently the most compact compact cordless driver on the market today. However, the battery placement of Dewalt’s driver may very well make the tool more comfortable and balanced to hold and work with.
The screwdriver kit (DCF620S2) will be priced at about $139, and will include the tool, a contractor bag, bit tip, belt hook, 40 minute charger, and two batteries. A combo kit (DCK210S2, price TBD) will also be released, and will include the screwdriver, an impact driver, charger, two batteries, a contractor bag, two belt hooks, and two bit tips.
Check out our full coverage of the 12V MAX Product Launch
Dewalt 12V Max Drill & Driver Kit via Amazon
I’m probably missing something but what’s the purpose of a screwdriver if clutched impacts exist?
Jeff, I was thinking pretty much the same thing regarding this screwdriver I don’t really see the use for it, maybe it’s ideal for certain jobs. But at this point it’s not something I’d run out to spend my money on.
Impact drivers sometimes have too much torque for certain applications such as cabnet builders… Impact drivers could drive the screw in too far. That’s my guess…
Which impact drivers have a clutch? All of the ones I’ve seen are all or nothing.
The screwdriver is designed for finish work and varied assembly/installation fastening jobs. It can certainly handle larger screws (we tested them with 3″ deck screws), but its 16 setting clutch allows for setting the perfect driving depth of fasteners.
As Ken mentioned, an impact might overdrive smaller fasteners, which can lead to time consuming and costly setbacks.
Both tools have their places and imho are more complementary than interchangeable.
Oh, I was confusing the black collar on the DC835 for a clutch.
Although pretty much every other cordless drill/driver has a clutch so why would someone need both the screwdriver and a drill driver? Both are offered in this new 12V Max line.
Well, there’s a reason Dewalt called the cordless driver a “screwdriver”. According to their internal documents, they designed the screwdriver primarily for fastening applications (95% if I recall correctly).
The 3/8″ drill/driver, on the other hand, is intended primarily for drilling (maybe 80%?) and only some fastening.
Feature and spec-wise, the screwdriver is compact and is more versatile for screw driving applications than the drill/driver. However, the drill/driver will be much more versatile for drilling jobs. In addition to the 3/8″ chuck (compared to the screwdriver’s 1/4″ hex chuck), the drill/driver has two speed settings and an overall higher speed (1500 rpm).
The drill/driver will be compact and lightweight, but not as much as the screwdriver is. I imagine that most users will pair the screwdriver with an 18V drill, whereas they might use the drill/driver as a standalone tool.
Don’t worry, a more formal summary preview post of the drill/driver is on the way.
Stuart,
Great review and love the feedback comments. Did you recieve your yet?
Since I drove to and from the event, I took the screwdriver home with me that day. I’ve used it a bit, mixed in with use of other drivers, and I’m definitely liking it. It’s one heck of a great tool!
I’m attached to my Dewalt drill-driver, but it’s getting old and needing new batteries always make me ponder a whole new tool. When I look at this one, I ask: Where’s the socket to hold the driver tip(s) I’m not using? I switch between silly Phillips and Robertson all day, and my old drill had a spot just for the bit on furlough. Even better is my Ryobi with spots for two.
Sorry, there’s no on-board bit storage on the tool. Many other brands’ compact drills and drivers don’t have this either.
The chuck can handle 1″ insert bits in addition to 2″ power bits, whereas most full-size drill/drivers only accept 2″ bits.
I’ll ask around to see if there’s an official reason for the omission of this feature.
i drilled a hole in a nickle size magnet and screwed it on the non belt hook side. holds 2 bits fine