I have been working with Dewalt’s new Xtreme 12V Max brushless Subcompact drill/driver, and I’m liking it a lot so far. It’s about as small as practical for a compact cordless drill, it’s packing plenty of power, and it’s comfortable to use.
A couple of readers wrote in about a recent price drop, which seems to be applying to all Dewalt Xtreme Subcompact cordless power tool kits. The new Dewalt 12V Max cordless power tool kits are now $99 each, and the combo kit $149.
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Each kit comes with (2) 2.0Ah batteries, a 12V/20V Max charger, and a carrying bag.
I have only been using the drill/driver so far, but also have samples of the screwdriver and impact driver on-hand in case you have any questions. An impact driver is on the way.
I really liked Dewalt’s 12V-class cordless power tools when the line first launched, and find myself just as fond about the new brushless drill/driver. The current pricing is perfect, in my opinion, and stands a good chance of introducing more users to Dewalt’s 12V Max platform.
Buy Now via Acme Tools
- Drill/Driver Kit: $99 (DCD701F2)
- Impact Driver Kit: $99 (DCF801F2)
- 3/8″ Impact Wrench Kit: $99 (DCF902F2)
- Screwdriver Kit: $99 (DCF601F2)
- Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit: $149 (DCK221F2)
Buy Now via Lowes
- Drill/Driver Kit: $99 (DCD701F2)
- Impact Driver Kit: $99 (DCF801F2)
- 3/8″ Impact Wrench Kit: $99 (DCF902F2)
- Screwdriver Kit: $99 (DCF601F2)
- Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit: $149 (DCK221F2)
Some other online retailers are also featuring these kits at similar “new lower pricing,” but not all of them are. Tool Nut, for instance, still has them at their launch pricing, but perhaps that will change soon.
Discussion
Years later, a lot of users still don’t quite “get” the appeal of a compact cordless drill, and that’s okay. Personally, I’ve flip-flopped between preferences. Even just a few years ago, 12V-class cordless drills and other fastening tools were much more compact and lighter than 18V-class tools. For lighter duty tasks, they were less fatiguing to use, and fit into tighter spaces.
But, 18V-class cordless power tools shrunk down in size while also getting faster and more powerful, most notably thanks to progress made with brushless motor technologies. 12V-class cordless drills and drivers, even some with brushless motors, started to lose their appeal when their size, weight, and price advantages were whittled down.
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There’s one thing I don’t love about Dewalt’s new Xtreme Subcompact cordless drill, and it’s the same thing that I find mildly annoying about another brand’s, and that’s the adjustable clutch dial. But, I like everything about this drill/driver so far, and am slowly getting used to the muscle memory required to swing the dial with my fingers and not my hand. This is also why I say the drill is as compact as practical – any smaller and there would be a big hit to ergonomics.
I’m optimistic about the new Xtreme Subcompact cordless power tools, and really hope that Dewalt has a long roadmap of new tool developments planned for the platform.
The 12V-class cordless power tool market is tough. There’s still the perception that 12V-class tools are weak, and 18V or 20V Max tools far superior. Generally, that’s still true, that 18V cordless power tools are more powerful than 12V Max tools of similar levels. But, 12V Max drills and drivers are far from being weak.
I’m still working on reviewing the drill/driver and will start testing the impact tools shortly. In doing so, I hope to tackle the question do I like the drill and drivers better than other brands’ offerings? The answer to this question continues to escape me, although I can say that I do like the drill much better than some other brands’. I can’t quite judge whether it’s my favorite, but I think it’s in the top 2 or 3 contenders.
I could also say that if I were shopping for my first 12V-class cordless drill kit, the Dewalt Xtreme Subcompact kit would make a very compelling argument. You can often get a 12V Max brushed motor drill and impact driver kit for $99, but brushless motor drill and impact driver or wrench kits don’t often hit such pricing. The combo kit at $149 seems reasonable.
At least twice a year, you can also buy promo or “special buy” 18V or 20V Max cordless drill kits – even brushless – for $99. Which is the better choice then?
I can spend hundreds of more words trying to sort through different comparisons, and that’s only comparing Dewalt offerings. Talking about other brands’ offerings, such as from Milwaukee, Bosch, or Makita, would keep me at my keyboard for far longer than. That’s part of why it’s hard for some people to justify buying 12V versions of certain cordless power tools.
From what I’ve seen so far, these are very good tools, and the kits are very well-priced at $99.
We can get into the complexity of comparing 12V-class tools against 18V another time, or at least I’m giving up for now – please feel free to share your thoughts in comments.
jason gloekler
Just got the 12v Xtreme drill, and compared to my DCF710. The power increase is pretty significant for every test Ive put it through. And weight still feels the same. Even having compact 20v tools, still always grab my 12v drill for small jobs or tight spaces. Can do just about anything I need. When it cannot, grab my 20v drill or impact. Its a nice compliment and I use it for 80% of my projects.
Rob Stephenson
Just picked up the 3/8 impact wrench. Made the Lowes guy climb to get it. He said they were waiting for a “reset” to display them.
I didn’t really want to start a fourth battery program but the M12 version was not stocked anywhere in STL and was $169 bare tool.
So far I do like it.
Adam
For $15 more on Acme Tools, you can get the three $99 kits with a T-stack box, instead of bag.
Stuart
I saw those Xtreme cordless power tool kit + Tstak bundles, and they’re $16 more. I considered mentioning them, but they’re not much better bargains.
You can buy a Tstak tool box separately for $17.
You can spend $16 more and get the Tstak bundle, or buy the $99 kit and for $17 more you get a separate Tstak tool box and can also keep the tool bag that comes with the regular kit.
Buddy
????Been waiting years for them..
Kizzle
On the drill or screwdriver, how is the clutch? The thing I adore about the Bosch 12v offerings is their fantastic clutch. Used to use a Milwaukee m12 Gen 2, but the electronic clutch was terrible. I would constantly strip fasteners even on the lowest setting. Does the DeWalt use an E clutch? How is it? I will gladly sacrifice power on a 12v tool for more finesse.
Also, how is the size when compared to the atomic line?
Eric
I am also interested in this. I held onto nothing but DeWalt 20v (and 60v) for years and years. Finally gave in and added Ryobi 18v and Bosch 12v. I love the Bosch 12v so much I cannot imagine switching at this point, but I would love some detail on the low-end of the torque scale and accuracy. I use the Bosch drill and (non-impact) driver for many formerly hand tool functions, and I would love to know if the competition that fits my dozen chargers is that accurate.
Stuart
Still working on that – I have a project with smaller fasteners coming up soon. It’s something I’ve become sensitive to, having had similar experiences as you described.
Putting a 1/2″ chuck and high torque on a 12V-class tool is a good idea for an 18V replacement or stand-in, but you lose some precision control on the lower end.
Kizzle
It was actually your anecdote on the Bosch 12v that prompted me to buy it. I watched tons of YouTube videos before buying a 12v drill. Everyone said you gotta get the Milwaukee m12. It’s the most powerful and the best available. So I got it. However, it always left me frustrated and I figured that’s just the nature of the tool until I saw your post regarding the Bosch and took the plunge. Specs are great and all, but precision is just as important.
Angel Flores
I just upgraded my old 12 volt line to the the new ones and I love them so far. The only one I’m waiting on is the DCD706 which is the Hammerdrill. I ordered the kit from Toolbarn since they are the only one advertising it. I didn’t want to replace my old 12 volt drill with the regular one when there was a hammerdrill option. Although it will probably be awhile before I get it.
Bryan
Even though another platform is the last thing I need I couldn’t help but to pick the screwdriver up as I happened to be near a Lowes. Tool is definitely quality but in comparing it to my workhorse Bosch PS22 brushless pocket driver that Bosch was more compact (not in length) and was faster and packed a bit more punch. I will reluctantly be taking it back. I have not found anything more useful in 12V than Bosch.
Lyle
I have that Bosch and the FlexiClick. I could just never get over the poor ergonomics due to the battery design. At the time, the Dewalt was the only one that you could get the belt clip for as well. My PS22 does have the clip, but I don’t really like where it is on the tool (they had no choice there).
James
I want to pull the trigger on the Dewalt, but I’m wondering what the V12 from Craftsman will hold. Odds are they will be very close to these Dewalt models… Any word on those yet? Maybe launching in time for Christmas sales?
Matt
I’m absolutely interested in the screwdriver if Craftsman has one. I’d get a couple of them for both myself and my wife actually. She’s been taking my brushless impact to work too often and leaving it there. She uses it mostly as a drill for their remodel projects. For me personally, this looks like the best of both worlds in a compact package. Kind of a clutched impact bit driver or clutched drill using hex shank bits. Though I’ve seen several videos on bad chuck wobble already. I wonder how that will negatively effect drilling holes? Hopefully Stuart can give a run down on that. On these kits though, man, I already have 4 V-series chargers… I don’t really need another one (or two).
I’d also be interested in the 3/8 impact wrench just for the size but I’d use it for automotive stuff. I’d need the power of a V20 on most 3/8’s stuff. For V12 I actually think a 1/4″ square drive would be ideal on auto’s. They really need to think about doing that.
Diamond Dave
Dewalt is offering too little and much too late for their 12v re-launch. I dumped all my yellow platforms for RED years ago in both the 18v and 12v and love my Milwaukee! Why would anyone consider Dewalt’s new 12v lineup instead of Milwaukee’s vast 12v tool line in which they continually are adding new tools?
I have over a dozen M12 Milwaukee tools including their M12 ratchets 3/8 and 1/2” and just purchased their mid torque stubby impact gun! Simply awesome!
Corey Moore
You’re right, nobody should offer any variants of any existing products ever again. Everything you own in this moment is the pinnacle of what will ever be developed. Forget the newer models, the better specs, and ergonomics, they’re the wrong color and therefore definitely not worth even considering for anyone, anywhere, for any reason. Bet you buy new red ones that do the exact same things next year, though. Tribalism and foregoing reasonable thought is getting out of hand these days.
Chris
People tell me the ratchets and stubbys aren’t all their cracked up to be… Mostly hype more then anything
Corey Moore
The M18 handle is already one of the least engineered on the market. The M12 is basically a cucumber, thanks to stem packs+Milwaukee’s lack of interest in ergonomics. They make top tier tools, but they market half truths heavily to breeze past their obvious deficiencies.
Rami
“Why would anyone consider Dewalt’s new 12v lineup instead of Milwaukee’s vast 12v tool line in which they continually are adding new tools?”
Because Milwaukee ergonomics are horrible because of the battery style. I do hope that DeWalt will bring more tools to their line so I do not have to buy into the Makita CXT line.
Chris
If DeWalt would make some ratchets that aren’t 450 dollar Mac’s I’m sold
Corey Moore
Those would probably seriously affect Macs sales lol unfortunate, but that’s why I wouldn’t hold my breath.
Lyle
I have the old Dewalt 12v screwdriver. I LOVE it. The ergonomics are unmatched. I only use it as a screwdriver and it works great. I really like Dewalt’s hex chuck as well. I ordered and don’t yet have the new Dewalt 12v screwdriver.
I also have a Milwaukee M12 screwdriver and it works ok, but the handle is terrible because of where the batteries are. I also own a Bosch FlexiClick which I have converted to brushless and it also suffer s from the same battery design and hence poor ergonomics. I use that tool specifically for the specialized heads that can go on it (and didn’t want to spend $500 on the Festool version).
I like the Dewalt 12v screwdriver so much I would suffer an additional battery system for it. I’m super happy that Dewalt came out with a newer version and I bought it without seeing it in person. I might even buy their new 12v impact driver. I’m super happy that they now have a charge level indicator on the new 12v batteries.
Robert Adkins
One wonders if DeWalt’s goal is selling drills and drivers, or batteries.
This is silly. There are ways for DeWalt to shrink the existing 20V Max packs to fit miniaturized and less powerful drills and drivers.
I remember wishing for a more compact drill or driver a few times, but NEVER a less powerful one.
I guess I suffer from battery format anxiety. If the 20V Max format becomes obsolete, I’m in trouble.
Stuart
How could Dewalt possibly shrink their 20V Max battery packs?
Highpockets
So, my Local Lowe’s has “them” tucked away in the “Overhead”. You can see them but they are not down on the sales floor. I was told, “they are waiting until after inventory and reset before they bring them down to consumer reach level. I pressed the guy and he did the ladder climb and checked some prices for me. I was surprised to learn Lowe’s price for the combo kit is $199, not $149 as the article quoted 🙁
Stuart
Sorry, Lowes sometimes yo-yos their pricing and prices can also vary depending on zip code.
Highpockets
Anybody have any current intel on the “Inline Screwdriver” debut.
Scott
Any news on the release date for the 12v extreme hammer drill DVD706F2? It’s up on the the Dewalt website but the online purchase link at Toolbarn says it’s not available. I’d really love to buy it paired with the new 12v extreme impact along with a pair 3ah batteries.
Stuart
Nothing yet, but I’ll try to find out.