Cordless drills, like other tools, come in all kinds of different sizes and styles. And, also as with other tools, there are more ideal and better pairings for certain tasks, and less than ideal ones.
Right now, at CPO and Acme Tools, they have the Dewalt 12V Max Xtreme series cordless drill kit on sale for $79.
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(I wrote about some other recent Dewalt Xtreme tool deals here recently.)
Why should you buy this?
First, it’s on sale at a great price right now, especially if you need enough other things to get free shipping.
This drill is going to be smaller and lighter than most 18V cordless power tools out there, and it’s still usably powerful thanks to its high efficiency brushless motor.
What I like about this drill, and Dewalt’s other Xtreme series 12V Max, is that they’re not trying to replace 18V or 20V Max cordless power tools. They’re handy for lighter duty tasks and where you want a more nimble cordless drill.
I think that this might serve well as a standalone cordless drill for users with light duty drilling and screwdriving needs, or a companion to a larger and heavier much more powerful cordless drill.
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If you’re still looking for a new cordless drill, add this one to your shortlist.
Sale Price: $79
Buy Now via CPO – free shipping on $99+
Buy Now via Acme Tools – free shipping on $199+
If there are other Dewalt tools on your shopping list, especially those that aren’t promo-priced and thus able to take advantage of the seasonal $50 off $200+ promo, consider this Dewalt Xtreme drill/driver and Tstak combo instead. It’s priced at $115.
See Also: Bundle via Acme Tools – Eligible for $50 off $200
The Dewalt Xtreme series 12V Max brushless impact driver kit, DCF801F2, is also on sale for $79 right now.
Tom D
This is getting sad for those reds behind the curtain. That’s a solid $20 off the best equivalent from Wisconsin I’ve seen this year. 😭
MoogleMan3
Depends on what battery system you’re already invested in, and what tools you want/need. The dewalt 12v line isn’t very diverse. No other manufacturer can touch team red’s vast array of tools in the 12v line. Nothing “sad” about it.
That said, they’re all just tools. Buy what works best for your own needs.
Tom D
I’m probably just annoyed because HD doesn’t have the battery set in stock so I can get the router and two batteries for $199.
Kevin Denny
I believe Lowes also has that same price ($79) on the drill or impact kits
John
Appears like unloading product at a cheap price more from low sales and mask it in holiday discounts. Milwaukee M12 tools are vast and just better regardless of price comparison.
Stuart
I actually like this model better than the Milwaukee M12 Fuel. The M12 Fuel will win in terms of performance (I haven’t used the two side by side, I’m basing this on personal experiences combined), but the Dewalt will win in terms of user comfort.
If I were to buy (1) 12V-class cordless drill to be my ONLY drill, I’d go with the Milwaukee.
I I were to want a 12V-class drill to complement a heavier duty 18V/20V Max-class cordless drill, it would be this Dewalt.
No, there’s no evidence or logic to support your idea that this is a clearance of some kind.
M12 Fuel Hammer Drill Kit: $99 via Home Depot
Milwaukee M18 brushless drill/driver kit: $99 via Home Depot
Tom D
I think it really comes down to hand size; if your hands are big the M12 fits well, if they’re not so huge the dewalt’s narrower grip is great.
Unfortunately I don’t really see a way that’ll ever change, M12 batteries kind of demand being put in the handle (I suppose they could make something where it went in sideways and below).
Stuart
I wear medium-sized gloves. The M12 aren’t uncomfortable, but I do prefer a slimmer grip.
I also like slide-pack-style batteries. While you can also use M12 XC batteries for longer runtime and greater stand-up stability, they do add to the size and weight of the M12 Fuel drill.
Matthew
I wear XL gloves, and the shape of the grip on the M12 drills isn’t comfortable to me. I tried them and wanted to like them for their performance but the grip wasn’t comfortable to me (which is admittedly subjective). I think it comes down to more than just hand size.
David
I was really wanting to buy in to the M12 lineup but the lack of deals is disappointing. I don’t need them but it would make projects easier to have multiple setups and the tool lineup is nice. However the dewalt 12v fits my hands so much better. Maybe I should just buy more 18v tools and skip the 12v.
MattJ
I really like the M12 line. I agree with the hand fit comment, but the way I see it, if I am going to be working on something for hours where ergonomics and hand fatigue could come into play, I’d reach for an 18V tool with a more comfortable handle to speed things up regardless.
The breadth of tools in the M12 line and the great ability to buy bare tools at significant discounts at a variety of outlets was a big selling point to me. I’m a homeowner/DIY guy, so getting things done as quickly as possible is not a big deal, but getting a decent, compact, affordable tool is. They’re kind of the king of “I have this bizarre situation, how do I fix it?” tools, so the ability to find lightly used bare tools for every situation on ebay and Amazon is great. It’s particularly great where you may only need that tool once or twice a year. I’m sure the DeWalt stuff is solid as well, but they have mostly core tools, and I view my investment in M12 as a way to wriggle myself out of any weird spot at a pretty low price. Just my take.
skfarmer
i have had my 12v max tools about a year and finding myself using it more and more. i have a whole array of 20v max stuff and while it is all more powerful, most of the time you don’t “need” all of that power.
the newer 12v max stuff with better motors and batteries is nearing or matching what the early 18 volt class stuff at 1/2 the size and half the money. if you have not used them, you just don’t know how good they are. correct me if i am wrong stuart.
Mopar4wd
I may be pulled into dewalt for 12v stuff too. I had wanted to go Skil, but they are a bit bulky for 12v and since I already have 18 and 20v tools, not a great fit for me but I still like them if your not looking for something small (side note skil 12v seems to be replacing bosch 12v in my local Lowes). My only real issue with Dewalt is the limited selection of tools compared to Milwaukee or Bosch, or even Makita. But since I already have Dewalt chargers it does simplify things. choices choices.
Leo B.
I had thought the Dewalt and Skil 12v lines were actually fairly similar sizes, but I may be mistaken. I would personally opt for M12, especially with the sales on right now. The Dewalt 12v line is not very large, but to be fair, the ergonomics are quite good. Skil does seem increasingly intriguing, with some well-thought out features for a very reasonable price. Hopefully this helps a bit, and if anyone knows for sure about the size difference, please feel free to contribute.
Mopar4wd
I had though so too but holding them both in Lowes the size differences are noticeable. The Skil seems really nice if I needed a drill to keep on the boat or camper etc it would be tops on the list or starting from scratch. But since I have most tools in full size version I’m looking for something for small tight space jobs around my home shop etc. To me the biggest difference seemed to be in the battery area and overall length where Dewalt had a noticeable size advantage.
That said I’m still considering Skil as their pricing without sales is fairly reasonable and they have a fairly big 12V offering. but I might just get a Dewalt screwdriver for those really tight jobs and add a 4th battery platform.
Leo B.
Interesting! I didn’t realize the difference was so great between the sizes. The M12 Fuel Installation Driver would likely be good for your tight spot needs, but staying on an existing battery platform is definitely a good reason.