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.
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.
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.
