DeWalt Atomic Combo Kit Targets the Cordless Subcompact Class
When I first saw the announcement for the DeWalt Atomic cordless tools, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect in terms of performance. They are of course compact and functionally simple. But if they perform well, they might just be an excellent entry into DeWalt's 20V Max platform. To find out, I've been using a DeWalt atomic drill and impact driver combo kit.
advantage
- lightweight and compact
- unexpectedly powerful
- Less expensive than other DeWalt 20V Max tools
shortcoming
- Insufficient function
Setting expectations with the DeWalt Atomic Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit
While these tools are technically compact 18V models, they are really sub-compact. This is an area where we see Makita pioneering 12V sizes and power tools on a larger 18V platform, so you don't have to run two different battery systems to be more compact.
DeWalt followed with the Atomic line. The DeWalt Atomic Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit starts with the two most basic cordless tools we use and provides them with brushless motors.
From there, they're pretty lacking in features, but they're not terribly expensive either. We'll dive into more in a minute.
Be sure to check out our article on the best DeWalt drill bits
Check out our best cordless drills page for more details on our testing methodology.
speed
With a 3/4″ auger bit, the DeWalt DCD708 maintained its average speed at 1342 RPM. This is 81% of the 1653 RPM no-load speed we tested (the specs list is 1650 RPM).
That's a far cry from the top compact model (DeWalt's DCD797), but let's take a look at its subcompact rivals. Makita's XFD11 put out only 1089 RPM in the same test, at 68% of its no-load speed.
Looking at the 12V tools this has the potential to replace, only the Skil 12V brushless model comes close and is nearly 100 RPM behind.
Moving up to the 1-1/2" self-feed drill, we lower the gear to low speed. The DeWalt Atomic 20V Max Drill Driver maintained a steady 338 RPM at 78% efficiency. That's over 200 RPM off the top, about 30 RPM less than Makita's subcompact.
We did not run a 12V drill for this test.
So, in terms of speed, DeWalt got the nod in the back and forth with the Makita, and more than we've seen in the 12V class.
torque
Some manufacturers prioritize speed over power, or vice versa, so it's no surprise to find that drills perform well in one area and poorly in another.
On our soft-torque test rig, the DeWalt Atomic 20V Max Drill Driver pushed an average of 189.2 in-lbs. While it's over 100 inch-pounds lower than the top Metabo HPT DSDBFL2, it leaves Makita's XFD11 (98.0 inch-pounds) in the dust.
The top 12V model can handle only 116 in-lbs of torque, putting the Atomic well beyond its capabilities.
The DeWalt has balanced its speed and torque so well that they perform beyond what you'd expect from a 12V drill while putting some distance in the competition from the Makita.
weight
At 3.18 pounds with a 1.3 Ah battery, the DeWalt DCD708 is lighter than most compact 18V models, but Makita has brought it down to under 3 pounds.
Only the Milwaukee M12 Fuel model is heavier on the 12V side, and only barely (3.21 lbs).
footprint
DeWalt also trails Makita in terms of footprint, but not by much. It's only 0.1 inches tall and 0.1 inches long, a major advantage over other compact 18V models.
None of the 12V models are this tall, but the length is actually shorter than most. Metabo's new 12V drill matches its length, the Makita FD07 is a bit smaller.
the bottom line
If you're looking for an 18V/20V Max drill that can replace the need for a separate 12V system, this drill has you covered. It reduces footprint and weight while giving you better performance than the 12V class. Remember, this is a basic 2-speed workout.
If light concrete drilling is on your menu, get the DCD709 Hammer Drill.
DeWalt Atomic 20V Max Cordless Drill Driver
- DCD708B (bare metal): $119
- DCD708C1 (1 battery kit)
- DCD708C2 (2 battery kit): $159
Overall 18V compact rig rating
- Weight: 4.6
- Footprint: 5.0
- Feature Set: 3.6
- Speed: 3.6
- Torque: 3.0
- Overall: 4.0 out of 5.0
Specification
- Model: DEWALT DCD708B
- Maximum power: 340 UWO
- Maximum speed: 0-450/0-1650 rpm
- Chuck Size: 1/2″
- Number of speeds: 2
- Height: 7.9″
- Length: 6.3″
- Weight: 2.4 lbs, 3.1 lbs with battery
- Warranty: 3-year limited
DeWalt Atomic 20V Max Impact Driver
Check out our impact driver test methodology on our Best Cordless Impact Driver home page.
speed
The DeWalt Atomic 20V Max Impact Driver settled down at a respectable 464 RPM on our ledger screw test. Top speed belongs to Makita's XDT16 at 651 RPM. Although the DeWalt DCF809 was nearly 200 RPM behind, this compact model left 11 other models behind.
The 12V level can't reach it.
torque
DeWalt achieved a tightening torque of 2206 in-lbs in our tests, which is 83 percent of what Milwaukee's M18 Fuel Gen 3 models can achieve. Perhaps more importantly, it's very close to the capabilities of DeWalt's premium DCF887 (2237 lb-in).
12V is hardly a comparison. None of them managed to get close to 1000 inch pounds.
When we looked at breakaway torque, the DeWalt Atomic 20V Max Impact Driver consistently let out 3000 inch-pounds (250 foot-pounds). This is exactly the same as the DCF887, and in a large group of 5 breaks the same number of others.
That's a far cry from the 4800 in-lbs that Ridgid's Octane model shatters, but it's not a major concern for most of us. Check out this article for a discussion on influencing drive torque levels.
Again, comparing 12V numbers isn't much use. Top models are still well under 2000 in-lbs.
*Our torque values do not reflect manufacturer's tested specifications. Find out why in our testing methodology section.
weight
Keeping the weight under 3 pounds on batteries is no easy feat, and only a few, including Mac Tool's MCF886 (another Stanley Black & Decker brand), can do it.
DeWalt joins the pack with a 2.2-pound bare-tool weight and 2.9-pound weight with its 1.3 Ah battery.
The weight of the 12V group is relatively light.
footprint
Head length is important for impact drivers, and the DeWalt's 5.1 inches is pretty impressive. Now Makita and Milwaukee do have a whole 1/2 inch category.
Interestingly, almost every standard 12V impact driver has a longer head.
At 7.9 inches tall, the DCF809 is mid-height. Of course, you don't want to be so short that your hand doesn't fit the handle, and even though others are shorter, the DeWalt's height is reasonable.
12V is another matter, all of these models are shorter.
the bottom line
The DeWalt DCF809 is more of a value-focused pro-grade impact driver than a direct 12V replacement. Its performance is mid-range among standard 18V models and sizes, comparable to the feature-rich DCF887.
DeWalt Atomic 20V Max Impact Driver
- DCF809B (bare metal): $119
- DCF809C1 (1 battery pack): $149
- DCF809C2 (2 battery kit): $129 (promo price)
18V Impact Driver Rating
- Size: 94
- Feature Set: 75
- Speed: 70
- Torque: 73
- Noise level: 74
- Value: 97
- Overall: 79.3
Specification
- Model: DEWALT DCF809B
- IPM: 3,200
- Maximum Torque: 1,700 in-lbs
- Maximum speed: 2,800 RPM
- Length: 5.1″
- Weight: 2.2 lbs bare, 2.9 lbs with battery
- Warranty: 3-year limited
price
DeWalt Atomic drill and impact driver combo kits come in many options. The protagonist and best value belong to the suite itself. You can get two 1.3 Ah batteries for $229. Here are some other options:
DeWalt Atomic 20V Max Cordless Drill Driver
- DCD708B (bare metal): $119
- DCD708C1 (1 battery kit)
- DCD708C2 (2 battery kit): $159
DeWalt Atomic 20V Max Impact Driver
- DCF809B (bare metal): $119
- DCF809C1 (1 battery pack): $149
- DCF809C2 (2 battery kit): $129 (promo price)
Final Thoughts on the DeWalt Atomic Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit
The DeWalt Atomic Drill and Impact Driver Kit is a really interesting combo, compact and lightweight for an 18V/20V max battery platform.
This drill sits between the top 12V models and DeWalt's excellent 20V Max compact hammer drill in performance and size. The impact driver, on the other hand, does more along the lines of the standard Pro model while maintaining a compact footprint.
Other than the brushless motor, 2 speeds on the drill, and a 3-LED light ring on the impact driver, there aren't many standout features.
As for the idea of replacing a 12V tool to stick on a single battery platform, this kit fits the bill.
Another part of the conversation is price. For $179, you can get your hands on a battery system with a variety of compatible tools.
My only hesitation is that the kit comes with a 1.3 Ah battery, professionals need more. For homeowners and DIYers alike, these light-duty projects are more than enough.
Get more information on the DeWalt Atomic here.