DeWalt ATOMIC 20V MAX Brushless 1/2 in. Hammer Drill/Driver and Oscillating Multi-Tool Combo Kit

I tossed this compact combo into my bag for a week of punch-list work, curious if a space-saving kit could actually pull double duty on real jobs. After a mix of cabinet installs, light electrical, and a handful of masonry anchors, the Atomic combo proved it can handle more than a few “quick fixes”—with some clear strengths and a couple of practical trade-offs.

What’s in the kit and first impressions

This kit pairs a compact brushless 1/2 in. hammer drill/driver with DeWalt’s brushless oscillating multi-tool, two 20V 1.5 Ah batteries, a DCB112 charger, a belt clip, and a soft contractor bag. Both tools have LEDs and brushless motors, and the multi-tool includes a universal accessory adapter along with the quick-change accessory system.

Out of the bag, the drill’s footprint stands out. At about 6.3 in. front-to-back and roughly 2.5 lbs bare, it’s noticeably shorter and lighter than most mainstream 20V drills. The multi-tool feels familiar in the hand but the dual-grip variable-speed trigger is a differentiator—it lets me modulate speed more precisely during plunge cuts and delicate sanding.

The drill: compact size with practical power

On paper, the drill delivers 340 UWO with two speed ranges (0–450 and 0–1650 RPM), 15 clutch settings, and a hammer mode. In practice, that translates to:

• Framing and cabinetry: No complaints driving 3 in. screws into studs; the 1/2 in. chuck holds bits securely. I didn’t experience any slipping in forward/reverse cycles, even with frequent bit changes between drilling and driving.
• Pilot holes and hardware: Clean, predictable holes in hardwood with brad points up to 3/8 in., and no stall issues using a 1 in. spade in SPF when paced correctly in low speed.
• Tight spaces: The short head length is the real win. I drove fasteners between cabinet backs and wall cleats where a standard drill wouldn’t angle in.

The hammer function is clearly meant for “light masonry,” and that description is accurate. With a fresh carbide bit, I set several 3/16 in. anchors into brick and mortar without drama, but it’s not the tool I’d choose for a day of heavy concrete work or larger diameter bits. The motor warms up during extended hammer drilling, and the runtime drops quicker in that mode—unsurprising for a compact, 1.5 Ah setup.

The LED placement and brightness are helpful for cabinet and closet interiors; it’s not a floodlight, but it reduces shadowing around the chuck in most scenarios. The belt clip is secure and, for a compact tool, surprisingly useful when you’re moving ladder-to-ladder with a handful of fasteners.

The oscillating multi-tool: control and convenience

The multi-tool runs up to 18,000 OPM and uses a quick-change system that doesn’t require a wrench. This tool quickly became my go-to for:

• Undercutting door jambs: With a flush-cut blade, it tracked straight and didn’t bog down at partial depth cuts in jambs and casing.
• Trim and drywall: Clean plunge cuts for outlet boxes and quick nibbling in tight corners with predictable speed control thanks to the dual-grip trigger.
• Hardware and metal: It will cut small nails and screws embedded in wood; keeping steady pressure and staying in the blade’s sweet spot avoids chatter.
• Sanding and detail work: The variable trigger makes it easier to feather into corners without digging in.

Vibration is well controlled for a compact tool. Ear and eye protection are still a must—oscillating tools are inherently loud—but the tactile feedback is comfortable enough for extended use. The included universal accessory adapter is practical; I ran a mix of blades from different brands without fit issues.

Battery life and charging

With two 1.5 Ah packs, the kit is set up more for mobility than endurance. On the drill, I could complete a typical punch list (assorted fasteners, a few pilot holes, a small handful of light hammer holes) on one battery, swapping to the second as needed. The multi-tool draws more current during aggressive cuts; if your day leans multi-tool-heavy, you’ll want to rotate batteries frequently.

The DCB112 charger is compact and reliable, not the fastest option in DeWalt’s lineup, but it will bring a 1.5 Ah pack back in under an hour. If runtime matters, pair this kit with a 4.0 or 5.0 Ah battery—both tools benefit, and the added weight actually improves balance on the multi-tool.

Ergonomics and build

Both tools feel solid, with the usual DeWalt rubber overmold in high-contact areas. The drill’s balance is excellent—no nose-heaviness—and the handle contour works for both gloved and bare hands. The 1/2 in. keyless chuck is easy to cinch down one-handed and held onto bits without backing off.

The multi-tool’s quick-change latch is simple and positive. Blade swaps take seconds, which matters when you’re bouncing between cutting, scraping, and sanding attachments. I appreciate the dual-grip trigger more than I expected—it lets me keep a steady hand position while dialing speed mid-cut, instead of constantly shifting to reach a small speed dial.

The contractor bag is a typical soft-sided solution. It fits both tools, the charger, and a small assortment of blades and bits. If you prefer hard cases, you’ll need to supply your own.

Performance boundaries

Every compact kit has limits. Here’s where I hit them:

• Hammer drilling: Works well for light anchors and small-diameter holes in brick and mortar. For larger holes or a lot of concrete drilling, a rotary hammer is the right tool.
• Runtime on 1.5 Ah packs: Adequate for intermittent use, pinched for sustained cutting or drilling. Carry a third battery or step up in capacity if you do more than occasional work.
• Speed under heavy load: The drill will slow if you try to treat it like a high-torque flagship model. Use the low gear for larger bits and let the tool work—don’t force it.

None of these are surprises for a compact, lightweight kit, but they’re worth calling out so expectations match reality.

Who this kit suits best

• Remodelers and trades who value compact size for access and carry a few higher-capacity packs already.
• DIYers and homeowners looking for a versatile two-tool start or upgrade, especially for interior work, small projects, and weekend renovations.
• Pros who need a secondary setup for service calls and punch lists where a smaller footprint and lighter weight make the day easier.

If your work routinely involves heavy concrete drilling, large augers, or all-day oscillating cuts, this kit won’t replace your high-torque drill or a corded/rotary hammer setup.

Pros and cons

Pros:
- Compact drill fits where standard drills won’t, with good balance and a strong 1/2 in. chuck
- Brushless motors on both tools for efficient runtime and cooler operation
- Multi-tool’s dual-grip trigger and quick-change system improve control and workflow
- Universal accessory adapter increases blade compatibility
- Useful LEDs and a practical belt clip
- Solid warranty coverage

Cons:
- 1.5 Ah batteries limit runtime; plan on frequent swaps under load
- Hammer mode is “light duty” only; not a concrete workhorse
- Charger is on the slower side compared to fast-charge options
- Soft bag offers minimal protection compared to a hard case

Recommendation

I recommend this Atomic combo for anyone who prioritizes compact size and control without giving up essential capability. The drill’s small footprint and 340 UWO output hit a sweet spot for cabinetry, framing fixes, and everyday fastening, and the hammer function covers occasional masonry anchors. The oscillating multi-tool is a standout—quick accessory changes and an excellent variable-speed trigger make it versatile and easy to live with. The included 1.5 Ah batteries keep weight down, but they’re the kit’s main limitation; if you upgrade to a higher-capacity pack, both tools feel even more capable.

In short, it’s a practical, well-rounded two-tool kit for punch lists, remodels, and home projects. If your workload skews heavy or continuous, pair it with bigger batteries or look to a higher-torque drill. For everything else, this compact duo earns a spot in the bag.