DeWalt 20V MAX Brushless Cordless 1/2 in. Drill/Driver (Tool Only)

First impressions and setup

I put this compact DeWalt drill to work on a cabinet install and a run of door hardware the same week it arrived. Out of the box, the first thing that stood out was how short the head is—about 6.38 inches front to back. That compact length matters more than spec sheets let on: it let me get square to fasteners inside face frames and between studs where longer drills force you into awkward angles.

This is a tool-only package, so I paired it with a 2.0Ah pack for overhead work and a 5.0Ah pack for longer drilling sessions. With the small battery it’s light and nimble; with the larger pack it balances well and stands upright reliably on the base.

Performance: speed, power, and control

Rated at 404 UWO with a two-speed gearbox (0–450 / 0–1650 RPM), the DCD793 sits in that sweet spot of compact power. In low speed it drove 3-inch construction screws into SPF framing without hesitation and spun a 1-inch spade bit cleanly through studs. In high speed it handled pilot holes and smaller twist bits briskly. At 1,650 RPM it’s not the fastest compact on paper, but I didn’t find myself waiting on it unless I was doing long runs of small-diameter holes in sheet metal, where the extra few hundred RPM you get from some high-speed models can shave a bit of time.

The variable-speed trigger is easy to feather, which helped with starting screws on finished cabinetry and avoiding wander with brad point bits. The 15-position clutch feels consistent; once I dialed it in, it sank cabinet screws flush without burying them. There’s no hammer function, so for tapcons or masonry anchors you’ll want a hammer-drill variant or a rotary hammer. Within wood, plastics, and light metals, this drill/driver did everything I asked without drama.

A quick note on “UWO” (DeWalt’s unit watts out): it isn’t directly comparable to torque ratings from other brands, but in the hand 404 UWO translated to confident driving performance and enough muscle for the most common carpentry tasks.

Chuck and bit retention

The 1/2-inch ratcheting keyless chuck is a strong point. It grabs hex and round shank bits securely and didn’t loosen on me during repeated starts and stops. Quick bit changes are one-handed and predictable—exactly what you want when swapping between pilot bit and driver bit on repetitive hardware installs. Having a 1/2-inch capacity in a compact head size also opens the door to a broader range of accessories without stepping up to a larger drill.

Ergonomics and balance

Bare, the tool weighs about 2.38 pounds, and the grip has a neutral, slightly slimmer profile compared to older DeWalt compacts. The overmold offers enough texture without feeling tacky. With a 2.0Ah battery, the whole setup stays light for overhead work and repeated starts and stops. Pop on a 5.0Ah pack, and it becomes a comfortable, all-day driver with very little wrist strain thanks to the short nose and better center of gravity.

The belt hook is included and reversible. It’s a small thing, but I appreciate when a compact drill lands on my hip without feeling like it will rotate off or jab my side.

LED work light

The on-tool LED is bright enough to center your bit in a dim vanity or under a cabinet. It’s not a floodlight, and it won’t replace a task lamp, but it’s well placed and reduces the need to juggle a flashlight for most close-in work. I used it for hinge screw alignment inside dark cabinets and it did the job without casting distracting shadows.

Build quality and durability

Fit and finish are typical DeWalt: tight seams, clean overmold edges, and a sturdy gearbox switch. The brushless motor runs smoothly, and that design choice should pay off over the long term with better efficiency and less heat under load. After a week of drilling pocket holes, installing pulls, and running a handful of larger spade and self-feed bits, there’s no play in the chuck and no odd noises—just the whine of the brushless motor and a consistent brake.

The manufacturer backs it with a 3-year limited warranty, 1-year free service, and a 90-day satisfaction guarantee, which is solid coverage for a compact drill/driver.

Where it excels

• Working in tight quarters. The 6.38-inch head length made real-world differences inside cabinets, between joists, and near corners.
• General carpentry and finish work. From cabinet screws to door hardware, it’s quick, controlled, and easy to finesse.
• All-day use with minimal fatigue. The weight and balance, especially with a compact battery, make it a go-to for repetitive tasks.
• Bit versatility. The 1/2-inch ratcheting chuck opens up more accessory options and maintains a solid grip.

What could be better

• Top-end speed. Some competing compacts reach 1,750–2,000 RPM. If your day is lots of small-diameter drilling in metal, you may notice the difference.
• No hammer mode. It’s not a flaw—this isn’t advertised as a hammer drill—but if you occasionally anchor into masonry, you’ll want a different version.
• Tool-only by default. If you’re new to the platform, remember you’ll need to budget for a charger and at least one battery. Once you’re in the 20V MAX ecosystem, this becomes a non-issue.

Runtime and battery pairing

Brushless motors shine in efficiency. With a 2.0Ah pack, I got several hours of intermittent driving and light drilling across a workday. For heavy drilling—hole saws, spade bits, and self-feed bits—I recommend stepping up to a 4.0Ah or 5.0Ah pack. The tool’s balance remains comfortable with the larger battery, and the extra capacity keeps you moving instead of swapping packs. If your primary use is cabinet install and finish hardware, a compact 2.0Ah pack feels perfect.

Control and clutch behavior

The clutch’s 15 settings cover the spread from delicate fasteners in softwoods and MDF up through structural screws where you still want to avoid overdriving. I was able to set a repeatable clutch position for cabinet screws into plywood carcasses that left heads consistently flush without tear-out. The transition between clutch slip and drill mode is clean, and the gear selector clicks securely into place without hunting.

Value and who it’s for

As a compact drill/driver, this model hits the right notes for both serious DIYers and pros who need a reliable, light-duty daily driver. If you’re already on DeWalt 20V MAX batteries, it’s an easy addition as your go-to for trim, cabinetry, electrical boxes, and general punch-list tasks. If you’re starting from scratch, weigh the cost of adding batteries and a charger versus a kit or a hammer-drill variant depending on your needs.

It isn’t aimed at heavy rough-in drilling through hardwood beams with large self-feed bits, nor is it for masonry. But for the bulk of what most people actually do—assemble, install, hang, repair, and drill in wood and light metal—it’s extremely capable.

The bottom line

After a week of mixed-use tasks, I came away impressed by how often I reached for this drill instead of a heavier, faster model. The compact head makes a tangible difference in access, the brushless motor delivers efficient power, and the ratcheting 1/2-inch chuck is reliable. The LED is helpful, the clutch is predictable, and the overall ergonomics are excellent for long sessions.

Recommendation: I recommend this drill/driver to anyone already invested in DeWalt 20V MAX who wants a compact, efficient, and comfortable tool for day-to-day drilling and driving. It’s an especially good fit for cabinetry, finish carpentry, punch lists, and general maintenance. If you need hammer drilling or the absolute fastest top speed for metal work, look at a hammer-drill counterpart or a high-speed model. If you’re new to the platform, remember you’ll need to purchase a battery and charger, but once you do, this compact drill earns its place in the bag.