DeWalt Compact Drill/Driver and Impact Driver Combo Kit

A compact combo that covers the essentials

I brought this DeWalt 20V compact combo onto a few small projects to see where it shines and where it falls short. Over a long weekend I repaired a gate, swapped cabinet hardware, assembled a garage shelving unit, and helped a neighbor tighten lag screws on a playset. Between the compact drill/driver and the 1/4 in. impact driver, I rarely had to reach for anything else. The combo is clearly tuned for general fastening and light-to-moderate drilling, not production-level work, and it hits that mark with predictable, user-friendly performance.

What you get and how it feels

The kit includes the compact drill/driver, the impact driver, two 20V MAX 1.5 Ah batteries, a charger, a soft storage bag, and a 15‑piece rapid‑load accessory set. The two-tool footprint is small enough to toss in a trunk or carry up a ladder without fuss. Both tools are lightweight and well balanced with the compact packs installed, and they slide comfortably into tight spots where bulkier, high-capacity setups struggle.

The grip shape is classic DeWalt: slightly textured, not too tacky, and easy to control one-handed. The drill’s 1/2 in. single‑sleeve ratcheting chuck holds bits securely, and I didn’t experience any loosening under load. For visibility, the drill uses a single LED above the trigger; the impact driver has a ring light around the collet that eliminates most shadows at the tip. Both lights are bright enough for cabinet interiors and crawlspace corners.

The drill/driver: steady where it needs to be

Rated at around 300 unit watts out with a two‑speed transmission (0–450 and 0–1500 rpm), the drill is built for versatility rather than brute force. In low speed, it handled 1 in. spade bits through SPF studs and 1-1/2 in. hole saws in plywood without complaint, as long as I kept a firm wrist and let the tool do the work. In high speed, it’s a comfortable companion for pilot holes and clean countersinks, with enough finesse to drive small screws without cam‑out when you set the clutch correctly.

The clutch engages consistently and the gear selector doesn’t feel mushy. If you’re hoping to run large self‑feed bits or plow big hole saws through dense lumber all day, you’re going to find the limits quickly. But for furniture assembly, door hardware, light framing corrections, and all the usual homeowner repair tasks, it’s exactly the kind of reliable, predictable performance I want from a compact drill.

The impact driver: compact power, simple controls

DeWalt lists the included impact driver at roughly 1,400 in‑lbs with speeds up to about 2,800 rpm. In practice, it has no trouble sending 3 in. decking screws into pressure‑treated lumber and driving structural screws into studs—especially with a pilot for the thicker fasteners. I used it to snug 3/8 in. lags on the playset after predrilling; it seated them quickly and didn’t twist my wrist in the process.

This is a single‑speed impact, so you don’t get a three‑mode selector like on the brand’s pricier models. That said, the trigger is precise enough to feather starts and keep smaller fasteners in check. For sheet metal or delicate cabinet work where fine control matters most, multi‑mode impacts are nice to have. For general carpentry and household tasks, the simple variable trigger is sufficient and speeds things up.

Noise is typical impact-driver loud. Ear protection is smart if you’re driving a lot of fasteners in a closed space.

Battery life and charging

The two 1.5 Ah packs are compact and keep the tools light, which I appreciate on ladders and in tight cabinets. Runtime is what you’d expect from small packs: a couple hundred 2‑1/2 to 3 in. deck screws per charge, give or take, depending on the material and how trigger-happy you are. Having two batteries in the kit makes the difference—one on the tool, one on the charger—and I had minimal downtime rotating them.

If you plan to tackle larger projects regularly, stepping up to a 2.0 Ah or 4.0 Ah 20V MAX pack improves both runtime and the tools’ feel under sustained load. The charger is straightforward; charge times with the 1.5 Ah packs land roughly in the 45–60 minute window in my experience. Everything plays nicely with the broader 20V MAX ecosystem, which remains a major advantage if you own or plan to add more tools.

Accessories and small touches

The included 15‑piece rapid‑load set is a handy starter. It’s not comprehensive, but it covers the common Phillips, Torx, and nut driver needs for most quick tasks. I liked having it in the same bag; it saved me a few trips back to the toolbox. The soft bag has room for the two tools, charger, both batteries, and a small box of screws. It’s not a hard case, so don’t expect drop protection for the tools, but it makes the kit portable and organized.

Build quality and safety

Fit and finish on both tools are solid, with the familiar DeWalt housing and overmold that shrug off the usual jobsite scuffs. The kit is CSA and UL listed, and the three‑year limited warranty adds some peace of mind. These are brushed-motor tools—worth noting if you’re used to the longevity and efficiency of brushless models. Even so, there’s nothing in the build that feels like a corner cut at this price point.

Where it excels

• Everyday versatility: The combo covers drilling, fastening, and light lag work without feeling overbuilt.
• Compact and lightweight: Easy to maneuver and less fatiguing over a long day of mixed tasks.
• Useful lighting: The impact’s ring light is genuinely great in low-light work.
• Platform compatibility: Full access to the 20V MAX battery family for future growth.

Where it falls short

• Runtime on the included packs: The 1.5 Ah batteries keep weight down but limit endurance on bigger jobs.
• Brushed motors: They get the job done, but brushless options in the lineup are quieter, more efficient, and stronger.
• Single‑speed impact: No dedicated low‑power mode for delicate fasteners; you’ll rely on trigger control.
• Soft bag, not a hard case: Fine for transport, less protective for long-term storage or rough travel.

Who it’s for

If you’re a homeowner, DIYer, or a pro who wants a compact backup/second set for lighter tasks, this combo hits a sweet spot. It’s particularly good for apartments and service work where portability matters—think punch lists, cabinet installs, outlet and hardware swaps, small framing fixes, and deck maintenance. If you’re a framer, deck builder, or mechanic looking for primary tools to run all day, you’ll want higher‑capacity batteries at minimum, and most likely the brand’s brushless models.

The bottom line

This DeWalt 20V compact combo is a practical, well-balanced starter or secondary kit. The drill is steady and predictable; the impact driver is small but appropriately stout. The included accessory set and dual batteries make it immediately useful right out of the bag. Its limitations—smaller batteries, brushed motors, and a single‑speed impact—are honest and aligned with the kit’s class and price.

Recommendation: I recommend this combo to homeowners, DIYers, and pros who need a compact, reliable two‑tool setup for everyday tasks. Pair it with a 2.0 Ah or 4.0 Ah battery if you expect longer runtime, and consider DeWalt’s brushless line if you routinely push tools hard. For its intended use, the combo is easy to live with, easy to carry, and capable of handling the bulk of drilling and fastening you’ll encounter around a house or on a light-duty service call.