DeWalt 20V MAX XR 6-Tool Combo Kit

Why I reached for this kit

I keep a core set of cordless tools ready for everything from rough carpentry to punch‑list work. This 20V XR combo kit hits most of the daily needs in one box, and after several weeks on mixed residential projects—framing repairs, cabinet installs, light demo, and trim touch‑ups—it proved to be a capable, well‑balanced system. It isn’t perfect, but the mix of brushless tools, two 4.0Ah batteries, and a rolling soft bag makes it a practical grab‑and‑go setup for pros and serious DIYers.

What’s in the bag

The kit bundles six brushless 20V tools: a 1/2‑inch hammer drill/driver, a 1/4‑inch 3‑speed impact driver with Precision Drive, a compact reciprocating saw, a 7‑1/4‑inch circular saw, an oscillating multi‑tool with 3‑speed selector, and a random orbital sander. Two 4.0Ah batteries and a charger are included, along with a soft/rolling contractor bag.

Everything fits in the bag with room for blades, bits, and a few consumables. Fully loaded, it’s not light—rolling the bag is appreciated—but it does keep the kit organized and protected in the truck.

Build quality and ergonomics

DeWalt’s XR-branded brushless tools tend to feel solid without being bulky, and that holds true here. The handles are comfortable, the rubber over‑mold is well placed, and switches click positively. The brushless motors are efficient and noticeably extend runtime compared to older brushed models I still own.

A couple of ergonomics notes:
- The circular saw balances nicely with a 4.0Ah pack and tracks straight. Sight lines are clear on the right side of the blade.
- The compact recip saw’s shorter body and 4‑position blade clamp make it easy to get flush cuts and sneak into tight spaces, though you give up some stroke length compared to full‑size saws.
- The sander is smooth for a cordless unit. The dust‑sealed switch is a small but welcome touch in a gritty tool.

Drilling and driving performance

The hammer drill/driver is the workhorse. In low gear it has all the torque I need for spade bits and hole saws up to a reasonable size; in high it runs fast and clean for pilot holes and cabinet hardware. The 2‑speed transmission shifts crisply. The LED spotlight—with a long shutoff—turns out to be genuinely useful when you’re deep in a closet or crawlspace and want a steady light while you line things up. In hammer mode, it handled 3/16‑ to 1/4‑inch masonry anchors in brick without drama. It’s not a rotary hammer, but for light anchor work it’s effective.

The impact driver is strong and controllable. The 3‑speed selector gives good range, and Precision Drive earns its keep when you’re driving finish screws into hinges or hardware—it starts slow and reduces cam‑out and broken screws. At full tilt, it has the grunt to drive structural screws and lag bolts. The stated max torque is on par with modern compact impacts, and in use I never felt short on power.

Cutting tools: circular and recip saws

The 7‑1/4‑inch circular saw is a highlight. Having full‑size blade capacity in a cordless saw means clean, single‑pass cuts through 2x material and solid performance ripping sheet goods. I used it for ripping plywood shelves and breaking down subfloor patches; with a good blade it left a respectable edge. Runtime on the included 4.0Ah packs is solid for a cordless saw in this class. Note: DeWalt’s impressive runtime figures for this platform are typically quoted with a 5.0Ah pack, so expect a step down with the included 4.0Ah batteries. Still, I could complete a series of cross‑cuts and a few rips before swapping batteries.

The compact recip saw is built for control and access more than brute force. Blade changes are quick, and the 4‑position clamp made flush‑cutting copper and PVC clean and easy. For demo, it’s fine on studs and nails, but if you primarily do heavy teardown, you’ll get faster cuts and less vibration from a full‑size recip. As a generalist tool in a combo kit, its compactness pays off when you’re working overhead or in a stud bay.

Detail and finish work: oscillating multi‑tool and sander

The oscillating tool sees lots of real‑world use for me—plunge cuts for electrical boxes, undercutting trim, and scraping adhesive. The 3‑speed selector helps dial in control for delicate cuts and keeps the tool from running away on you. It feels smooth in the hand and doesn’t transmit excessive vibration. With a decent bi‑metal blade, it zipped through jambs and drywall patches with predictable control.

The random orbital sander is handy for small to medium‑sized tasks—easing edges, surface prep, and between‑coat sanding on shelves and rails. As with all cordless sanders, the battery adds weight at the wrist, but it’s manageable. The dust‑sealed switch is a durability plus; sanding dust is relentless. For large surfaces, I still prefer a corded sander on a vac, but having a cordless option in the bag speeds up small jobs and punch‑list days.

Batteries, charger, and runtime

Two 4.0Ah packs are the right call for this kit. Brushless motors help stretch each charge, and swapping between tools keeps the workflow moving. With mixed use (driving, a few circular saw cuts, some oscillating tool work), I typically consumed a pack over a few hours and had the other ready to go. If your day leans heavily on the circular saw or recip saw, consider adding a 5.0Ah or higher‑capacity pack; you’ll get more cuts per charge and a little better balance on the saws.

The included charger is straightforward and reliable. Charge times are reasonable for 4.0Ah packs—fast enough that rotating two batteries kept me working without long pauses.

Visibility, controls, and small conveniences

• The hammer drill’s long‑duration LED is more than a gimmick. It doubles as a temporary work light when you’re aligning anchors or marking holes.
• The impact driver’s Precision Drive makes hardware installation less stressful—I used it on soft brass screws without snapping heads.
• The recip saw’s 4‑position clamp lets you orient the blade for flush cuts against flooring and wall plates, which saved me time during a bathroom demo.

Durability and service

Fit and finish across the kit suggest it’s built for daily work. The tools carry a 3‑year limited warranty, a year of free service, and a 90‑day satisfaction guarantee. That’s a dependable support window for a core cordless setup. The kit is UL listed, and the bag has held up to being rolled over jobsite grit and hoisted into the truck repeatedly.

What could be better

• Weight and bulk: With six tools and two batteries in the bag, you feel it. The rolling feature helps, but if you’re climbing stairs regularly, consider splitting the load.
• Only two batteries: For a six‑tool kit, two packs is workable but tight if multiple tools are in continuous use. A third battery is the first accessory I’d add.
• Recip saw speed: The compact form is great for control, but it’s slower than a full‑frame saw on thick stock and heavy nails.
• Circular saw runtime claims: The headline runtime figures you may see for this platform are based on 5.0Ah packs. With the included 4.0Ah batteries, performance is still good, just scaled down accordingly.

Who this kit is for

• Tradespeople who want a capable, compact core set to handle most daily tasks without hauling a corded toolbox.
• Remodelers and handypeople who bounce between drilling, driving, cutting, and detail work in a single day.
• DIYers stepping into a pro‑grade ecosystem who prefer to build around a reliable 20V platform.

If your work is highly specialized—framing all day, heavy demo, or dedicated concrete drilling—you’ll likely supplement with higher‑capacity batteries or trade‑specific tools.

The bottom line

This 20V XR combo kit lands in a sweet spot: six genuinely useful brushless tools, two solid 4.0Ah batteries, and a practical rolling bag. The drill and impact cover the everyday tasks with power and control, the circular saw is a true performer for framing and sheet goods, and the oscillating tool and sander round out finish and repair work. The compact recip saw favors access and control over raw speed, which suits the mixed‑task nature of a combo kit.

Recommendation: I recommend this kit for pros and serious DIYers who want a reliable, efficient core set on a proven 20V platform. The reasons are straightforward: brushless performance across the board, strong drilling and driving capabilities, full‑size circular saw capacity, and a well‑rounded mix of tools that actually see daily use. Plan on adding a third battery—and, if you’re saw‑heavy, a higher‑capacity pack—and you’ll have a versatile system that keeps pace with real jobsite demands.