Features
- Brushless motor design
- Compatible with 20V MAX battery system
- Includes one 20V 2.0 Ah lithium‑ion battery and charger
- 13 mm (1/2 in) keyed/chuck on drill driver
- 1/4 in hex screwdriver
- Built‑in LED light
- Soft‑grip handle
- 15 clutch/torque positions (drill)
- Cordless operation
Specifications
Amps [A] | 4 |
Battery Capacity [Ah] | 2 |
Battery Chemistry | Lithium Ion |
Battery Type | Lithium Ion |
Battery Voltage [V] | 20 |
Charge Time [Min] | 45 |
Chuck Size [In] | 1/2 |
Chuck Size [Mm] | 13 |
Color | Black, Yellow |
Has Led Light? | Yes |
Has Soft Grip? | Yes |
Is Battery Included? | Yes |
Is It A Set? | Yes |
Number Of Clutch Positions | 15 |
Power Output [W] | 340 |
Power Source | Cordless |
Product Height [In] | 5-43/64 |
Product Length [In] | 14 |
Product Weight [Oz] | 142.56 |
Product Width [In] | 9-19/32 |
Tool Length [In] | 14 |
Tool Weight [Lbs] | 2.6 |
Voltage [V] | 20 |
Weight (Including Battery) [Lbs] | 2 |
Includes | Drill driver (13 mm), 1/4 in hex screwdriver, charger, battery |
Warranty | 3 Year Limited Warranty; 1 Year Free Service; 90 Days Satisfaction Guaranteed |
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Two-tool cordless kit that includes a 13 mm (1/2 in) drill/driver and a 1/4 in hex screwdriver. The kit ships with one 20V lithium‑ion battery (2 Ah), a charger, and basic accessories. Tools use a brushless motor design and are compatible with the 20V MAX battery system.
DeWalt 20V MAX Brushless 2 Tool Combo Kit Review
Why this compact combo kept ending up in my bag
Some kits are flashy on a bench and fussy in the field. This one is the opposite. The DeWalt 20V brushless combo—a 1/2-inch drill/driver and a 1/4-inch hex driver paired with a 2.0 Ah battery and charger—has been quietly dependable across a month of mixed work: cabinet install, light framing repair, and a weekend of utility shelving for a garage. It isn’t the most feature-heavy set in DeWalt’s lineup, but what’s here is well executed, efficient, and comfortable to use for long stretches.
What you get and first impressions
My kit included:
- 1/2-inch drill/driver
- 1/4-inch hex driver
- One 20V MAX 2.0 Ah lithium-ion battery
- Charger
The tools share DeWalt’s brushless motor platform and fit into the broader 20V MAX system. Out of the box, the fit and finish are classic black/yellow: tight panel seams, a confident-feeling chuck, and a quick-release hex collet that snaps bits in cleanly. The handles are slim with a soft, tacky overmold that stays grippy even when dusty. The built-in LEDs aren’t gimmicky—they throw useful light right where you need it without casting harsh shadows.
A note on batteries and bundles: retailers sometimes vary what’s in the box, especially on promotional kits. Mine shipped with a single 2.0 Ah pack. If you rely on continuous runtime, verify the battery count and Ah rating on the carton before you leave the store; a second pack can make a big difference in workflow.
Ergonomics and build quality
Both tools are light and well balanced, which matters more than spec sheets give credit for. Long runs hanging cabinets and installing drawer slides are where weight and balance show up; with this combo, I didn’t get the forearm fatigue I associate with bulkier drills. The trigger modulation is smooth and predictable, and the forward/reverse slider has a positive, low-profile detent that I didn’t accidentally bump.
The 1/2-inch chuck on the drill/driver grips cleanly and releases without sticking. I intentionally did a few quick bit swaps back-to-back—twist drill to a countersink, then to a spade—to see if I could induce slip. None. The hex driver’s quick-change collet is similarly positive; bits seat deeply and eject with a firm tug of the sleeve.
Build-wise, the housings take dings without scarring, and the battery shoe tolerances are snug, with no wobble. After a few accidental drops from waist height onto plywood, I saw only cosmetic scuffs.
Performance: drilling
For a compact brushless drill rated at 340 W, the output is what I expect from DeWalt’s better 20V compact tools: confident through dimensional lumber and clean in sheet goods. In SPF 2x, a sharp 1-1/8-inch spade bit pulled through without stalling, provided I let the bit clear chips. In 3/4-inch birch ply, the drill tracked true with brad-points and produced neat, tearout-free exits when I backed the work with scrap.
Metal work was equally uneventful. With a stepped bit, I punched conduit-size holes in 18-gauge steel electrical boxes; using a small amount of cutting fluid and letting the motor do the work, the drill stayed composed and never felt like it was surging or searching for torque. The 15-position clutch did its job on thinner stock—no overdriven fasteners or popped threads when I set it conservatively.
One caveat: this is a drill/driver, not a hammer drill. For masonry anchors, I used a dedicated rotary hammer. If your work routinely involves concrete, budget for the right tool or a different kit.
Performance: driving
The 1/4-inch hex driver is the sleeper hit. It isn’t a brute that rattles your wrist; instead, it delivers controlled, usable torque that makes most wood fastening tasks feel easy. Deck screws into pressure-treated joists? Quick and drama-free. Cabinet install with confirmat screws and narrow pilot holes? The fine trigger control made it simple to creep up on flush.
I tested a mix of bit types—ball-detent, impact-rated, and a few stubby nut-setters. No collet wobble, and it held onto bits without micro-walking them out under load. The compact head and bright LED make it easy to see your line inside a cabinet box or between studs.
If you’re thinking about big structural screws or long ledger lags, I’d reach for a high-torque impact driver. This hex driver is more than enough for everyday carpentry, assembly, and light mechanical work.
Runtime and charging
With the included 2.0 Ah battery, I consistently got a couple of hours of light-to-moderate use (think: layout, pre-drilling, and a few dozen screws), or about 40–50 minutes of continuous drilling and driving before the pack asked for a break. The charger took roughly 45 minutes to bring a depleted 2.0 Ah pack back to full—close to the spec. If you plan to work without interruption, a second 2.0 Ah pack or a single 4.0 Ah is a practical add-on.
Brushless efficiency is evident here. Compared to older brushed tools on similar tasks, these ran cooler and delivered longer runtime on the same capacity battery.
Controls, clutch, and LED
The drill’s 15-position clutch is more than a number—it gives you real range. I used the low settings for hinges into particleboard and was able to stop screws cleanly without chewing the substrate. Higher settings handled cabinet carcass screws into hardwood without cam-out. Switching between clutch and drill mode is quick, with a clear tactile bump at drill so you don’t mis-set it.
Both tools get a single, forward-facing LED placed above the trigger. The light stays on just long enough after you release the trigger to line up your next hole. It’s bright and useful, not a token feature.
System compatibility
This kit plays nicely with the broader 20V MAX ecosystem. I ran the included tools off a larger-capacity pack from another DeWalt tool without issue, and the reverse was true as well. If you’re already in the system, this combo drops in cleanly; if you’re starting fresh, it’s a good foundation to build around.
Durability and service
After a month of steady use, there’s no slop in the chuck or collet, and no odd noises—just the smooth, brushless whir. DeWalt’s support structure is well established, and the warranty is appropriate for a kit in this class: 3-year limited, 1-year free service, and 90-day satisfaction period. That combination provides real confidence for both DIYers and pros who need predictable downtime coverage.
Where it fits—and where it doesn’t
This combo is ideal if you:
- Want a light, well-balanced drill/driver for wood, metal, and assembly
- Need a compact hex driver with precise trigger control
- Value brushless efficiency and system compatibility over bells and whistles
- Work in cabinets, closets, and other tight spaces where weight and visibility matter
It’s not the right kit if you:
- Need a hammer function for frequent masonry drilling
- Drive large structural fasteners all day and want high-impact torque
- Expect two batteries in the box for continuous runtime without planning
The small stuff that adds up
A few quality-of-life notes from the field:
- The battery fuel gauge is readable and accurate enough to plan a charge before you’re stranded.
- The belt clips are positioned well and don’t dig into your side when you crouch.
- Bit changes remain easy with dusty hands—the knurling on the chuck sleeve isn’t aggressive, but it’s grippy enough.
Final thoughts and recommendation
I recommend this DeWalt combo for anyone who needs a compact, brushless drill/driver and hex driver that feel great in hand and deliver consistent, no‑nonsense performance. It shines in carpentry, cabinetry, home maintenance, and light mechanical work. The single 2.0 Ah battery will be limiting for some workflows, so factor in a second pack if you expect to work continuously. Beyond that, there’s very little to nitpick: the ergonomics are excellent, the controls are precise, the runtime is respectable for the capacity, and the tools slot seamlessly into the 20V MAX system. It’s a sensible, efficient kit that just gets the job done.
Project Ideas
Business
On-Site Furniture Assembly & Mounting
Offer a mobile service assembling flat-pack furniture, mounting shelves, and installing curtain rods. The 1/4 in hex driver speeds fastener work while the drill handles pilot holes in wood, drywall anchors, and masonry (with appropriate bits). Package pricing per room; upsell cable concealment and stud-finding.
Custom Closets and Pantry Upgrades
Design and install adjustable shelving, pull-out bins, and shoe racks. Use the clutch to protect melamine/ply from overdriving screws and the LED to work in dim closets. Sell standard bundles (starter, premium) with quick turnaround; offer add-ons like LED strips and label systems.
Pop-Up Vendor Display Builder
Build collapsible market booths, pegboard walls, and product risers for local makers. The drill handles pocket holes and countersinks; the hex driver speeds on-site assembly for clients. Rent displays for weekend markets or sell custom-branded kits with flat-pack hardware.
Mobile Picture/TV Hanging Service
Provide accurate art galleries, mirrors, and TV mounts. Use the drill for pilot holes and the hex driver for lag bolts, with the LED assisting in low light. Offer per-item pricing plus bundles; include laser-level alignment and hardware sourcing as premium options.
DIY Drilling & Fasteners Workshops
Host small classes teaching bit selection, pilot holes, anchors, and torque control. The 15-position clutch is perfect for demonstrating material-safe driving. Monetize via ticket sales, partner with a hardware store for space, and sell take-home kits that match the 20V MAX system.
Creative
Reclaimed Pallet Herb Garden
Disassemble a pallet and build a tiered, wall-mounted herb planter. Use the 1/2 in drill to make pilot holes and drainage holes, then the 1/4 in hex driver to assemble frames with deck screws. The 15-position clutch prevents overdriving into soft pallet wood, and the built-in LED helps when mounting under cabinets or on shadowed patios.
Flat-Pack Plywood Bookshelf with Threaded Inserts
Design a knockdown bookshelf that ships flat and assembles with machine screws. Drill clean, perpendicular pilot holes and recesses for threaded inserts; the clutch protects against stripping inserts. The hex driver speeds assembly. Sell or gift the shelf with pre-drilled panels and a simple hex key.
Honeycomb Wall Shelves
Create modular hexagon shelves that interlock. Cut miters, then pre-drill and drive trim screws with controlled torque for flawless joints. The LED aids visibility when aligning brackets to studs. Add concealed keyhole mounts by drilling accurately spaced holes.
Entryway Dock & Charging Station
Build a wall-mounted organizer with a mail slot, hooks, and a hidden wireless charger. Use a Forstner bit in the drill for cable pass-throughs and charger recesses, and the hex driver for mounting French cleats. The soft-grip and brushless motor help with longer sessions without fatigue.
Backyard Cornhole Boards with LED Rings
Construct regulation-size boards, then drill a clean 6 in hole using a hole saw. Pre-drill for carriage bolts on the folding legs, and mount LED ring lights around the hole. The clutch prevents splitting the frame, and the cordless setup makes working outdoors easy.