DeWalt 20V MAX Compact Brushless Drill/Driver and Impact Driver Combo Kit

Why I reached for this compact combo

I spent a few weeks pairing this DeWalt 20V combo with real work—framing punch lists, cabinet installs, and a stretch of deck repair—because I wanted to see if a light, brushless two‑tool kit could cover most day‑to‑day drilling and fastening without wearing me out. The short answer: it can, as long as you understand its lane. The drill/driver is compact and capable for most wood and light metal tasks, and the impact driver is a small hammer with enough grunt to bury big screws. The kit’s size and weight savings are real; the runtime and charging setup are where you’ll want to plan ahead.

What you get, and how it’s built

The kit includes a compact drill/driver and a compact impact driver, two 20V MAX 2.0Ah batteries, a basic charger, belt clip, and a soft bag. Both tools use brushless motors, and each has an onboard LED.

• The drill is about 7.5 inches front to back and roughly 2.6 pounds bare.
• The impact driver is about 5.1 inches long and around 2.0 pounds bare.
• The impact driver is rated up to 1,700 in‑lbs of torque.
• The drill is rated at up to 340 Unit Watts Out (UWO).

Fit and finish are what I expect from DeWalt’s 20V MAX line: solid housings, clean moldings, and tight tolerances. The bag is light and handy for transport but offers minimal protection; don’t expect it to organize bits or keep the tools from banging around.

Ergonomics and control

Both tools hit a sweet spot for balance with the 2.0Ah packs. The handles are comfortable, the rubber overmold isn’t too squishy, and the center of gravity sits right over the grip. Working overhead or reaching into cabinet cases, the weight savings add up over a day. I also appreciate the compact heads—especially the impact driver—which let me get between studs and under sink lips where a full‑size tool would fight me.

Trigger modulation is excellent on both. The impact driver ramps smoothly from delicate starts to full tilt, and the drill transitions cleanly across the range. Neither tool feels nose‑heavy, even with longer bits installed. The belt clip is stout enough to trust when you’re taking down a ladder.

Impact driver performance

If you’re buying this kit for one tool, the impact driver is the star. With up to 1,700 in‑lbs on tap, it had no trouble driving 3‑inch coated deck screws into pressure‑treated lumber, and it backed out stubborn old fasteners without drama. I used it with structural screws up to 5/16 inch in ledger framing; it kept pace, though long, heavy fasteners will tax the 2.0Ah battery more quickly.

A few notes from use:
- One‑handed 1/4‑inch hex collet changes are quick and positive. Bits seat securely and eject cleanly.
- There are no fancy assist modes or multi‑speed selectors here; it’s a straightforward, variable‑speed driver. That keeps things simple but does mean you’ll rely on a controlled trigger finger for delicate fasteners.
- It’s loud under load, like most impacts. Ear protection is smart for longer sessions.

For cabinet screws, pocket‑hole fasteners, and general hardware, it’s easy to feather the trigger and avoid cam‑outs. For framing hardware and decking, it has more than enough authority. I rarely found a task in residential work where it came up short.

Drill/driver performance

The drill’s 340 UWO rating translates to useful, real‑world capability for most carpentry and light metal tasks. In pine and fir, I bored clean holes with spade bits up to 1 inch and ran a 1‑1/2‑inch hole saw for short door hardware preps with some patience and proper speed. In 1/8‑inch steel, it handled step‑bit work and pilot holes when I kept the bit sharp and the speed reasonable.

Observations that stood out:
- Chuck grip is strong and consistent; I didn’t experience bit slip during higher‑torque operations. The clutch engages predictably for finish hardware.
- The size helps as much as the power. Getting perpendicular starts inside cabinets or against joists is easier when you’re not wrestling a long nose.
- This isn’t the drill I’d pick for large hole saws through stacked plywood or for continuous auger work in hardwood. It can do some of that in bursts, but if heavy boring is routine, you’ll want a higher‑output drill and larger batteries.

For assembling built‑ins, hanging doors and hardware, drilling anchors in masonry with a suitable bit and care, and general shop work, the drill delivered the right blend of speed, torque, and control.

Battery life and charging

With the included 2.0Ah packs, runtime is respectable for compact tools. On decking tasks, a single pack drove a couple hundred 3‑inch screws in softwood before I needed to swap, depending on wood density and predrilling. On more mixed duty—switching between drilling pilots, light metal work, and fastening—I comfortably got through a few hours before grabbing the spare battery.

The included charger is DeWalt’s basic unit. It’s reliable but slow compared to their faster chargers. Topping a 2.0Ah pack takes a while, and you’ll notice the pace if you’re pushing the impact driver hard. Two practical tips:
- Rotate batteries early rather than running one to empty.
- If you anticipate long, continuous fastening sessions, consider adding a higher‑capacity pack (4.0Ah or 5.0Ah) or a faster charger to your setup.

None of that is a deal‑breaker in a compact kit, but it’s worth planning around the charging cadence.

LEDs and visibility

Both tools include onboard LEDs that are bright enough for under‑cabinet and attic work. On the impact driver, the light placement helps illuminate fastener heads without casting heavy shadows. The drill’s light isn’t a flood by any means, but it’s useful for aligning pilot holes and getting fast starts in dim corners.

Durability and maintenance

After weeks of jobsite dust, the tools are still running tight. The brushless motors are a boon not only for runtime but also for longevity and reduced heat under load. I blew out the vents periodically and kept bits clean; otherwise, there’s not much to fuss with. The kit is backed by a 3‑year limited warranty, which aligns with the category and gives some peace of mind.

Where this kit fits

This combo shines for:
- Remodelers, maintenance techs, and installers who value compact size and low weight without giving up essential power.
- DIYers upgrading from aging brushed tools or bargain compact kits.
- Anyone who works in tight spaces—inside cabinets, between joists, or overhead—where a shorter tool and lighter pack reduce fatigue and frustration.

It’s less ideal if:
- You routinely drill large holes in dense material or run long structural fasteners all day.
- You expect rapid turnaround on depleted packs; the included charger’s pace is modest.
- You want advanced impact driver modes for delicate work; here, simplicity rules.

The bottom line

This DeWalt 20V combo hits the right notes: compact, comfortable, and genuinely capable for the majority of drilling and fastening I encounter in residential work. The impact driver is a standout compact performer, and the drill/driver covers everything short of heavy boring and high‑demand production tasks. The tradeoffs—2.0Ah batteries and a basic, slower charger—are understandable at this kit tier, and easy to mitigate with an extra battery or upgraded charger if your workflow demands it.

Recommendation: I recommend this kit to pros and serious DIYers who need a lightweight, brushless pair that can live on the belt and go almost anywhere. It’s a reliable everyday setup with enough power for deck screws, framing connectors, and finish hardware, and it excels in tight spaces. If your work leans heavy or continuous, budget for a larger battery and better charger—or step up to a higher‑output drill—otherwise this compact combo is a smart, well‑rounded choice.