DeWalt XTREME 12V MAX 3/8 in. Brushless Drill/Driver

I reach for this 12V DeWalt drill far more than I expected. It’s compact enough to live in my tool bag every day, yet capable enough that I don’t feel undergunned for most tasks. If you value control, balance, and a smart feature set over brute force, this little drill/driver hits a sweet spot.

Design, ergonomics, and build

The first impression is the size-to-performance ratio. At about 6 inches long and 1.9 pounds (tool only), it feels closer to a large screwdriver than a traditional drill. That makes a big difference in cabinets, electrical boxes, tight mechanical spaces, and overhead work—anywhere shaving an inch or a few ounces reduces fatigue or makes a task possible without awkward contortions.

The grip is classic DeWalt: comfortable, slightly tacky, and secure with or without gloves. The balance is excellent with a compact 12V pack; the drill doesn’t feel nose-heavy, even with a longer bit. Add a higher-capacity pack and it gains some heft, but the stance remains stable when you set it down on a flat surface.

Fit and finish are solid. The two-speed gearbox shifts positively, and the 15-position clutch ring has crisp detents. The included belt clip is a nice touch—small drills benefit most from it, and this one hangs close to the hip without swinging.

Motor, gearing, and overall power

This is a brushless 12V drill, and the motor choice matters. Brushless efficiency translates into two tangible benefits: better runtime and less heat. Under steady work—think cabinet hardware, light framing connectors, or long runs of pocket screws—it stays cool and consistent. DeWalt rates it at 255 UWO, which, in practice, means it’s stout for its size. The top speed is 1500 RPM, and the two-speed transmission gives you a low range for control and torque and a high range for faster drilling in wood and metal.

Is it a replacement for a 20V/18V drill? Not entirely. For large hole saws, big augers, or heavy structural fasteners, I still reach for a bigger tool. But in the 12V class, this drill sits on the stronger end of the spectrum without feeling twitchy or hard to modulate.

Chuck and clutch behavior

The 3/8-inch ratcheting chuck is the right match here. It accepts most bits you’ll use with a compact drill—twist bits, small spades, step bits, countersinks, and driver bits with adapters. The ratcheting mechanism grips well. Under high intermittent loads, I’ve had the chuck back off slightly a couple of times, but it’s rare and easy to correct—give it an extra firm twist to seat it. For small and medium-diameter drilling and most driving tasks, it holds reliably.

The clutch is a highlight. With 15 settings plus drill mode, it’s easy to dial in the right slip point for delicate tasks like installing cabinet hardware, outlet covers, or machine screws into threaded inserts. The transition from slip to stop is predictable, which helps avoid cam-out and surface damage.

Worklight and visibility

The LED is positioned at the foot, and that’s a smarter placement than the traditional collar light. It illuminates your work surface without throwing a shadow from the chuck, and because it sits below the hand, it’s useful even when you’re tight against a corner or a cabinet rail. The light stays on briefly after you release the trigger—enough time to inspect your work or line up a second fastener.

In use: drilling and driving

• Wood: With sharp bits, it handles general-purpose drilling cleanly. Pilot holes, countersinks, and small spades are no problem. For faster boring in softwood, step bits and augers in moderate sizes are fine; just use low gear and let the tool work.
• Metal: The high-speed setting paired with a quality bit does well in sheet steel and aluminum. Add a drop of oil and you’ll get smooth, burr-free holes.
• Plastics: Easy work—use a steady hand and moderate speed to keep from melting the material.
• Fasteners: This drill’s control is excellent with small to medium screws, pocket screws, and even longer deck screws when predrilling or working in softer species. For structural lag bolts, it can do the job in a pinch with a pilot hole, but that’s where a 20V drill or an impact driver is the better match.

Trigger response is linear, giving you fine speed control for starting screws and drilling delicate materials. Combined with the clutch, it’s easy to work confidently in finished spaces.

Runtime and battery choices

On a compact 12V pack, the drill feels featherweight and still gets through a surprising amount of work—punch-list tasks, hardware installs, light assembly, home repairs—before a swap. A higher-capacity pack adds noticeable runtime and helps the tool maintain performance under sustained load, at the cost of a little extra weight and bulk. The trade-off is worth it on longer days; for quick tasks and overhead work, the smaller pack keeps things nimble.

Note that this is sold as a bare tool. If you’re already on DeWalt’s 12V MAX platform, that’s straightforward. If not, factor in the cost of batteries and a charger. The ecosystem is smaller than DeWalt’s 20V line, but it covers the key compact tools many users want in a lightweight kit.

Noise, vibration, and comfort

It runs smoothly and quietly for a drill in this category. There’s minimal vibration in typical use, and the brushless motor’s efficiency translates to less whine at low speeds. Over a long day, the combination of low weight, good balance, and lower noise makes a difference. Your forearms and shoulders will thank you compared with lugging a full-size drill for small tasks.

Durability and serviceability

Between the tight tolerances on the gearbox, the secure overmold, and the tough plastics, this feels like it was built for real jobsite use. I’ve tossed it into a tool bag with loose bits and fasteners more times than I should, and it’s held up without drama. The brushless motor should also extend service life compared with older brushed 12V designs. DeWalt backs it with a 3-year limited warranty, which aligns with my expectations for a pro-leaning compact drill.

What I like

• Compact, well-balanced, and genuinely lightweight
• Brushless efficiency with enough muscle for most daily tasks
• Excellent clutch behavior and controllable trigger
• Foot-mounted LED that actually improves visibility
• Ratcheting chuck that holds well under normal loads
• Belt clip included and worth using

What I’d change

• The chuck can loosen on occasion when pushed hard—rare, but it happens
• No onboard bit storage (not a deal-breaker, but handy on small drills)
• As a bare tool, plan on investing in batteries/charger if you’re new to 12V MAX
• It’s not the right tool for large hole saws, big augers, or heavy structural fasteners

Who it’s for

This 12V DeWalt drill makes sense for pros and serious DIYers who value speed and precision in tight spaces: cabinet installers, finish carpenters, electricians, HVAC techs, maintenance staff, and anyone assembling furniture or fixtures on site. If your day is more fasteners and small holes than large-bore drilling, this should be the first drill you clip to your belt. If you routinely bore large holes or drive big structural fasteners, keep a higher-voltage drill or an impact driver in the truck and let this handle everything else.

Recommendation

I recommend this drill/driver as a primary compact tool and a near-essential secondary drill for heavier-tool users. It combines portability, control, and enough power to cover the majority of everyday tasks, with a thoughtful feature set—brushless motor, two-speed gearbox, 15-position clutch, 3/8-inch ratcheting chuck, and a genuinely useful foot light. It won’t replace a high-torque 20V drill for the heaviest jobs, but it will replace the bigger tool in your hand most of the day. If you’re already in the 12V MAX system or want a lightweight, jobsite-ready drill to complement your larger kit, this is an easy yes.