DeWalt 20V MAX XR Brushless Cordless 1/2 in. Drill/Driver Kit

A compact workhorse in the 20V class

I spent the last few weeks using DeWalt’s latest compact 20V drill/driver, and it has quietly become the one I reach for first. It’s not the biggest or the flashiest, but for most day-to-day drilling and fastening, the balance of size, power, and control is right where I want it.

I used the kit version with the 5.0 Ah battery and compact charger. The drill itself is part of DeWalt’s XR line, with a brushless motor, a 1/2 in. metal ratcheting chuck, and a two-speed transmission (0–650 and 0–2,000 rpm). On paper it’s rated at 900 UWO, which translates to “plenty” in practical terms; rather than chasing torque numbers, I looked at how it behaved under real loads.

Build, ergonomics, and controls

This drill lands in the sweet spot for size. The head length is a tidy 6.37 inches, which made a noticeable difference when I was working inside base cabinets and between studs. At 2.82 lb bare tool, it’s light in the hand; with the included 5.0 Ah pack, it balances around the grip and stays stable on a flat surface. Expect the working weight to be a hair over 4 lb with that battery—still manageable overhead or on a ladder.

The handle shape and overmold are classic DeWalt: slightly oval, secure without being too tacky. The trigger is easy to feather, and the electronic response is predictable even at very low rpm. The clutch ring has positive detents across its 15 settings, and the metal chuck tightens smoothly with a satisfying ratchet; bit retention was excellent with both hex shanks and smooth 3/8 in. round shanks. Runout at the chuck was minimal on my sample—clean holes in steel and tight-fitting paddle bits in wood didn’t wobble at startup.

The two-speed selector sits on top and slides cleanly. I could switch between gears with a thumb push most of the time, though like most drills, it appreciates being at a full stop before you change speeds.

Lighting that actually helps

DeWalt’s three-mode LED is still one of the better implementations. You can select low, medium, or a bright “spotlight” mode, and that spotlight stays on for 20 minutes if you want it to double as a task light. At up to 70 lumens, it’s not a substitute for a work light, but in dark cabinet cavities and under sinks it was surprisingly useful. The light placement avoids casting a shadow directly behind the chuck, and the long-on option saved me from juggling a separate flashlight more than once.

Power and drilling performance

In low speed (0–650 rpm), I ran a mix of spade bits and augers through SPF framing. It had no trouble with 1-1/4 in. spades and 3/4 in. ship augers, maintaining pace without bogging. With 1-1/2 in. spades, I could feel it approaching the top of the gear’s torque range, but it still pushed through cleanly as long as I kept the bit sharp and let the tool work.

High speed (0–2,000 rpm) is snappy for smaller twist bits and clean hole saw starts. I drilled 1/8 in. and 3/16 in. holes in 1/8 in. steel angle at high speed using quality cobalt bits; the drill held steady and maintained speed well. For 1-3/8 in. hole saws in pine, I preferred dropping to low gear for better control. There’s no electronic anti-kickback feature listed, so when a big hole saw bound up I felt the expected twist—normal for this class. A side handle isn’t included, so keep your stance squared for larger bits and hole saws.

DeWalt rates the tool at 900 UWO, and that tracks with what I felt: it punches above what its compact size suggests. I’d ignore any stray torque figures floating around the internet; in practice this is a robust compact drill/driver, not a high-torque mixing drill.

Driving and clutch control

For fastener driving, the 15-position clutch gave me consistent results across cabinetry hardware, pocket screws, and 3 in. construction screws. On melamine carcasses, I settled between settings 4–6 for hinge screws and never split an edge. For structural screws into studs, low gear with the clutch bypassed let me sink 5 in. ledger screws after a pilot without complaint. Compared to older brushed 18V drills, the brushless motor’s low-speed control makes a big difference—easier to stop right when the head kisses the surface.

Battery life, charging, and runtime

With the included 5.0 Ah battery, I made it through a full morning of mixed drilling and driving—roughly 70 deck screws, half a dozen 3/4 in. holes in studs, and a handful of small steel holes—before the third bar dropped. Brushless efficiency helps here. The on-pack fuel gauge is easy to check before you climb a ladder.

The bundled DCB112 charger is compact and reliable, but it’s on the slower side for a 5.0 Ah pack. If you cycle batteries constantly, consider pairing the kit with a faster charger. For most users with one or two packs, the included charger is fine—just top up between tasks.

Size and access

The short head length is the standout advantage. I was able to drill shelf pin holes in deep cabinets without contorting the drill, and fastening drawer slides in tight vanities felt less like a wrestling match. There are smaller subcompact drills on the market, but they tend to give up the 1/2 in. chuck and a chunk of power. This model manages to stay compact while keeping the capability to run larger bits when needed.

The belt hook is reversible and strong enough to clip on a loaded pouch without bending. The kit bag is basic but serviceable for the drill, charger, and a few bits.

Durability touches and service

The all-metal ratcheting chuck, solid gearbox housing, and tight fit at the nose inspire confidence. After some harder hole-saw work, the gearcase got warm, as expected, but I never hit a thermal cutback. Dust and chips didn’t get trapped around the trigger or forward/reverse switch. DeWalt backs it with a 3-year limited warranty, a year of free service, and a 90-day satisfaction guarantee—standard for the brand and appropriate for a pro-capable tool.

Tool tracking for fleets

There’s a pocket in the base for DeWalt’s Tool Connect chip (sold separately). If you run multiple crews or want basic asset tracking, that’s a helpful addition. It doesn’t change how the drill performs, but it’s nice to see the accommodation built in.

What could be better

• Charger speed: The included charger will get the job done, but it’s leisurely with 5.0 Ah packs. A faster charger would elevate the kit for heavy users.
• No side handle: Understandable for a compact drill, but when you push larger hole saws, a handle would help with control.
• Clutch range: The 15 settings are consistent, though a few more steps would make fine-tuning even easier for delicate hardware.

None of these are deal breakers, and they all sit within what I expect in a compact premium drill kit.

The bottom line

This compact DeWalt 20V drill/driver hits a practical balance: it’s small enough to work in tight quarters, strong enough for real drilling, and refined enough in control to handle finish hardware without drama. The brushless motor, metal chuck, and excellent three-mode LED make everyday tasks smoother. Runtime on the included 5.0 Ah battery is solid, and the ability to drop in a tracking chip is a bonus for anyone managing multiple tools.

Recommendation: I recommend this drill/driver for pros and serious DIYers who want a compact, do-most-things drill with real power and good ergonomics. If you need maximum torque for large self-feed bits or constant hole-saw work, step up to a heavier-duty model with a side handle. For everyone else—cabinet installs, framing punch-list work, metal brackets, electrical rough-in, and general maintenance—this is a reliable, well-rounded choice that earns its spot at the front of the toolbox.