DeWalt 20V MAX Brushless Cordless 7/16 in. Compact Quick-Change Stud and Joist Drill Kit (FLEXVOLT Advantage)

Why I reached for this right‑angle drill

Rough‑in days are where a joist drill earns its keep. Between 2x lumber, engineered joists, and the occasional LVL, I need a tool that pushes big bits without drama, fits where it needs to, and won’t try to rip my arm off if a self‑feed bites. After several weeks using DeWalt’s compact stud and joist drill, it’s made a strong case for a permanent spot in my electrical and plumbing kit.

Build, size, and ergonomics

This is a compact right‑angle format, designed to slip between studs and joists and give you two‑handed leverage. At roughly 18 lb with the included FLEXVOLT 9.0 Ah pack, it’s no featherweight, but that mass helps it track straight and resist twisting when a bit grabs. The length (about 21 in.) gives you room to brace against a stud while still staying manageable on a ladder.

Grip surfaces are comfortable and the balance with the 9.0 Ah battery sits slightly rear‑biased, which I actually prefer for overhead work—it keeps the head from diving. The trigger feel is linear, and the brake is crisp enough that you’re not waiting for big hole saws to coast down for ages.

One quick note on the interface: this model uses a 7/16 in. hex quick‑change chuck. It’s the right choice for production rough‑in with ship augers and self‑feed bits that have hex shanks; swaps are fast and positive, even with gloves. If you rely on round‑shank accessories or larger keyed arbors, plan on using compatible hex‑shank versions or look at DeWalt’s keyed‑chuck sibling.

Power and speed

The brushless motor, paired with DeWalt’s FLEXVOLT Advantage electronics, is the star here. With a standard 20V MAX pack it’s workable, but the tool wakes up with the included DCB609 9.0 Ah battery—torque comes on earlier, and it holds RPMs under load noticeably better. The top speed is 1,250 RPM, which is right in the pocket for 7/8 to 1‑1/2 in. augers and hole saws up to 4 in., and the motor never felt wheezy or over‑geared.

Where it counts—boring large holes—it’s confident. In SPF and southern yellow pine studs, a 2‑9/16 in. self‑feed bit plowed through cleanly without stalling. Through two laminated (LVL) plies, I had to feather the feed a bit, but it still finished the cut without complaint. With 3‑1/2 and 4 in. hole saws for can lights, the drill maintained a steady speed as long as I kept the teeth clear of chips.

Safety and control

Electronic anti‑rotation systems on high‑torque drills aren’t optional in my book. DeWalt’s E‑CLUTCH is well‑tuned here. I intentionally pinched a self‑feed in a knot, and the drill cut power instantly—no violent kick, no wrist‑twist. It resets as soon as you release the trigger, so you’re back to work without fiddling with a switch. In tight spaces, that intervention is the difference between a scare and an injury.

Beyond the clutch, the form factor encourages a stable stance: shoulder behind the tool, lead hand guiding the head, trailing hand on the trigger. The mass and gearing keep the tool composed, and the variable speed control lets you ease big cutters into the work without chattering.

Bit and accessory compatibility

The 7/16 in. hex quick‑change chuck is purpose‑built for the rough‑in bits most pros use:

• Ship augers and nail‑eaters with 7/16 in. hex shanks lock in quickly.
• Self‑feed bits up to 2‑9/16 in. are within rated capacity and feel appropriately matched to the motor.
• Hole saws up to 4 in. (using a 7/16 in. hex arbor) are supported and, in practice, are very manageable.

If your kit leans heavily on non‑hex arbors or oddball shanks, you’ll either need hex versions or a different chuck configuration. For the mainstream electrician/plumber carpentry set, the quick‑change approach does exactly what it’s supposed to do: speed up swapping sizes as you move bay to bay.

Battery platform and runtime

This is a cordless tool that benefits a lot from the right battery. On FLEXVOLT, you get a tangible step up in torque and staying power compared to smaller 20V MAX packs. With the included 9.0 Ah battery, I punched well over a hundred 7/8 in. holes during a bathroom rough‑in day (mix of pine and engineered studs) without hunting for the charger. Manufacturer claims of hundreds of holes on a single charge with that bit size aren’t unrealistic if you’re drilling clean framing with efficient augers.

Runtime with larger cutters obviously drops, but it’s predictable. If I’m running a bunch of 2‑1/2 in. self‑feeds through multiple plates, I plan for a battery swap around lunch; for mixed sizes on a standard single‑family rough‑in, one pack typically covers a morning.

A few platform niceties worth noting:
- FLEXVOLT Advantage means the tool recognizes a FLEXVOLT pack and adjusts output accordingly.
- Tool Connect compatibility is built in via a chip pocket. If you’re tracking tools on jobsites, that’s a plus, though the chip itself is an extra purchase.
- The included charger and bag are straightforward; nothing fancy, but they do the job.

Real‑world performance notes

• Start‑ups are smooth. The throttle modulation makes it easy to seat a self‑feed’s lead screw without lunging.
• Chip clearing matters more than motor power. With hole saws, backing out periodically to clear dust keeps RPMs steady and temps in check.
• The drill’s overall length gives you leverage to brace against framing. That leverage, combined with the E‑CLUTCH, made cutting through dense knots uneventful rather than a wrestling match.
• Heat management was good. After a session of back‑to‑back self‑feed cuts, the housing was warm but not hot, and there was no perceptible fade in power.

Downsides and tradeoffs

• Weight. At around 18 lb, sustained overhead work gets tiring. It’s the nature of the category, but if you’re used to a smaller angle drill for light tasks, expect a learning curve.
• Chuck type limitations. The 7/16 in. hex quick‑change is excellent for purpose‑built bits, but it’s not universal. If your workflow relies on keyed chucks or round shanks, you’ll need alternative arbors or a different model.
• Single top speed. There’s no mechanical two‑speed gearbox here, so very low‑speed, high‑torque creeping is all in your trigger finger. The control is good, but a low range could appeal to some users.

Durability and service

Brushless motors reduce maintenance, and DeWalt’s housing and seals look ready for jobsite dust. After rides in the back of a van and plenty of sawdust, the trigger and chuck action remained crisp. The 3‑year limited warranty, 1‑year free service, and 90‑day satisfaction guarantee are standard for the brand and provide reasonable peace of mind.

Who this drill suits best

• Electricians and plumbers who regularly bore 7/8 to 2‑9/16 in. holes through studs and joists and want a cordless option that won’t bog down.
• Remodelers who need hole‑saw capability up to 4 in. for can lights, vents, and plumbing penetrations.
• Crews invested in DeWalt’s 20V MAX / FLEXVOLT ecosystem who want the extra punch FLEXVOLT Advantage provides without jumping to a separate 60V‑only tool.

If you only occasionally drill small holes or primarily run twist bits, this is overkill; a compact drill/driver or a smaller right‑angle drill will be lighter and more versatile for that work.

The bottom line

This DeWalt stud and joist drill checks the boxes that matter in its category: strong, consistent torque on large cutters; effective electronic anti‑rotation for safety; and a jobsite‑friendly quick‑change chuck that keeps you moving. The FLEXVOLT Advantage pairing with the included 9.0 Ah battery is meaningful—you can feel the extra headroom under load—and the overall package feels purpose‑built for rough‑in productivity.

Recommendation: I recommend this drill for tradespeople who routinely bore larger holes in framing and want a dependable cordless solution. Its power, E‑CLUTCH safety, and quick‑change 7/16 in. chuck make it a confident, efficient tool for rough‑in tasks. Be aware of the weight and the chuck’s bit compatibility; if those fit your workflow, it’s an excellent choice that should hold up well across busy jobsite schedules.