DeWalt 12V MAX Brushless 3/8 in. Hammer Drill (Tool Only)

Small drills can either feel like toys or surprise you. This one landed in the latter camp for me. DeWalt’s 12V hammer drill is the compact, go‑anywhere driver I’ve been reaching for when I need to move quickly, work overhead, or squeeze into cramped mechanical spaces. It doesn’t try to replace a full‑size 20V hammer drill, but it absolutely earns its keep for light-to-moderate work—and the hammer function is more than a gimmick.

Size, balance, and build

At about 6.6 inches front‑to‑back and roughly 2.3 pounds (tool‑only), the DCD706 is easy to maneuver and easy to keep on a belt without feeling burdensome. The handle shape is classic DeWalt: slightly palm‑filling with a rubber overmold that stays grippy even with dusty hands. Balance with a 12V compact pack is spot on; with a higher‑capacity 12V battery the nose still doesn’t feel tip‑heavy.

Fit and finish are what I expect from DeWalt in this class. The 3/8‑inch ratcheting keyless chuck snugs down well on round‑shank bits and holds hex‑shank accessories securely. I’ve had no issues with bits backing out during repeated start/stop cycles in wood or masonry. The mode ring and 15‑position clutch dial click positively without feeling gritty, and the 2‑speed gearbox selector is easy to flip with a thumb.

A foot‑mounted LED floods the work area rather than spotlighting a single point, which helps reduce shadows when you’re drilling close to a surface. It’s a small quality‑of‑life feature that I appreciated in cabinets and under desks.

Power and gearing

DeWalt rates the motor at 250 UWO with a 2‑speed transmission topping out at 1,500 RPM and 25,500 BPM in hammer mode. Translated to the jobsite, that means:

• High gear is ideal for small twist bits, pilot holes, and light fastening.
• Low gear supplies the torque for larger bits, spade bits in softwoods, and most screw‑driving with the clutch engaged.

In wood framing, the drill handled common tasks: 1/8–3/8‑inch holes in studs, pocket hole pilots, cabinet hardware, and driving cabinet screws. Pushing a 1‑inch spade bit through SPF in low gear was reasonable, provided I kept the bit sharp and let the tool maintain its pace. It can work with a 2‑1/8‑inch hole saw for a lockset or occasional 3‑inch hole saw in thin material, but that’s not its daily diet.

On the fastening side, the 15‑position clutch is well spaced. It saved me from overdriving brass screws in softwoods and was predictable with drywall screws. For heavy structural fasteners or long ledger screws, I’d still reach for an impact driver or a beefier 20V drill.

Hammer mode: light masonry that doesn’t feel punishing

The hammer action is the differentiator here, and it’s actually useful. For Tapcon‑style anchors, the drill comfortably made 3/16‑inch and 1/4‑inch holes in cured concrete and masonry block. It’s not as fast as a larger 20V hammer drill, and it’s nowhere near an SDS‑Plus rotary hammer, but for the occasional anchor—electrical straps, small fixtures, bathroom accessories—it’s more than serviceable. The lighter weight helps with precision when you need to hit a mark for a single anchor without setting up a bigger tool.

Two tips from my time with it:
- Use quality carbide masonry bits; the chuck holds them well, and you’ll get cleaner starts.
- Let the hammer work and avoid leaning your weight on the tool; excessive pressure slows down the blows per minute.

Chuck, clutch, and control

The 3/8‑inch ratcheting chuck is a good match for the platform. Most hex‑shank and standard 1/4‑inch accessories fit without fuss, and round‑shank bits up to 3/8 inch seat securely. The smaller chuck does mean some larger step bits and specialty hole cutters you might use with a 1/2‑inch drill won’t fit. In practice, I kept a set of hex‑shank step bits on hand and didn’t miss the larger chuck often.

The clutch range feels right for a 12V class drill. I could dial it down for delicate hardware or set it high to avoid cam‑out with coarse thread screws in softwood. Forward/reverse switching is crisp, and the trigger feel makes it easy to start holes cleanly and stop on a dime to avoid blow‑outs on thin stock. The included belt clip is straightforward to mount and secure.

Runtime, batteries, and charging

As a tool‑only unit, the drill doesn’t ship with a battery or charger. On 2.0Ah and 3.0Ah 12V packs, I got through a typical punch list—cabinet installs, a handful of anchors, door hardware—without a mid‑day swap. Hammer drilling draws more current, so if you expect to do a lot of anchors, bring a second pack. The nice touch for DeWalt users is that the standard DeWalt charger handles both 12V and 20V packs, so I used the same charging station I already had without adding clutter.

Given the modest draw of a 12V brushless motor, heat buildup was a non‑issue. The drill never felt hot in sustained use on wood, and even after a series of anchors in hammer mode, it was only warm at the gearbox.

Ergonomics and visibility

The foot‑mounted LED does a better job than head‑mounted lights at reducing chuck shadow. It lights up the fastener and the surrounding area, which is great for aligning hinge plates and strike plates. Overhead work is where this drill shines—its light weight and short length let me get into soffits and between joists without wrestling the tool around ductwork or conduit.

Noise and vibration are modest for a hammer drill. You’ll feel the percussion in concrete, of course, but it’s less fatiguing than expected for its size.

Durability and warranty

The drill feels robust: solid gearbox housing, no creaks in the casing, and tight tolerances at the chuck. DeWalt’s 3‑year limited warranty, 1‑year free service, and 90‑day satisfaction period add a measure of confidence. I wouldn’t baby it, but I also wouldn’t treat it like a rotary hammer—it’s a 12V compact first, a light‑duty hammer drill second.

What it does well

• Compact and light with a genuinely useful hammer mode for small anchors
• 2‑speed gearbox and 15‑position clutch offer good control for wood and hardware work
• Ratcheting 3/8‑inch chuck holds bits securely and swaps quickly
• Foot‑mounted LED illuminates the work area effectively
• Shares chargers across DeWalt’s 12V/20V lineup, simplifying the bench

Where it comes up short

• Not meant for frequent large‑diameter drilling or heavy structural fasteners
• 3/8‑inch chuck limits some accessory choices compared to 1/2‑inch drills
• No side handle, so you’re relying on grip for control in tougher materials
• Sold as tool‑only—factor in the cost of batteries and a charger if you’re not already on DeWalt’s platform

Who it’s for

If you’re a DIYer or pro who values speed and convenience for everyday tasks—cabinet installs, hardware, electrical and low‑voltage work, punch‑list anchors—this 12V hammer drill is a sensible, efficient choice. Tradespeople with a heavier daily load will still want a 20V hammer drill or SDS‑Plus in the truck, but may be surprised how often this smaller drill is the faster, better option in tight quarters.

Bottom line

I reached for the DeWalt 12V hammer drill more often than I expected because it’s compact, comfortable, and capable of more than just “light duty.” The brushless motor, sensible gearing, and well‑executed hammer function make it a smart everyday driver that can punch above its weight when needed.

Recommendation: I recommend this drill to anyone who wants a compact, reliable driver with a credible hammer mode for small anchors and occasional masonry. It’s not a replacement for high‑demand drilling, but as a primary drill for homeowners or a go‑to compact for pros, it’s a well‑balanced, thoughtfully designed tool that saves fatigue and time without feeling underpowered for its intended tasks.