DeWalt 20V MAX 3-Tool Combo Kit with Contractor Bag

Why this compact 3‑tool kit earned a spot in my truck

Some kits try to do everything and end up feeling bloated. This DeWalt 20V MAX 3‑tool kit hits a practical sweet spot: a compact 1/2 in drill/driver, a 1/4 in impact driver, and an oscillating multi‑tool, plus two 2Ah batteries, a charger, and a contractor bag. Over several weeks of punch‑list tasks, small installs, and a few weekend projects, I kept reaching for it because it covers the jobs I run into most—drilling, driving, and detail cutting—without a lot of extra bulk.

It’s not the most powerful setup you can buy, but the balance of size, usability, and battery compatibility makes it an easy “grab and go” kit for service work and home projects alike.

What’s in the box

• 1/2 in drill/driver (compact design for tight spaces)
• 1/4 in impact driver with one‑handed hex bit loading (accepts 1 in bit tips)
• Oscillating multi‑tool with a Quick‑Change accessory system (no wrenches)
• Two 20V MAX 2Ah lithium‑ion batteries (DCB203)
• Charger (DCB112)
• Heavy‑duty contractor bag with interior/exterior pockets

DeWalt backs it with a 3‑year limited warranty, 1‑year free service, and a 90‑day satisfaction guarantee.

Drill/driver: compact, predictable, and easy to place

The drill/driver is the surprise hero of the kit. It’s genuinely compact, which matters more than headline torque in the kinds of spaces I find myself working—inside cabinets, up in a return plenum, or between joists. The reduced length makes it easier to get a straight shot on fasteners, and the weight is low enough that I can work overhead without fatigue.

In use, the clutch steps feel distinct and consistent, so I could dial in cabinet hardware without strip‑outs. The 1/2 in chuck grabs round‑shank bits securely; I used spade bits up to 1 in in pine and a small hole saw for a deadbolt bore. It’s not a hole‑saw monster, but with a sensible pace it gets there. Noise is civilized and the trigger modulation is smooth—fine control for starting screws and preventing bit walk.

What it’s not: a hammer drill or a deck‑building torque champ. If you’re drilling many holes in masonry or swinging large augers all day, you’ll want a different tool or a higher‑capacity battery. For general wood, light metal, and fixture installs, this drill is spot‑on.

Impact driver: quick bit swaps and confident screw driving

The impact driver has the quality that matters most: reliable bit engagement and a collet that actually allows one‑handed loading. I could push a 1 in bit tip straight in and it would lock with a positive snap, even with gloves on. Ejecting bits is equally predictable, and the fact that it accepts 1 in tips keeps the tool short in tight quarters.

Driving performance is what you expect from a compact 20V impact: deck screws, structural screws up to 5/16 in with a pilot, and sheet metal screws were a non‑issue. The trigger curve is easy to feather for delicate finishes, and the anvil feel is tight—no excess wobble. It’s not a high‑torque lag bolt specialist, but that’s not really the point of a 1/4 in hex driver. Where it shines is repetitive fastening with minimal cam‑out.

Sound levels are typical for an impact (read: still loud), so I throw on hearing protection for longer runs. Heat build‑up was reasonable; even on extended driving sessions the housing stayed comfortable.

Oscillating multi‑tool: fast blade changes and controlled cuts

DeWalt’s Quick‑Change accessory system is the kind of small convenience that adds up. No Allen wrench, no tiny thumbscrew—flip the lever, swap the blade, get back to work. When you’re alternating between a flush‑cut plunge blade and a sanding pad during trim work, that speed matters.

I used the multi‑tool for undercutting door jambs on a tile job, trimming shims flush on a jamb install, and notching drywall for an old‑work box. Vibration is well‑managed for its class, and the tool sits comfortably in the hand without hunting for a grip position. With the right bi‑metal blade it will nip protruding nails, though like any oscillating tool, the blade is the limiting factor—buy decent accessories.

Note: the kit doesn’t advertise an accessory bundle, so plan on picking up a starter set of blades, a grout blade if you need one, and a sanding pad with assorted grits.

Batteries and charging: light and agile, with smart rotation

You get two 2Ah 20V MAX packs. I prefer these slim packs on compact tools: they keep the center of gravity tight and reduce wrist strain, especially on the multi‑tool. Runtime was better than I expected for punch‑list work—enough to run screws in a dozen joists, then swap to the drill for pilot holes, with juice left over.

The trade‑off shows up during continuous cutting or sanding with the multi‑tool, which can drain a 2Ah pack in a hurry. The included DCB112 charger is perfectly serviceable, though it’s not DeWalt’s fastest. My rhythm was simple: keep one battery on the charger and rotate. If you anticipate all‑day work, consider adding a 4Ah or 5Ah pack or upgrading to a faster charger; the platform compatibility makes that easy.

Ergonomics, build, and the bag you’ll actually use

All three tools feel like DeWalt: solid housings, grippy overmold in the right places, and controls that don’t fight you. Balance is good across the board with the 2Ah packs—no nose‑heavy feel on the multi‑tool, and the drill sits naturally in the hand.

The contractor bag is better than a toss‑everything‑in duffel. Interior and exterior pockets make it possible to keep bits, oscillating blades, and drivers organized, and the fabric and zipper feel durable. I still recommend a small accessory case for sharp blades, but the bag is absolutely service‑ready.

Where it falls short

• Battery capacity for heavy OMT work: The 2Ah packs are great for weight, less so for long sanding/cutting sessions. Plan on rotations or add a higher‑capacity pack.
• Charger speed: The DCB112 isn’t the fastest in DeWalt’s lineup. If turnaround time matters, a faster charger is a worthwhile upgrade.
• Accessories not included: You’ll need to budget for oscillating blades and sanding sheets. That’s common with combo kits, but it’s worth noting.

None of these are deal‑breakers, and all are solvable within the 20V MAX ecosystem.

Who this kit suits best

• Mobile pros and maintenance techs who want a lightweight, reliable trio for everyday tasks
• Remodelers and installers who need an oscillating tool on tap without hauling a full kit
• Serious DIYers looking to step into a pro‑grade platform with useful, non‑redundant tools

If your work is heavy demo, frequent masonry drilling, or driving large structural fasteners all day, you’ll outgrow this setup quickly. In those cases, you’ll want dedicated high‑torque tools and larger batteries.

The bottom line

The DeWalt 20V MAX 3‑tool kit gets the fundamentals right: compact form factors that fit where they need to, controls that make sense, and a genuinely useful tool mix. The drill/driver is precise and maneuverable, the impact driver’s one‑handed bit loading saves me time on every job, and the oscillating multi‑tool’s quick blade changes reduce friction on trim and punch‑list work. Two 2Ah batteries keep the weight down and, with smart rotations, cover most day‑to‑day tasks. Add the solid contractor bag and DeWalt’s warranty, and it’s a kit I trust to ride in the truck.

Recommendation: I recommend this kit for anyone who values compact, reliable tools for general carpentry, installations, and maintenance. It’s an easy way to cover 80% of common tasks without overbuying, and it plugs you into a broad 20V MAX ecosystem. If you expect heavier, continuous cutting or all‑day fastening, pair it with a higher‑capacity battery and consider a faster charger. Even with those caveats, the combination of usability, portability, and platform flexibility makes this a smart, work‑ready choice.