DeWalt XTREME 12V MAX 2-Tool Combo Kit with Professional Tool Backpack

Why I reached for this 12V DeWalt combo

On punch-list days and quick service calls, I don’t want a bulky kit weighing me down. I want tools that get into cramped spaces, start fast, and pack away cleanly. That’s exactly the niche this 12V DeWalt combo fills: a compact 3/8 in drill/driver paired with a one-handed reciprocating saw, two 2.0Ah batteries, a charger, and a backpack that keeps the whole package mobile and tidy. It’s not trying to replace a high-torque 18V/20V setup; it’s built for light-to-moderate tasks where size, control, and convenience matter most.

What’s in the kit

• 3/8 in brushless drill/driver with a 2-speed transmission
• One-handed brushless reciprocating saw with a tool-free blade release
• Two 12V 2.0Ah lithium-ion batteries (DCB122)
• Charger (DCB112)
• Professional tool backpack
• Total kit weight: roughly 12.5 lbs

That’s a practical spread for a compact platform. Having two batteries means I can keep one on the charger while I work, and the backpack makes it simple to bring just what I need into a client’s space without juggling multiple cases.

Design, ergonomics, and build

Both tools are genuinely sub-compact. In hand, the drill/driver feels slimmer than most 20V models, and the shorter head length helps in cabinets and between studs. The 3/8 in chuck size is appropriate for the platform—big enough for common woodworking and light electrical/plumbing tasks, small enough to keep the tool’s profile tight.

The reciprocating saw is the star from a form-factor perspective. Its one-handed balance and compact front end make it easy to steer into corners, to cut above shoulder height, or to slice pipe flush along a wall. The tool-free blade release works smoothly and is glove-friendly, which matters if you swap between wood, metal, and bi-metal blades frequently.

Both tools use brushless motors. In practice, that shows up as better efficiency for the size, a bit more staying power under load, and cooler operation over longer stretches. The housings feel appropriately rigid, and nothing rattles or flexes when the tools are pushed.

Performance: drill/driver

The drill/driver is tuned for control over brute force. The two-speed gearbox gives a useful spread: low for driving tasks and small self-feed work in wood, high for drilling pilot holes and thinner materials. With a maximum wood capacity listed at 20 mm, it’s well-matched to cabinetry, hardware installs, pocket holes, shelf pins, and electrical box mounting. Driving 1-5/8 in drywall screws and 2 in wood screws into pine is well within its comfort zone, and it’ll handle modest spade bits in clean studs as long as you respect the tool’s size and let it work.

Where it reaches its limits is exactly where you’d expect: big fasteners into dense lumber and larger hole saws. If I’m boring multiple 1-3/8 in holes or sinking long structural screws, I’ll step up to a higher-voltage tool. But for precision drilling and finish work, this compact drill is easy to position, gentle on the wrist, and quiet compared with larger platforms.

The 3/8 in chuck does place a ceiling on accessory size. That’s not a knock; it’s a reminder to use this drill for what it’s made for: accuracy and nimbleness in tight spaces.

Performance: one-handed reciprocating saw

If the drill is the steady daily driver, the saw is the problem-solver. I used it to cut PVC, EMT, copper stub-outs, and the occasional drywall section, and it shines at those tasks. Blade swaps are fast thanks to the tool-free release, and the saw’s compact form lets me work comfortably one-handed while steadying the material with the other.

In pruning and small demo, it’s handy for trimming small branches and nibbling out damaged sections of trim or subfloor. It will cut dimensional lumber, but it’s not a demolition beast. Compared with a larger, two-handed saw on a higher-voltage platform, the cut speed on dense or thick stock is slower and the battery drains faster. That’s not a surprise—I reach for this saw when precision, balance, and access matter more than raw speed.

With the right blade, I found the saw particularly effective on metal pipe and conduit. The consistent stroke and controllable trigger make it easy to keep the blade from skating, and the compact nose helps with flush and plunge cuts.

Battery life, charging, and workflow

The two included 2.0Ah batteries keep the kit light and help the tools feel nimble. For a typical morning of drilling pilot holes, driving small screws, and making a few cuts in PVC and thin metal, one battery usually sees me through; I’ll pop the second on as soon as I hear the first one fading. Heavy cutting with the reciprocating saw drains the packs faster, so for demo-heavy days, I cycle batteries more often.

The charger is straightforward and compact. I appreciate not having a bulky fast charger attached to a compact kit; the footprint is small enough to tuck into the backpack. I didn’t time charge cycles, but they were reasonable for 2.0Ah packs—top-offs during lunch were enough to finish most light jobs. If you routinely run the saw hard, consider adding a spare battery to reduce downtime.

The backpack advantage

The included backpack is more than a throw-in. Being able to pack the drill, saw, charger, batteries, and a small selection of hand tools means I can make a single trip from the truck. It also fits better in tight apartments and finished spaces than a stack of plastic cases. The bag feels sturdy and keeps the tools from banging into each other. After a few weeks of use, the zippers and seams held up without fuss.

Fit for purpose and limitations

What this kit does well:
- Compact access and one-handed control in tight spaces
- Fast blade changes and easy material transitions
- Efficient drilling and driving of small-to-medium fasteners
- Organized, portable setup thanks to the backpack
- Brushless efficiency on a 12V platform

Where it’s less ideal:
- Continuous heavy cutting or aggressive demolition
- Large-diameter hole saws and long structural screws
- Long runtimes on a single 2.0Ah battery, especially with the saw

None of these limitations are missteps; they’re realities of a compact 12V system. The key is matching expectations to tasks. For trades like electrical, HVAC service, low-voltage, maintenance, cabinet install, and punch-list work, the balance of size and capability is excellent.

Durability and warranty

The kit carries a 3-year limited warranty, with 1-year free service and a 90-day satisfaction guarantee. That coverage adds confidence, especially if this is your first 12V setup. After regular use, both tools still feel tight, and the switches and selectors operate crisply. Brushless motors should help longevity under daily light-duty use.

Value and who should buy it

If you need a compact, ready-to-carry setup for light-to-medium tasks, this kit makes a lot of sense. The inclusion of two batteries and a charger means you can get to work immediately, and the backpack simplifies day-to-day logistics. If most of your work involves heavy framing, large fasteners, or major demolition, you’ll be better served by a higher-voltage system—this 12V kit is a complement, not a replacement, for those demands.

For pros and serious DIYers who prioritize access, control, and portability—think service techs, installers, maintenance staff, apartment turn teams—this combo strikes the right balance.

Recommendation

I recommend this 12V DeWalt combo. It’s a thoughtfully assembled kit that pairs a capable compact drill/driver with a genuinely useful one-handed reciprocating saw, backed by brushless efficiency, two batteries, and a practical backpack. It excels at the everyday jobs where you value reach and control over raw power. The 2.0Ah packs are on the small side for extended cutting, so plan on battery swaps if you’re leaning on the saw. As a portable, organized solution for light-to-moderate tasks, it’s an easy yes. For heavy-duty work, keep a higher-voltage setup on the truck and let this kit handle everything else.