DeWalt 20V MAX XR 4-Tool Combo Kit

I brought this 20V MAX XR combo kit onto a few remodel jobs to see if it could cover the bulk of my drilling, driving, and cutting needs without a corded backup. Short answer: it can—especially if you value compact, brushless tools—but the included 2Ah batteries and basic charger define the ceiling for runtime and convenience.

What’s in the bag and first impressions

The kit includes a compact drill/driver, a 1/4 in. 3-speed impact driver, a 7-1/4 in. circular saw, and a small LED work light, plus two 20V MAX 2Ah batteries, a charger, and a contractor-style soft bag. The three main tools use brushless motors, which shows immediately in efficiency and the smoothness under load.

The bag is fine for storage and light transport, but it’s not rigid and offers minimal protection in a busy truck. The upside is it keeps everything together, with a bit of room for blades and bits. If you’re hard on your gear or tossing it into a shared gang box, a hard case would be a safer bet.

Drill/driver: compact, bright, and pleasantly strong

The compact drill/driver feels nimble and well balanced with a 2Ah pack. It uses a two-speed transmission and a 1/2 in. chuck. I used it for cabinet hinge bores, pocket hole work, and some 3/4 in. spade-bit drilling. It held bits firmly and didn’t chatter the way some compact drills do when you push them a bit. The brushless motor keeps it cool and consistent, and the clutch is predictable for finish work.

The built-in 3-mode LED—especially the spotlight mode—has become one of those features I didn’t know I needed until I had it. It’s bright enough to center a pilot hole in a shadowy corner of a cabinet without reaching for a separate light. The overall size/weight balance makes the tool a standout for overhead and tight-space drilling.

If you regularly run large augers or long hole saws, you’ll want a high-torque drill. But for general construction, furniture fixes, and remodel drilling, this compact body with brushless power sits in the sweet spot.

Impact driver: three speeds with meaningful control

The 1/4 in. 3-speed impact driver is the star for fastener work. With 1825 in-lbs of torque and a three-speed setup plus Precision Drive, it handles everything from delicate cabinet screws to 5-inch structural screws. I found Speed 1 with Precision Drive excellent for finish screws in softwood—fast start, gentle approach, and less cam-out. Speed 2 lives as my default for deck screws. Speed 3 is there when you need to bury lags or break loose stubborn hardware.

Noise and vibration are well controlled for an impact driver, and the trigger modulation is crisp. The included belt clip hardware is straightforward to mount, and the compact length helps it fit between studs. If your work leans heavily into fastening, this driver alone makes the kit compelling.

Circular saw: full-size blade, jobsite-ready cutting

Many kits opt for a 6-1/2 in. saw; getting a 7-1/4 in. here is a big win. The saw’s 5200 RPM brushless motor feels lively, and the 2-9/16 in. cutting capacity at 90° means I can single-pass cut standard framing and thicker materials without babying it. On site, I used it for ripping 3/4 in. ply, trimming doors, and crosscutting 2x. It maintained speed and tracked straight with a quality blade installed.

Manufacturer runtime claims reference hundreds of crosscuts in 2x4 pine; with the included 2Ah battery, you won’t see that kind of endurance. Expect a few dozen typical cuts per 2Ah pack in mixed materials—fine for punch-list work and small projects, but not a full-framing day. With a 5Ah or 6Ah pack, the saw transforms into a far more capable all-day performer. Electric brake action is quick, visibility on the cutline is good, and chip ejection is adequate. It’s a solid cordless saw that benefits greatly from higher-capacity batteries.

Work light: handy, not a headliner

The LED light puts out around 110 lumens. It’s plenty to illuminate a sink base or the inside of a closet for a quick repair, and it sips battery power. It’s not a floodlight and won’t replace a real area light for larger rooms. Consider it a useful add-on that saves you from fishing for a flashlight rather than a core selling point.

Batteries and charger: great for weight, modest for runtime

Two 2Ah batteries keep the kit compact and light. For the drill and impact driver, they’re perfect—the tools stay nimble, and you can rotate packs between tasks. For the circular saw, runtime is the limiting factor, and you’ll be swapping packs often if you’re cutting a lot.

The included DCB112 charger is basic. It’s not a fast charger, so budget around an hour for a full charge on a 2Ah pack. That’s acceptable for homeowner and remodeler pace, but high-throughput users will want either extra batteries or a faster charger. The upside, of course, is the broad compatibility with the 20V MAX ecosystem; if you already own higher-Ah packs, this kit sings.

Ergonomics, build, and durability

The tools feel robust and well finished. Grips are comfortable without being overly gummy. Switches and selectors click positively, and the trigger response on the drill and driver is precise. The circular saw’s controls are large enough to operate with gloves. Nothing felt loose or rattly out of the box, and after a couple of weeks of use, the tools show the expected scuffs but no functional hiccups.

The soft contractor bag is functional but not protective. If you’re concerned about banging the saw around or crushing content in transit, consider moving the kit into a tougher box or modular system case. Total kit weight is listed around 17 lbs; carrying it is manageable, though you’ll feel it over distance.

Performance highlights and limitations

Highlights:
- Brushless motors across the key tools deliver strong performance and better efficiency.
- The impact driver’s three speeds and Precision Drive give real control over delicate and heavy fasteners alike.
- A 7-1/4 in. circular saw in a combo kit is a genuine advantage, with capacity to match common jobsite needs.
- The drill’s 3-mode LED with spotlight is actually useful in daily work.

Limitations:
- The 2Ah batteries cap runtime, especially on the saw; plan for upgrades if you cut frequently.
- The DCB112 charger is slow relative to “rapid” chargers on the market.
- The included work light is convenient but underpowered for anything beyond task lighting.
- The soft bag organizes but doesn’t protect like a hard case.

Value and who it’s for

For anyone building into the 20V MAX line or needing a quick-start cordless kit that covers 80–90% of common tasks, this is a strong package. Homeowners and remodelers will appreciate the compact sizes, brushless efficiency, and the full-size saw. Pros can absolutely use these tools, but if your day is heavy on cutting or continuous fastening, budget for a pair of 5Ah or 6Ah batteries and consider adding a faster charger. That single upgrade shifts the experience from good to great.

Recommendation

I recommend this 20V MAX XR combo kit for users who want a compact, brushless core set with credible jobsite performance and the flexibility of the 20V MAX ecosystem. The drill and impact driver are standouts for size-to-power ratio, the 7-1/4 in. saw offers real capacity, and the kit’s overall build inspires confidence. Be aware that the included 2Ah batteries and basic charger limit runtime and turnaround; if you pair the kit with higher-capacity packs (or already own them), you’ll unlock the best of what these tools can do. For general carpentry, remodel work, and serious DIY, it’s a smart, well-rounded foundation.