DeWalt 12V MAX 2-Tool Combo Kit with 45 pc ToughCase Screwdriving Set

I’ve been reaching for this 12V DeWalt combo over the past few weeks for punch-list tasks, cabinet installs, and tight-spot repairs, and it’s proven to be a compact, no-fuss setup that covers a lot of ground for light-duty work. It’s a simple kit: a 3/8 in. drill/driver, a standalone LED work light (rated at 130 lumens), one 2.0Ah battery with charger, a 45-piece screwdriving set in a ToughCase, and a soft bag. Nothing exotic—just a practical bundle that’s easy to throw in the truck and get to work.

Size, build, and ergonomics

The drill/driver is on the small side with a 3/8 in. chuck, and that’s the point. It’s compact enough to get between cabinet sides, inside electrical closets, and in overhead spaces where a 20V drill starts to feel clumsy. The handle shape is familiar DeWalt territory with a comfortable rubber overmold, and the balance with the 2.0Ah pack is good—nose-heavy enough to feel precise without fatiguing my wrist.

A two-speed transmission gives you a low range for controlled driving and a high range for drilling small holes. The brushed motor isn’t as smooth or efficient as DeWalt’s brushless 12V and 20V options, but for the intended tasks (think pilot holes in softwood, sheet-metal screws, and hardware installation), it gets the job done cleanly.

The soft bag is nothing fancy but useful: it swallows the drill, light, charger, and the bit case with a little room to spare. If you live out of your bag, you’ll probably want to add a small pouch or tray for loose hardware.

Performance in real work

• Pilot holes in pine and poplar: no drama with brad-point and twist bits up to 3/8 in. in softwood. Speed 2 is fine for small holes; step down to Speed 1 as sizes increase to keep from stalling.
• Cabinet hardware and hinges: excellent control in Speed 1 using the clutch to keep from overdriving screws. The 3/8 in. chuck grips hex-shank bits securely.
• Electrical boxes and plate installs: compact size shines here. I could work around wire bundles and in shallow chase spaces without contortions.
• Light metal: sheet-metal screws and self-tappers are fine. For thicker steel or larger fasteners, you’ll want a bigger drill or an impact driver.

Where it starts to show its limits is exactly where you’d expect from a 12V brushed drill—larger hole saws, spade bits over about 3/4 in., and long fasteners in dense wood. It will do some of those with patience, a pilot hole, and Speed 1, but if that’s your daily work, step up to a 20V kit.

The LED work light

The included work light is a simple but useful addition. The 130-lumen output isn’t going to flood a room, but it’s plenty for under-sink plumbing, inside cabinets, or lighting a breaker panel. The beam is even and easy on the eyes at close range, and the compact body tucks easily into the bag. It’s the kind of light you’ll actually carry rather than leave on a bench.

One thing to keep in mind: the kit ships with a single 2.0Ah battery, so you’re sharing that pack between the drill and the light. If you use the light for extended periods, you’ll want a second battery to avoid downtime.

The 45-piece ToughCase screwdriving set

This case makes the kit feel complete—you can take it out of the box and get to work immediately. The bits are appropriately hardened and hold up as expected for general use. I drove a mix of #8 and #10 screws in softwood and sheet metal without cam-out problems, and the tips stayed crisp after a couple of small jobs.

Organization is good. Bits snap in securely, the case is sturdy, and nothing rattles loose in transit. A couple of practical notes:
- Bit assortment: there are ample Phillips #2s and other common sizes, which is great for repetitive tasks, but the mix isn’t perfectly balanced. If you rely on less common Torx or square sizes, you may need to supplement the set.
- Contents clarity: I would have liked a clear printed contents list right in the case or on a card. I ended up taking a minute to inventory and note what I had on hand.

You can chuck the hex bits directly into the drill’s 3/8 in. jaws, which works fine. If you prefer a quick-change holder, add one to the kit for faster bit swaps.

Battery, charging, and runtime

The single 2.0Ah lithium-ion pack kept me going through a morning of intermittent drilling and driving. For continuous use—like installing a full kitchen’s worth of hardware—I had to top off during lunch. That’s not a knock; it’s a realistic expectation for 12V and a 2.0Ah pack. Charging speed is reasonable, but this is one area where I strongly recommend picking up a second battery. It eliminates the only real workflow hiccup in an otherwise smooth kit.

Noise, vibration, and control

Noise levels are modest, and there’s little in the way of harsh vibration. The clutch is predictable and makes it easy to avoid stripping or snapping small fasteners. Bit runout was negligible on the unit I used, producing clean, round holes with standard twist bits. The brushed motor does warm up under heavier loads; give it a moment to breathe between demanding cuts to extend life.

Durability and warranty

DeWalt’s fit and finish are solid here: clean molding lines, positive switches, and a chuck that tightens down confidently. The ToughCase hinges and latch feel durable. As for support, the warranty package is generous for this class: 3 Year Limited Warranty, 1 Year Free Service, and 90 Days Satisfaction Guaranteed. For a kit that will see a lot of day-to-day transport, that coverage is reassuring.

Who this kit suits best

• Homeowners and DIYers who want a compact, well-organized starter kit for maintenance, furniture assembly, and small projects.
• Tradespeople who need a lightweight second setup for tight quarters, service calls, and finish tasks where a big drill is overkill.
• Anyone who appreciates a grab-and-go bag with the essentials, including a light and a curated bit set.

If your work involves frequent large-diameter drilling, long structural fasteners, or heavy-duty lag work, this 12V kit isn’t the right primary tool. You’ll be happier with a higher-voltage drill or a dedicated impact driver.

What I’d change

• Include a second battery. It transforms the kit from good to great and keeps the light and drill available simultaneously.
• Improve the bit assortment balance and clearly list the contents. A few more of the less-common sizes would make the case more universally useful.

Value

As a compact package that tackles everyday tasks without taking up space, this kit makes a lot of sense. You’re getting a capable 12V drill, a practical work light, bits that won’t let you down on typical jobs, and a bag to keep it all together. If you already own other DeWalt 12V batteries, you can stretch runtime easily; if not, budget for one extra pack.

Recommendation

I recommend this 12V DeWalt combo for users who prioritize portability, control, and a tidy, self-contained kit for light to medium-duty work. It’s reliable in tight spaces, the work light is genuinely useful, and the bit case means you’re not hunting for tips mid-job. The single battery is the only real limitation; add a second pack and you have a compact, dependable setup that covers a surprising amount of everyday work without weighing you down.