DeWalt XTREME 12V MAX Brushless Cordless Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit

A compact combo I kept reaching for

I didn’t expect a 12V drill/driver and impact pair to become my default around-the-house set, but that’s exactly what happened with this Xtreme 12V combo. Over several weeks of cabinet installs, light framing repairs, and hardware swaps, I found myself clipping these to my belt more often than grabbing a bulkier 18/20V kit. The combo’s appeal boils down to three things: size, ergonomics, and surprisingly capable performance for its class.

Build, ergonomics, and balance

Both tools feel purpose-built for tight spaces. The drill measures just under 6 inches front-to-back and the impact is closer to 5 inches. With the 2Ah packs onboard, each tool stays comfortably under the “fatigue threshold” for overhead work. The slide-pack battery keeps the handle slim and the balance neutral—no top-heavy wobble when you’re leaning off a ladder and parking a tool on a belt clip.

The grip shape works well for larger hands, with a rubber overmold that’s grippy without being tacky. Triggers are smooth, and the electronic brakes are crisp. The drill’s 3/8-inch ratcheting chuck is metal where it counts and bites down on both round and hex-shank bits without walking. It’s not a 1/2-inch chuck, so plan accordingly for larger accessories, but it’s solid and confidence-inspiring within the 12V scope.

DeWalt’s lighting on the drill is excellent: three LEDs around the nose minimize shadows and, importantly, your fingers don’t block the beam. The impact’s worklight is adequate for fastener alignment in cabinets and under sinks. Both tools include a belt clip; simple, but you’ll use it constantly given how light these are.

Controls and feature set

• Drill: Two mechanical speed settings with a 15-position clutch. The speed switch is positive and doesn’t float between gears. The clutch clicks cleanly and repeats torque consistently.
• Impact: Three modes, including a Precision Drive setting that ramps up softly to reduce cam-out and overdriving small screws. Mode 2 is a great general-purpose option; Mode 3 brings full power for larger structural screws.

Both tools are brushless, which you can feel in the quick start, efficient runtime, and the way they stay cooler during long sessions.

Drilling performance

Rated at 250 UWO, the drill is tuned well for typical residential tasks. In low speed with the clutch off, it handled:
- Spade bits up to 1 inch in pine studs without drama, provided I let the bit clear chips.
- Small hole saws (1–1/2 to 2 inches) in plywood with a patient feed rate.
- Twist bits up to 3/8 inch in mild steel with cutting oil and low speed; the brake helps prevent over-spin at breakthrough.

Where it runs out of steam is predictable: large self-feed bits, bigger hole saws through dense stock, and any situation where you’re tempted to lean hard on the tool. It’s better to step up in voltage for those duties. For cabinetry, electrical rough-ins, bracket installs, and hardware work, I didn’t find myself wanting more.

The 3/8-inch ratcheting chuck deserves a note. It didn’t slip on me, even with a 1-inch spade in studs, and bit runout was minor and uniform. For delicate work (hinge pilot holes, shelf pins), the lowest clutch settings were precise and repeatable, which saved face frames from accidental countersinks.

Driving performance

With a max torque rating of 1450 in-lbs, the impact is stout for a 12V. Mode 3 will run 3-inch construction screws into SPF without pre-drilling; Mode 2 works better for finish screws because it’s easier to control the last few turns. Precision Drive is the star when you’re dealing with cabinet hardware, pocket-hole screws, or small brass screws—it starts softly, hesitates before impact, and prevents that heart-sinking moment when a screw head twists off.

I also tested structural screws into pressure-treated posts. The impact will seat 4- to 5-inch construction screws, but it’s not the speed demon a high-voltage driver is. If deck fasteners or ledger work is your day job, you’ll want more headroom. For occasional projects, the 12V impact is absolutely up for it; it just takes a touch longer in dense material.

Vibration is well controlled, and the bit retention on the 1/4-inch hex collet is tight with no rattle on insert. Bit swaps are one-handed. Noise is typical for an impact—ear protection is still wise in confined spaces.

Runtime and charging

Each included 2Ah battery offers respectable runtime. On a typical Saturday of mixed tasks (pilot holes, 2-inch screws, a few larger anchors), one battery per tool got me through most of the day. In a more controlled test, I drove roughly a hundred 3-inch deck screws into SPF on a single 2Ah pack before the driver asked for a swap. Your mileage will vary with material and mode selection, but two packs keep you rolling if you hot-swap at lunch.

The included charger handles both 12V and 20V Max packs, which simplifies wall space if you’re sharing chargers across tools. In my shop, the 2Ah 12V packs were back to full in roughly 40–45 minutes. If you anticipate longer days, consider adding a higher-capacity 12V pack to your kit—the compact format balances well even with a step up in amp-hours.

Working in tight spaces

This combo shines where bulkier tools fight you. Inside sink cabinets, between studs, and up near joists, the short nose lengths and low weight make a real difference. The drill’s triple-LED ring is especially helpful inside dark cabinets where a foot-mounted light would cast shadows. I found myself using the drill as a dedicated pilot-hole machine with a countersink bit and leaving the impact kitted with a driver bit—less swapping, more flow.

Accessories and the kit

The kit includes two 2Ah batteries, a charger, a belt clip, and a soft bag. The bag fits the two tools plus a small organizer for bits and drivers; it’s not a hard case, but it holds shape well enough to keep things tidy in a truck bin. The belt clip is simple and secure. DeWalt’s 3-year limited warranty, 1-year free service, and 90-day satisfaction guarantee bring peace of mind, especially if this is your first 12V set.

Durability and maintenance

Brushless motors and a simple, compact design usually bode well for reliability. After a handful of sawdust-heavy days and some masonry dust from Tapcon prep, the tools kept their smooth feel. I make a habit of blowing out vents with low-pressure air and wiping the chuck jaws. No play developed in the drill’s chuck or the impact’s anvil during the review period.

What could be better

• Chuck size: A 3/8-inch chuck limits the largest shanks you can use. It’s appropriate for the class, but worth noting.
• Absolute power ceiling: Large spade bits, big hole saws in hardwood, and long structural screws are doable with patience, but they highlight the 12V ceiling. If those are daily tasks, step up in voltage.
• Battery capacity: Two 2Ah packs are fine for DIY and punch-list days. Pros and heavy DIYers may want an extra pack or a higher-capacity option to reduce swaps.

None of these are surprises—they’re inherent trade-offs of a compact 12V platform—but they’re the areas where expectations should be set.

Who it’s for

• DIYers and homeowners who want a light, compact set that covers 90% of household drilling and driving without fatigue.
• Pros who need a small-footprint kit for service calls, cabinet installs, electrical work, and overhead tasks where weight and access matter.
• Anyone who values ergonomics and control, especially for finish work and hardware installation.

If your workload leans heavily into deck building, timber screws, or large-bore drilling, you’ll want to complement this kit with a higher-voltage drill/driver. For everything else, this combo punches above its size.

Recommendation

I recommend the Xtreme 12V combo for anyone prioritizing compact size, excellent ergonomics, and controlled performance over brute force. The drill is precise, the impact’s modes are genuinely useful, and the pair stays comfortable on a belt all day. With two 2Ah batteries, a compact charger, and a thoughtful lighting setup, it’s a practical, confidence-inspiring kit for everyday tasks in tight spaces. If your projects regularly demand large bits or long structural fasteners, treat this as a nimble complement to a more powerful set. Otherwise, it’s an easy choice as a primary around-the-house combo.